Aerosol-generating article having a discrete aversion component

Abstract

An aerosol-generating article (10) for generating an inhalable aerosol especially upon heating, comprising: an aerosol-generating substrate (12); a downstream section (14) extending from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate (12) to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article (10), the downstream section (14) defining an airflow path through which an aerosol can flow from the aerosol-generating substrate (12) to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article (10); at least one wrapper (30) surrounding at least a portion of at least one of the aerosol-generating substrate (12) and the downstream section (14); and an aversion component (50) comprising a thread substrate or a strip substrate and an aversion agent absorbed in the thread substrate or the strip substrate. The aerosol-generating article is configured such that the aversion component (50) is separated from the airflow path, such that entry of the aversion agent into the airflow path is substantially prevented.

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 a repellent 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 comprises an internal heater blade adapted to be inserted into an aerosol-generating substrate. Alternatively, an inductively heat-generating 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 deter and prevent 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 be increased 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 the taste of unpleasant, for example bitter, compounds 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 detergents by children. For use in that context, sodium benzoate has been selected among other candidate compounds based on the denaturing agent alcohol and its existing use in thumb sucking and nail biting deterrent products.

[0006] Also, in order to encourage consumers to quit smoking, it has been proposed to utilize the unpleasant bitter flavor associated with certain aversive agents. For example, WO2019 / 056029A1 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 WO2019 / 056029A1 is aimed at making 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 ingestion or chewing of aerosol-generating articles), while ensuring that the normal intended use of the aerosol-generating articles is not substantially affected.

[0008] In fact, the technical solution disclosed by WO2019 / 056029A1 effectively relies on direct contact between the attachment and the consumer's lips to intentionally deliver bitter substances to the consumer during normal use of the cigarette and induce an unpleasant sensory response. In a contrary manner, in this context, the contact between the 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 compounds used as aversive agents can be induced even at high 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 may subsequently cause an unpleasant sensory experience and is therefore undesirable. Thus, in this context, there is a felt need to ensure that the 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 can 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 thus be delivered to the consumer.

[0011] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a new and improved aerosol-generating article adapted to deter the ingestion of the aerosol-generating article or components of the aerosol-generating article, 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 for generating an aerosol, particularly inhalable, 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] If there is such a downstream section, the aerosol-generating article may comprise an airflow path through which aerosol can flow from the aerosol-generating substrate to the downstream section of the aerosol-generating article.

[0016] For example, if present, the downstream section may define one such airflow path.

[0017] The aerosol-generating article may comprise at least one wrapper surrounding at least a portion of at least one of the aerosol-generating substrate and the downstream section. Thus, the at least one wrapper may at least partially surround the aerosol-generating substrate, or the downstream section, or both.

[0018] The aerosol-generating article may further comprise a repellent. For example, the repellent may be provided within a repellent component comprising a thread substrate or a strip substrate, and a repellent absorbed by the thread substrate or the strip substrate.

[0019] The repellent component may be provided at a location within the aerosol-generating article such that direct contact between the repellent and the consumer's lips or oral mucosa is substantially prevented during normal intended use of the aerosol-generating article.

[0020] The repellent component may be provided at a location within the aerosol-generating article such that direct contact between the repellent and the consumer's finger is substantially prevented during normal intended use of the aerosol-generating article. The repellent component may be provided at a location within the aerosol-generating article such that the repellent is not directly exposed to the airflow path, so that the repellent is substantially prevented from directly entering the airflow path.

[0021] In particular, when there is a downstream section that defines one such airflow path, the aerosol-generating article may be configured such that the objectionable component is not directly exposed to the airflow path, and as a result, the objectionable agent is substantially prevented from entering the airflow path. For example, at least one of the at least one wrapper and the downstream section may be configured such that the objectionable component is not directly exposed to the airflow path, and as a result, the objectionable agent is substantially prevented from entering the airflow path.

[0022] According to the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating article for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating, 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 downstream section defining an airflow path through which the aerosol can flow from the aerosol-generating substrate to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. In addition, the aerosol-generating article comprises at least one wrapper surrounding at least a portion of at least one of the aerosol-generating substrate and the downstream section.

[0023] In contrast to existing aerosol-generating articles, in the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention, an objectionable component is provided within the aerosol-generating article, the objectionable component comprising a thread substrate or a strip substrate, and an objectionable agent absorbed within the thread substrate or the strip substrate. Further, the aerosol-generating article is provided at a location within the aerosol-generating article such that the objectionable component is not directly exposed to the airflow path, and as a result, the objectionable agent is substantially prevented from directly entering the airflow path.

[0024] As will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments of the aerosol generating article according to the present invention, during the normal intended use of the aerosol generating article, preventing direct contact between the aversion component and the consumer's lips and oral mucosa can be achieved in different ways. Regardless of how separation of the aversion component from the consumer's lips and oral mucosa is achieved, in the aerosol generating article according to the present invention, advantageously, it is possible to substantially prevent an unpleasant sensory experience for the consumer during the normal intended use of the aerosol generating article. Similarly, movement of the aversion agent onto the consumer's finger during normal handling of the aerosol generating article is also preferably avoided.

[0025] 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. Further, as will be discussed in more detail below, certain preferred embodiments may allow for excluding direct exposure of the aversion agent to the generated aerosol stream, and in certain embodiments, it may be possible to prevent even trace amounts of the aversion agent from being released into the aerosol. This is because the aversion agent is not directly exposed to the mainstream airflow path and because the aversion agent is not provided in a location within the aerosol generating article where heat is to be supplied during normal use.

[0026] 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 aversion agent from the airflow path at its intended location. For example, the aversion agent may be embedded in a component of the aerosol generating article that is far from any surface of a component that can be directly contacted by the aerosol during use. Alternatively, the aversion component containing the aversion agent may be sandwiched between components of the aerosol generating article such that a portion of the outer surface of the aversion component cannot be directly contacted by the aerosol during use.

[0027] As will be described in more detail below, in some embodiments, the configuration of at least one wrapper surrounding at least a portion of at least one of the aerosol generating substrate and the downstream section may be adapted to substantially separate the objectionable components from the airflow path. In other embodiments, prevention of direct exposure of the objectionable components to the airflow path may be achieved by a particular configuration of the downstream section. Thus, in the aerosol generating article according to the present invention, during normal use of the aerosol generating article, the likelihood of the objectionable agent coming into inadvertent contact with the consumer's lips or oral mucosa is rather low.

[0028] According to the present invention, providing the objectionable component at a location within the aerosol generating article such that the objectionable component is not directly exposed to the airflow path has the desirable effect of substantially preventing the direct release of the objectionable agent into the aerosol at the aforementioned location. However, movement of the objectionable agent from the intended location of the objectionable component to other parts or components of the aerosol generating article may not be completely preventable, and thus trace amounts of the objectionable agent may be detected at other locations within the aerosol generating article. Nevertheless, the inventors have found that in the aerosol generating article according to the present invention, no objectionable agent 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, it is assumed that when trace amounts of the objectionable agent move from the intended location, for example, into the aerosol generating substrate, the heat supplied to the article during use raises its temperature above the decomposition temperature of the objectionable agent. As a result, only trace amounts of the thermal decomposition products can actually be delivered to the consumer.

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

[0030] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating article" is used to denote an article that heats an aerosol generating substrate to generate an inhalable aerosol and deliver 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] In a conventional cigarette, when a user applies a flame to one end of the cigarette and draws air through the other end, it is ignited. The localized heat provided by the oxygen in the air drawn through the flame and the cigarette causes the end of the cigarette to catch fire, and the resulting combustion generates inhalable smoke. In contrast, in a heat-not-burn aerosol generating article, the aerosol is generated by heating a flavor generating substrate such as tobacco without combustion of the flavor generating substrate. Known heat-not-burn 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 into which an aerosol generating article is received such that heat is 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 in the susceptor element, and the susceptor element is heated. It is preferable that the electrically operated aerosol generating device has the ability to generate a fluctuating electromagnetic field having a magnetic field strength (intensity 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. As used herein in the context of the present invention, the term "rod" is used to denote a generally cylindrical element having a substantially circular, oval or elliptical cross-section.

[0035] As used herein, the term "longitudinal direction" 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. As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" describe the relative position of an element (or a portion of an element) of the aerosol-generating article with respect to the direction in which aerosol is conveyed through the aerosol-generating article during use.

[0036] During use, air is drawn longitudinally through the aerosol-generating article. The term "transverse direction" refers to the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Any reference to the "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, the term "length" may be used to mean the dimension of the aerosol-generating substrate or the upstream section in the longitudinal direction.

[0038] As used herein, the term "aerosol former" is used to describe a compound that, upon volatilization, can assist in the conveyance of nicotine and flavorants in the aerosol and other vaporized compounds released from the aerosol-generating substrate upon heating. 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 (glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate), and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids (such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate).

[0039] As used herein, the term "aversive agent" is used to describe a compound that can be added to a product for the purpose of deterring or restricting its ingestion. The chemical properties of the aversive agent determine the type of product 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] As used herein, the term "pungent agent" is used to describe a group of compounds that produce a sharp biting taste and a burning sensation when topically applied to mucosal and skin surfaces. Common pungent agents include, but are not limited to, capsaicin (red pepper), piperine (black pepper), allyl isothiocyanate (mustard oil), and resiniferatoxin.

[0041] As used herein, the term "bitter agent" is used to describe a group of chemically different compounds that share 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 makes the taste of 200,000 grams of water bitter.

[0044] To evaluate the bitterness value of a given test compound, a stock solution of quinine hydrochloride and a diluted quinine hydrochloride solution with increasing concentrations are prepared as standard solutions. In parallel, a stock solution and a diluted solution 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 during bitterness tasting among the members of the test panel, a correction factor may be determined for each panel member based on their responses to the tasting of the quinine hydrochloride standard solution.

[0046] Before each tasting, the test panel members rinsed their mouths with drinking water. The highest dilution that still has a bitter taste is determined by taking 10 milliliters of the most diluted solution into the mouth and moving it left and right at the back of the tongue for 30 seconds. If the solution is found not to be bitter, the test panel member spits it out, waits for one minute, and then rinses their mouth with drinking water again. After 10 minutes, the next dilution is tasted in ascending order of concentration.

[0047] For each test panel member, the highest dilution at which the test compound continues to cause a bitter sensation after 30 seconds is regarded as the individual threshold bitterness concentration. The bitterness value of the test compound is the result of calculating the average of the individual threshold bitterness concentrations of all test panel members.

[0048] As briefly described above, the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention comprises an aerosol-generating substrate and a downstream section extending from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The downstream section defines an airflow path through which aerosol can flow from the aerosol-generating substrate to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. Further, the aerosol-generating article comprises at least one wrapper surrounding at least a portion of at least one of the aerosol-generating substrate and the downstream section.

[0049] The aversion component is provided within such aerosol-generating articles. The aversion component includes a thread substrate or a strip substrate and an aversion agent absorbed in the thread substrate or the strip substrate. As will be described in more detail below, the aerosol-generating article is configured such that the aversion component is separated from an airflow path defined by a downstream section, such that the aversion agent is substantially prevented from entering the airflow path.

[0050] The aversion agent may include a pungent agent or a bitter agent, or both.

[0051]

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the aversion agent is a bitter agent.

[0053]

[0054]

[0055] Sodium benzoate is generally considered to be the most bitter known compound, and its bitterness value is estimated to exceed 100,000,000.

[0055] The following table lists several known bitter agents having respective bitterness values.

Table 1

[0056] 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®.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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 may be provided at a concentration of 200 ppm or less based on the total weight of the aerosol generating article. More preferably, the aversion agent may be provided at a concentration of 150 ppm or less based on the total weight of the aerosol generating article.

[0060] In some embodiments, the aversion agent may be provided at a concentration of 2 ppm to 250 ppm based on the total weight of the aerosol generating article, preferably 5 ppm to 250 ppm based on the total weight of the aerosol generating article, more preferably 10 ppm to 250 ppm based on the total weight of the aerosol generating article, still more preferably 25 ppm to 250 ppm based on the total weight of the aerosol generating article, and most preferably 50 ppm to 250 ppm based on the total weight of the aerosol generating article.

[0061] In other embodiments, the repellent 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, still 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.

[0062] In a further embodiment, the repellent 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, still 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.

[0063] In the aerosol generating article according to the present invention, the total amount of the repellent may be at least 0.5 micrograms. Preferably, the total amount of the repellent is at least 0.75 micrograms. More preferably, the total amount of the repellent is at least 1.0 microgram. Even more preferably, the total amount of the repellent is at least 1.5 micrograms. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the total amount of the repellent is at least 2 micrograms, preferably at least 2.5 micrograms, and more preferably at least 2.7 micrograms.

[0064] In the aerosol generating article according to the present invention, the total amount of the aversion agent may be 50 micrograms or less. Preferably, the total amount of the aversion agent is 45 micrograms or less. More preferably, the total amount of the aversion agent is 40 micrograms or less. Even more preferably, the total amount of the aversion agent is 35 micrograms or less. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the total amount of the aversion agent is 30 micrograms or less, preferably 28 micrograms or less, more preferably 27 micrograms or less.

[0065] In some embodiments, the total amount of the aversion agent 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.

[0066] In other embodiments, the total amount of the aversion agent 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.

[0067] In further embodiments, the total amount of the aversion agent 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 micrograms 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.

[0068] In yet a further embodiment, the total amount of the repellent agent 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 micrograms 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.

[0069] In another group of embodiments, the total amount of the repellent agent 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 micrograms 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.

[0070] In a further group of embodiments, the total amount of the repellent agent 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 micrograms 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.

[0071] In the aerosol generating article according to the present invention, the aversion agent is provided in the form of a solid aversion component. The aversion component comprises a thread substrate or a strip substrate, and the aversion agent is absorbed by the thread substrate or the strip substrate. As will be described in more detail below, this advantageously enables the solid aversion component carrying the aversion agent to be assembled at different locations and incorporated into the aerosol generating article using conventional article manufacturing techniques, which can facilitate the manufacture of the aerosol generating article. For example, methods and apparatus for incorporating a solid substrate such as a flavored thread into an aerosol generating article are known to those skilled in the art, and thus providing an aversion agent absorbed by a thread substrate or a strip substrate may facilitate the manufacture of the aerosol generating article according to the present invention without requiring extensive modification to existing equipment or established procedures.

[0072] Furthermore, depending on the binding affinity between the thread or strip and the absorbed aversion agent, the thread or strip may be configured to substantially prevent the movement of the aversion agent from the thread or strip. This is beneficial, for example, in reducing the risk that some of the aversion agent can be transferred from one aerosol generating article to another, such as within the same packet. Furthermore, it may also contribute to preventing the release of trace amounts of the aversion agent from the thread or strip during normal use of the aerosol generating article, which otherwise may only have an undesirable effect on the quality of the aerosol delivered to the consumer.

[0073] In some embodiments, the thread substrate has a circular cross-sectional shape. In other embodiments, the thread substrate has a rectangular or oval cross-sectional shape.

[0074] The thread substrate preferably comprises cotton thread.

[0075] In certain embodiments, the thread substrate is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article.

[0076] 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 specifically, this is achieved by extending the susceptor element axially within the aerosol generating rod and embedding it within the aerosol generating substrate.

[0077] As an 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 a cut filler obtained by cutting tobacco leaf material or reconstituted or homogenized tobacco material. The susceptor element may be embedded within the cut filler, for example, surrounded by the cut filler.

[0078] The aerosol generating substrate preferably includes 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, but are not limited to, 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).

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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, based on dry weight.

[0081] 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, based on dry weight.

[0082] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating substrate has an aerosol former content of 5 weight percent to 25 weight percent, preferably 10 weight percent to 25 weight percent, more preferably 15 weight percent to 25 weight percent, based on dry weight. In other embodiments, the aerosol generating substrate has an aerosol former content of 5 weight percent to 20 weight percent, preferably 10 weight percent to 20 weight percent, more preferably 15 weight percent to 20 weight percent, based on dry weight.

[0083] This relatively high level of aerosol former is particularly suitable for aerosol generating substrates intended to be heated at temperatures below 275 degrees Celsius.

[0084] As will be described in more detail below, the downstream section may include one or more elements.

[0085] 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 immediately downstream of the aerosol generating substrate and preferably in an arrangement that abuts the aerosol generating substrate. The support element may be in the form of a plug of cellulose acetate, for example. The support element may be in the form of a hollow tubular plug.

[0086] The term "hollow tubular element (plug)" as used herein is used to mean a generally elongated element (plug) that defines a lumen or air flow passage along its longitudinal axis. In particular, the term "tubular" is used hereinafter with respect to a tubular element that has a substantially cylindrical cross-section and defines at least one air flow conduit that establishes unbroken fluid communication between the upstream end of the tubular element and the downstream end of the tubular element. However, of course, alternative shapes (e.g., alternative cross-sectional shapes) of the tubular element may be possible.

[0087] In the context of the present invention, the hollow tubular element plug provides an unrestricted flow channel. This means that the hollow tubular plug generally has a very low or even negligible level of RTD. This has the advantage that any air flow through the filter material of the plug is substantially prevented due to the difference in RTD between the unrestricted flow channel in the core of the hollow tubular plug and the surrounding filter material. By adjusting the inner diameter of the hollow tubular plug and thus the diameter of the unrestricted air flow channel, the RTD of the hollow tubular plug of the support element can be controlled and set to a very low value, especially if it is not substantially zero.

[0088] In some embodiments, the support element may be surrounded by its own plug wrap.

[0089] 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 support element described above 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.

[0090] In certain embodiments, the aerosol cooling element may be provided in the form of a hollow tubular element.

[0091] In the context of the present invention, an aerosol cooling element comprising a hollow tubular element provides an unconstrained flow channel. This means that the hollow tubular element of the aerosol cooling element provides a negligible level of RTD.

[0092] The ventilation zone may be disposed at a location along the hollow tubular element of the aerosol cooling element. Such ventilation zones are configured to allow air to enter from the external environment into the hollow tubular element when the consumer inhales 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] The mouthpiece element preferably comprises at least one mouthpiece filter segment of a 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.

[0095] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the downstream section may comprise a mouth-side end cavity at a 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 an outer wrapper of the mouthpiece element, the outer wrapper extending in the downstream direction from the mouthpiece element.

[0096] The mouthpiece element may optionally contain a flavorant provided in any suitable form. For example, the mouthpiece element may contain one or more capsules, flavorant beads or granules, or one or more flavor-filled threads or filaments.

[0097] Preferably, the mouthpiece element has a low particle filtration efficiency.

[0098] Preferably, the mouthpiece is formed from segments of fibrous filter material.

[0099] In some embodiments, the mouthpiece element is surrounded by its own plug wrap.

[0100] In some embodiments, the ventilation zone may be provided at a location along the mouthpiece element. Such ventilation zones are configured to allow air to enter from the external environment into the mouthpiece element when the consumer inhales the aerosol-generating article. One such ventilation zone along the mouthpiece element may be provided in addition to, or alternatively to, the ventilation zone provided along the aerosol cooling element as described above, and one such aerosol cooling element forms part of the aerosol-generating article.

[0101] Therefore, as described above, there are several possible article configurations adapted to introduce ventilation air into the aerosol-generating article at locations along the downstream section. This has several beneficial effects. For example, the flow of ventilation air entering the aerosol-generating article at a location 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 advantageously reduced to a desirable value without including in the downstream section an aerosol cooling element that provides a large specific surface area or significant heat capacity for heat exchange, as is often proposed in the art.

[0102] Aerosol-generating articles can typically have a ventilation level of at least about 10 percent, preferably at least about 20 percent.

[0103] 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 ultimately delivered flow.

[0104] In a preferred embodiment, 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, the aerosol-generating article preferably 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.

[0105] Without wishing to be bound by theory, the inventors have found that the temperature drop caused by introducing cooler outside air into the aerosol-generating article through the ventilation zone may have an advantageous effect on the nucleation and growth of aerosol particles.

[0106] The aerosol-generating article according to the present invention may optionally comprise an upstream section positioned upstream of the aerosol-generating substrate. The upstream section is preferably aligned with the aerosol-generating substrate and positioned immediately upstream of the aerosol-generating substrate. Even more preferably, the downstream end of the upstream section abuts the upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0107] The upstream section may be provided with a plug. The plug may be surrounded by wrapping paper.

[0108] The plug may be porous or substantially airtight. For example, the plug may be made of a filter material compressed to the point of being substantially airtight. Alternatively, the plug may be made of an airtight material such as a silicone polymer material.

[0109] In a preferred embodiment, the upstream section is provided with a plug, such as a plug of filter material, and the plug is surrounded by wrapping paper.

[0110] The plug of the upstream section may contain a filter material suitable for use in aerosol-generating articles. Preferably, the plug of the upstream section contains at least one of cellulose acetate fibers, polylactic acid fibers, polyhydroxybutyric acid fibers, and polyhydroxyalkanoic acid fibers.

[0111] The plug of the upstream section may have a length of at least 2 millimeters. Preferably, the plug of the upstream section 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 preferably has a length of at least 5 millimeters.

[0112] The plug of the upstream section may have a length of 15 millimeters or less. Preferably, the plug of the upstream section 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.

[0113] In some embodiments, the length of the plug in the upstream section is 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 length of the plug in the upstream section is from 2 millimeters to 10 millimeters, preferably from 3 millimeters to 10 millimeters, more preferably from 4 millimeters to 10 millimeters, and still more preferably from 5 millimeters to 10 millimeters. In further embodiments, the length of the plug in the upstream section is from 2 millimeters to 7 millimeters, preferably from 3 millimeters to 7 millimeters, more preferably from 4 millimeters to 7 millimeters, and still more preferably from 5 millimeters to 7 millimeters.

[0114] The plug in the upstream section may have an outer diameter that is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the upstream section of the aerosol generating article. Then, the outer diameter of the upstream section of the aerosol generating article may be substantially equal to the outer diameter of the aerosol generating article.

[0115] The plug in the upstream section may have an outer diameter of at least 4 millimeters. Preferably, the plug in the upstream section has an outer diameter of at least 5 millimeters. The plug may have an outer diameter of 9 millimeters or less. Preferably, the plug in the upstream section has an outer diameter of 8 millimeters or less.

[0116] In some embodiments, the plug in the upstream section has an outer diameter of 4 millimeters to 9 millimeters, preferably 5 millimeters to 9 millimeters. In other embodiments, the plug in the upstream section has an outer diameter of 4 millimeters to 8 millimeters, preferably 5 millimeters to 8 millimeters.

[0117] The suction 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 extending 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, if not entirely, through the internal air flow channel, the RTD of the plug is generally very low, if not zero.

[0118] In contrast, in other embodiments where the plug is a solid (i.e., not hollow) body, such as a solid plug made of a porous material for example, 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 preferred path.

[0119] In certain embodiments, the plug in the upstream section includes cellulose acetate. Preferably, the plug in the upstream section includes cellulose acetate that is crimped, swollen, and has a plasticizer applied 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, etc.

[0120] In certain embodiments, the upstream section further comprises a predetermined air flow channel extending through the plug from the upstream end of the plug of the filter material 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 comprise a hollow tubular element coupled 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 paper tube.

[0121] The upstream section further comprises a predetermined airflow channel extending through the plug. In particular, in embodiments where the airflow channel is defined by a hollow tubular element as described above, when the plug contains cellulose acetate, the cellulose acetate may be further compressed around the predetermined airflow channel. This is understood to advantageously further increase the draw resistance (RTD) associated with a portion of the plug formed of cellulose acetate with respect to the predetermined airflow channel, and thus provide a preferred path such that the draw resistance (RTD) of the entire plug is negligible or substantially zero.

[0122] The draw 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 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 further details regarding the measurement method, test conditions, etc. of ISO 6565:2015 (2015). In embodiments comprising an upstream section, introducing ventilation air into the aerosol-generating article at a location along the downstream section as described above has the additional advantage that the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating substrate and the downstream section is significantly lower than the RTD of the upstream section. For example, when a ventilation zone is provided downstream of the upstream section, the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating substrate and the downstream section is significantly lower than the RTD of the plug of filter material. Thus, the provision of an upstream section may provide a tool for controlling the overall RTD of an aerosol-generating article and limiting variations in the overall RTD among different aerosol-generating articles having the same overall structure.

[0123] In fact, it is understood that the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article is liable to exhibit specific variability due to the inherent variability of the RTD of the aerosol-generating substrate. This is because even a rod having a predefined and precisely controlled diameter and length can still exhibit variability in RTD due to variations in the natural materials (such as tobacco or other plant materials) used as the substrate. In such a context, the provision of an upstream section, particularly a section having a predetermined RTD, can advantageously limit the impact that the variability in the RTD of the aerosol-generating rod can have on the variability of the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article.

[0124] As briefly described above, in the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention, at least one wrapper is provided that surrounds at least a portion of at least one of the aerosol-generating substrate and the downstream section.

[0125] In some embodiments, the at least one wrapper comprises a radially inner wrapper portion and a radially outer wrapper portion. The radially outer wrapper portion overlaps the radially inner wrapper portion, and the aversion component is disposed between the radially inner wrapper portion and the radially outer wrapper portion.

[0126] This configuration has the advantage that the aversion component is stably held in a fixed position between the radially inner wrapper portion and the radially outer wrapper portion. At the same time, this configuration ensures that direct contact between the aversion component and the airflow path is prevented during normal use of the aerosol-generating article. At the same time, since the aversion agent is provided immediately below the radially outer wrapper portion, if a portion of the aerosol-generating article surrounded by the wrapper slightly enters therein, the presence of the aversion agent is immediately detected, causing the desired reaction.

[0127] In the above-described embodiments where at least one ventilation zone is provided at a location along the downstream section to allow air to enter the aerosol-generating article, the ventilation zone may comprise a first row of perforations provided through at least one wrapper.

[0128] When one such ventilation zone is provided around the downstream section, the ventilation zone preferably comprises a first row of perforations provided through at least one wrapper, the first row of perforations including breaks where the aversion component is provided so that no perforations are provided through the aversion component.

[0129] In certain embodiments, the radially inner wrapper portion and the radially outer wrapper portion are overlapping portions of a single wrapper. For example, the wrapper may be wound around one or more of the aerosol generating substrate and the downstream section such that the edge portions of the wrapper overlap and are optionally adhered to each other (e.g., by a seam seal). The aversion component may be positioned between the overlapping edge portions of the wrapper, and the optional seam seal may provide an additional barrier to prevent the aversion agent from being released from the aerosol generating article during its normal use.

[0130] In the above embodiments, the aversion component is disposed between the radially inner wrapper portion and the radially outer wrapper portion of the wrapper, and the radially inner wrapper portion and the radially outer wrapper portion may be part of tipping paper, part of outer wrapping paper, part of a combined plug wrap, or part of a plug wrap surrounding a component of the aerosol generating article.

[0131] Alternatively, the radially inner wrapper portion may be part of a first wrapper, while the radially outer wrapper portion is part of a second wrapper, and the aversion component is provided where the first wrapper and the second wrapper overlap. More specifically, the first wrapper comprising the radially inner wrapper portion may be outer wrapping paper, a combined plug wrap, or a plug wrap surrounding a component of the aerosol generating article. The second wrapper comprising the radially outer wrapper portion may be outer wrapping paper, a combined plug wrap, or tipping paper.

[0132] Accordingly, it will be apparent that the present invention provides several different wrapper configurations that can be efficiently implemented within an aerosol generating article to ensure that an aversion component is separated from the airflow path and substantially prevent the aversion agent from entering the airflow path.

[0133] In certain preferred embodiments, the aversion component is attached to at least one of the radially inner wrapper portion and the radially outer wrapper portion using an adhesive. This is beneficial in that it further serves to hold the aversion component in a fixed position within the aerosol generating article both during transportation and storage, as well as during normal use. In this way, it may be easier to ensure that the aversion component does not become dislodged from its intended location within the aerosol generating article at any point during its life cycle, and thus is not accidentally exposed to the airflow path or the external environment.

[0134] As described above, in certain embodiments, the downstream section may comprise a tubular segment having a wall and a hollow lumen that is defined by the wall and extends from the upstream end of the tubular segment to the downstream end of the tubular segment and defines an airflow channel. For example, the downstream section may include one or more of a support element, an aerosol cooling element, and a mouthpiece element, at least one of which may be in the form of one such tubular segment or may include them. In some of these embodiments, the aversion component is embedded in a filter material (e.g., a cellulose acetate material) of the tubular segment. In practice, the aversion component is positioned within the wall of the tubular segment.

[0135] Such an arrangement has the advantage that the aversion component is held slightly away from the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article, so that when a consumer holds or uses the aerosol-generating article, accidental transfer of the aversion agent to the consumer's finger is advantageously prevented. Further, as will be described in more detail below with reference to certain preferred embodiments, the aversion component may be maintained away from the airflow path, such that the aerosol stream generated during use of the aerosol-generating article cannot come into direct contact with the aversion component and delivery of the aversion agent to the consumer by the aerosol can be prevented.

[0136] The outer diameter of the tubular segment may be substantially equal to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

[0137] In certain embodiments, the tubular segment of the downstream section comprises at least one of cellulose acetate fibers, polylactic acid fibers, polyhydroxybutyric acid fibers, and polyhydroxyalkanoic acid fibers.

[0138] As described above when explaining the upstream section, control of the suction resistance of one such tubular segment can be achieved from a practical perspective by adjusting the equivalent diameter of the hollow lumen of the tubular segment.

[0139] The diameter of the hollow lumen extending through the tubular segment may be at least 30 percent of the outer diameter of the tubular segment. Preferably, the diameter of the hollow lumen extending through the tubular segment may be at least 35 percent of the outer diameter of the tubular segment. More preferably, the diameter of the hollow lumen extending through the tubular segment may be at least 40 percent of the outer diameter of the tubular segment. Even more preferably, the diameter of the hollow lumen extending through the tubular segment may be at least 45 percent of the outer diameter of the tubular segment. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the diameter of the hollow lumen extending through the tubular segment is at least 50 percent of the outer diameter of the tubular segment, or

[0140] It may be at least 55 percent of the outer diameter of the tubular segment, or at least 60 percent of the outer diameter of the tubular segment.

[0141] The diameter of the hollow lumen extending through the tubular segment may be 90 percent or less of the outer diameter of the tubular segment, preferably 80 percent or less of the outer diameter of the tubular segment, more preferably 70 percent or less of the outer diameter of the tubular segment.

[0142] Controlling the diameter of the hollow lumen of the tubular segment to fall within the above range generally ensures that the RTD of the tubular segment is very small even if it is not zero, but even more importantly, it ensures that the RTD of the hollow lumen is negligible compared to the RTD of the wall of the material separating the hollow lumen, which can be beneficial. Establishing such a sharp RTD gradient between the wall separating the hollow lumen and the hollow lumen itself causes substantially all of the aerosol flowing from the aerosol generating substrate towards the mouth-side end of the aerosol article to flow through the hollow lumen, substantially bypassing the wall separating the hollow lumen, thus contributing to the maintenance of the objectionable component effectively separated from the aerosol airflow path.

[0143] Accordingly, the present invention provides several different configurations of aerosol articles, whereby it will be apparent that the objectionable component is effectively separated from the airflow path by adjusting certain characteristics and parameters of one or more components of the article in which the objectionable component is located. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a tubular segment defining a lumen having an RTD much lower than the RTD of the wall of the tubular segment comprising the objectionable component may be disposed at different locations within the aerosol article. For example, one such tubular segment may be provided as a support element immediately downstream of the aerosol generating substrate, or as part of an aerosol cooling element disposed generally downstream of the aerosol generating substrate, or even as part of a mouthpiece element.

[0144] In any one of the above-described 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 accidental ingestion of the article, etc.

[0145] As briefly described above, the present invention also relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising a heating device and an aerosol-generating article in accordance with the above description.

[0146] Accordingly, the present invention also relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising one such heating device, such as an electrically heated aerosol-generating device, and an aerosol-generating article.

[0147] Examples of suitable aerosol-generating devices are known to those skilled in the art. Generally, a suitable aerosol-generating device comprises a cavity (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.

[0148] For example, when the aerosol-generating article comprises a susceptor element embedded within the aerosol-generating substrate, the one or more heating elements may comprise one or more inductor elements adapted to generate a variable electromagnetic field within the cavity.

[0149] Alternatively, the one or more heating elements may comprise one or more resistive heating elements disposed on the outer periphery of or around the heating chamber at a location facing the aerosol-generating substrate when the aerosol-generating article is received within the heating chamber.

[0150] These heating arrangements are such that heat is selectively supplied to the aerosol-generating substrate during use, while at the same time only a small amount of heat, or substantially no heat, is supplied to the upstream section.

[0151] Furthermore, a suitable aerosol generator typically comprises a power supply connected to one or more inductor elements or resistive heating elements, and a control element configured to control the supply of power from the power supply to the one or more inductor elements or resistive heating elements.

[0152] Preferably, the aerosol generator is a portable or hand-held aerosol generator that is comfortable for a user to hold between the fingers of one hand.

[0153] The aerosol generator may have a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0154] The aerosol generator may have a length of approximately 70 millimeters to approximately 120 millimeters.

[0155] The power source may be any suitable power source, for example, a DC voltage source such as a battery. In one embodiment, the power source is a lithium-ion battery.

[0156] 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.

[0157] The features described with respect to one or more aspects may be equally applicable to other aspects of the present invention. In particular, the features described in relation to the aerosol generating article may be equally applicable to the aerosol generation system.

[0158] 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.

[0159] Example 1: An aerosol-generating article for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating, 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, the downstream section defining an airflow path through which the aerosol can flow from the aerosol-generating substrate to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article, and at least one wrapper surrounding at least a portion of at least one of the aerosol-generating substrate and the downstream section. Example 2: The aerosol-generating article according to Example 1, further comprising an aversion component comprising a thread substrate or a strip substrate and an aversion agent absorbed by the thread substrate or the strip substrate. Example 3: The aerosol-generating article according to Example 2, wherein the aerosol-generating article is configured such that the aversion component is not directly exposed to the airflow path, and as a result, the aversion agent is substantially prevented from entering the airflow path. Example 4: The aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the aversion agent is a bittering agent. Example 5: The aerosol-generating article according to Example 4, wherein the aversion agent has a bitterness value of at least 10,000. Example 6: The aerosol-generating article according to Example 4 or 5, wherein the aversion agent comprises at least one of sodium benzoate (bitrex), columbin, amalogentin, quassin, absinthin, and quinine hydrochloride. Example 7: The aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the aversion agent is provided at a concentration of at least 2 ppm. Example 8: The aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the aversion component comprises a substrate and the aversion agent is absorbed on the substrate. Example 9: The aerosol-generating article according to Example 8, wherein the substrate is a thread substrate and the aversion agent is absorbed within the thread substrate. Example 10: An aerosol generating article according to Example 9, wherein the thread substrate contains cotton yarn. Example 11: An aerosol generating article according to Example 9 or 10, wherein the thread substrate has a circular cross-sectional shape. Example 12: An aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 8 to 11, wherein the thread substrate is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article. Example 13: An aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein at least one wrapper includes a radially inner wrapper portion and a radially outer wrapper portion, the radially outer wrapper portion overlaps the radially inner wrapper portion, and the aversion component is disposed between the radially inner wrapper portion and the radially outer wrapper portion. Example 14: An aerosol generating article according to Example 13, wherein the article includes at least one ventilation zone to allow air to enter the aerosol generating article, and the ventilation zone includes a first row of perforations provided through at least one wrapper. Example 15: An aerosol generating article according to Example 14, wherein at least one ventilation zone is provided around a downstream section and includes a first row of perforations provided through at least one wrapper, and the first row of perforations includes a break where the aversion component is provided so that no perforations are provided through the aversion component. Example 16: An aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 13 to 15, wherein the radially inner wrapper portion and the radially outer wrapper portion are overlapping portions of a single wrapper. Example 17: An aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 13 to 16, wherein the radially inner wrapper portion and the radially outer wrapper portion are part of tipping paper, part of outer wrapping paper, part of a combined plug wrap, or part of a plug wrap surrounding a component of the aerosol generating article. Example 18: The aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 13 to 17, wherein the radially inner wrapper portion is part of the first wrapper, the radially outer wrapper portion is part of the second wrapper, and the aversion component is provided at a location where the first wrapper and the second wrapper overlap. Example 19: The aerosol generating article according to Example 18, wherein the first wrapper having a radially inner wrapper portion is an outer wrapping paper, a combined plug wrap, or a plug wrap surrounding a component of the aerosol generating article. Example 20: The aerosol generating article according to Example 18 or 19, wherein the second wrapper having a radially outer wrapper portion is an outer wrapping paper, a combined plug wrap, or a tipping paper. Example 21: The aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 13 to 20, wherein the aversion component is attached to at least one of the radially inner wrapper portion and the radially outer wrapper portion using an adhesive. Example 22: The aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the downstream section includes a tubular segment having a wall and a hollow lumen that is defined by the wall and that extends from the upstream end of the tubular segment to the downstream end of the tubular segment, and the aversion component is embedded in the wall of the tubular segment. Example 23: The aerosol generating article according to Example 22, wherein the tubular segment is included in one of a support element of the downstream section, an aerosol cooling element, and a mouthpiece element. Example 24: The aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 22 to 23, wherein the tubular segment of the downstream section includes at least one of cellulose acetate fibers, polylactic acid fibers, polyhydroxybutyric acid fibers, and polyhydroxyalkanoic acid fibers. Example 25: The aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 22 to 24, wherein the diameter of the hollow lumen is at least 45 percent of the total outer diameter of the downstream section. Example 26: The aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 17 to 25, wherein the tubular segment further comprises a tube separating the air flow channel. Example 27: The tube is a paper tube, and the aerosol generating article according to Example 26.

[0160] Here, the examples will be further described with reference to the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0161]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0162] The aerosol generating article 10 according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. The aerosol generating article 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a rod 12 of the aerosol generating substrate and a downstream section 14 located downstream of the rod 12 of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0163] Furthermore, the aerosol generating article 10 includes an upstream section 16 at a location upstream of the rod 12 of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0164] A ventilation zone 60 is provided at a location downstream of the rod 12 of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0165] More specifically, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the downstream section 14 includes a mouthpiece element 18 and a hollow section 20.

[0166] The mouthpiece element 18 comprises a plug 24 of low density filtering material.

[0167] The hollow section 20 comprises an aerosol cooling element 22 with a hollow tubular element and a ventilation zone 60 with a plurality of openings formed through the wall of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element of the aerosol cooling element 22 is in the form of a paper tube. Further, the hollow section 20 comprises a support element 24 with another hollow tubular element in the form of a hollow plug 26 of filtering material. The wall of the hollow plug is formed of compressed cellulose acetate fibers and delimits a hollow lumen providing an unrestricted flow through the hollow plug.

[0168] The support element 24 is positioned immediately downstream of the rod 12 of the aerosol generating substrate. As shown in the figure of FIG. 1, the upstream end of the support element 24 abuts against the downstream end of the rod 12 of the aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol cooling element 22 is positioned immediately downstream of the support element 24. In fact, the upstream end of the aerosol cooling element 22 abuts against the downstream end of the support element 24. The mouthpiece element 18 is positioned immediately downstream of the aerosol cooling element 22. More particularly, the upstream end of the mouthpiece element 18 abuts against the downstream end of the aerosol cooling element 22.

[0169] The rod 12 comprises 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.

[0170] The upstream section 16 comprises a cylindrical plug 28 of cellulose acetate. The RTD of the plug 28 is about 100 millimeters H2O.

[0171] The wrapper 30 surrounds both the aerosol generating substrate 12 and the downstream section 14, as well as the upstream section 16.

[0172] Furthermore, the aerosol generating article 10 comprises an aversion component 50. The aversion component 50 comprises a thread substrate including cotton yarn and an aversion agent absorbed on the cotton yarn. The aversion agent is a bittering agent. The bittering agent is present in an amount of 2.7 micrograms to 27 micrograms.

[0173] The aversion component 50 is provided within the wall of the filter material of the hollow plug 26 of the support element 24. As a result, the aversion component is advantageously held somewhat away from any surface that a consumer's finger may contact during normal use of the aerosol generating article. Further, since the support element 24 is separated from the mouth-side end of the aerosol generating article by both the aerosol cooling element 22 and the mouthpiece element 18, there is an extremely low likelihood that a consumer's lip or oral mucosa will contact the support element 24 during normal intended use of the aerosol generating article.

[0174] Due to the RTD difference between the wall of the plug 26 and the hollow lumen defined therethrough, airflow to the wall of the plug 26 is substantially prevented, such that aerosol species generated with the heating of the aerosol generating substrate 12 during use bypass the wall of the plug 26 by flowing into the hollow lumen defined therethrough and over the aerosol cooling element. Thus, the aversion component 50 is advantageously separated from the airflow path extending through the downstream section 14.

[0175] 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.

[0176] In the aerosol generating article 100, a susceptor element 70 is embedded within the rod 12 of the aerosol generating substrate. The susceptor element 70 is elongated and extends longitudinally within the rod 12 so as to be thermally coupled to the aerosol generating substrate.

[0177] The wrapper 30 surrounds the upstream portion 16, as well as the aerosol generating substrate 12 and the downstream section 14. More specifically, the wrapper 30 includes a radially inner wrapper portion 30a and a radially outer wrapper portion 30b, and the radially outer wrapper portion overlaps the radially inner wrapper portion. The aversion component 50 is disposed between the radially inner wrapper portion and the radially outer wrapper portion. As a result, the aversion component is advantageously held slightly away from any surface that a consumer's finger may contact during normal use of the aerosol generating article. In practice, the radially outer wrapper portion may act as a barrier between the aversion component 50 and the outer surface of the aerosol generating article.

[0178] The tipping wrapper 80 attaches the mouthpiece 24 to the downstream section 14, such that the upstream portion of the tipping wrapper 80 overlaps the downstream portion of the wrapper 28.

[0179] Since the support element 24 is separated from the mouth-side end of the aerosol generating article by both the radially outer wrapper portion 30b and the tipping paper, the likelihood that a consumer's lip or oral mucosa will contact the aversion component 50 during normal intended use of the aerosol generating article is very low.

[0180] The aerosol generating article 100 includes a ventilation zone 60 that allows air to enter the aerosol generating article. The ventilation zone includes a row of perforations provided through both the tipping wrapper 80 and the wrapper 28. The perforations also extend through the hollow tubular element of the aerosol cooling element 22 such that ventilation air enters the cavity defined by the aerosol cooling element 22 during use. As shown in the drawing of FIG. 2, the row of perforations in the ventilation zone 60 includes a break where the aversion component 50 is provided so that no perforations are provided through the aversion component 50.

[0181] FIG. 3 illustrates an aerosol generating system 200 that includes an exemplary aerosol generator 1 and the aerosol generating article 100 of FIG. 1.

[0182] The aerosol generating device 200 comprises a housing (or body) 40. The housing 40 comprises 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 10 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.

[0183] 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. Thereby, a fluid communication is established between the exterior of the aerosol generating device 200 and the rod 12 of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0184] The aerosol generating device 200 further comprises a heater element in the form of an inductor coil 48 adapted to induce a current within the susceptor element 70. 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 for controlling 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 200.

[0185] 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, number A is understood as A ± 5 percent of A. Within this context, number A may be considered to include numerical values within the general standard error of the measured value of the property that number A modifies. 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 a downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate to a downstream end of the aerosol-generating article, the downstream section defining an airflow path through which aerosol can flow from the aerosol-generating substrate to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article; at least one wrapper surrounding at least a portion of at least one of the aerosol-generating substrate and the downstream section; an aversion component comprising a thread substrate or a strip substrate and an aversion agent absorbed by the thread substrate or the strip substrate; wherein the aerosol-generating article is configured such that the aversion component is not directly exposed to the airflow path so as to substantially prevent the aversion agent from entering the airflow path.

2. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, wherein the aversion agent comprises at least one of sodium benzoate (bitrex), columbin, amalogentin, quassin, absinthin, and quinine hydrochloride.

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

4. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one wrapper comprises a radially inner wrapper portion and a radially outer wrapper portion, the radially outer wrapper portion overlapping the radially inner wrapper portion, and the aversion component is disposed between the radially inner wrapper portion and the radially outer wrapper portion.

5. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 4, further comprising at least one ventilation zone for allowing air to enter the aerosol-generating article, the ventilation zone comprising a first row of perforations provided through the at least one wrapper.

6. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 5, wherein the at least one ventilation zone is provided around the downstream section and comprises a first row of perforations provided through the at least one wrapper, the first row of perforations including a break provided such that no perforations are provided through the aversion component.

7. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the radially inner wrapper portion and the radially outer wrapper portion are part of the tipping paper, part of the outer wrapping paper, part of the combined plug wrap, or part of the plug wrap surrounding a component of the aerosol-generating article.

8. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the radially inner wrapper portion is part of a first wrapper, the radially outer wrapper portion is part of a second wrapper, and the aversion component is provided at a location where the first wrapper and the second wrapper overlap.

9. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 8, wherein the first wrapper comprising the radially inner wrapper portion is an outer wrapping paper, a combined plug wrap, or a plug wrap surrounding a component of the aerosol-generating article.

10. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the second wrapper comprising the radially outer wrapper portion is an outer wrapping paper, a combined plug wrap, or tipping paper.

11. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the aversion component is attached to at least one of the radially inner wrapper portion and the radially outer wrapper portion using an adhesive.

12. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the downstream section comprises the tubular segment having a wall and a hollow lumen defined by the wall and extending from the upstream end of the tubular segment to the downstream end of the tubular segment, and the aversion component is embedded in the wall of the tubular segment.

13. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 12, wherein the diameter of the hollow lumen is at least 45 percent of the total outer diameter of the downstream section.

14. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the thread substrate is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article.

15. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising an outer wrapping paper, the outer wrapping paper including an impermeable coating for preventing the aversion agent from moving to the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article.

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