Aerosol generating article having an embedded aversion agent

Abstract

There is provided an aerosol-generating article (10, 100) that generates an aerosol that can be inhaled particularly during heating. The aerosol-generating article (10, 100) includes 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, 100), and an upstream section (16, 116) extending from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate (10, 100) to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article (10, 100), the upstream section (16, 116) containing an aversion agent.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Aerosol 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, the 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 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 article. The released compounds condense as they cool to form an aerosol.

[0003] Numerous prior art documents disclose aerosol generating devices for consuming aerosol articles. Such devices include, for example, electrically heated aerosol generating devices in which an aerosol is generated by heat transfer from one or more electric heater elements of the aerosol generating device to the aerosol generating substrate of the heated aerosol article. For example, an electrically heated aerosol generating device has been proposed that includes an internal heater blade adapted to be inserted into the aerosol generating substrate. Alternatively, an inductively heat-generating aerosol 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 deter 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 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, 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, 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 aimed at making the intended use of the cigarette very unpleasant for the consumer. In contrast, in the context of the present disclosure, while there is a felt need to deter and prevent the incorrect use of aerosol-generating articles (such as the ingestion or biting of aerosol-generating articles), at the same time, the aim is to ensure that the normal intended use of the aerosol-generating article is not substantially affected.

[0008] In fact, the technical solution disclosed by International Publication No. WO 2019 / 056029 A1 substantially relies on direct contact between the attachment and the consumer's lips to intentionally deliver bitter substances to the consumer during normal use of a cigarette and induce an unpleasant sensory response. 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 a higher dilution.

[0009] An additional problem is represented by the fact that the consumer's finger 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 thereafter. Therefore, in this context, there is a felt need to ensure that contact between the consumer's finger 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 finger.

[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 thus 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 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, 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 an upstream section extending from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0020] The upstream section may contain the aversion agent.

[0021] According to the present invention, there is provided an aerosol article for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating, comprising an aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol article further comprises a downstream section extending from the downstream end of the aerosol generating substrate to the downstream end of the aerosol article, and an upstream section extending from the upstream end of the aerosol generating substrate to the upstream end of the aerosol article. The upstream section contains an aversion agent.

[0022] In contrast to existing aerosol articles, in the aerosol article according to the present invention, an aversion agent is provided in the upstream section of the aerosol article positioned upstream of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0023] As will be apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the aerosol article according to the present invention, by providing an aversion agent in the upstream section, advantageously, during normal intended use of the aerosol article, contact between the aversion agent and the consumer's lips and oral mucosa can be substantially prevented. This is because the aversion agent is provided at an end of the aerosol article opposite to the mouth-side end, and thus is less likely to come into inadvertent contact with the consumer's lips or oral mucosa during normal use of the aerosol article.

[0024] Furthermore, by providing the aversion agent at a position within the upstream section away from the outer surface of the aerosol article, contact between the consumer's fingers and the aversion agent during normal handling and use of the aerosol article can desirably be eliminated.

[0025] Since the aversion agent is not on the outer surface of the aerosol article, transfer of the aversion agent to other aerosol articles, such as other aerosol articles provided in the same package during transportation or storage, can also be advantageously avoided.

[0026] In certain embodiments, it may be possible to exclude direct exposure of the aversion agent to the generated aerosol flow, and in certain preferred embodiments, it may even be possible to prevent even a trace amount of the aversion agent from being released into the aerosol.

[0027] This is because the aversion agent is not directly exposed to the mainstream airflow path and is not provided at a location within the aerosol-generating article where heat should be supplied during normal use.

[0028] Accordingly, it will be understood that the present invention effectively provides 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 an airflow path that enters the aerosol-generating article, passes through the aerosol-generating substrate, and exits the aerosol-generating article - for example, through the downstream section. The aerosol-generating article further comprises an aversion agent, which is provided at a location within the aerosol-generating article such that the aversion agent is not directly exposed to the airflow path.

[0029] 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 far from any surface of a component that can be directly contacted by the aerosol during use.

[0030] At the same time, by disposing the aversion agent near one end of the aerosol-generating article, particularly in a section of the aerosol-generating article adjacent to the aerosol-generating substrate, accidental ingestion of the aerosol-generating substrate can be efficiently prevented. This is because when the upstream section is bitten, the aversion agent is rapidly released. Such a deterrent effect is particularly beneficial in embodiments where the susceptor element is embedded within the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0031] By providing the repellent at a location within the aerosol-generating article such that the repellent is not directly exposed to the airflow path, a desirable effect can be obtained in which direct release of the repellent into the aerosol at the aforementioned location is substantially prevented. However, movement of the repellent from its intended location to other parts or components of the aerosol-generating article may not be completely preventable, such that 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 article 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 to within the aerosol-generating substrate, it is assumed that the heat supplied to the aerosol-generating substrate during use raises its temperature above the decomposition temperature of the repellent. As a result, only trace amounts of decomposition products can actually be delivered to the consumer.

[0032] As briefly described above, the present invention provides an aerosol-generating article for generating an inhalable aerosol by heating.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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 flame and the oxygen in the air drawn through 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 transfer of heat from a heat source to an aerosol forming material physically separated from the heat source.

[0035] The aerosol generating article according to the present invention has a specific use in an aerosol generating system that includes 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.

[0036] 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. It is preferred that the electrically operated aerosol generating device 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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 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.

[0039] During use, air is drawn longitudinally through the aerosol-generating article. The term "transverse direction" refers to a direction that is 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] As used herein, the term "aerosol former" is used to describe, in the context of the present specification, 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 (such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate), and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids (such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate).

[0042] 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. For example, chemical stability and solubility may affect the compatibility of the aversive agent with a given type of product. Examples of aversive agents include pungent agents (also called stimulants) and bitter agents.

[0043] The term "pungent agent" is used herein to describe a group of compounds that produce a sharp, stinging taste and a burning sensation when applied topically 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.

[0044] The term "bitter agent" is used herein to describe a group of chemically different compounds that share the common trait of imparting bitterness to a substance. Compounds considered to be bitter agents include, but are not limited to, sodium denatonium benzoate, columbin, amalogentin, quassin, absinthin, and quinine hydrochloride.

[0045] 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.

[0046] The bitterness value of quinine hydrochloride is set to 200,000. This means that 1 gram of quinine hydrochloride imparts bitterness to 200,000 grams of water.

[0047] To evaluate the bitterness value of a given test compound, stock solutions and diluted solutions of quinine hydrochloride at increasing concentrations are prepared as standard solutions. In parallel, stock solutions and diluted solutions of the test compound with increasing concentrations of the given compound are also prepared.

[0048] A test panel is assembled. To correct for individual differences in taste perception of 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.

[0049] Before each tasting, the members of the test panel rinse their mouths with drinking water. The maximum dilution that still has bitterness is determined by taking 10 milliliters of the most diluted solution into the mouth and passing it from side to side across the back of the tongue for 30 seconds. If the solution is found to have no bitterness, 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 diluted solution with an increased concentration is tasted.

[0050] For each member of the test panel, the maximum dilution at which the test compound continues to cause bitterness after 30 seconds is taken as the individual threshold bitterness concentration. The bitterness value of the test compound results from calculating the average of the individual threshold bitterness concentrations of all the members of the test panel.

[0051] Briefly described as above, the aerosol generating article according to the present invention may comprise an aerosol generating substrate and 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. The upstream section contains an aversion agent.

[0052] The aversion agent may include a pungent agent or a bitter agent, or both.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the aversion agent is a bittering agent.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] Sodium benzoate is generally considered to be the most bitter known compound, and its bitterness value is estimated to exceed 100,000,000.

[0057] The following table lists some known bittering agents along with their respective bitterness values.

Table 1

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the aversion agent is selected from the group consisting of sodium benzoate, columbin, amaronetin, quassin, absinthin, quinine hydrochloride, and combinations thereof. For example, sodium benzoate is commercially available under the trade name Bitrex®.

[0059] 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.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the repellent is provided at a concentration of at least 10 ppm based on the total weight of the aerosol generating article. Preferably, the repellent is provided at a concentration of at least 25 ppm based on the total weight of the aerosol generating article. More preferably, the repellent is provided at a concentration of at least 50 ppm based on the total weight of the aerosol generating article.

[0061] In the aerosol generating article according to the present invention, the repellent may be provided at a concentration of 250 ppm or less based on the total weight of the aerosol generating article. Preferably, the repellent may be provided at a concentration of 200 ppm or less based on the total weight of the aerosol generating article. More preferably, the repellent may be provided at a concentration of 150 ppm or less based on the total weight of the aerosol generating article.

[0062] In some embodiments, the repellent is 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.

[0063] In other embodiments, the repellent is 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.

[0064] 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, even more preferably 25 ppm to 100 ppm, most preferably 50 ppm to 100 ppm, based on the total weight of the aerosol generating article.

[0065] 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, more preferably at least 2.7 micrograms.

[0066] 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.

[0067] In some embodiments, the total amount of the repellent in the aerosol generating article is 0.5 micrograms to 50 micrograms, preferably 0.75 micrograms to 50 micrograms, more preferably 1.0 microgram to 50 micrograms, still more preferably 1.5 micrograms to 50 micrograms, particularly preferably 2.0 micrograms to 50 micrograms, or 2.5 micrograms to 50 micrograms, or 2.7 micrograms to 50 micrograms.

[0068] 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 microgram 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] In still 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.

[0071] In another group of embodiments, the total amount of the aversion 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.

[0072] In a further group of embodiments, the total amount of the aversion 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. In the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention, the aversion agent is preferably provided on a solid aversion component. As will be explained 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.

[0073] More preferably, the aversion component comprises a substrate and the aversion agent is absorbed onto the substrate. Even more preferably, the substrate is a thread substrate and the aversion agent is absorbed within the thread substrate. For example, methods and apparatus for incorporating a thread substrate, such as a flavored thread, into an aerosol-generating article are known to those skilled in the art, and thus providing an aversion component absorbed onto a thread substrate may facilitate the manufacture of the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention without requiring extensive modification to existing equipment or procedures that are already in place.

[0074] Furthermore, depending on the binding affinity between the thread and the absorbed repellent, the thread can be configured to substantially prevent the movement of the repellent from the thread. This is beneficial, for example, in reducing the risk that some repellent 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 repellent from the thread 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.

[0075] The thread substrate preferably comprises cotton thread.

[0076] In certain embodiments, the thread substrate is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article.

[0077] The upstream section may further comprise a plug. The plug may be surrounded by wrapping paper.

[0078] 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.

[0079] In a preferred embodiment, the upstream section comprises a plug surrounded by wrapping paper.

[0080] Preferably, the repellent is embedded in the plug of the upstream section. For example, as described above, the repellent can be provided on a solid repellent component, and the solid repellent component can be embedded within the plug of the upstream section. One such arrangement has the advantage that the repellent can be kept away from the airflow path. Thus, during use of the aerosol generating article, the generated aerosol stream cannot contact the repellent, so that the repellent is not delivered to the consumer together with the aerosol.

[0081] Furthermore, since the repellent is held away from the outer surface of the upstream section, accidental transfer of the repellent to the consumer's finger is advantageously prevented when the consumer grips or uses the aerosol generating article.

[0082] The plug of the upstream section can include any material suitable for use in an aerosol generating article. In some embodiments, the plug of the filtration material of the upstream section includes at least one of cellulose acetate fibers, polylactic acid fibers, polyhydroxybutyric acid fibers, and polyhydroxyalkanoic acid fibers.

[0083] The plug of the upstream section can 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 has a length of at least 5 millimeters.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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. 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.

[0087] The plug of the upstream section may have an outer diameter of at least 4 millimeters. It is preferable that the plug of the upstream section has an outer diameter of at least 5 millimeters. The plug may have an outer diameter of 9 millimeters or less. It is preferable that the plug of the upstream section has an outer diameter of 8 millimeters or less.

[0088] 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.

[0089] The pull-out 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 will be 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, if not entirely, through the internal air flow channel, the RTD of the plug is generally very low, if not zero.

[0090] 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 preferential path.

[0091] In certain embodiments, the plug in the upstream section comprises cellulose acetate. Preferably, the plug in the upstream section comprises 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, etc.

[0092] As described above, in certain embodiments, the upstream section further comprises a predetermined airflow channel that extends through the plug from the upstream end of the plug to the downstream end of the plug. In these embodiments, the repellent is embedded within the plug at a location remote from the airflow channel. Preferably, when the plug of the upstream section comprises cellulose acetate, the cellulose acetate can 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 the filter material relative to the predetermined airflow channel, and thus provide a preferred path such that the draw resistance (RTD) of the plug is negligible or substantially zero.

[0093] 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 that needs to be applied to the downstream end of the article or component to maintain a stable volumetric airflow rate of 17.5 ml / second of air 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] Controlling the draw resistance of the plug of the upstream section, as will be described in more detail below, establishing a specific draw resistance difference between the plug of the upstream section and the remainder of the aerosol-generating article (particularly, the downstream section) can contribute to preventing the repellent from being directly exposed to the aerosol airflow path, which is understood to help prevent even trace amounts of the repellent from being delivered to the consumer along with the aerosol. This aspect is of particular importance, of course, in those aspects where the plug of the upstream section comprises a predetermined airflow channel that penetrates the plug from the upstream end of the plug to the downstream end of the plug. From a practical perspective, the control of the draw resistance of one such hollow plug may be achieved by adjusting the equivalent diameter of the predetermined airflow channel.

[0095] Preferably, the upstream section further comprises a hollow tubular element that defines an airflow channel. In some embodiments, the hollow tubular element is provided in the form of a cardboard tube.

[0096] In embodiments where the upstream section comprises a hollow tubular element that defines an airflow channel, the inner surface of the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular element defines the airflow channel. Thus, the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular element can further act as a physical barrier between the repellent agent within the body of the plug and the airflow path.

[0097] As used herein, the term "hollow tubular element" is used to mean a generally elongated element that defines a lumen or airflow 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 airflow conduit that establishes fluid communication without interruption between the upstream end and the downstream end of the tubular element. However, it will of course be possible for the tubular element to have alternative shapes (for example, alternative cross-sectional shapes).

[0098] In the context of the present invention, the hollow tubular element provides a flow path with negligible resistance. This means that the hollow tubular element provides a negligible level of RTD. This has the advantage that the airflow through the plug is substantially prevented due to the RTD difference between the hollow tubular element and the surrounding material forming the body of the plug. As a result, the repellent agent is always effectively kept away from the main airflow path, whether it is contained within the repellent component or more generally provided within the material of the plug body.

[0099] By adjusting the inner diameter of the hollow tubular element and thus the diameter of the airflow channel, the RTD of the airflow channel extending through the plug can be controlled and set to a very low value, if not substantially zero.

[0100] The diameter of the airflow channel penetrating the plug can be at least 30 percent of the outer diameter of the upstream section of the aerosol-generating article. Preferably, the diameter of the airflow channel penetrating the plug is at least 35 percent of the outer diameter of the upstream section of the aerosol-generating article. More preferably, the diameter of the airflow channel penetrating the plug is at least 40 percent of the outer diameter of the upstream section of the aerosol-generating article. Even more preferably, the diameter of the airflow channel penetrating the plug is at least 45 percent of the outer diameter of the upstream section of the aerosol-generating article. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the diameter of the airflow channel penetrating the plug is at least 50 percent of the outer diameter of the upstream section of the aerosol-generating article, or at least 55 percent of the outer diameter of the upstream section of the aerosol-generating article, or at least 60 percent of the outer diameter of the upstream section of the aerosol-generating article.

[0101] The diameter of the airflow channel penetrating the plug can be 90 percent or less of the outer diameter of the upstream section of the aerosol-generating article, preferably 80 percent or less of the outer diameter of the upstream section of the aerosol-generating article, more preferably 70 percent or less of the outer diameter of the upstream section of the aerosol-generating article.

[0102] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article can further include at least one ventilation zone downstream of the upstream section that allows air to enter the aerosol-generating article.

[0103] Introducing ventilation air into an aerosol-generating article has a plurality 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 during 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 desirably reduced without the need to include in the downstream section an aerosol cooling element providing a large specific surface area for heat exchange or a material having a significant heat capacity.

[0104] In the context of the present invention, the introduction of ventilation air into the aerosol-generating article downstream of the upstream section has the additional advantage that the overall residence time distribution (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 upstream plug body in which the repellent or repellent component is embedded. Thus, in addition to or alternatively to providing a predetermined air flow channel through the plug as described above, providing a ventilation zone downstream of the upstream plug has the effect of substantially preventing the air flow through the plug of the filter material due to the RTD difference between the upstream section and the remaining part of the aerosol-generating article. Accordingly, the repellent can conveniently always be kept away from the main air flow path.

[0105] The aerosol-generating article can typically have a ventilation level of at least about 10 percent, preferably at least about 20 percent.

[0106] The term "ventilation level" is used throughout this specification to mean the volume ratio of the air flow entering into the aerosol-generating article through the ventilation zone (ventilation air flow) to the sum of the aerosol air flow and the ventilation air flow. The greater the ventilation level, the higher the dilution of the flow ultimately delivered to the consumer.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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. Further, by providing a ventilation zone configured to admit a ventilation airflow leading to a ventilation level within the above-described ranges, an RTD difference can be effected between the upstream section and the remainder of the aerosol-generating article, ensuring a good separation between the repellent and the mainstream airflow path at all times.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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 a reconstituted or homogenized tobacco material. The susceptor element may be embedded within the cut filler, for example, so as to be surrounded by the cut filler.

[0111] 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 during 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 (such as glycerol mono-, di-, or triacetate), and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids (such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate).

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating substrate has an aerosol former content of from 5 wt% to 25 wt%, preferably from 10 wt% to 25 wt%, more preferably from 15 wt% to 25 wt% on a dry weight basis. In other embodiments, the aerosol generating substrate has an aerosol former content of from 5 wt% to 20 wt%, preferably from 10 wt% to 20 wt%, more preferably from 15 wt% to 20 wt% on a dry weight basis.

[0116] These relatively high levels of aerosol former are particularly suitable for aerosol generating substrates intended to be heated at temperatures below 275 °C.

[0117] The downstream section may include one or more elements.

[0118] 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, 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.

[0119] 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 relationship along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article.

[0120] In certain embodiments, the aerosol cooling element may include the ventilation zone described above, which may be disposed along the hollow tubular element of the aerosol cooling element, and may be provided in the form of a hollow tubular element configured to allow air to enter from the external environment 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.

[0121] 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 downstream of not only the aerosol generating substrate but also 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.

[0122] The mouthpiece element preferably comprises at least one mouthpiece filter segment of a fibrous filter material. Suitable fibrous filter materials will be well known to those skilled in the art. Particularly preferably, at least one mouthpiece filter segment includes a cellulose acetate filter segment formed from cellulose acetate tow.

[0123] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the downstream section may include a mouth-side end recess at the 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, and the outer wrapper extends in the downstream direction from the mouthpiece element.

[0124] 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.

[0125] Preferably, the mouthpiece element has a low particle filtration efficiency.

[0126] Preferably, the mouthpiece is formed from segments of fibrous filter material.

[0127] In some embodiments, the mouthpiece element is surrounded by its own plug wrap.

[0128] In any one of the above-described embodiments, the aerosol-generating article may further comprise an outer wrapping paper, the outer wrapping paper including an impermeable coating for preventing the repellent from migrating 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.

[0129] 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.

[0130] Accordingly, 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.

[0131] 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.

[0132] For example, the one or more heating elements may comprise one or more inductor elements adapted to generate a varying electromagnetic field within the cavity when the aerosol-generating article comprises a susceptor element embedded within the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0133] Alternatively, one or more heating elements may comprise one or more resistively heatable elements disposed in the heating chamber, on the heating chamber, or around the periphery thereof, at a position facing the aerosol-generating substrate when the aerosol-generating article is received in the heating chamber.

[0134] These heating arrangements are such that during use, heat is selectively supplied to the aerosol-generating substrate while only a small amount of heat, or substantially no heat, is supplied to the upstream section.

[0135] 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.

[0136] The aerosol-generating device is preferably a portable or hand-held aerosol-generating device that is comfortable for a user to hold between the fingers of one hand.

[0137] The aerosol-generating device may have a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0138] The aerosol-generating device may have a length of from approximately 70 millimeters to approximately 120 millimeters.

[0139] The power source may be any suitable power source, for example, a direct voltage source such as a battery. In one embodiment, the power source is a lithium-ion battery.

[0140] 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.

[0141] Features described in one or more aspects may be equally applicable to other aspects of the present invention. In particular, features described in relation to aerosol-generating articles may equally apply to aerosol-generating systems.

Examples

[0142] The present invention is defined by 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 another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0143] Example 1: An aerosol-generating article for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating, the aerosol-generating article comprising 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. Example 2: The aerosol-generating article according to Example 1, further comprising an upstream section extending from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article, the upstream section containing an aversive agent. Example 3: The aerosol-generating article according to Example 2, wherein the aversive agent is a bittering agent. Example 4: The aerosol-generating article according to Example 3, wherein the aversive agent has a bitterness value of at least 10,000. Example 5: The aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 2 to 4, wherein the aversive agent comprises at least one of sodium benzoate (Bitrex), columbin, amalogentin, quassin, abscisin, and quinine hydrochloride. Example 6: The aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 2 to 5, wherein the aversive agent is provided at a concentration of at least 2 ppm. Example 7: The aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 2 to 6, wherein the aversive agent is provided on a solid aversive component. Example 8: The aerosol generating article according to Example 7, wherein the aversion component includes a substrate and the aversion agent is absorbed onto 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 into the thread substrate. Example 10: The aerosol generating article according to Example 9, wherein the thread substrate includes cotton yarn. Example 11: The aerosol generating article according to Example 8 or 9, wherein the thread substrate is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article. 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 downstream of the upstream section such that air can enter the aerosol generating article. Example 13: The aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the upstream section further comprises a plug surrounded by wrapping paper. Example 14: The aerosol generating article according to Example 13, wherein the aversion component is embedded in the plug of the upstream section. Example 15: The aerosol generating article according to Example 13 or 14, 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. Example 16: The aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 15, wherein the upstream section further includes an air flow channel that penetrates the plug from the upstream end of the plug to the downstream end of the plug. Example 17: The aerosol generating article according to Example 16, wherein the upstream section further includes a tube that defines the air flow channel. Example 18: The aerosol generating article according to Example 17, wherein the tube is a cardboard tube. Example 19: The aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 16 to 18, wherein the diameter of the air flow channel is at least 45 percent of the total outer diameter of the upstream section. Example 20: The aerosol generating article further includes 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 through the downstream section. The aerosol generating article further contains an aversion agent, and the aversion agent is provided at a location within the aerosol generating article such that the aversion agent is not directly exposed to the air flow path. Example 21: The aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 20, 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.

[0144] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be further described with reference to the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0145]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0146] FIG. 1 shows an aerosol generating article 10 according to the present invention. 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. Further, the aerosol generating article 10 includes an upstream section 16 located upstream of the rod 12 of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0147] The ventilation zone 60 is provided at a location downstream of the rod 12 of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0148] More specifically, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the downstream section 14 comprises a mouthpiece element 18 and a hollow section 20. The hollow section 20 includes an aerosol cooling element 22 comprising a hollow tubular element and a ventilation zone 60 comprising 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 FIG. 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 FIG. 1, the upstream end of the mouthpiece element 18 abuts against the downstream end of the aerosol cooling element 22. The mouthpiece element 18 comprises a plug 24 of low density filter material.

[0149] 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.

[0150] The upstream section 16 comprises a cylindrical plug 26 of compressed and plasticized cellulose acetate surrounded by a 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.

[0151] Furthermore, the upstream section 16 comprises an aversion component 50. The aversion component 28 comprises a thread substrate including cotton yarn and an aversion agent absorbed on the cotton yarn. The aversion agent is a bitter agent. The bitter agent is present in an amount of 2.7 micrograms to 27 micrograms.

[0152] Since the aversion component 50 is provided within the upstream section 16, the aversion agent 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 upstream section 16 is separated from the mouth-side end of the aerosol generating article by a plurality of components, there is even a very low likelihood that a consumer's lips or oral mucosa will contact the upstream section 16 during normal intended use of the aerosol generating article.

[0153] Figure 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 Figure 1 and will only be described below to the extent that it differs from the aerosol generating article 10 of Figure 1.

[0154] In the aerosol generating article 100, the upstream section 116 comprises a hollow plug 30 of filter material and a cardboard tube 32. The cardboard tube 32 is coaxially arranged with the hollow plug 30 of filter material and defines an air flow channel 34 that passes through the hollow plug 30 from the upstream end of the hollow plug 30 to the downstream end of the hollow plug 30. The inner diameter of the cardboard tube 32 is about 55 percent of the outer diameter of the upstream section 116.

[0155] Further, the upstream section 116 comprises an aversion component 50 embedded within the filter material of the hollow plug 30. Similar to the aerosol generating article 10 of Figure 1, the aversion component 28 comprises a cotton thread and a thread substrate that includes an aversion agent absorbed on the cotton thread. The aversion component 50 extends in the longitudinal direction along the hollow plug 30, away from both the periphery of the hollow plug 30 and the wall of the cardboard tube 32. Thus, the aversion component 28 is separated from the air flow channel 34. Further, the aversion component 50 is advantageously held somewhat away from any surface that a consumer's finger may contact during normal use of the aerosol generating article.

[0156] 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 elongate and extends axially within the rod 12 so as to be thermally coupled to the aerosol generating substrate. No ventilation zone is provided downstream of the rod 12 of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0157] Figure 3 illustrates an aerosol generating system 200 comprising an exemplary aerosol generating device 1 and the aerosol generating article 100 of Figure 2.

[0158] 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.

[0159] A device air inlet 46 is defined within the end wall 44. Air can enter into the upstream section 116 of the aerosol generating article through the device air inlet 46. At the same time, since the diameter of the device air inlet 46 is smaller than the diameter of the cardboard tube 32, the end wall 44 effectively closes the end face of the hollow plug 30. Thus, while a fluid communication is established between the exterior of the aerosol generating device 200 and the rod 12 of the aerosol generating substrate, the air flow into the hollow plug 30 is disabled.

[0160] 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.

[0161] 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 specifically enumerated herein or not. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood to be A ± 5 percent of A. Within this context, the number A may be considered to include numerical values within the general standard error of the measured value of the property that the number A modifies. The 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 specifically enumerated herein or not.

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; an upstream section extending from the upstream end of the aerosol generating substrate to the upstream end of the aerosol generating article; and the upstream section contains an aversive agent.

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

3. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the aversive 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 aversive agent is provided on a solid aversive component.

5. The aerosol generating article according to claim 4, wherein the aversive component contains a substrate, and the aversive agent is absorbed on the substrate.

6. The aerosol generating article according to claim 5, wherein the substrate is a thread substrate, and the aversive agent is absorbed within the thread substrate.

7. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising at least one ventilation zone downstream of the upstream section so that air can enter the aerosol generating article.

8. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the upstream section further comprises a plug surrounded by wrapping paper.

9. The aerosol generating article according to claim 8, wherein the aversive component is embedded in the plug of the upstream section.

10. The aerosol generating article according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the plug of the upstream section contains at least one of cellulose acetate fiber, polylactic acid fiber, polyhydroxybutyric acid fiber, and polyhydroxyalkanoic acid fiber.

11. The plug is a solid plug having a withdrawal resistance of at least 50 millimeters H 2 The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the plug is a solid plug having a withdrawal resistance of at least 50 millimeters H

12. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the upstream section further comprises an air flow channel penetrating the plug from the upstream end of the plug to the downstream end of the plug.

13. The aerosol generating article according to claim 12, wherein the upstream section further comprises a tube defining the air flow channel.

14. The aerosol generating article according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the diameter of the airflow channel is at least 45 percent of the total outer diameter of the upstream section.

15. An aerosol generating article, 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 an airflow path through which air can enter the aerosol generating article, pass through the aerosol generating substrate, and exit the aerosol generating article through the downstream section. The aerosol generating article further comprises an aversion agent, and the aversion agent is provided at a position within the aerosol generating article such that the aversion agent is not directly exposed to the airflow path.

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