Consumables

Abstract

The present invention relates to a consumable (100, 120, 130, 140, 150) for use with an aerosol delivery device. The consumable (100, 120, 130, 140, 150) comprises a hollow tube (101) containing an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material forms a portion of a wall (102, 103) of the hollow tube (101). An inner surface (103, 113, 114, 115, 117, 118, 119) of a first portion (111) of the hollow tube (101) includes a first surface (112) profile, and an inner surface (103, 113, 114, 115, 117, 118, 119) of a second portion (112, 114, 122) of the hollow tube (101) includes a second surface (112) profile. The second surface (112) has a rougher profile than the first surface (112). The second portion (112, 114, 122) extends from the mouth end of the hollow tube (101). The present invention also relates to a system comprising a consumable (100, 120, 130, 140, 150, 201) and an aerosol delivery device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to consumables for use with aerosol delivery systems, and aerosol delivery systems including consumables. [Background technology]

[0002] Certain tobacco industry products generate aerosols that are inhaled by a user during use. For example, tobacco heating devices heat an aerosol-generating substrate, such as tobacco, to form an aerosol by heating rather than burning the substrate. Such tobacco industry products generally include consumables containing aerosol-generating materials for use in the heating devices. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a consumable for use with an aerosol delivery device, the consumable comprising a hollow tube containing an aerosol-generating material, the aerosol-generating material forming part of a wall of the hollow tube, an inner surface of a first portion of the hollow tube comprising a first surface profile and an inner surface of a second portion of the hollow tube comprising a second surface profile, the second surface profile being rougher than the first surface profile, the second portion extending from a mouth end of the hollow tube.

[0004] In some embodiments, the hollow tube may include a carrier material, and the aerosol-forming material is provided on the carrier material.

[0005] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may form the innermost surface of a hollow tube.

[0006] In some embodiments, the surface profile of the second portion may be formed by the aerosol-generating material.

[0007] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material may be an aerosol-forming film.

[0008] In some embodiments, the second surface profile of the second portion may have a greater surface roughness than the first surface profile of the first portion.

[0009] In some embodiments, the surface roughness of the second portion can range from about 200 ml / min to about 800 ml / min.

[0010] In some embodiments, the surface roughness of the second portion can range from about 600 ml / min to about 800 ml / min.

[0011] In some embodiments, the second surface profile of the second portion of the hollow tube may include a series of linear, parallel ridges and grooves extending circumferentially around the inner surface of the second portion.

[0012] In some embodiments, the pitch between adjacent ridges may range from about 0.2 mm to 1 mm.

[0013] In some embodiments, the height of the ridges and / or grooves may range from about 0.1 mm to about 0.5 mm.

[0014] In some embodiments, the second surface profile of the second portion may include a plurality of depressions.

[0015] In some embodiments, the distance between adjacent depressions may range from about 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

[0016] In some embodiments, the depth of the depressions may range from about 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

[0017] In some embodiments, the second surface profile of the second portion may include a plurality of inwardly extending protrusions.

[0018] In some embodiments, the distance between adjacent protrusions may range from about 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

[0019] In some embodiments, the height of the protrusions may range from 0.1 mm to about 1 mm.

[0020] In some embodiments, the second portion of the hollow tube may extend from the mouth end of the hollow tube about 10% to about 50% along the length of the hollow tube.

[0021] In some embodiments, the roughness of the second surface profile of the second portion may increase towards the mouth end.

[0022] In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system comprising the consumable of the first aspect and an aerosol delivery device comprising a receptacle, the receptacle having a heating portion that may receive the consumable during use to heat the consumable and generate an aerosol, the device and the consumable being configured such that when the consumable is received therein, a second portion of the hollow tube of the consumable is positioned entirely within the heating portion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a consumable item. [Figure 2] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional end view of a consumable. [Figure 3] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of a consumable. [Figure 4] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional end view of a consumable. [Figure 5] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of a consumable. [Figure 6] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of a consumable. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a consumable item. [Figure 8]1 shows a schematic diagram of a system including a consumable and an aerosol delivery device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] As used herein, the term "delivery system" is intended to encompass a system that delivers at least one substance to a user, including non-combustion aerosol delivery systems that release compounds from an aerosol-forming material without burning the aerosol-forming material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems that generate an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-forming materials.

[0025] According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustion" aerosol delivery system is one in which the constituent aerosol-generating materials (or components of those materials) of the aerosol delivery system are not combusted or burned to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0026] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, such as a powered non-combustion aerosol delivery system.

[0027] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system.

[0028] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is a hybrid system that generates aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in solid, liquid, or gel form, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0029] The non-combustion aerosol delivery systems described herein include a non-combustion aerosol delivery device and a consumable for use with the non-combustion aerosol delivery device.

[0030] The present disclosure relates to consumables, sometimes referred to as articles throughout this disclosure, that include aerosol-generating materials and are configured for use with non-combustion aerosol delivery devices.

[0031] In some embodiments, a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, such as a non-combustion aerosol delivery device, can include a power source and a controller. The power source can be, for example, an electrical power source or a heat-generating power source. In some embodiments, the heat-generating power source includes a carbon substrate that can be energized to deliver power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or a heat-transfer material proximate the heat-generating power source.

[0032] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system may include an area for receiving a consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0033] In some embodiments, a consumable for use with a non-combustion aerosol delivery device may include an aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage region, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol-generating region, a housing, a packaging material, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol modifier. The consumable may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that generates heat upon use to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol. The heater may include, for example, a combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0034] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material or a material not intended to be aerosolized. Optionally, either material may include one or more active ingredients, one or more flavors, one or more aerosol-former materials, and / or one or more other functional materials.

[0035] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active agent.

[0036] As used herein, an active substance may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may be selected from, for example, dietary supplements, nootropics, and psychotropic drugs. The active substance may be naturally derived or synthetically obtained. The active substance may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6, B12, or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or components, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco, cannabis, or another plant material.

[0037] In one embodiment, the active substance is a legally permitted recreational drug.

[0038] In some embodiments, the active agent comprises nicotine, hi some embodiments, the active agent comprises caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

[0039] As described herein, the active substance may include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.

[0040] The active substance can be CBD or a derivative thereof

[0041] As described herein, an active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanical substances or their components, derivatives, or extracts. As used herein, the term "botanical substance" includes any material derived from a plant, including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husks, or shells. Alternatively, the material may comprise a synthetically derived active compound naturally present in the botanical substance. The material may be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, chips, strips, or sheets. Examples of plants include tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, bay leaf, licorice, matcha, yerba mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, cloves, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed, basil, bay leaf, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, and saffron. , lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, shiso, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, pimento, mace, damiento, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, Calvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab, or any combination thereof. The mint may be selected from the following mint varieties: Mentha americana, Mentha cv, Egyptian mint, peppermint, eau de cologne mint, candy mint, curly mint, Kentucky kernel mint, horse mint, pineapple mint, pennyroyal mint, green mentha, and apple mint.

[0042] In some embodiments, the active agent comprises or is derived from one or more botanical substances or components, derivatives, or extracts thereof, and the botanical substance is tobacco.

[0043] In some embodiments, the active agent comprises or is derived from one or more botanical substances or components, derivatives, or extracts thereof, wherein the botanical substances are selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, and hemp.

[0044] In some embodiments, the active agent comprises or is derived from one or more botanical substances or components, derivatives, or extracts thereof, and the botanical substances are selected from rooibos and fennel.

[0045] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a flavor.

[0046] As used herein, the terms "flavor" and "flavoring agent" refer to materials that may be used, where local regulations permit, to create a desired taste, aroma, or other somatic sensation in products intended for adult consumers.They include naturally occurring flavoring materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically derived materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, Tropical fruits, papaya, rhubarb, grapes, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, eggplant, betel nut, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang ylang , sage, fennel, wasabi, bell pepper, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, peppermint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, bay leaf, yerba mate, orange peel, rose, tea such as green or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, shiso, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, black currant, valerian, pimento, mace, damiento, maize The present invention may also include other additives such as joram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, Calvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath fresheners.They may be imitation, synthetic, or natural sources, or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, a liquid such as an oil, a solid such as a powder, or a gas.

[0047] In some embodiments, the flavor comprises menthol, spearmint, and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises cucumber, blueberry, citrus, and / or red berry flavor components. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor components extracted from cannabis.

[0048] In some embodiments, the flavor may include a sensation eliciting agent intended to achieve somatic sensations typically chemically induced and perceived by stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve) in addition to or instead of the aroma or taste nerves, and may include agents that produce heating, cooling, tingling, and numbing effects. A suitable heating agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and a suitable cooling agent may be, but is not limited to, eucalyptol, WS-3.

[0049] An aerosol-forming material is a material that can generate an aerosol when, for example, heated, irradiated, or energized in any other manner. The aerosol-forming material may be, for example, in solid, liquid, or semi-solid (such as a gel) form, which may or may not contain an active agent and / or flavoring.

[0050] The aerosol-generating materials may include one or more active agents and / or flavorings, one or more aerosol former materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0051] The aerosol-generating material may include a binder, such as a gelling agent, and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, a substance to be delivered and / or a filler material may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, may also be present, and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of plant material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0052] The aerosol-generating material may include or be in the form of an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may include a binder, such as a gelling agent, and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, a substance to be delivered and / or a filler material may also be present. The aerosol-generating film may be substantially free of plant material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0053] The aerosol-generating film may have a thickness of about 0.015 mm to about 1 mm. For example, the thickness may be within the range of about 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, or 0.15 mm to about 0.5 mm or 0.3 mm.

[0054] The aerosol-forming material may include two or more films, and the thicknesses described herein may refer to the combined thickness of the films.

[0055] The aerosol-generating film may be continuous. For example, the film may comprise or be a continuous sheet of material. The sheet may be in the form of a wrapper, gathered to form a gathered sheet, or chopped to form a chopped sheet. The chopped sheet may comprise one or more strands or strips of aerosol-generating material.

[0056] The aerosol-generating film may be discontinuous. For example, the aerosol-generating film may include one or more discrete portions or regions of aerosol-generating material, such as dots, stripes, or lines, that may be supported on a substrate. In such embodiments, the substrate may be planar or non-planar. The aerosol-generating film may be formed by combining a binder, such as a gelling agent, with a solvent, such as water, an aerosol-forming agent, and one or more other ingredients, such as one or more substances to be delivered, to form a slurry, and then heating the slurry to volatilize at least a portion of the solvent and form the aerosol-generating film.

[0057] The slurry may be heated to remove at least about 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%, or 90% by weight of the solvent.

[0058] An aerosol-generating material may include or be an "amorphous solid." In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material includes an aerosol-generating film that is an amorphous solid. The amorphous solid may be a "monolithic solid." The amorphous solid may be substantially non-fibrous. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as a liquid, within the amorphous solid. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may comprise, for example, about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% amorphous solid to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% amorphous solid.

[0059] The amorphous solid may be substantially free of plant material.The amorphous solid may be substantially free of tobacco.

[0060] The aerosol former material may include one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol former material may include one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, mesoerythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixtures, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0061] The one or more other functional materials may include one or more of a pH adjuster, a colorant, a preservative, a binder, a filler, a stabilizer, and / or an antioxidant.

[0062] The aerosol-generating material may be on or in a support, forming a substrate. The support may be or comprise, for example, paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, plastic material, ceramic material, composite material, glass, metal, or metal alloy. In some embodiments, the support includes a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or both sides of the material.

[0063] The susceptor is a material that can be heated by penetration by a conveying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be a conductive material, such that penetration of the conductive material by a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material, such that penetration of the magnetic material by a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both conductive and magnetic, such that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. A device configured to generate a varying magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

[0064] An aerosol modifier is a substance, typically located downstream of the aerosol-generation area, configured to modify the generated aerosol, for example, by changing the taste, flavor, acidity, or another property of the aerosol. The aerosol modifier may be provided in an aerosol modifier-releasing component operable to selectively release the aerosol modifier.

[0065] The aerosol modifier may be, for example, an additive or an adsorbent. The aerosol modifier may include, for example, one or more of a flavoring, a colorant, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol modifier may be, for example, a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol modifier may be in the form of a powder, a string, or granules. The aerosol modifier may not include a filtering material.

[0066] An aerosol generator is a device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to thermal energy to release one or more volatile substances from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol.

[0067] 1-3, there are shown schematic perspective, cross-sectional end, and cross-sectional side views of consumable 100. Consumable 100 is for use with an aerosol delivery device 200 for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, such as, for example, device 200 shown in FIG. 8 and described below.

[0068] 1, the consumable 100 in this embodiment extends along axis A. Axis A is a central axis that extends along the length of the consumable 100. In this embodiment, the consumable 100 is elongated in the direction of axis A, however, in other embodiments, the width or diameter of the consumable 100 may be equal to or greater than the dimension of the consumable 100 in the direction of axis A such that the consumable 100 is not elongated.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 2 , the consumable comprises a hollow tube 101. The hollow tube 101 is formed by at least one wall 102. In this embodiment, the hollow tube 101 is cylindrical. Thus, in this embodiment, the wall 102 is cylindrical. More specifically, the wall 102 is annularly cylindrical. The hollow tube 101 includes an inner surface 103. The inner surface 103 may define a hollow 104 in the hollow tube 101. The hollow 104 may define a passageway 105 through the hollow tube 101. The hollow tube 101 may further include an outer surface 106. In this embodiment, the hollow tube 101 is described as being generally circular / cylindrical, however, it will be understood that the hollow tube 101 may take on alternative forms such as, but not limited to, a triangular, square, or rectangular shape.

[0070] 3, a hollow tube 101 has opposite axial ends 107, 108. That is, the hollow tube 101 may have a first end 107 located at the downstream or mouth end of the hollow tube 101 and a second, opposite end 108 located at the upstream end 108 of the hollow tube 101. The hollow tube 101 may be open at the mouth end 107 and the upstream end 108.

[0071] 2 and 3, hollow tube 101 includes an additional aerosol-generating material 109. Aerosol-generating material 109 forms a portion of wall 102 of hollow tube 101. In some embodiments, aerosol-generating material 109 may form a portion of inner surface 103 of hollow tube 101.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 3, a schematic cross-sectional side view of a hollow tube 101 is shown. The hollow tube 101 comprises a first portion 111 and a second portion 112. In FIG. 3, the portions 111, 112 are indicated by a dashed line dividing the hollow tube 101 in half. The first and second portions 111, 112 of the hollow tube 101 may be longitudinally disposed relative to one another. The first portion 111 may extend along a portion of the hollow tube 101. The second portion 112 may extend along a portion 112 of the hollow tube 101. The second portion 112 of the hollow tube 101 may be located downstream from the first portion 111 of the hollow tube 101. In some embodiments, the second portion 112 of the hollow tube 101 may form the mouth end 107. The first portion 111 of the hollow tube 101 may form the upstream end 108. In some embodiments, the first and second portions 111, 112 of the hollow tube 101 may be longitudinally adjacent to one another.

[0073] The first portion 111 of the hollow tube 101 includes an inner surface 113. The inner surface 113 of the first portion 111 may form a portion of the inner surface 105 of the wall 103 of the hollow tube 101. The inner surface 113 of the first portion 111 may extend completely around the passageway 105 of the hollow tube 101. However, it will be understood that in some embodiments, the inner surface 113 of the first portion may extend only partially around the passageway 105 of the hollow tube 101.

[0074] The second portion 112 of the hollow tube 101 includes an inner surface 114. The inner surface 114 of the second portion 112 may form a portion of the inner surface 103 of the wall 102 of the hollow tube 101. The inner surface 114 of the second portion 112 may extend completely around the passageway 105 of the hollow tube 101. However, it will be understood that in some embodiments, the inner surface 114 of the second portion 114 may extend only partially around the passageway 105 of the hollow tube 101.

[0075] The inner surface 113 of the first section 111 of the hollow tube 101 includes a first surface profile. The inner surface 114 of the second section 112 of the hollow tube 101 includes a second surface profile. The second surface profile is rougher than the first surface profile. That is, the surface profile of the inner surface 114 of the second section 112 of the hollow tube 101 is rougher than the surface profile of the inner surface 113 of the first section 111 of the hollow tube 101.

[0076] The second surface profile is rougher than the first surface profile and is configured to induce more turbulent flow of aerosol through the second portion 112 of the hollow tube 101 than through the first portion 111 of the hollow tube 101 during use. The increased turbulence of the aerosol flowing through the second portion 112 of the outer tube 101 may cause a portion of the generated aerosol to condense on the inner surface 114 of the second portion 112. Thus, by depositing aerosol-generating material on the second portion 114, the consumable product 100 can recreate or mimic the experience of consuming a cigarette by increasing the intensity of flavor toward the end of use, and the aerosol deposited on the second portion 114 of the hollow tube 101 can be recycled into aerosol for inhalation.

[0077] The surface profile of the surface of a portion of hollow tube 101 may be determined by the geometry of the surface and / or the surface roughness of the surface. The surface profile of the surface may be made rougher by modifying the geometry or surface roughness to make the flow of aerosol through the portion more turbulent and to cause a greater degree of deposition of the aerosol on the surface of the portion.

[0078] In this embodiment, the second portion 112 is located at the mouth end 107 of the hollow tube 101. The second portion 112 extends from the mouth end 107 of the hollow tube 101. Thus, the first portion 111 is located closer to the upstream end 108 of the hollow tube 101 than the second portion 112.

[0079] In some embodiments, the second portion 112 of the hollow tube 101 may extend from the mouth end 107 of the hollow tube 101 between about 10% and about 50% along the length of the hollow tube 101 .

[0080] 2 and 3, the hollow tube 101 may optionally include a carrier material 116. The carrier material 116 may be formed from, for example, but not limited to, paper, a laminate material such as paper and aluminum, a metal foil, or a cellulose-containing sheet member. The aerosol-generating material 109 may be provided on the carrier material 116. It will be appreciated that the carrier material 116 may therefore contact the inner surface 115 of at least one wall 102 of the hollow tube 101. Furthermore, the carrier material 116 may have an inner surface 117 on which the aerosol-generating material 109 is provided.

[0081] The aerosol-generating material 109 may include an inner surface 118 that faces the passageway 105 of the hollow tube 101. Thus, the aerosol-generating material 109 may form the innermost surface 119 of the hollow tube 101. That is, the inner surface 119 of the aerosol-generating material 109 may form the innermost surface 119 of the hollow tube 101. The inner surface 119 of the aerosol-generating material 109 may define an edge or boundary of the passageway 105.

[0082] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material 109 may be an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating material 109 may be disposed in the second portion 112 of the hollow tube 101. That is, the second portion 112 may have an innermost surface 122 formed by the aerosol-generating material 109.

[0083] Thus, as the generated aerosol enters the rougher second section 112 of the hollow tube 101, the aerosol may experience greater turbulence, causing the aerosol to condense on the innermost surface 122 of the hollow tube 101. The aerosol condensing on the innermost surface 112 of the hollow tube 101 may then be re-aerosolized by airflow along the passageway 105 and / or by further heating of the consumable 100. Thus, a user may be provided with a stronger smoke experience towards the end of use of the consumable, similar to that experienced when smoking a cigarette. The stronger smoke experience may be in terms of more aerosol being generated than at the beginning of use of the consumable, and / or in terms of taste.

[0084] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material 109 may also be disposed in the first portion 111 of the hollow tube 101. That is, the first portion 111 may have an innermost surface 121 formed by the aerosol-generating material 109.

[0085] 3, the second surface profile of the inner surface 114 of the second portion 112 of the hollow tube 101 is rougher than the first surface profile of the inner surface 113 of the first portion 111 of the hollow tube 101. The difference in roughness between the second surface profile of the inner surface 114 of the second portion 112 and the first surface profile of the inner surface 113 of the first portion 111 is due to the surface roughness of the inner surfaces 1113, 114. That is, the inner surface 114 of the second portion 112 has a greater surface roughness than the inner surface 113 of the first portion 111.

[0086] The surface roughness of the inner surface 114 of the second portion 112 may be the surface roughness of the aerosol-generating material 109 that forms the innermost surface 119 of the second portion 112 of the hollow tube 101 .

[0087] Surface roughness may be expressed as Bendtsen smoothness, for example, using the units ml / min Bendtsen smoothness. Thus, any reference herein to units ml / min should be interpreted as ml / min Bendtsen smoothness determined using the Bendtsen apparatus and test as described below.

[0088] The surface roughness of the inner surface 113 of the first portion 111 may be in the range of about 200 ml / min to 600 ml / min as determined using a Bendtsen apparatus. The Bendtsen test may be performed using a Bendtsen tester, such as the K513 by TMI Buchel per ISO 8791-2, which determines the surface roughness by measuring the average air flow between the metal plating and the test sample.

[0089] The Bendtsen smoothness tester may have a measuring head ring with a circumference of 100±0.5 mm, a width of 0.15±0.002 mm, and a ring-to-sample contact pressure of 100 kPa at a measured air pressure of 1.47 kPa. Testing may be performed under standard laboratory conditions, i.e., 23±1°C and 50±2% RH. Roughness testing may be performed to measure ml / min at 1.47 kPa with a 5-second time delay.

[0090] In some embodiments, the surface roughness of the inner surface 113 of the first portion 111 may be in the range of about 200 ml / min to about 400 ml / min. The surface roughness of the inner surface 114 of the second portion 112 may be at least 600 ml / min. In some embodiments, particularly when the second surface profile is formed by an aerosol-generating film, the surface roughness of the inner surface 114 of the second portion 112 may be in the range of about 600 ml / min to about 800 ml / min. In some embodiments, particularly when the second surface profile is formed by an aerosol-generating film, the surface roughness of the inner surface 114 of the second portion 112 may be in the range of about 650 ml / min to about 750 ml / min.

[0091] 4-6, further embodiments of consumables 120, 130, 140 are shown. These embodiments are similar to consumable 100 described above in connection with Figures 2 and 3 and will not be described in detail here. Furthermore, like features and components retain their terminology and reference numbers.

[0092] In these embodiments, the second surface profile of the inner surface 114 of the second portion 112 of the hollow tube 101 is rougher than the first surface profile of the inner surface 113 of the first portion 111 of the hollow tube 101. However, the difference in roughness between the second surface profile of the inner surface 114 of the second portion 112 and the first surface profile of the inner surface 113 of the first portion 111 is due to the different geometries of the first and second portions 111, 112, rather than the surface roughness of the inner surfaces 1113, 114 as in the embodiment shown in FIG.

[0093] 4, it can be seen that the inner surface 113 of the first portion 111 and the inner surface 114 of the second portion 112 of the hollow tube 101 have different geometries. The first surface profile of the inner surface 113 of the first portion 111 may be formed by a circular plane. That is, the inner surface 113 of the first portion 111 may be free of protrusions or recesses that would otherwise cause the surface to be uneven.

[0094] The second surface profile of the inner surface 114 of the second portion 112 of the hollow tube 101 may include a series of ridges 121 and grooves 122. The ridges 121 may extend into the passageway 105 of the hollow tube 101, i.e., toward the central axis A of the hollow tube 101. That is, the ridges 121 may extend inward relative to the inner surface 113 of the first portion 111. The grooves 122 may extend away from the passageway 105 of the hollow tube 101, i.e., away from the central axis A of the hollow tube 101. That is, the grooves 122 may extend outward relative to the inner surface 113 of the first portion 111. It will be understood that the consumable 100 may have a different number of ridges 121 and grooves 122 than those shown in FIG. 4 .

[0095] In some embodiments, a plurality of ridges 121 and grooves 122 may be formed in the aerosol-generating material 109 of the second portion 112 of the hollow tube 101 .

[0096] The ridges 121 and grooves 122 may extend circumferentially around the inner surface 114 of the second portion 112. In this embodiment, the series of ridges 121 and grooves 122 are linear and parallel. That is, the ridges 121 and grooves 122 extend in a plane perpendicular to the central axis A of the hollow tube 101. However, it will be understood that in other embodiments, the series of ridges 121 and grooves 122 may be non-linear and / or non-parallel. That is, at least one ridge and / or groove may be curved, for example, helical, or at least one pair of adjacent ridges 121 and / or grooves 122 may extend at an angle to each other.

[0097] In this embodiment, the pitch between the ridges 121 and grooves 122, i.e., the distance between the peaks of adjacent ridges 121 and the bottoms of adjacent grooves 122, may be constant along the length of the second portion 122 of the hollow tube 101. However, it will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the pitch between the ridges 121 and grooves 122 may vary. That is, the pitch between one pair of adjacent ridges 121 and / or grooves 122 may be different from the pitch between another pair of adjacent ridges 121 and / or grooves 122. In some embodiments, the pitch between adjacent ridges 121 and / or grooves 122 is less nearer the mouth end 107 of the hollow tube 101. The decrease in pitch along the second portion 112 of the hollow tube 101 may decrease linearly toward the mouth end 107. The decrease in pitch along the second portion 112 of the hollow tube 101 may decrease non-linearly toward the mouth end 107. This creates greater turbulence in the flow and may help promote condensation of the aerosol on the inner surface 114 of the second portion 112 of the hollow tube 101 .

[0098] Also, in this embodiment, the heights of the ridges 121 and grooves 122 are equal. However, it will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, at least one of the ridges 121 and / or grooves 122 may have a different height relative to the other ridges 121 and / or grooves 122. In some embodiments, the height of the ridges 121 and / or grooves 122 may increase toward the mouth end 107 of the second portion 112 of the hollow tube 101. The increase in height along the length of the second portion 122 of the hollow tube 101 may increase linearly toward the mouth end 107. The increase in height along the length of the second portion 122 of the hollow tube 101 may increase non-linearly toward the mouth end 107. This may help create greater turbulence in the flow and promote aerosol condensation on the inner surface 114 of the second portion 112 of the hollow tube 101. This may also help create a greater pressure drop through the hollow tube 101.

[0099] The pitch between adjacent ridges 121 and / or grooves 122 may be at least 0.1 mm. That is, the longitudinal pitch between the peaks of the ridges 121 and the valleys of the grooves 122 may be at least 0.1 mm. Thus, the pitch between adjacent ridges 121 may be at least 0.2 mm. The pitch between adjacent grooves 122 may be at least 0.2 mm. In some embodiments, the pitch between adjacent ridges 121 may be in the range of about 0.2 mm to about 1 mm. The height of the ridges 121 and / or grooves 122 may be in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 0.5 mm. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the height of the ridges 121 and / or grooves 122 may be greater than 0.5 mm. In some embodiments, the height of the ridges 121 and / or grooves 122 may be at least 5% of the thickness of the aerosol-generating film. This thickness may be determined by the thickness, i.e., average height, of the aerosol-generating film without the ridges 121 and grooves 122.

[0100] Referring now to Figure 5, another embodiment of the consumable 130 is shown. In this embodiment, the second surface profile of the inner surface 114 of the second portion 112 is shown having a different geometric shape. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the first portion 111 of the hollow tube 112 is the same as that described above in connection with Figure 4. The second surface profile of the inner surface 114 of the second portion 112 may include a plurality of indentations 134.

[0101] In some embodiments, a plurality of depressions 134 may be formed in the aerosol-generating material 109 of the second portion 112 of the hollow tube 101 .

[0102] The plurality of depressions 134 may comprise a plurality of recesses 135 in the inner surface 114 of the second portion 112 of the hollow tube 101. The plurality of recesses 135 may be hemispherical in shape. However, it will be understood that in alternative embodiments, the recesses 135 forming the depressions 134 may have any other shape.

[0103] The plurality of indentations 134 may be disposed along the length of the second portion 112 of the hollow tube 101 and around the entire circumference of the inner surface 114 of the second portion 112 of the hollow tube 101. In this embodiment, the distance between adjacent indentations 134 may be constant along the length of the second portion 112 of the hollow tube 101. However, it will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the distance between adjacent indentations 134 may vary.

[0104] In some embodiments, the distance between adjacent indentations 134 may decrease toward the mouth end 107 of the hollow tube 101. The decrease in distance between adjacent indentations 134 along the second portion 112 of the hollow tube 101 may decrease linearly toward the mouth end 107. The decrease in distance between adjacent indentations 134 along the second portion 112 of the hollow tube 101 may decrease non-linearly toward the mouth end 107. To compensate for the smaller separation distance, more indentations 134 of the same size may be present toward the mouth end 107 of the hollow tube 101, or the size of the indentations 135 may increase. This may create greater turbulence in the flow and help promote condensation of the aerosol on the inner surface 114 of the second portion 112 of the hollow tube 101.

[0105] Also, the depths of the depressions 134 in this embodiment are equal. However, it will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, at least one of the depressions 134 may have a different height relative to the other depressions 134. In some embodiments, the depth of the depressions 134 may increase toward the mouth end 107 of the second portion 112 of the hollow tube 101. The increase in height along the length of the second portion 122 of the hollow tube 101 may increase linearly toward the mouth end 107. The increase in depth along the length of the second portion 122 of the hollow tube 101 may increase non-linearly toward the mouth end 107. This may create greater turbulence in the flow and help promote condensation of the aerosol on the inner surface 114 of the second portion 112 of the hollow tube 101.

[0106] The distance between adjacent depressions 134 may be in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 1 mm. The depth of depressions 134 may be in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 1 mm.

[0107] Referring now to Figure 6, a further embodiment of the consumable 140 is shown. In this embodiment, the second surface profile of the inner surface 114 of the second portion 112 is shown having a different geometric shape. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the first portion 111 of the hollow tube 101 is the same as that described above in connection with Figure 4. The second surface profile of the inner surface 114 of the second portion 112 may include a plurality of inwardly extending protrusions 147.

[0108] In some embodiments, a plurality of inwardly extending protrusions 147 may be formed from the aerosol-generating material 109 within the second portion 112 of the hollow tube 101 .

[0109] The multiple protrusions 147 may be cylindrical and / or rectangular and / or hemispherical in shape, or may take any other form to induce turbulence in the flow of aerosol through the second portion 112 of the hollow tube 101.

[0110] The plurality of protrusions 147 may be disposed along the length of the second portion 112 of the hollow tube 101 and around the entire circumference of the inner surface 114 of the second portion 112 of the hollow tube 101. In this embodiment, the distance between adjacent protrusions 147 may be constant along the length of the second portion 112 of the hollow tube 101. However, it will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the distance between adjacent protrusions 147 may vary.

[0111] In some embodiments, the distance between adjacent protrusions 147 may decrease as one approaches the mouth end 107 of the hollow tube 101. The decrease in distance between adjacent protrusions 147 along the second portion 112 of the hollow tube 101 may decrease linearly toward the mouth end 107. The decrease in distance between adjacent protrusions 147 along the second portion 112 of the hollow tube 101 may decrease non-linearly toward the mouth end 107. To compensate for the smaller separation distance, more protrusions 147 of the same size may be present toward the mouth end 107 of the hollow tube 101, or the size, i.e., thickness, of the protrusions 147 may increase. This may create greater turbulence in the flow and help promote condensation of the aerosol on the inner surface 114 of the second portion 112 of the hollow tube 101.

[0112] Also, in this embodiment, the height of each of the protrusions 147 is equal. However, it will be understood that in alternative embodiments, at least one of the protrusions 147 may have a different height relative to the other protrusions 147. In some embodiments, the height of the protrusions 147 may increase toward the mouth end 107 of the second portion 112 of the hollow tube 101. The increase in height along the length of the second portion 112 of the hollow tube 101 may increase linearly toward the mouth end 107. The increase in height along the length of the second portion 112 of the hollow tube 101 may increase non-linearly toward the mouth end 107. This may create greater turbulence in the flow and help promote condensation of the aerosol on the inner surface 114 of the second portion 112 of the hollow tube 101.

[0113] In this embodiment, the plurality of protrusions 147 extend radially, however, it will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, at least one of the plurality of protrusions 147 may extend in a non-radial direction.

[0114] The distance between adjacent protrusions 147 may be in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 1 mm. The height of protrusions 147 may be in the range of 0.1 mm to about 1 mm.

[0115] 7, there is shown a schematic perspective view of consumable 150. As in the illustrated embodiment, it will be appreciated that consumable 150 may optionally further comprise a filter section 151 and / or a rod of aerosol-generating material 152. Consumable 150 may include hollow tube 101 as described above in connection with any of the preceding consumables 100, 120, 130, 140.

[0116] The filter section 151 may include a filtration core 153 encased in a wrapping material 154. The filtration core 153 may be formed from, for example, but not limited to, cellulose acetate, paper, or tobacco material, a synthetic sheet, or a cellulose sheet in woven or nonwoven form. The wrapping material may be, for example, but not limited to, paper. In some embodiments, if the filter section is a formed hollow tube or paper or cellulose, the wrapping material may be omitted.

[0117] The rod of aerosol-generating material 152 may include an aerosol-generating material core 156 encased in a wrapping material 157. The aerosol-generating material core 156 may include, for example, but not limited to, a tobacco material such as reconstituted tobacco, or an aerosol-generating film such as an amorphous solid gel, or a liquid-impregnated sheet. The wrapping material 157 may be, for example, but not limited to, paper.

[0118] 8 illustrates a system including consumables 100, 120, 130, 140 and a non-combustion aerosol delivery device 200. Non-combustion aerosol delivery device 200 includes an area 201 for receiving consumable 100 and an aerosol generator 202. Aerosol generator 202 is configured to heat aerosol-generating material A of consumable 100 when consumable 100 is received within area 201 to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user.

[0119] Non-combustion aerosol delivery device 200 further comprises power source 203, controller 204, and puff sensor 205. In use, a user first inserts distal end B of consumable 100 into an area for receiving consumable 201 and activates aerosol generator 202 to generate an aerosol for inhalation. The user may then draw on mouth end C of consumable 100, or alternatively, draw on a mouthpiece (not shown) of non-combustion aerosol delivery device 200 to inhale the aerosol.

[0120] In the illustrated example, consumable 100 and non-combustion aerosol delivery device 200 are configured so that mouth end C protrudes from area 201 for receiving consumable 100 when mouth end C is fully inserted into non-combustion aerosol delivery device 200. Thus, mouth end C is available to be placed between a user's lips while the user is holding the device.

[0121] Puff sensor 205 is configured to detect when a user inhales on mouth end C of consumable 100 in non-combustion aerosol delivery device 200 and send a signal to controller 204 to activate aerosol generator 202. Thus, aerosol is generated simultaneously with the user inhaling the consumable. Alternatively, non-combustion aerosol delivery device 200 may be provided with a user interface, such as a button (not shown), that a user can press to cause activation of aerosol generator 202.

[0122] Aerosol generator 202 includes any suitable means for heating aerosol-generating material A of consumable 100 received within region 201 of non-combustion aerosol delivery device 200. Power for aerosol generator 202 is provided by power source 203, which in the illustrated example is a power source 203 such as a battery 203.

[0123] In one example, the aerosol generator 202 includes a magnetic field generator configured to generate a varying magnetic field that penetrates the region 201 for receiving the consumable 100. The varying magnetic field heats a susceptor disposed within the region 201 for receiving the consumable 100. This example is used when the consumable 100 includes a susceptor that is in thermal contact with an aerosol-generating material A. Thus, when such a consumable 100 is placed within the non-combustion aerosol-delivery device 200 and the aerosol generator 202 is activated, the transport magnetic field penetrates the susceptor of the consumable 100 and heats the aerosol-generating material A that is in thermal contact with the susceptor, generating an aerosol for inhalation by a user.

[0124] In another example, the aerosol generator 202 includes a susceptor in thermal contact with the region 201 for receiving the consumable 100 and a magnetic field generator for generating a varying magnetic field that penetrates the susceptor. The varying magnetic field heats the susceptor by magnetic hysteresis. The susceptor then heats the region 201 for receiving the consumable. Thus, when the consumable 100 is placed in the non-combustion aerosol delivery device 200 and the aerosol generator 202 is activated, the varying magnetic field penetrates the susceptor and heats the region 201 where the consumable 100 is received. The heat is transferred to the aerosol-generating material A of the consumable 100, generating an aerosol for inhalation by the user.

[0125] In such an embodiment, the susceptor may be a wall of the region 201 for receiving the consumable 100, and the consumable 100 may be configured to be in direct contact with the wall for efficient heat transfer. Alternatively, the susceptor may include one or more protrusions (not shown) that stand up within the region 201 for receiving the consumable. Thus, the susceptor may be directly positionable within the consumable 100.

[0126] It will be appreciated that in each of the exemplary susceptor configurations described above, the susceptor is configured to be positioned in proximity to, but prevented from direct contact with, aerosol-forming material A.

[0127] In another example, the aerosol generator 202 includes a material that can be heated by electrical conduction, and the material is provided in thermal contact with the area 201 for receiving the consumable 100. Thus, when the consumable is placed in the non-combustion aerosol delivery device 200 and the aerosol generator 202 is activated, an electric current is passed through the material to heat the area 201 for receiving the consumable 100. The heat is transferred to the aerosol-generating material A of the consumable 100, generating an aerosol for inhalation by the user. In such an embodiment, the material may be a wall of the area 201 for receiving the consumable 100, and the consumable 100 may be configured to be in direct contact with the wall for efficient heat transfer.

[0128] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in the understanding and teaching of the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as a representative sample of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on the equivalents of the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the present invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of any suitable combination of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. Furthermore, the present disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. 1. A consumable for use with an aerosol delivery device, the consumable comprising: A hollow tube containing an aerosol-forming material, the aerosol-forming material forming a portion of the wall of the hollow tube. It is equipped with an interior surface of the first portion of the hollow tube including a first surface profile; an inner surface of the second portion of the hollow tube including a second surface profile, the second surface profile being rougher than the first surface profile; The second portion extends from a mouth end of the hollow tube.

2. The consumable of claim 1 , wherein the hollow tube comprises a carrier material, and the aerosol-forming material is provided on the carrier material.

3. The consumable product of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the aerosol-forming material forms the innermost surface of the hollow tube.

4. The consumable product of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the surface profile of the second portion is formed by an aerosol-forming material.

5. The consumable product according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the aerosol-forming material is an aerosol-forming film.

6. The consumable product of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second surface profile of the second portion has a greater surface roughness than the first surface profile of the first portion.

7. The consumable of claim 6 , wherein the surface roughness of the second portion ranges from about 200 ml / min to about 800 ml / min.

8. The consumable of claim 7 , wherein the surface roughness of the second portion ranges from about 600 ml / min to about 800 ml / min.

9. 9. The consumable of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second surface profile of the second portion of the hollow tube comprises a series of linear, parallel ridges and grooves extending circumferentially around the inner surface of the second portion.

10. 10. The consumable of claim 9, wherein the pitch between adjacent ridges is in the range of about 0.2 mm to 1 mm.

11. The consumable product of claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the height of the ridges and / or grooves is in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 0.5 mm.

12. The consumable product of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second surface profile of the second portion comprises a plurality of depressions.

13. The consumable of claim 12, wherein the distance between adjacent depressions is within the range of about 0.1 mm to about 1 mm.

14. The consumable product of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the depth of the depression is in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 1 mm.

15. The consumable product of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second surface profile of the second portion includes a plurality of inwardly extending protrusions.

16. 16. The consumable of claim 15, wherein the distance between adjacent protrusions is within the range of about 0.1 mm to about 1 mm.

17. The consumable product according to claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the height of the protrusions is within the range of about 0.1 mm to about 1 mm.

18. 18. The consumable product of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the second portion of the hollow tube extends from the mouth end of the hollow tube about 10% to about 50% along the length of the hollow tube.

19. A consumable product according to any preceding claim, wherein the roughness of the second surface profile of the second portion increases towards the mouth end.

20. 1. A system comprising: A consumable product according to any one of claims 1 to 19; an aerosol delivery device having a receptacle; It is equipped with the receptacle has a heating portion capable of receiving the consumable during use to heat the consumable and generate an aerosol; The system, wherein the device and the consumable are configured such that when the consumable is received therein, the second portion of the hollow tube of the consumable is positioned completely within the heating portion.

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