Aerosol-generating article containing an aversive flavoring agent within a removable wrapper

Abstract

An aerosol-generating article (100) is provided. The aerosol-generating article (100) comprises an aerosol-generating rod. The aerosol-generating rod comprises an aerosol-generating substrate (12) configured to be heated during use of the aerosol-generating article (100). The aerosol-generating article (100) further comprises a removable wrapper (80), the removable wrapper (80) enclosing at least a portion of the aerosol-generating rod. The removable wrapper (80) is configured to be removed prior to heating the aerosol-generating substrate (12). The removable wrapper (80) comprises at least one flavoring agent, including an aversive agent.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate and adapted to generate an inhalable aerosol upon heating. In particular, the present invention relates to an aerosol-generating article comprising a flavorant, such as an aversive agent, a desirable flavor-containing substance, or both an aversive agent and a desirable flavor-containing substance. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol-generating articles in which an aerosol-generating substrate, such as a tobacco-containing substrate, is heated rather than combusted 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 located in contact with, within, around, or downstream of the heat source. During use of the aerosol-generating article, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-generating substrate by heat transfer from the heat source and are entrained in the air drawn through the aerosol-generating article. As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol.

[0003] WO 2016 / 156209 A1 describes an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate and a mouthpiece axially aligned with each other. The mouthpiece comprises a mouthpiece wrapper surrounding one or more mouthpiece segments. The tipping wrapper wraps around the mouthpiece and at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate. The tipping wrapper comprises a removable tipping wrapper portion covering a portion of the mouthpiece wrapper. The aerosol-generating article further comprises at least one flavorant provided between the removable tipping wrapper portion and the underlying mouthpiece wrapper portion. The flavorant is a substance that can be used to deliver at least one of taste and smell sensations to the consumer during normal use of the aerosol-generating article. For example, a consumer can choose to remove the removable tipping wrapper portion before using the aerosol-generating article to provide a flavorful smoking experience.

[0004] Numerous prior art documents disclose aerosol generating devices for consuming aerosol-generating articles. Such devices include, for example, electrically heated aerosol generating devices in which aerosol is generated by heat transfer from one or more electric heater elements of the aerosol generating device to an aerosol-generating substrate of a heated aerosol-generating article. For example, an electrically heated aerosol generating device has been proposed that includes an internal heater blade adapted to be inserted into the aerosol-generating substrate. Alternatively, WO 2015 / 176898 proposes an inductively heated aerosol-generating article that includes an aerosol-generating substrate and a susceptor disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0005] For example, there is a commonly felt need to prevent and deter risky behavior, such as accidental ingestion, particularly by children, of objects containing aerosol-generating articles and their components. The risks associated with such behaviors may be increased for aerosol-generating articles that include hard parts, such as in the case of susceptor elements embedded within the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0006] The use of compounds with unpleasant, e.g., bitter, tastes as aversive agents is known. As an example, denatonium benzoate has been proposed as a deterrent to accidental ingestion of toxic substances, such as liquid surfactants, by children. For use in this context, denatonium benzoate, among other candidate compounds, has been selected based on its existing use in alcohol as a denaturant and in thumb-sucking and nail-biting deterrent products.

[0007] It has also been proposed to utilize the unpleasant bitter flavor associated with certain aversive agents to encourage consumers to quit smoking. For example, WO 2019 / 056029 A1 discloses a smoking cessation attachment that fits onto the circumferential surface of a cigarette and can come into contact with the consumer's lips during cigarette use. 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 cigarette use.

[0008] In contrast to the smoking cessation attachment disclosed by WO 2019 / 056029 A1, which aims to make the intended use of cigarettes very unpleasant for the consumer, in the context of the present disclosure there is a felt need to deter and prevent misuse of the aerosol-generating article (such as ingesting or chewing the aerosol-generating article), while at the same time aiming to ensure that the normal intended use of the aerosol-generating article is not substantially affected.

[0009] Indeed, the technical solution disclosed by WO 2019 / 056029 A1 substantially relies on direct contact between the attachment and the consumer's lips to intentionally deliver bitter tastants to the consumer and induce an unpleasant sensory response during normal use of a cigarette. In the opposite manner, in the present context, contact between the aerosol-generating article and the consumer's lips and oral mucosa during normal use of the aerosol-generating article is not associated with any kind of strong unpleasant taste response, and it is desirable that the particular compound used as this aversive agent be able to evoke a taste response even at higher dilutions.

[0010] Furthermore, it must be kept in mind that aversive agents can have an undesirable effect on the quality of the aerosol delivered to the consumer, especially if even trace amounts of the aversive agent may volatilize into the aerosol upon heating of the aerosol-generating substrate and therefore be delivered to the consumer. It is therefore beneficial to have the aversive agent absent when not desired by the user.

[0011] Furthermore, there is a generally felt need to be able to easily modify the flavor of an aerosol-generating article, for example, by using flavorings. Flavored aerosol-generating articles are generally known in the art. Ease of modification can be particularly beneficial, for example, during product development. When modifying the flavor of an aerosol-generating article, minimal modifications to the aerosol-generating article are desired.

[0012] It would therefore be desirable to provide new and improved aerosol-generating articles that are adapted to deter ingestion of the aerosol-generating article or components thereof, while facilitating the modification of the flavor of the aerosol-generating article, but where both or either of these features are provided only when needed and are not present when not desired by the user. Summary of the Invention

[0013] The present disclosure relates to aerosol-generating articles, particularly for generating inhalable aerosols upon heating.

[0014] The aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol-generating rod. The aerosol-generating rod may comprise an aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating substrate may be configured to be heated during use of the aerosol-generating article.

[0015] The aerosol-generating article may include a removable wrapper that may surround at least a portion of the aerosol-generating rod.

[0016] Advantageously, the removable wrapper provides additional mechanical protection to the integrity of the aerosol-generating rod, maintaining the original factory condition of the aerosol-generating rod over time.

[0017] The removable wrapper may be configured to be removed prior to heating the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0018] The removable wrapper may include at least one flavoring agent.

[0019] Advantageously, the flavoring may be left in place if desired, but may be removed by the user prior to use of the aerosol-generating article if desired. Furthermore, such an arrangement allows for easy modification of the flavoring during product development without having to completely change the underlying aerosol-generating rod.

[0020] In the context of the present invention, the term "aerosol-generating rod" is used herein to mean all components of an aerosol-generating article excluding a removable wrapper. The aerosol-generating rod may include an aerosol-generating substrate and additional components, as disclosed below.

[0021] The removable wrapper may comprise an outer layer and an inner layer, which may be positioned between the outer surface of the aerosol-generating rod and the outer layer when the removable wrapper surrounds at least a portion of the aerosol-generating rod.

[0022] The at least one flavouring agent may comprise an aversive agent. Advantageously, if the removable wrapper is configured to be removed before heating the aerosol-generating substrate, the aversive agent may be removed from the article together with the removable wrapper before use such that the outer surface of the aerosol-generating rod is exposed, but may prevent inadvertent ingestion of the article when the aerosol-generating article including the removable wrapper is placed in the mouth.

[0023] The outer layer may include an aversive agent, which may advantageously be present on the outer surface of the article, as this may allow the aversive agent to act more quickly to prevent inadvertent ingestion of the article when the aerosol-generating article is placed in the mouth.

[0024] The outer layer can be 5 micrometers to 25 micrometers thick. The outer layer can be 5 micrometers to 15 micrometers thick. The outer layer can comprise a cellulosic or polymeric film.

[0025] The inner layer may include an adhesive, which may form a bonded layer over the inner layer. Advantageously, this may prevent the removable wrapper from being inadvertently removed before its intended time of removal. For example, the removable wrapper may be secured to the aerosol-generating rod and not accidentally slip off.

[0026] The inner layer can be 5 micrometers to 25 micrometers thick. The inner layer can be 5 micrometers to 15 micrometers thick. The inner layer can include an acrylic adhesive or a UV acrylate adhesive.

[0027] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article may include at least one additional flavoring agent.

[0028] The at least one additional flavoring agent may comprise a desired flavor-containing substance. Advantageously, the flavor-containing substance may add flavor to the aerosol-generating rod so that the user can experience a flavor when the aerosol-generating substrate is heated.

[0029] The term "flavor-containing substance" is used herein to describe a compound or substance that can provide a taste to a user when placed in the user's mouth or that can impart a taste or flavor on additional surfaces that come into contact with the flavor-containing substance. The term "desirable flavor-containing substance" is used herein to describe a flavor-containing substance that can provide a desired, intended, or positive taste or flavor to a user when placed in the user's mouth or that can impart a desired, intended, or positive taste or flavor on additional surfaces that come into contact with the flavor-containing substance. In the context of the present invention, the term "desirable flavor-containing substance" may be used interchangeably with the term "non-aversive flavor-containing substance" because the flavor-containing substance does not produce an aversive taste or flavor and is not intended to discourage or restrict ingestion of the aerosol-generating article or its components.

[0030] The desired flavor-containing substance may be configured to be tasted by the user during normal use of the aerosol-generating article.

[0031] The desired flavor-containing substance may comprise one or more flavor compounds to provide a desired flavor upon heating of the aerosol-generating rod. Suitable flavors for use in the flavor-delivery substance of the present invention are well known to those skilled in the art. The flavor may comprise one or more natural flavors, one or more synthetic flavors, or a combination of natural and synthetic flavors. Suitable flavors include, but are not limited to, natural or synthetic menthol, mint flavors such as peppermint or spearmint, coffee flavors, spice flavors (such as cinnamon, clove, and ginger), cocoa flavors, vanilla flavors, fruit flavors, chocolate flavors, licorice flavors, citrus flavors, gamma octalactone, vanillin, ethyl vanillin, breath freshener flavors, methyl salicylate, linalool, bergamot oil, geranium oil, lemon oil, ginger oil, tobacco flavors, tea flavors, wine flavors, berry flavors, eucalyptus, geranium, eugenol, agave, juniper, anethole, and linalool. In some embodiments, the inner layer of the removable wrapper may contain the desired flavor-containing substance in a desired flavor-containing substance layer.

[0032] The desired flavor-containing substance layer may be at least partially positioned between the adhesive layer and the aerosol-generating rod when the removable wrapper surrounds at least a portion of the aerosol-generating rod. When the removable wrapper surrounds at least a portion of the aerosol-generating rod, the flavor-containing substance layer may not extend between the adhesive layer and the entire aerosol-generating rod. In other words, the adhesive layer may be in at least partial direct contact with the aerosol-generating rod when the removable wrapper surrounds at least a portion of the aerosol-generating rod. Advantageously, this allows the adhesive to be more securely attached to the aerosol-generating rod because it is not completely covered by the flavor-containing substance layer.

[0033] In certain embodiments, the desired flavor-containing layer may be provided on the inner surface of the inner layer of the removable wrapper. Thus, the desired flavor-containing layer may advantageously contact the outer surface of the aerosol-generating rod. The desired flavor-containing layer may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating rod when the removable wrapper surrounds at least a portion of the aerosol-generating rod.

[0034] If the inner layer includes an adhesive that forms an adhesive layer across the inner layer, the flavor-containing layer may be at least partially positioned on the adhesive layer. Alternatively, the flavor-containing substance may be provided with the adhesive in a single layer that extends over the inner surface of the inner wrapper.

[0035] In this manner, the desired flavor-containing substance may be configured to impart a taste or flavor onto the outer surface of the aerosol-generating rod prior to removal of the removable wrapper, which taste or flavor may then advantageously be experienced by the user through use of the aerosol-generating rod after the removable wrapper has been removed.

[0036] In particular, desirable flavour-containing substances may impart flavour to the aerosol-generating rod so that heating of the aerosol-generating substrate may impart flavour to the aerosol generated during use of the aerosol-generating article.

[0037] Desirable flavor-containing substances can impart flavor to the mouthpiece portion of the aerosol-generating rod so that the user experiences the flavor through direct contact of the user's mouth or lips with the mouthpiece portion.

[0038] The desired flavor-containing substance layer may extend substantially the entire length of the aerosol-generating rod parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating rod when the removable wrapper surrounds at least a portion of the aerosol-generating rod. Advantageously, the desired flavor-containing substance layer is thus disposed along the length of the aerosol-generating rod such that flavor is experienced by the user through use of the aerosol-generating rod, through direct contact of the user's mouth or lips with the mouthpiece portion, and by the desired flavor-containing substance imparting flavor to the aerosol generated during use of the aerosol-generating article upon heating the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0039] The desired flavor-containing material may include at least one of a micropowder and a microencapsulated flavor, the micropowder and the microencapsulated flavor being contained in an acrylic compound.

[0040] The removable wrapper may include an impermeable core layer. The impermeable core layer may be impermeable to at least one flavorant.

[0041] The impermeable core layer may be positioned between the outer surface of the aerosol-generating rod and the outer layer when the removable wrapper surrounds at least a portion of the aerosol-generating rod, advantageously preventing migration of an aversive agent provided on the outer layer into the aerosol-generating rod.

[0042] The inner layer may be positioned between the outer surface of the aerosol-generating rod and the impermeable core layer when the removable wrapper surrounds at least a portion of the aerosol-generating rod. The impermeable core layer may be positioned between the inner layer and the outer layer. Thus, desirable flavor-containing substances provided in the inner layer may be advantageously prevented from migrating to the outside of the removable wrapper.

[0043] The impermeable core layer can be 5 micrometers to 45 micrometers thick. The impermeable core layer can be 5 micrometers to 25 micrometers thick. The impermeable core layer can include at least one of polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), biaxially oriented polyester film, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film.

[0044] The removable wrapper may surround the entire length of the aerosol-generating rod. Advantageously, therefore, the entire length of the aerosol-generating article contains flavorant. Thus, once the removable wrapper is removed, any portion of the aerosol-generating rod that is tasted by the user contains any aversive agents, if present, and / or desirable flavor-containing substances, if present.

[0045] The removable wrapper may be configured to be peeled off from the aerosol-generating rod prior to heating the aerosol-generating substrate.The aerosol-generating rod may be a cylindrical aerosol-generating rod.

[0046] The aerosol-generating substrate may further comprise a susceptor element. The aerosol-generating substrate may be configured to be inductively heated. The aerosol-generating substrate may be configured to be resistively heated.

[0047] The removable wrapper may enclose at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate. The removable wrapper may enclose the entire length of the aerosol-generating substrate. This may be particularly advantageous where the removable wrapper comprises at least one aversive agent, as this reduces the risk of inadvertent ingestion of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0048] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate may be in the form of an aerosol-generating stick. The aerosol-generating stick may comprise a susceptor element, which is thermally coupled to the aerosol-generating substrate. More particularly, this may be achieved by having the susceptor element extend longitudinally within the aerosol-generating stick and embedded within the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0049] As one example, the aerosol-generating stick may comprise a sheet of homogenized tobacco material assembled to form a stick extending along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article. The susceptor elements may be embedded within the assembly of the sheet of homogenized tobacco material. Alternatively, the aerosol-generating stick may comprise cut filler obtained by cutting tobacco leaf material or reconstituted or homogenized tobacco material. The susceptor elements may be embedded within the cut filler, for example, so as to be surrounded by the cut filler.

[0050] The aerosol-generating substrate preferably includes one or more aerosol formers. Upon volatilization, the aerosol formers can carry other vaporized compounds, such as nicotine and flavorants in the aerosol, that are released from the primary aerosol-generating substrate upon heating. Aerosol formers suitable 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).

[0051] 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.

[0052] Preferably, the aerosol-generating substrate has an aerosol-former content of at least about 10 weight percent on a dry weight basis, more preferably at least about 15 weight percent on a dry weight basis.

[0053] The aerosol-generating substrate preferably has an aerosol-former content of about 25 weight percent or less on a dry weight basis, more preferably about 20 weight percent or less on a dry weight basis.

[0054] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate has an aerosol former content of from 5 to 25 percent by weight on a dry weight basis, preferably from 10 to 25 percent by weight on a dry weight basis, and more preferably from 15 to 25 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. In other embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate has an aerosol former content of from 5 to 20 percent by weight on a dry weight basis, preferably from 10 to 20 percent by weight on a dry weight basis, and more preferably from 15 to 20 percent by weight on a dry weight basis.

[0055] These relatively high levels of aerosol formers are particularly suitable for aerosol-generating substrates intended to be heated at temperatures below 275 degrees Celsius.

[0056] The aversive agent may have a bitter taste or flavor. The aversive agent may be a pungent or bitter agent.

[0057] The term "aversive agent" is used herein to describe a compound that can be added to a product for the purpose of deterring or limiting its ingestion. The chemical properties of the aversive agent determine the type of product to which it can be added. In particular, the chemical properties of the aversive agent determine the type of adhesive to which it can be added. For example, chemical stability and solubility may affect the compatibility of an aversive agent with a given type of product. Examples of aversive agents include pungent agents (also called irritants) and bitter agents.

[0058] The term "pungent agents" is used herein to describe a group of compounds that produce a sharp, tingling taste and burning sensation when applied topically to mucosal and skin surfaces. Common pungent agents include, but are not limited to, capsaicin (hot pepper), piperine (black pepper), allyl isothiocyanate (mustard oil), and resiniferatoxin.

[0059] The term "bittering agents" is used herein to describe a group of chemically distinct compounds that share the common trait of imparting a bitter taste to a substance. Compounds that are considered to be bittering agents include, but are not limited to, denatonium benzoate, columbin, amarogentin, quassin, absinthin, and quinine hydrochloride.

[0060] The "bitterness value" of a given substance, such as a bittering 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 bitterness concentration of an extract of the substance with that of a dilute solution of quinine hydrochloride.

[0061] The bitterness value of quinine hydrochloride is set at 200,000, which means that 1 gram of quinine hydrochloride will make 200,000 grams of water taste bitter.

[0062] To assess the bitterness value of a given test compound, stock solutions and quinine hydrochloride dilutions at increasing concentrations of quinine hydrochloride are prepared as standards. In parallel, stock solutions and dilutions of the test compound at increasing concentrations of the given compound are also prepared.

[0063] A test panel is assembled, and a correction factor may be determined for each panel member based on the member's response to the taste of the quinine hydrochloride standard to correct for individual differences in bitter taste perception among members of the test panel.

[0064] Before each tasting, the test panel members rinsed their mouths with drinking water. The highest dilution that still tasted bitter was determined by taking 10 milliliters of the most dilute solution into their mouths and passing it side to side across the back of their tongue for 30 seconds. If the solution was found not to taste bitter, the test panel members spat it out, waited one minute, and then rinsed their mouths again with drinking water. After 10 minutes, they tasted the next dilution of increasing concentration.

[0065] For each test panel member, the highest dilution at which the test compound continues to elicit bitterness after 30 seconds is taken as the individual threshold bitter concentration. The bitterness value of the test compound results from calculating the average of the individual threshold bitter concentrations of all test panel members.

[0066] The aversive agent may include a pungent agent or a bitter agent, or both.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the aversive agent is a bitter agent.

[0068] The aversive agent may have a bitterness value of at least 10,000. The aversive agent may in particular have a bitterness value of at least 500,000. Preferably, the aversive agent has a bitterness value of at least 1,000,000. More preferably, the aversive agent has a bitterness value of at least 2,500,000. Even more preferably, the aversive agent has a bitterness value of at least 5,000,000.

[0069] In particularly preferred embodiments, the aversive agent has a bitterness value of at least 10,000,000. More preferably, the aversive agent has a bitterness value of at least 25,000,000. Even more preferably, the aversive agent has a bitterness value of at least 50,000,000.

[0070] Denatonium benzoate is generally considered to be the most bitter compound known, with a bitterness value estimated to be in excess of 100,000,000.

[0071] The table below lists some known bittering agents along with their respective bitterness values. [Table 1]

[0072] In some embodiments, the aversive agent is selected from the group consisting of denatonium benzoate, columbin, amarogentin, quasin, absinthin, quinine hydrochloride, and combinations thereof. For example, denatonium benzoate is commercially available under the trade name Bitrex®.

[0073] The aversive agent may comprise at least one of 11β,13-dihydrolactucin, lactucin, 8-deoxy-lactucin, dihydro-8-deoxylactucin, dihydrolactucopicrin, lactucopicrin, lactuside C (jaquinelin glucoside) and dihydro-lactucopicrin oxalate, most preferably the guaianolides lactocin and 8-oxy-ctocin. Advantageously, the aversive agent is obtained from a by-product of the industrial processing of chicory. Thus, the aversive agent is easily sourced and inexpensive to produce.

[0074] Aversive agents may have boiling points above 450 degrees Celsius. Advantageously, therefore, the aversive agent has low volatility, so that the aversive agent can be easily extracted from aqueous waste by evaporating the water.

[0075] In the aerosol-generating article according to the invention, the aversive agent may be provided at a concentration of at least 1 ppm relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article. Preferably, the aversive agent is provided at a concentration of at least 2 ppm relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article. More preferably, the aversive agent is provided at a concentration of at least 5 ppm relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article.

[0076] In preferred embodiments, the aversive agent is provided at a concentration of at least 10 ppm relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article. Preferably, the aversive agent is provided at a concentration of at least 25 ppm relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article. More preferably, the aversive agent is provided at a concentration of at least 50 ppm relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article.

[0077] In the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention, the aversive agent may be provided at a concentration of 250 ppm or less relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article. Preferably, the aversive agent may be provided at a concentration of 200 ppm or less relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article. More preferably, the aversive agent may be provided at a concentration of 150 ppm or less relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article.

[0078] In some embodiments, the aversive agent may be provided at a concentration of 2 ppm to 250 ppm relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article, preferably 5 ppm to 250 ppm relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article, more preferably 10 ppm to 250 ppm relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article, even more preferably 25 ppm to 250 ppm relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article, and most preferably 50 ppm to 250 ppm relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article.

[0079] In other embodiments, the aversive agent may be provided at a concentration of 2 ppm to 200 ppm relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article, preferably 5 ppm to 200 ppm relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article, more preferably 10 ppm to 200 ppm relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article, even more preferably 25 ppm to 200 ppm relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article, and most preferably 50 ppm to 200 ppm relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article.

[0080] In a further embodiment, the aversive agent may be provided at a concentration of 2 ppm to 100 ppm relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article, preferably 5 ppm to 100 ppm relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article, more preferably 10 ppm to 100 ppm relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article, even more preferably 25 ppm to 100 ppm relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article, and most preferably 50 ppm to 100 ppm relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article.

[0081] In aerosol-generating articles according to the invention, the total amount of aversive agent may be at least 0.5 micrograms. Preferably, the total amount of aversive agent is at least 0.75 micrograms. More preferably, the total amount of aversive agent is at least 1.0 micrograms. Even more preferably, the total amount of aversive agent is at least 1.5 micrograms. In particularly preferred embodiments, the total amount of aversive agent is at least 2 micrograms, preferably at least 2.5 micrograms, more preferably at least 2.7 micrograms.

[0082] In aerosol-generating articles according to the invention, the total amount of aversive agents may be 50 micrograms or less. Preferably, the total amount of aversive agents is 45 micrograms or less. More preferably, the total amount of aversive agents is 40 micrograms or less. Even more preferably, the total amount of aversive agents is 35 micrograms or less. In particularly preferred embodiments, the total amount of aversive agents is 30 micrograms or less, preferably 28 micrograms or less, more preferably 27 micrograms or less.

[0083] In some embodiments, the total amount of aversive agent in the aerosol-generating article is between 0.5 micrograms and 50 micrograms, preferably between 0.75 micrograms and 50 micrograms, more preferably between 1.0 micrograms and 50 micrograms, even more preferably between 1.5 micrograms and 50 micrograms, and especially preferably between 2.0 micrograms and 50 micrograms, or between 2.5 micrograms and 50 micrograms, or between 2.7 micrograms and 50 micrograms.

[0084] In other embodiments, the total amount of aversive agent in the aerosol-generating article is between 0.5 micrograms and 45 micrograms, preferably between 0.75 micrograms and 45 micrograms, more preferably between 1.0 micrograms and 45 micrograms, even more preferably between 1.5 micrograms and 45 micrograms, and especially preferably between 2.0 micrograms and 45 micrograms, or between 2.5 micrograms and 45 micrograms, or between 2.7 micrograms and 45 micrograms.

[0085] In a further embodiment, the total amount of aversive agent in the aerosol-generating article is from 0.5 micrograms to 40 micrograms, preferably from 0.75 micrograms to 40 micrograms, more preferably from 1.0 micrograms to 40 micrograms, even more preferably from 1.5 micrograms to 40 micrograms, and especially preferably from 2.0 micrograms to 40 micrograms, or from 2.5 micrograms to 40 micrograms, or from 2.7 micrograms to 40 micrograms.

[0086] In still further embodiments, the total amount of aversive agent in the aerosol-generating article is between 0.5 micrograms and 35 micrograms, preferably between 0.75 micrograms and 35 micrograms, more preferably between 1.0 micrograms and 35 micrograms, even more preferably between 1.5 micrograms and 35 micrograms, and especially preferably between 2.0 micrograms and 35 micrograms, or between 2.5 micrograms and 35 micrograms, or between 2.7 micrograms and 35 micrograms.

[0087] In another group of embodiments, the total amount of aversive 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, even more preferably from 1.5 micrograms to 30 micrograms, and especially preferably from 2.0 micrograms to 30 micrograms, or from 2.5 micrograms to 30 micrograms, or from 2.7 micrograms to 30 micrograms.

[0088] In a further group of embodiments, the total amount of aversive 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, even more preferably from 1.5 micrograms to 27 micrograms, and especially preferably from 2.0 micrograms to 27 micrograms, or from 2.5 micrograms to 27 micrograms, or from 2.7 micrograms to 27 micrograms.

[0089] The aerosol-generating article may further comprise a downstream section extending from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The downstream section may comprise one or more elements.

[0090] The downstream section may include a tubular segment comprising a wall and a hollow lumen bounded by the wall and defining an airflow channel extending from an upstream end of the tubular segment to a downstream end of the tubular segment.

[0091] The tubular segment may be included in one of a downstream section support element, an aerosol cooling element, and a mouthpiece element, each of which elements is disclosed in more detail below.

[0092] The tubular segment of the downstream section may comprise at least one of cellulose acetate fibers, polylactic acid fibers, polyhydroxybutyrate fibers, and polyhydroxyalkanoate fibers. The diameter of the hollow lumen may be at least 45 percent of the total outer diameter of the downstream section. The tubular segment may further comprise a tube defining an airflow channel. The tube may be a cardboard tube. The aerosol-generating article may further comprise an article wrapper or outer wrapper surrounding at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate and at least one of the downstream section. The article wrapper may be configured so that it is not removed prior to heating the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0093] In some embodiments, the downstream section may comprise a support element positioned downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the support element may be provided immediately downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate, and preferably adjacent to the aerosol-generating substrate. The support element may be in the form of, for example, a cellulose acetate plug. The support element may be hollow. In some embodiments, the support element may be surrounded by its own plug wrap.

[0094] 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 a case, all three elements may be disposed in abutting relationship along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article.

[0095] In certain embodiments, the aerosol cooling element may be provided in the form of a hollow tubular element that includes a ventilation zone, as described below, that may be disposed along the hollow tubular element of the aerosol cooling element and is configured to allow ingress of air from the external environment when a 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 a support element upstream of the aerosol cooling element may be combined and surrounded by a single plug wrap.

[0096] The downstream section may include a mouthpiece element. The mouthpiece element may be located at the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article and, therefore, may be located downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate as well as any other one of the optional elements of the downstream section. The mouthpiece element extends all the way to the mouth end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0097] Preferably, the mouthpiece element comprises at least one mouthpiece filter segment of a fibrous filtration material. Suitable fibrous filtration materials will be known to those skilled in the art. Particularly preferably, the at least one mouthpiece filter segment comprises a cellulose acetate filter segment formed from cellulose acetate tow.

[0098] The removable wrapper may surround at least a portion of the mouthpiece element or mouthpiece filter segment. The removable wrapper may surround the entire length of the mouthpiece element or mouthpiece filter segment. In particular, if the removable wrapper contains at least one desirable flavor-containing substance, this may be advantageous because the user may experience the desirable flavor-containing substance during normal use of the aerosol-generating rod.

[0099] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the downstream section may include a mouth-end recess at a downstream end downstream of the mouthpiece filter segment as described above. The mouth-end cavity may be defined by a hollow tubular element provided at the downstream end of the mouthpiece. The mouth-end cavity may be defined by a mouthpiece wrapper of the mouthpiece element, the mouthpiece wrapper extending downstream from the mouthpiece element.

[0100] The mouthpiece element may optionally include a flavorant, which may be 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.

[0101] Preferably, the mouthpiece element has a low particle filtration efficiency.

[0102] Preferably, the mouthpiece is formed from a segment of fibrous filtering material.

[0103] In some embodiments, the mouthpiece element is surrounded by its own plug wrap.

[0104] 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 to prevent migration of the aversive agent to the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article. This is beneficial in that it provides an additional barrier layer between the aversive 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 may allow the aversive agent to reach the consumer in the event of inadvertent ingestion of the article, etc.

[0105] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article may further comprise at least one ventilation zone that allows air to enter the aerosol-generating article. Preferably, at least one ventilation zone is provided around the downstream section.

[0106] Introducing ventilation air into the aerosol-generating article has several beneficial effects. For example, the flow of ventilation air entering the downstream section of the article, i.e., entering the aerosol-generating article at a position downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate, can rapidly cool volatile species released from the aerosol-generating substrate upon heating. This has been observed to have a favorable effect on the nucleation and growth of aerosol particles, so that aerosol delivery to the consumer can be enhanced. At the same time, the temperature of the aerosol delivered to the consumer can be advantageously reduced to a desirable value without the need to include an aerosol cooling element in the downstream section that provides a large specific surface area for heat exchange or a material with significant heat capacity.

[0107] In some embodiments, the ventilation zone may include a first row of perforations provided through the article wrapper.

[0108] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article may further comprise an aerosol cooling element. Such embodiments are described in more detail below. The ventilation zone may comprise a first row of perforations provided through the aerosol cooling element.

[0109] In a further embodiment, the ventilation zone may include a first row of perforations provided through the article wrapper and the aerosol cooling element.

[0110] Aerosol-generating articles typically have a breathability level of at least about 10 percent, preferably at least about 20 percent.

[0111] The term "ventilation level" is used throughout this specification to mean the volume ratio of the airflow entering the aerosol-generating article via the ventilation zone (ventilation airflow) to the sum of the aerosol airflow and the ventilation airflow. The greater the ventilation level, the greater the dilution of the flow ultimately delivered to the consumer.

[0112] 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, the aerosol-generating article preferably has a ventilation level of less than about 60 percent. More preferably, the aerosol-generating article has a ventilation level of less than about 50 percent. In particularly preferred embodiments, the aerosol-generating article has a ventilation level of between about 30 percent and about 60 percent. More preferably, the aerosol-generating article has a ventilation level of between about 35 percent and about 50 percent. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the aerosol-generating article has a ventilation level of about 40 percent.

[0113] Without wishing to be bound by theory, the inventors have found that the temperature reduction caused by admitting cooler outside air through the ventilation zone into the aerosol-generating article can have a beneficial effect on the nucleation and growth of aerosol particles.

[0114] The aerosol-generating article may further comprise an upstream section extending from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0115] The upstream section may include a plug of filtration material.

[0116] The plug can be porous or substantially impermeable. For example, the plug can be made of a filtering material that has been compressed to the point where it is substantially impermeable. Alternatively, the plug can be made of an impermeable material, such as a silicone polymer material.

[0117] The plug in the upstream section may be made of any filtering material suitable for use in an aerosol-generating article, and preferably comprises at least one of cellulose acetate fibers, polylactic acid fibers, polyhydroxybutyrate fibers, and polyhydroxyalkanoate fibers.

[0118] The plug in the upstream section may have a length of at least 2 millimeters. Preferably, the plug in the upstream section may have a length of at least 3 millimeters. More preferably, the plug in the upstream section may have a length of at least 4 millimeters. Even more preferably, the plug in the upstream section may have a length of at least 5 millimeters.

[0119] The plug in the upstream section may have a length of 15 millimeters or less. Preferably, the plug in the upstream section may have a length of 12 millimeters or less. More preferably, the plug in the upstream section may have a length of 10 millimeters or less. Even more preferably, the plug in the upstream section may have a length of 7 millimeters or less.

[0120] In some embodiments, the plug in the upstream section has a length of 2 to 12 millimeters, preferably 3 to 12 millimeters, more preferably 4 to 12 millimeters, and even more preferably 5 to 12 millimeters. In other embodiments, the plug in the upstream section has a length of 2 to 10 millimeters, preferably 3 to 10 millimeters, more preferably 4 to 10 millimeters, and even more preferably 5 to 10 millimeters. In further embodiments, the plug in the upstream section has a length of 2 to 7 millimeters, preferably 3 to 7 millimeters, more preferably 4 to 7 millimeters, and even more preferably 5 to 7 millimeters.

[0121] The plug in the upstream section may have an outer diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the upstream section of the aerosol-generating article. The outer diameter of the upstream section of the aerosol-generating article may then be substantially equal to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

[0122] The plug in the upstream section may have an outer diameter of at least 4 millimeters. Preferably, the plug in the upstream section has an outer diameter of at least 5 millimeters. The plug may have an outer diameter of no more than 9 millimeters. Preferably, the plug in the upstream section has an outer diameter of no more than 8 millimeters.

[0123] In some embodiments, the plug in the upstream section has an outer diameter of 4 to 9 millimeters, preferably 5 to 9 millimeters, hi other embodiments, the plug in the upstream section has an outer diameter of 4 to 8 millimeters, preferably 5 to 8 millimeters.

[0124] The resistance to draw (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 geometry of the plug (e.g., cross-sectional area, length). The plug of filtration material may have a resistance to draw (RTD) of at least 50 millimeters of HO. As discussed in more detail below, in certain embodiments, the plug may be provided in the form of a hollow body and may define an internal airflow channel that penetrates the plug from its upstream end to its downstream end. In such embodiments, the RTD of the plug is generally very low, if not zero, because airflow through the plug occurs primarily, if not entirely, through the internal airflow channel.

[0125] 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, the RTD of the plug may generally be higher and may vary more significantly with the length of the plug and the porosity of the material from which it is made, because airflow generally occurs across the entire cross section of the plug rather than along preferential paths.

[0126] 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, expanded, and has a plasticizer applied thereto. 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.

[0127] In certain embodiments, the upstream section further comprises a predetermined airflow channel extending through the plug from its upstream end to its downstream end. For example, the plug of the upstream section may be a hollow tubular plug. Further, the upstream section may comprise a hollow tubular element coupled to the hollow tubular plug, the hollow tubular element defining the airflow channel. In some embodiments, the hollow tubular element may be provided in the form of a cardboard tube.

[0128] In embodiments where the plug of the upstream section comprises a predetermined airflow channel extending through the plug from the upstream end of the plug to the downstream end of the plug, the resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of the plug of filtration material is negligible or substantially zero. From a practical standpoint, control of the resistance to withdrawal of one such hollow plug can be achieved by adjusting the equivalent diameter of the predetermined airflow channel.

[0129] The resistance to draw (RTD) of an aerosol-generating article or component thereof, such as a plug of filtration material, can be evaluated as the negative pressure that must be applied to the downstream end of the article or component to maintain a steady volumetric flow rate of 17.5 ml / sec of air through the article or component. Those skilled in the art can find further details on measurement methods, test conditions, etc. in ISO 6565:2015(2015).

[0130] The aerosol-generating article may comprise an airflow path through which air may enter the aerosol-generating article, pass through the aerosol-generating substrate, and exit the aerosol-generating article. For example, air may exit the aerosol-generating article through a downstream section of the aerosol-generating article, if one such downstream section is present.

[0131] The aversive agent may be provided at a location within the aerosol-generating article such that direct contact between the aversive agent and the consumer's lips or oral mucosa may be substantially prevented during normal intended use of the aerosol-generating article.

[0132] The aversive agent may be provided in a location within the aerosol-generating article such that direct contact between the aversive agent and the consumer's fingers may be substantially prevented during normal intended use of the aerosol-generating article.

[0133] Furthermore, the aversive agent may be provided in a location within the aerosol-generating article such that the aversive agent is not directly exposed to the airflow path, such that the aversive agent may be substantially prevented from directly entering the airflow path.

[0134] Because the removable wrapper is removed prior to normal use of the aerosol-generating article, the aversive agent is not within the mainstream airflow path. It will therefore be appreciated that the present invention effectively provides an aerosol-generating article wherein the aversive agent is provided in a location such that the aversive agent is not directly exposed to the airflow path.

[0135] Furthermore, in those embodiments in which the article is heated by a heater element disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate, the aversive agent is not provided at a location within the aerosol-generating article where heat is supplied during normal use, which reduces the amount of aversive agent that enters the mainstream airflow path.

[0136] At the same time, the placement of the aversive agent within the removable wrapper effectively prevents accidental ingestion of the aerosol-generating article, as the aversive agent is rapidly released when the aerosol-generating article is bitten. This deterrent effect is particularly beneficial in embodiments in which the susceptor element is embedded within the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0137] As briefly described above, the present invention provides an aerosol-generating article for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating.

[0138] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article that heats an aerosol-generating substrate to generate an inhalable aerosol for delivery to a consumer. As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating substrate" refers to a substrate that has the ability to generate an aerosol by releasing a volatile compound upon heating.

[0139] A conventional cigarette is lit when a user applies a flame to one end of the cigarette and draws air through the other end. Localized heat provided by the flame and oxygen in the air drawn through the cigarette ignites the end of the cigarette, and the resulting combustion produces inhalable smoke. In contrast, in heated aerosol-generating articles, the aerosol is generated by heating a flavor-generating substrate, such as tobacco, without combustion of the flavor-generating substrate. Known heated aerosol-generating articles include, for example, electrically heated aerosol-generating articles and aerosol-generating articles in which the aerosol is generated by the transfer of heat from a heat source to a physically separated aerosol-forming material.

[0140] The aerosol-generating article according to the present invention finds particular application in aerosol generation systems comprising an aerosol-generating device having a heating chamber in which the aerosol-generating article is received so that heat can be supplied to the aerosol-generating substrate. This may be achieved by providing one or more heating elements disposed around the periphery of the heating chamber, the one or more heating elements being resistively or inductively heated. Alternatively, 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.

[0141] According to yet another alternative, a susceptor element may be provided within the aerosol-generating substrate, and the aerosol-generating device may include an inductor for generating an alternating or fluctuating electromagnetic field. When an aerosol-generating article engages the aerosol-generating device, the fluctuating electromagnetic field generated by the inductor induces currents in the susceptor element, heating it. Electrically operated aerosol-generating devices are preferably capable of generating a fluctuating electromagnetic field having a magnetic field strength (H-field strength) of 1 to 5 kiloamperes per meter (kA / m), preferably 2 to 3 kA / m, e.g., about 2.5 kA / m.

[0142] The aerosol-generating article may be in the shape of a rod. As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "rod" is used to denote a generally cylindrical element of substantially circular, oval or elliptical cross section.

[0143] As used herein, the term "longitudinal" refers to a direction corresponding to the major longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article extending between the upstream and downstream ends of the aerosol-generating article. As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the relative positions of elements (or portions of elements) of the aerosol-generating article with respect to the direction in which aerosol is transported through the aerosol-generating article during use.

[0144] During use, air is drawn longitudinally through the aerosol-generating article. The term "transverse" refers to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Any reference to a "cross section" of an aerosol-generating article or a component of an aerosol-generating article refers to a transverse cross section, unless otherwise specified.

[0145] The term "length" refers to the dimension of a component of an aerosol-generating article in the longitudinal direction. For example, it may be used to refer to the dimension of an aerosol-generating substrate or upstream section in the longitudinal direction.

[0146] The term "aerosol former" is used herein to describe a compound that, upon volatilization, can assist in the delivery of other vaporized compounds, such as nicotine and flavorants in the aerosol, that are released from the aerosol-generating substrate upon heating. Aerosol formers suitable 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).

[0147] The aerosol-generating rod may be configured to be coupled to an aerosol-generating device for heating the aerosol-generating substrate. As briefly described above, an aerosol-generating system according to the present invention comprises a heating device and an aerosol-generating article in accordance with the above description.

[0148] Therefore, the present invention also relates to an aerosol generating system comprising a heating device, for example an electrically heated aerosol generating device, and an aerosol-generating article.

[0149] Examples of suitable aerosol-generating devices are known to those skilled in the art. Generally, a suitable aerosol-generating device comprises a cavity (i.e., a heating chamber) for receiving the aerosol-generating article and one or more heating elements for supplying heat to the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0150] 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.

[0151] Alternatively, the one or more heating elements may comprise one or more resistively heatable elements positioned in or around the periphery of the heating chamber in positions that face the aerosol-generating substrate when the aerosol-generating article is received within the heating chamber.

[0152] These heating arrangements are such that, in 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.

[0153] 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.

[0154] The aerosol generating device is preferably a portable or handheld aerosol generating device that a user can comfortably hold between the fingers of one hand.

[0155] The aerosol generating device may be substantially cylindrical in shape.

[0156] The aerosol generating device may have a length of between about 70 millimeters and about 120 millimeters.

[0157] The power source may be any suitable power source, for example a DC voltage source such as a battery, hi one embodiment the power source is a lithium ion battery.

[0158] The control element may be a simple switch, or alternatively, the control element may be an electrical circuit and may include one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers.

[0159] Features described with respect to one or more aspects may equally apply to other aspects of the invention, and in particular features described in relation to aerosol-generating articles may equally apply to aerosol-generating systems.

[0160] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, below is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of any other example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0161] Example 1. An aerosol-generating article, comprising: an aerosol-generating rod comprising an aerosol-generating substrate configured to be heated during use of the aerosol-generating article; a removable wrapper surrounding at least a portion of the aerosol-generating rod; the removable wrapper is configured to be removed prior to heating the aerosol-generating substrate; An aerosol-generating article, wherein the removable wrapper contains at least one flavoring agent. Example 2. An aerosol-generating article as described in Example 1, wherein the removable wrapper comprises an outer layer and an inner layer, the inner layer being positioned between the outer surface of the aerosol-generating rod and the outer layer when the removable wrapper surrounds at least a portion of the aerosol-generating rod. Example 3. The aerosol-generating article of Example 2, wherein the at least one flavoring agent comprises an aversive agent. Example 4. An aerosol-generating article as described in Example 3, wherein the outer layer comprises an aversive agent. Example 5. An aerosol-generating article according to Example 2 or 4, wherein the outer layer is between 5 micrometers and 25 micrometers thick. Example 6. An aerosol-generating article as described in Example 5, wherein the outer layer is 5 micrometers to 15 micrometers thick. Example 7. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 2-6, wherein the outer layer comprises a cellulosic or polymeric film. Example 8. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 2 to 7, wherein the inner layer comprises an adhesive. Example 9. An aerosol-generating article as described in Example 8, wherein the adhesive forms an adhesive layer over the extent of the inner layer. Example 10. An aerosol-generating article according to either Example 2 or 9, wherein the inner layer is between 5 micrometers and 25 micrometers thick. Example 11. An aerosol-generating article according to Example 10, wherein the inner layer is 5 micrometers to 15 micrometers thick. Example 12. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 2 to 11, wherein the inner layer comprises an acrylic adhesive or a UV acrylate adhesive. Example 13. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein at least one flavoring agent comprises a desired flavor-containing substance. Example 14. An aerosol-generating article according to Example 13, wherein the desired flavor-containing substance is configured to be tasted by the user during normal use of the aerosol-generating article. Example 15. An aerosol-generating article according to Example 13 or 14 when dependent on Example 2, wherein the inner layer comprises a desired flavor-containing substance in a desired flavor-containing substance layer. Example 16. An aerosol-generating article according to Example 15 when dependent on Example 9, wherein the desired flavor-containing substance layer is at least partially positioned between the adhesive layer and the aerosol-generating rod when the removable wrapper surrounds at least a portion of the aerosol-generating rod. Example 17. An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples 13 to 16, wherein the desired flavor-containing substance layer extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating rod when the removable wrapper surrounds at least a portion of the aerosol-generating rod. Example 18. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 13 to 17, wherein the desired flavor-containing substance is configured to impart flavor to the aerosol-generating rod. Example 19. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 13 to 18, wherein the desired flavor-containing substance comprises at least one of a micropowder and a microencapsulated flavor, and the micropowder and the microencapsulated flavor are contained in an acrylic compound. Example 20. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 2 to 19, wherein the removable wrapper further comprises an impermeable core layer. Example 21. An aerosol-generating article according to Example 20, wherein the impermeable core layer is impermeable to at least one flavoring agent. Example 22. An aerosol-generating article according to Example 20 or 21, wherein the impermeable core layer is between 5 micrometers and 45 micrometers thick. Example 23. An aerosol-generating article according to Example 22, wherein the impermeable core layer is between 5 micrometers and 25 micrometers thick. Example 24. An aerosol-generating article described in any of Examples 20 to 23, wherein the impermeable core layer comprises at least one of polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), biaxially oriented polyester film, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film. Example 25. An aerosol-generating article described in any of Examples 20 to 24, wherein the impermeable core layer is positioned between the outer surface of the aerosol-generating rod and the outer layer when the removable wrapper surrounds at least a portion of the aerosol-generating rod. Example 26. An aerosol-generating article described in any of Examples 20 to 25, wherein the inner layer is positioned between the outer surface of the aerosol-generating rod and the impermeable core layer when the removable wrapper surrounds at least a portion of the aerosol-generating rod. Example 27. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 20 to 26, wherein the impermeable core layer is positioned between the inner layer and the outer layer. Example 28. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 27, wherein the removable wrapper surrounds the entire length of the aerosol-generating rod. Example 29. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 28, wherein the removable wrapper is configured to be peeled from the aerosol-generating rod prior to heating the aerosol-generating substrate. Example 30. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 29, wherein the aerosol-generating rod is a cylindrical aerosol-generating article. Example 31. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 30, wherein the aerosol-generating rod is configured to be coupled to an aerosol-generating device to heat the aerosol-generating substrate. Example 32. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 31, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate further comprises a susceptor element, the aerosol-generating substrate being configured to be inductively heated. Example 33. An aerosol-generating article as described in any one of Examples 1 to 32, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate is configured to be inductively heated. Example 34. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 33, when dependent on Example 3, wherein the aversive agent has a bitter taste. Example 35. An aerosol-generating article according to Example 34, wherein the aversive agent has a bitterness value of at least 10,000. Example 36. An aerosol-generating article described in either Example 34 or 35, wherein the aversive agent comprises at least one of denatonium benzoate (bitrex), columbin, amarogentin, quasin, absinthin, and quinine hydrochloride. Example 37. The aerosol-generating article of Example 36, wherein the aversive agent is provided at a concentration of at least 2 ppm. Example 38. The aerosol-generating article of Example 34 or 35, wherein the aversive agent comprises at least one of lactucin, lactucopicrin, 8-deoxylactucin, dihydrolactucin, dihydrolactucopicrin, and dihydro-8-deoxylactucin. Example 39. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 34 to 38, wherein the aversive agent has a boiling point above 450 degrees Celsius. Example 40. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 39, further comprising a downstream section extending from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. Example 41. An aerosol-generating article as described in Example 40, wherein the downstream section comprises a tubular segment comprising a wall and a hollow lumen bounded by the wall and defining an airflow channel extending from the upstream end of the tubular segment to the downstream end of the tubular segment. Example 42. An aerosol-generating article as described in Example 41, wherein the tubular segment is included in one of the support element of the downstream section, the aerosol cooling element, and the mouthpiece element. Example 43. An aerosol-generating article described in either Example 41 or 42, wherein the tubular segment of the downstream section comprises at least one of cellulose acetate fibers, polylactic acid fibers, polyhydroxybutyrate fibers, and polyhydroxyalkanoate fibers. Example 44. An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples 41 to 43, wherein the diameter of the hollow lumen is at least 45 percent of the total outer diameter of the downstream section. Example 45. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 41 to 44, wherein the tubular segment further comprises a tube that defines an airflow channel. Example 46. The aerosol-generating article of Example 45, wherein the tube is a cardboard tube. Example 47. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 40 to 46, further comprising an article wrapper surrounding at least a portion of at least one of the aerosol-generating substrate and the downstream section. Example 48. An aerosol-generating article according to Example 47, wherein the article wrapper is configured such that it is not removed prior to heating the aerosol-generating substrate. Example 49. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 48, wherein the aerosol-generating article further comprises an upstream section extending from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article. Example 50. The aerosol-generating article of Example 49, wherein the upstream section comprises a plug of filtration material. Example 51. An aerosol-generating article as described in Example 50, wherein the plug of filtration material in the upstream section comprises at least one of cellulose acetate fibers, polylactic acid fibers, polyhydroxybutyrate fibers, and polyhydroxyalkanoate fibers. Example 52. An aerosol-generating article according to Example 50 or 51, wherein the plug of filtration material has a withdrawal resistance of at least 50 millimeters of H2O.

[0162] The embodiments will now be further described with reference to the figures. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0163] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an aerosol-generating article according to the present invention. [Figure 2a] FIG. 2a is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of an aerosol-generating article according to the present invention. [Figure 2b] FIG. 2b is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of an aerosol-generating article according to the present invention. [Figure 2c] FIG. 2c is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of an aerosol-generating article according to the present invention. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a removable wrapper according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a removable wrapper according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a removable wrapper according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of an aerosol generation system according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0164] A cross-sectional schematic view of an aerosol-generating article 10 according to the present invention is shown in Figure 1. The aerosol-generating article 10 shown in Figure 1 comprises a stick of aerosol-generating substrate 12 and a downstream section 14 located downstream of the stick of aerosol-generating substrate 12.

[0165] More particularly, in the embodiment of Figure 1, the downstream section 14 includes a mouthpiece element 18 and a hollow section 20. The hollow section 20 comprises an aerosol cooling element 22. The aerosol cooling element 22 is located immediately downstream of the stick of aerosol-generating substrate 12. As shown in the drawing of Figure 1, the upstream end of the aerosol cooling element 22 abuts the downstream end of the stick of aerosol-generating substrate 12. The mouthpiece element 18 is positioned immediately downstream of the aerosol cooling element 22. As shown in the drawing of Figure 1, the upstream end of the mouthpiece element 18 abuts the downstream end of the aerosol cooling element 22. The mouthpiece element 18 comprises a plug 24 of low-density filtration material and a mouthpiece filter wrapping paper 25.

[0166] The stick 12 includes an aerosol-generating substrate in the form of an assemblage of sheets of homogenized tobacco material, although other types of tobacco-containing substrates, such as tobacco cut filler, can replace the assemblage of sheets of homogenized tobacco material.

[0167] The stick 12 and aerosol cooling element 22 of the aerosol-generating article 10 are surrounded by an outer wrapper 28. The outer wrapper 28 is held in place over the stick 12 and aerosol cooling element 22 by a fastening adhesive (not shown).

[0168] The mouthpiece element 18 and a portion of the aerosol cooling element 22 are surrounded by tipping paper 29. The tipping paper 29 surrounds a portion of the outer wrapper 28. Perforations are provided in the tipping paper 29 and are aligned with the perforations in the aerosol cooling element 22, both of which comprise a ventilation zone 60. In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 2 , the outer wrapper 28 extends to entirely surround the aerosol cooling element 22, the stick 12, and the plug 26. The ventilation zone 60 comprises perforations through the tipping paper 29, the outer wrapper 28, and the aerosol cooling element 22.

[0169] The aerosol-generating article 100 further includes an upstream section 16 located upstream of the stick 12 of aerosol-generating substrate. The upstream section 16 comprises a cylindrical plug 26 of cellulose acetate that is also surrounded by an outer wrapper 28. The plug 26 in the upstream section 16 has a length of approximately 5 millimeters. The RTD (resistance to withdrawal) of the plug 26 is approximately 50 millimeters HO.

[0170] The aerosol-generating article 100 further comprises a susceptor element 70 provided within the stick of aerosol-generating substrate 12. More particularly, the susceptor element 70 is elongated and extends longitudinally within the stick 12 so as to be thermally coupled to the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0171] A ventilation zone 60 is provided at a location downstream of the stick 12 of the aerosol-generating substrate. The ventilation zone 60 is indicated by a dashed line, and in particular, the aerosol-cooling element 22 includes a ventilation zone 60 that includes a plurality of openings formed through the wall of the hollow tubular element. A plurality of openings are also formed through the outer wrapper 28 and tipping paper 29.

[0172] The aerosol-generating article 100 further comprises a removable wrapper 80. The removable wrapper surrounds the other components of the aerosol-generating article and is configured to be removed prior to normal use of the aerosol-generating article. These other components of the aerosol-generating article are collectively referred to as the aerosol-generating rod. Because the removable wrapper is configured to be removed prior to normal use of the aerosol-generating article, the removable wrapper 80 does not include any of the multiple openings for the ventilation zone 60. The detailed structure of the removable wrapper 80 is shown in Figures 3-5 and described below.

[0173] 2a-2c illustrate the process of removing the removable wrapper 80. FIG. 2a shows the aerosol-generating article 100 with the removable wrapper 80 in place before removal, completely surrounding the aerosol-generating rod. In particular, the removable wrapper 80 completely surrounds the aerosol-generating rod along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating rod. The removable wrapper 80 includes a tab 81 for a user to grasp with their fingers in order to peel the removable wrapper 80 from the aerosol-generating rod. The tab 81 does not include any adhesive (as described below), and therefore provides a convenient area for a user to begin peeling the removable wrapper 80 from the aerosol-generating rod.

[0174] 2b shows the aerosol-generating article 100 with the removable wrapper 80 partially removed, partially enclosing the aerosol-generating rod, partially exposing the outer wrapper 28, tipping paper 29, and multiple openings including the ventilation zone 60.

[0175] Figure 2c shows the aerosol-generating article 100 with the removable wrapper 80 completely removed. Thus, Figure 2c shows the aerosol-generating rod. The outer wrapper 28, tipping paper 29, and multiple openings, including the ventilation zone 60, are fully exposed. The aerosol-generating article is therefore ready for normal use.

[0176] In this embodiment, the removable wrapper 80 is peeled away and surrounds the aerosol-generating rod longitudinally. However, alternative arrangements are possible while remaining within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the removable wrapper may surround the aerosol-generating rod by wrapping diagonally along the length of the rod. Alternatively, the removable wrapper may be peeled away longitudinally, surround the length of the aerosol-generating rod, and provide a cover over one circular end of the aerosol-generating rod.

[0177] 3 shows a schematic diagram of a removable wrapper 80 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The removable wrapper 80 is shown in an unrolled, flat state. Tab 81 is not shown for convenience.

[0178] The removable wrapper 80 includes an outer layer 82. The outer layer 82 comprises a cellulosic or polymeric film. The outer layer 82 is 5 to 15 micrometers thick. The outer layer 82 further comprises at least one chicory bitter substance, such as at least one of lactucin, lactucopicrin, 8-deoxylactucin, dihydrolactucin, dihydrolactucopicrin, and dihydro-8-deoxylactucin. However, the outer layer may include any other suitable bitter substance.

[0179] The removable wrapper 80 further comprises an inner layer 84. The removable wrapper 80 further comprises an impermeable core layer 83. The inner layer 84 comprises an acrylic or UV acrylate release adhesive. The inner layer 84 is 5 to 15 micrometers thick. This adhesive and thickness provides a peel force of 0.2 to 1.7 Newtons / centimeter between the aerosol-generating rod and the inner layer 84 when peeled at a 45-degree angle at 0.167 millimeters / second. This adhesive and thickness provides a peel force of 0.5 to 1.5 Newtons / centimeter between the impermeable core layer 83 and the inner layer 84 when peeled at a 45-degree angle at 0.167 millimeters / second.

[0180] The impermeable core layer 83 is disposed or sandwiched between the outer layer 82 and the inner layer 84. The impermeable core layer 83 comprises at least one of polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), biaxially oriented polyester film, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film. The impermeable core layer 83 has a thickness of 15 to 25 micrometers. The impermeable core layer 83 is substantially impermeable to the at least one bitter tastant in the outer layer 82, so that the at least one bitter tastant does not penetrate into the inner layer 84 and, therefore, the aerosol-generating rod during the normal life of the aerosol-generating article. In this manner, the aversive agent is separated from the outer surface of the aerosol-generating rod by the impermeable core layer 83. Therefore, it is considered highly unlikely that the aversive agent will come into contact with a consumer's lips or oral mucosa during normal, intended use of the aerosol-generating article.

[0181] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of a removable wrapper 80 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The removable wrapper 80 is similar to that shown in Figure 3 for the first embodiment of the present invention, and will only be described with respect to the differences.

[0182] The inner layer 84 further comprises a desired flavor-containing layer 85. The desired flavor-containing layer 85 comprises a desired flavoring material. The desired flavor-containing layer 85 is positioned on the inner surface of the inner layer 84 such that the desired flavor-containing layer 85 directly contacts the aerosol-generating rod when the removable wrapper 80 surrounds the aerosol-generating rod.

[0183] The desired flavor-containing layer 85 is 5 to 15 micrometers thick. The desired flavor-containing layer 85 comprises at least one of a micropowder and a microencapsulated flavor, wherein the micropowder and / or the microencapsulated flavor is contained in an acrylic compound. Advantageously, the desired flavor-containing layer 85 imparts the desired flavor onto the aerosol-generating rod, particularly onto the outer wrapper 28 and tipping paper 29, such that when the removable wrapper 80 is removed by the user, the desired flavor remains on the aerosol-generating rod and is experienced by the user during normal use of the aerosol-generating article.

[0184] The desired flavor-containing substance layer 85 extends in a longitudinal strip across the removable wrapper 80. In this embodiment, the removable wrapper 80 is configured to surround the aerosol-generating rod such that the desired flavor-containing substance layer 85 extends in a longitudinal strip along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating rod. Therefore, the desired flavor-containing substance layer 85 imparts the desired flavor to the entire length of the aerosol-generating rod, particularly the entire length of the outer wrapper 28 and tipping paper 29. This is advantageous because it allows the user to experience the desired flavor regardless of the region of the aerosol-generating rod that is tasted by the user during normal use. Because the desired flavor-containing substance layer 85 extends in a longitudinal strip across the inner layer 84, but does not extend across the entire inner layer 84, when the removable wrapper 80 surrounds the aerosol-generating rod, at least a portion of the adhesive in the inner layer contacts the aerosol-generating rod, thereby securing the removable wrapper to the aerosol-generating rod.

[0185] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of a removable wrapper 80 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Again, the removable wrapper 80 is similar to that shown in Figures 3 and 4 for the first and second embodiments of the present invention, and will only be described with respect to the differences.

[0186] In a third embodiment, the outer layer 82 does not contain chicory bitters or any other aversive agent, and therefore the removable wrapper 80 does not include an impermeable core layer 83 because it is not necessary to prevent penetration of any aversive agent into the inner layer 84.

[0187] FIG. 6 illustrates an aerosol generation system 200 comprising an exemplary aerosol generating device 1 and the aerosol-generating article 100 of FIG.

[0188] The aerosol generating device 1 comprises a housing (or body) 40. The housing 40 includes a peripheral wall 42 and an end wall 44. The peripheral wall 40 defines a device cavity for receiving the aerosol-generating article 100. The device cavity is defined by a closed distal end and an open mouth end. The mouth end of the device cavity is located at the mouth end of the aerosol generating device 1. The aerosol-generating article 100 is configured to be received through the mouth end of the device cavity and is configured to abut the closed end of the device cavity.

[0189] A device airflow inlet 46 is defined in the end wall 44. Air may be admitted through the device airflow inlet 46 into the upstream section 16 of the aerosol-generating article.

[0190] The aerosol-generating apparatus 1 further comprises a heater element in the form of an inductor coil 48 adapted to induce a current in the susceptor element 70. When a current is induced in the susceptor element 70, the temperature of the susceptor element 70 increases, heating the surrounding rod 12. The aerosol-generating apparatus 200 further comprises a power supply (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 apparatus 1.

[0191] For purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and the like are understood to be modified in all instances by the term "about." Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood as A ± 5 percent of A. Within this context, the number A may be considered to include values ​​that are within the typical standard error for measurement of the property that it modifies. In some cases, as used in the appended claims, the number A may deviate by the percentages recited above, provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating article, comprising: an aerosol-generating rod comprising an aerosol-generating substrate configured to be heated during use of the aerosol-generating article; a removable wrapper surrounding at least a portion of the aerosol-generating rod; the removable wrapper is configured to be removed prior to heating the aerosol-generating substrate; The aerosol-generating article, wherein the removable wrapper contains at least one flavoring agent that includes an aversive agent.

2. 2. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, wherein the removable wrapper comprises an outer layer and an inner layer, the inner layer being positioned between the outer surface of the aerosol-generating rod and the outer layer when the removable wrapper surrounds at least a portion of the aerosol-generating rod.

3. 3. The aerosol-generating article of claim 2, wherein the outer layer comprises the aversive agent.

4. 4. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the inner layer comprises an adhesive.

5. 5. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises at least one additional flavoring agent, the at least one additional flavoring agent comprising a desirable flavor-containing substance selected from the list consisting of natural or synthetic menthol, mint flavor, spice flavor, cocoa flavor, vanilla flavor, fruit flavor, and chocolate flavor.

6. 6. The aerosol-generating article of claim 5, wherein the desired flavor-containing substance is configured to be tasted by the user during normal use of the aerosol-generating article.

7. 7. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 5 or 6 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the inner layer comprises the desired flavor-containing substance in a layer of the desired flavor-containing substance.

8. 8. The aerosol-generating article of claim 5, wherein the desired flavor-containing substance is configured to impart flavor to the aerosol-generating rod.

9. 9. The aerosol-generating article of claim 2, wherein the removable wrapper further comprises an impermeable core layer.

10. 10. The aerosol-generating article of claim 9, wherein the impermeable core layer is impermeable to at least one flavoring agent, including the aversive agent.

11. 11. The aerosol-generating article of claim 9 or 10, wherein the impermeable core layer is positioned between the outer surface of the aerosol-generating rod and the outer layer when the removable wrapper surrounds at least a portion of the aerosol-generating rod.

12. 12. The aerosol-generating article of claim 11, wherein the impermeable core layer is positioned between the inner layer and the outer layer.

13. 13. The aerosol-generating article of any preceding claim, wherein the removable wrapper surrounds the entire length of the aerosol-generating rod.

14. 14. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol-generating rod is configured to be coupled to an aerosol-generating device for heating the aerosol-generating substrate.

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