Aerosol-generating composition

Abstract

This invention relates to aerosol generation for the delivery of cannabis components, derivatives, or extracts. [Solution] An aerosol-generating composition is provided, comprising a first aerosol-generating material containing an active substance which is a component, derivative, or extract of cannabis and a gelling agent, and a second aerosol-generating material which contains a different active substance and a gelling agent. In some embodiments, the first, second and / or further aerosol-generating materials comprise about 15 to about 70% by weight of an active substance, about 10 to about 50% by weight of an aerosol-forming material, about 15 to about 60% by weight of a gelling agent, and optionally a filler, where the weight percentage values ​​are calculated on a dry weight basis. Products comprising the composition and methods for preparing the composition are also provided.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to aerosol generation for the delivery of cannabis components, derivatives, or extracts. Background

[0002] Smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigars produce tobacco smoke by burning tobacco during use. Alternatives to these types of articles release inhalable aerosols or vapors by heating a substrate material without combustion, thereby releasing compounds from the substrate. These are sometimes called non-combustible smoking articles, aerosol-generating assemblies, or non-combustible aerosol-supplying systems.

[0003] An example of such a product is a heating device that releases compounds by heating a solid aerosolizable material without combustion. In some examples, this solid aerosolizable material may include tobacco material. Heating volatilizes at least one component of the material, typically forming an inhalable aerosol. These products are sometimes called heat-not-burn devices, tobacco heating devices, or tobacco heating products (THPs). Various different configurations are known for volatilizing at least one component of the solid aerosolizable material.

[0004] Another example is the e-cigarette / tobacco heating product hybrid device, also known as an e-cigarette hybrid device. These hybrid devices include a liquid source (which may or may not contain nicotine) that vaporizes upon heating to produce an inhalable vapor or aerosol. The device further includes a solid aerosolizable material (which may or may not contain tobacco material), the components of which are entrained in the inhalable vapor or aerosol to form an inhalation medium. Overview

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an aerosol-generating composition is provided, comprising a first aerosol-generating material containing an active substance which is a component, derivative, or extract of cannabis and a gelling agent, and a second aerosol-generating material which contains a different active substance and gelling agent.

[0006] In some embodiments, the composition comprises a third or further aerosol-generating material containing an active substance and a gelling agent. In some embodiments, the first, second and / or further aerosol-generating materials are Approximately 15 to 70% by weight of the active substance, Approximately 10 to 50% by weight of aerosol-forming material, Approximately 15-60% by weight of gelling agent, Optionally, filler and This includes, where the weight percentage value is calculated on a dry weight basis.

[0007] In some embodiments, the composition contains about 5 to about 60% by weight of the active substance.

[0008] In some embodiments, the composition comprises about 15 to about 45% by weight of an aerosol-forming material.

[0009] In some embodiments, the composition contains about 25 to about 50% by weight of a gelling agent.

[0010] In some embodiments, the gelling agent comprises or is one or more compounds selected from polysaccharide gelling agents, such as alginates, pectins, starches or their derivatives, cellulose or its derivatives, pullulan, carrageenan, agar and agarose, gelatin, gums, such as xanthan gum, guar gum and acacia gum, silica or silicone compounds, such as PDMS and sodium silicate, clay, such as kaolin, and polyvinyl alcohol.

[0011] In some embodiments, the polysaccharide gelling agent is selected from the group consisting of alginates and cellulose derivatives, and / or the cellulose derivative is selected from hydroxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, cellulose acetate (CA), cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), and cellulose acetate propionate (CAP).

[0012] In some embodiments, the gelling agent is not crosslinked.

[0013] In some embodiments, the gelling agent is CMC.

[0014] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material comprises (or is) one or more of the following: glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzylphenyl acetate, tributyline, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0015] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material includes or is a combination of glycerol or glycerol and propylene glycol.

[0016] In some embodiments, the cannabis component, derivative, or extract is a cannabinoid.

[0017] In some embodiments, the cannabinoid is selected from cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinol (CBN), cannabinodiol (CBDL), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabivarin (CBV), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabichromevaline (CBCV), cannabigerovaline (CBGV), cannabigerol monomethyl ether (CBGM), cannabinerol acid, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabinol propyl variant (CBNV), cannabitriol (CBO), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), and tetrahydrocannabivaric acid (THCV A).

[0018] In some embodiments, the cannabinoid is cannabidiol.

[0019] In some embodiments, the second and optional further aerosol-generating materials include one or more active substances selected from the group consisting of functional foods, nootropes, psychoactive substances, and components, derivatives or extracts of tobacco or other plant substances, such as nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins (B6, B12, C, etc.), melatonin, and components or derivatives thereof.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first and second aerosol-generating materials have different compositions in addition to different active substances.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first and second aerosol-generating materials are in the form of sheets.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first and second aerosol-generating materials are sheets having different thicknesses.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first and second aerosol-generating materials release their respective active substances at different temperatures.

[0024] In some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more of a shredded sheet of a first aerosol - generating material, a shredded sheet of a second aerosol - generating material, and a shredded sheet of any further aerosol - generating material.

[0025] In some embodiments, the composition comprises from about 50 to 100 weight % of an aerosol - generating material (by WWB).

[0026] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a consumable for use in a non - combustible aerosol supply device. The consumable comprises an aerosol - generating composition according to the first aspect.

[0027] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a non - combustible aerosol supply system comprising a consumable according to the second aspect and a non - combustible aerosol supply device.

[0028] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for preparing an aerosol - generating composition according to the first aspect. The first or second aerosol - generating material is formed by casting a slurry onto a sheet.

[0029] In some embodiments, the active substance is dissolved in a solvent in the slurry.

[0030] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for preparing an aerosol - generating composition according to the first aspect. The first or second aerosol - generating material is formed by extrusion.

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0032] [Figure 1] It is a cross - sectional view of an example of the consumable. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of the consumable of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a cross - sectional elevation view of an example of the consumable. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the consumables. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of an example of a non-combustion type aerosol supply system. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view of an example of a non-combustible aerosol supply system. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of an example of a non-combustion type aerosol supply system. [Figure 8] This is an exploded view of an example of a consumable part. [Figure 9] This is an example of a consumable product containing multiple separate parts of an aerosol-generating material. Detailed explanation

[0033] An aerosol-generating composition is a composition capable of generating an aerosol when energy is supplied, for example, by heating, irradiation, or any other method.

[0034] An aerosol-generating composition is provided, comprising two or more different aerosol-generating materials. The first aerosol-generating material comprises an active substance which is a component, derivative, or extract of cannabis and a gelling agent, and the second aerosol-generating material comprises a different active substance and a gelling agent.

[0035] According to this disclosure, different active materials or different combinations of active materials are given to separate aerosol-generating materials. These may then be optionally combined with further aerosol-generating materials to form an aerosol-generating composition.

[0036] This distinct addition of different active materials within an aerosol-generating composition may have several significant advantages.

[0037] The active materials incorporated into different aerosol-generating materials remain separated, which is beneficial, for example, when the active materials are incompatible with each other in order to interact with one another.

[0038] When active materials are incorporated into different aerosol-generating materials, one or more of the active materials may be incompatible with other components of the aerosol-generating material, or one active material may perform better in an aerosol-generating material containing a particular component, while other active materials perform better in aerosol-generating materials containing different components. For example, a combination of an active material with one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material, such as a particular gelling agent, aerosol-forming material, fragrance, solvent, or filler, may be undesirable or less desirable.

[0039] The active material has different inherent chemical properties that affect its volatility and can be released into the aerosol formed from the aerosol-generating material during heating or other processes. The addition of active materials to different aerosol-generating materials allows the aerosol-generating material to be formulated to release the active material at a desired time, temperature, or rate, thereby providing an aerosol-generating composition with a desired release profile and an aerosol with desired properties.

[0040] For example, the release of active material from an aerosol-generating material can be influenced by numerous material properties, including thickness (i.e., surface area-to-volume ratio), material density, the presence and amount of components within the aerosol-generating material that affect heat and temperature distribution within the material, the type and amount of aerosol-forming agent, and the type and amount of gelling agent. These properties of the first and second aerosol-generating materials may differ in order to control the release of their respective active materials.

[0041] The application of active material to different aerosol-generating materials allows the aerosol-generating material to be placed within the aerosol-generating composition and / or in a non-combustible aerosol supply system or consumables so as to release the active material at a desired time, temperature, or rate, thereby providing an aerosol-generating composition with a desired release profile and an aerosol with desired properties.

[0042] For example, different parts of a consumable or aerosol-generating composition may be heated to different temperatures and / or for different durations, and the arrangement and / or heating of different aerosol-generating materials may allow for the control of the release of different active materials to provide an aerosol with desired properties and a desired user experience.

[0043] Different aerosol-generating materials may be heated at different times by having a consumable comprising, for example, a section containing an aerosol-generating composition or different materials that are heated independently. For example, such sections may be located in different parts or regions of the consumable, with different heaters associated with these different sections, or the heaters may move to different sections. Alternatively, heat may spread across the aerosol-generating composition, and then different sections of different aerosol-generating materials may be heated at different times and / or to different temperatures.

[0044] Therefore, the application of active materials to different aerosol-generating materials allows for the production of aerosols with desired properties by adjusting the release of the active material and other aerosol components using the makeup, form, and arrangement of the materials. The properties of the aerosol may be consistent throughout the use of the consumable, or they may change from puff to puff or otherwise during the use of the consumable. The system may also allow the user to select the properties of the aerosol from a given consumable or aerosol-generating composition. For example, by operating a non-combustible aerosol-generating system at one temperature or with specific settings, aerosols with a first set of properties can be produced, while aerosols with different properties can be produced at different temperatures or settings.

[0045] Aerosol-generating compositions can also enable more precise control of the dose and delivery of the active material. This can also provide consumers with a more consistent, predictable, and / or safer experience.

[0046] In some embodiments, at least the first aerosol-generating material contains a high concentration of cannabis components, derivatives, or extracts, which means that a high level of CBD delivery can be achieved. High concentrations of cannabis components, derivatives, or extracts also improve the ability to deliver a sufficient amount of active material to the user without increasing the volume of the substrate.

[0047] While we do not wish to be bound by theory, it is thought that high concentrations of cannabis components, derivatives, or extracts (e.g., cannabinoids) compared to gelling agents unexpectedly reduce the tendency of cannabis components, derivatives, or extracts (e.g., cannabinoids) to discolor due to the oxidation of cannabinoids.

[0048] Aerosol generating materials The aerosol-generating material may be an amorphous solid. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid is a monolithic solid. The aerosol-generating material may be non-fibrous or fibrous. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may be a dry gel. The aerosol-generating material may be a solid material capable of holding some fluid, such as a liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the held fluid may be water (such as water absorbed from the surroundings of the aerosol-generating material), or the held fluid may be a solvent (such as when the aerosol-generating material is formed from a slurry). In some embodiments, the solvent may be water.

[0049] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating composition may contain, for example, about 50% by weight, 60% by weight, or 70% by weight of aerosol-generating material to about 90% by weight, 95% by weight, or 100% by weight of aerosol-generating material, based on the weight of the aerosol-generating composition. These weight percentage values ​​are calculated on a wet weight basis (WWB), i.e., including any water or other solvent present in the aerosol-generating composition or aerosol-generating material.

[0050] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material essentially consists of, or comprises, a gelling agent, a solvent, an aerosol-forming material, an active substance, and optionally a fragrance, and / or optionally further active substances, and / or optionally a filler.

[0051] In some examples, the first aerosol-generating material essentially consists of, or comprises, a gelling agent, a solvent, an aerosol-forming material, and components, derivatives, or extracts of cannabis.

[0052] In some embodiments, the first aerosol-generating material essentially consists of, or comprises, a gelling agent, a solvent, an aerosol-forming material, a cannabinoid, and optionally a fragrance, and / or optionally further active substances, and / or optionally a filler.

[0053] In some examples, the first aerosol-generating material consists essentially of, or comprises, a gelling agent, a solvent, an aerosol-forming material, and a cannabinoid.

[0054] In some embodiments, the first aerosol-generating material essentially consists of, or comprises, a gelling agent, a solvent, an aerosol-forming material, and components, derivatives, or extracts of cannabis.

[0055] In some embodiments, the second or further aerosol-generating material essentially consists of or comprises a gelling agent, a solvent, an aerosol-forming material, an active substance, and optionally a fragrance, and / or optionally further active substances, and / or optionally a filler.

[0056] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is a hydrogel containing less than about 20% by weight of water on a wet weight basis. In some examples, the hydrogel may contain less than 15% by weight, 12% by weight, or 10% by weight of water on a wet weight basis (WWB). In some examples, the hydrogel may contain at least about 1% by weight, 2% by weight, or at least about 5% by weight of water (WWB).

[0057] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may contain less than about 20% by weight of water on a wet weight basis (WWB), for example, about 15% by weight, 12% by weight, or less than 10% by weight of water. For example, the aerosol-generating material may contain about 1 to 15% by weight of water on a wet weight basis (WWB), for example, 3 to 12% by weight of water. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may contain about 1 to 5% by weight of water on a wet weight basis (WWB). In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material is Approximately 15 to 50% by weight of the active substance, Approximately 10 to 50% by weight of aerosol-forming material, Approximately 15-60% by weight of gelling agent, Optionally, filler and This includes, where the weight percentage value is calculated on a dry weight basis.

[0058] Cannabis components, derivatives, or extracts The first aerosol-generating material contains an active substance which is a component, derivative, or extract of cannabis.

[0059] Furthermore, the second aerosol-generating material, which contains different active substances, may also contain active substances that are components, derivatives, or extracts of cannabis.

[0060] When used herein, any compound or mixture of compounds that can be obtained from cannabis may be its components, derivatives, or extracts, including synthetic versions of such compounds or such compounds derived from other natural sources.

[0061] In some embodiments, the cannabis components, derivatives, or extracts comprise or are comprised of one or more compounds selected from cannabinoids (such as phytocannabinoids, which may optionally be THC and / or CBD), terpenes (such as triterpenes), alkaloids, and flavonoids.

[0062] In some embodiments, the cannabis component, derivative, or extract comprises one or more compounds selected from cannabinoids (such as phytocannabinoids) and terpenes (such as triterpenes).

[0063] In some embodiments, the cannabis component, derivative, or extract comprises one or more cannabinoids, such as phytocannabinoids.

[0064] Cannabinoids are a class of naturally occurring or synthetic compounds that act on intracellular cannabinoid receptors (i.e., CB1 and CB2) that inhibit the release of neurotransmitters in the brain. Cannabinoids may be naturally occurring in plants such as cannabis (phytocannabinoids), naturally occurring in animals (endogenous cannabinoids), or artificially produced (synthetic cannabinoids). Cannabis species express at least 85 different phytocannabinoids, which are divided into subcategories including cannabigerol, cannabichromene, cannabidiol, tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabinol, and cannabinodiol, as well as other cannabinoids. Cannabinoids found in cannabis include, but are not limited to, cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinol (CBN), cannabinodiol (CBDL), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabivarin (CBV), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabichromvaline (CBCV), cannabigerovaline (CBGV), cannabigerol monomethyl ether (CBGM), cannabinerol acid, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabinol propyl variant (CBNV), cannabitriol (CBO), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), and tetrahydrocannabivaric acid (THCV A).

[0065] In some embodiments, the cannabinoid is a phytocannabinoid.

[0066] In some embodiments, the terpene is a triterpene.

[0067] In certain embodiments, the cannabis components, derivatives, or extracts include or are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and / or cannabidiol (CBD).

[0068] In some embodiments, the cannabis component, derivative, or extract contains or is THC.

[0069] In certain embodiments, the cannabis component, derivative, or extract includes or is CBD.

[0070] In some embodiments, the total amount of one or more cannabis components, derivatives, or extracts present is about 0.1 to about 60% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the total amount of one or more cannabis components, derivatives, or extracts present is about 5 to about 60% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the total amount of one or more cannabis components, derivatives, or extracts present in the composition is at least about 0.1% by weight, at least about 0.2% by weight, at least about 0.3% by weight, at least about 0.4% by weight, at least about 0.5% by weight, at least about 0.6% by weight, at least about 0.7% by weight, at least about 0.8% by weight, at least about 0.9% by weight, at least about 1% by weight, at least about 2% by weight, at least about 3% by weight, at least about 4% by weight, at least about 5% by weight, at least about 7% by weight, at least about 10% by weight, at least about 12% by weight, or at least about 15% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the total amount of one or more cannabis components, derivatives, or extracts present in the composition is about 60% by weight or less, about 55% by weight or less, about 50% by weight or less, about 45% by weight or less, about 40% by weight or less, about 35% by weight or less, about 30% by weight or less, or about 25% by weight or less, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0071] Other active substances The aerosol-generating material may further contain other active ingredients.

[0072] In some embodiments, the first aerosol-generating material comprises different active substances in addition to cannabis components, derivatives, or extracts. In some examples, the aerosol-generating material may also contain, in addition to cannabis components, derivatives, or extracts, about 1% by weight, 5% by weight, 10% by weight, 15% by weight, 20% by weight, or 25% by weight to about 65% by weight, 60% by weight, 50% by weight, 45% by weight, 40% by weight, 35% by weight, or 30% by weight (calculated on a dry weight basis) of another active substance.

[0073] Furthermore, the second or further aerosol-generating material contains an active substance different from the components, derivatives, or extracts of cannabis.

[0074] In some embodiments, the different active substances are not components, derivatives, or extracts of cannabis.

[0075] Further active substances used herein are physiologically active materials, i.e., materials for achieving or enhancing physiological reactions. Further active substances may be selected from, for example, functional foods, nootropics, and psychoactive substances. Further active substances may be naturally occurring or obtained by synthesis. Further active substances may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins (B6, B12, C, etc.), melatonin, or components, derivatives, or combinations thereof. Further active substances may include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco or other plant substances.

[0076] In some embodiments, the further active substance includes nicotine.

[0077] In some embodiments, further active substances include caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

[0078] As described herein, further active substances may include or be derived from one or more plant substances or their components, derivatives, or extracts. As used herein, the term “plant substance” includes, but is not limited to, any material derived from a plant, including extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, shells, peels, etc. Alternatively, the material may include active compounds that are naturally present in plant substances or obtained by synthesis. The material may be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, fragments, shards, sheets, etc. Examples of plant-based substances include tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, coffee, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba extract, hazelnut, hibiscus, laurel, licorice, matcha, mate, orange peel, papaya, rose, sage, tea (green tea, black tea, etc.), thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed, basil, bay leaf, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, and laurel. Vander, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, shiso, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, pimento, mace, damiana, 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 arventis, Mentha cv, Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata cv, Mentha piperita cv, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cordifolia, Mentha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata cv, and Mentha suaveolens.

[0079] In some embodiments, the further active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plant substances or components, derivatives, or extracts thereof, the plant substance being tobacco.

[0080] In some embodiments, the further active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plant substances or components, derivatives, or extracts thereof, the plant substances being selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, and hemp.

[0081] In some embodiments, the further active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plant substances or components, derivatives, or extracts thereof, the plant substances being selected from rooibos and fennel.

[0082] For example, in some cases, the aerosol-generating material further comprises tobacco material and / or nicotine. In some cases, the aerosol-generating material may contain 5 to 60% by weight (calculated on a dry weight basis) of tobacco material and / or nicotine.

[0083] In some examples, the aerosol-generating material may contain approximately 1% by weight, 5% by weight, 10% by weight, 15% by weight, 20% by weight, or 25% to approximately 60% by weight, 50% by weight, 45% by weight, 40% by weight, 35% by weight, or 30% by weight (calculated on a dry weight basis) of tobacco material. For example, the aerosol-generating material may contain up to approximately 50% by weight of tobacco material. For example, the aerosol-generating material may contain approximately 10-50% by weight, 15-40% by weight, or 20-35% by weight of tobacco material. In some examples, the aerosol-generating material may contain approximately 1% by weight, 2% by weight, 3% by weight, or 4% to approximately 20% by weight, 18% by weight, 15% by weight, or 12% by weight (calculated on a dry weight basis) of nicotine. For example, the aerosol-generating material may contain approximately 1-20% by weight, 2-18% by weight, or 3-12% by weight of nicotine.

[0084] In some examples, the aerosol-generating material contains further active substances such as tobacco extract. In some examples, the aerosol-generating material may contain 5–60% by weight (calculated on a dry weight basis) of tobacco extract. In some examples, the aerosol-generating material may contain approximately 5% by weight, 10% by weight, 15% by weight, 20% by weight, or 25% to approximately 60% by weight, 50% by weight, 45% by weight, 40% by weight, 35% by weight, or 30% by weight (calculated on a dry weight basis) of tobacco extract. For example, the aerosol-generating material may contain approximately 10–50% by weight, 15–40% by weight, or 20–35% by weight of tobacco extract. The tobacco extract may contain nicotine at a concentration such that the aerosol-generating material contains approximately 1% by weight, 1.5% by weight, 2% by weight, or 2.5% to approximately 6% by weight, 5% by weight, 4.5% by weight, or 4% by weight (calculated on a dry weight basis) of nicotine. In some cases, nicotine other than that derived from any tobacco extract may not be present in the aerosol-generating material.

[0085] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating composition does not contain tobacco material but contains nicotine. In some such examples, the aerosol-generating material may contain about 1% by weight, 2% by weight, 3% by weight, or 4% to about 20% by weight, 18% by weight, 15% by weight, or 12% by weight (calculated on a dry weight basis) of nicotine. For example, the aerosol-generating material may contain about 1 to 20% by weight, 2 to 18% by weight, or 3 to 12% by weight of nicotine.

[0086] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material and aerosol-generating composition do not contain tobacco material (including tobacco extract) or nicotine.

[0087] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material does not contain tobacco fibers. In certain embodiments, the aerosol-generating material does not contain fibrous material.

[0088] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating composition does not contain tobacco material (including tobacco extract) or nicotine. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating composition does not contain tobacco fiber. In certain embodiments, the aerosol-generating composition does not contain fibrous material.

[0089] Gelling agent Preferably, the amorphous solid may contain about 15% to about 60% by weight of a gelling agent, for example, about 25% by weight, 30% by weight, or 35% to about 40% by weight, 45% by weight, or 50% by weight of a gelling agent (all calculated on a dry weight basis). For example, the aerosol-generating material may contain about 25-50% by weight, 30-45% by weight, or 35-40% by weight of a gelling agent. In some embodiments, the gelling agent includes a hydrophilic colloid.

[0090] In some embodiments, the gelling agent comprises (or is comprised of) one or more compounds selected from polysaccharide gelling agents, such as alginates, pectins, starches or their derivatives, cellulose or its derivatives, pullulan, carrageenan, agar and agarose, gelatin, gums, such as xanthan gum, guar gum and acacia gum, silica or silicone compounds, such as PDMS and sodium silicate, clay, such as kaolin, and polyvinyl alcohol.

[0091] In some embodiments, the gelling agent comprises (or is comprised of) one or more polysaccharide gelling agents.

[0092] In some embodiments, the polysaccharide gelling agent is selected from alginate, pectin, starch or its derivatives, or cellulose or its derivatives. In some embodiments, the polysaccharide gelling agent is selected from alginate and cellulose derivatives.

[0093] In some embodiments, the gelling agent is a polysaccharide gelling agent, which is optionally selected from alginates and cellulose derivatives.

[0094] In some embodiments, the alginate is sodium alginate.

[0095] In some embodiments, the polysaccharide gelling agent is a cellulose derivative. While we do not wish to be bound by theory, we believe that such gelling agents do not react with calcium ions to form crosslinks.

[0096] In some embodiments, the polysaccharide gelling agent is alginate.

[0097] In some embodiments, the gelling agent is not crosslinked. The absence of crosslinking in the gelling agent facilitates faster delivery of cannabis components, derivatives, or extracts (as well as any further active substances and / or fragrances) from the aerosol-generating material.

[0098] Examples of cellulosic gelling agents (sometimes referred to as cellulose derivatives herein) include, but are not limited to, hydroxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, cellulose acetate (CA), cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), and cellulose acetate propionate (CAP). In some embodiments, cellulose or its derivatives are selected from hydroxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, cellulose acetate (CA), cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), and cellulose acetate propionate (CAP). In some embodiments, the cellulose derivative is CMC.

[0099] For example, in some embodiments, the gelling agent includes (or is) one or more of the following: alginate, pectin, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, pullulan, xanthan gum, guar gum, carrageenan, agarose, acacia gum, fumed silica, PDMS, sodium silicate, kaolin, and polyvinyl alcohol.

[0100] In some embodiments, the gelling agent comprises (or is) one or more of hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, guar gum, acacia gum, alginate, and / or pectin.

[0101] In some examples, the gelling agent may include (or be) alginate and / or pectin, which may be combined with a solidifying agent (such as a calcium source) during the formation of the aerosol-generating material. In some examples, the aerosol-generating material may include calcium-crosslinked alginate and / or calcium-crosslinked pectin.

[0102] In some embodiments, the gelling agent comprises (or is) an alginate, and optionally, this alginate is present in the aerosol-generating material in an amount of about 15–40% by weight, for example, about 15–25% by weight (calculated on a dry weight basis) of the aerosol-generating material.

[0103] In some embodiments, the gelling agent comprises (or is) an alginate, and optionally, this alginate is present in the aerosol-generating material in an amount of about 15–40% by weight, for example, about 30–40% by weight (calculated on a dry weight basis) of the aerosol-generating material.

[0104] In some embodiments, alginates are the only gelling agents present in the aerosol-generating material.

[0105] In other embodiments, the gelling agent comprises an alginate and at least one further gelling agent, such as pectin.

[0106] In certain embodiments, the gelling agent is carboxymethylcellulose, and optionally, this carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) is present in an amount of about 15–50% by weight, for example, about 20–40% by weight, or about 30% by weight. In some embodiments, CMC is the only gelling agent present in the aerosol-generating material.

[0107] Cannabinoids exhibit good stability in gels containing cellulosic gelling agents such as CMC. While we do not wish to be bound by theory, cellulosic gelling agents such as CMC are thought not to promote the oxidation of cannabinoids. Therefore, undesirable discoloration of cannabinoids can be reduced or avoided when cellulosic gelling agents such as CMC are used.

[0108] In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the total amount of gelling agent to the total amount of cannabis components, derivatives, or extracts is about 2:1 to 1:2, for example, about 1.5:1 to 1:1.5, or 1.2:1 to 1:1.2.

[0109] Aerosol-forming materials The aerosol-forming material may contain one or more components capable of forming aerosols.

[0110] Preferably, the amorphous solid may contain about 0.1% by weight, 0.5% by weight, 1% by weight, 3% by weight, 5% by weight, 7% by weight, or 10% to about 50% by weight, 45% by weight, 40% by weight, 35% by weight, 30% by weight, or 25% by weight of aerosol-forming material (all calculated on a dry weight basis). For example, the amorphous solid may contain 0.5 to 40% by weight, 3 to 35% by weight, or 10 to 25% by weight of aerosol-forming material.

[0111] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material may contain one or more of the following: glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzylphenyl acetate, tributyline, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0112] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material may comprise one or more of erythritol, propylene glycol, glycerol, and triacetin. In some examples, the aerosol-forming material comprises, essentially consists of, or comprises glycerol, or a mixture of glycerol and propylene glycol.

[0113] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material comprises a mixture of glycerol and propylene glycol in a weight ratio of glycerol to propylene glycol of about 3:1 to 1:3, about 2:1 to 1:2, about 1.5:1 to 1:1.5, about 55:45 to 45:55, or about 45:55.

[0114] The aerosol-forming material may also act as a plasticizer. If the plasticizer content is too high, the aerosol-forming material may absorb water, resulting in a material that does not produce a satisfactory consumption experience during use. If the plasticizer content is too low, the aerosol-forming material may become brittle and easily break. The plasticizer content specified herein results in aerosol-forming material flexibility that allows sheets of the aerosol-forming material or aerosol-forming composition to be wound onto bobbins, which is useful in the manufacture of aerosol products (consumables).

[0115] Filler The aerosol-generating composition may further contain fillers. The use of fillers can help reduce the tackiness of the aerosol-generating material, for example, when a high level of aerosol-forming material is present.

[0116] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may contain less than about 50% by weight of filler, for example, about 1% to 50% by weight, or 5% to 40% by weight, or 5% to 30% by weight, or 10% to 20% by weight of filler.

[0117] In other embodiments, the aerosol-generating material contains less than 20% by weight, preferably less than 10% by weight, or less than 5% by weight of filler. In some examples, the aerosol-generating material contains less than 1% by weight of filler, and in some examples, the aerosol-generating material does not contain any filler.

[0118] If a filler is present, the filler may include one or more inorganic fillers, such as calcium carbonate, perlite, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, colloidal silica, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate, magnesium carbonate, and a suitable inorganic adsorbent (such as molecular sieves). The filler may also include one or more organic fillers, such as wood pulp, tobacco pulp, hemp fiber, starch and starch derivatives, such as maltodextrin and chitosan, and cellulose and cellulose derivatives, such as crystalline cellulose and nanocrystalline cellulose. In certain examples, the aerosol-generating material does not contain calcium carbonate, such as chalk.

[0119] In certain embodiments including a filler, the filler is fibrous. For example, the filler may be a fibrous organic filler material, such as wood pulp, tobacco pulp, hemp fiber, cellulose, or a cellulose derivative. In some embodiments, the fibrous organic filler material is wood pulp, hemp fiber, cellulose, or a cellulose derivative. In some embodiments, the fibrous filler is wood pulp. While we do not wish to be bound by theory, it is thought that including a fibrous filler in an aerosol-generating material may increase the tensile strength of the material. This may be particularly advantageous in examples where the aerosol-generating material is provided as a sheet, for example, when the aerosol-generating material sheet surrounds a rod of aerosolizable material.

[0120] In some embodiments, the gelling agent is CMC, which is used together with wood pulp as a filler.

[0121] fragrance Aerosol-generating materials and / or aerosol-generating compositions may optionally contain fragrances. For example, an aerosol-generating material or each aerosol-generating material may contain up to about 60% by weight, 55% by weight, 50% by weight, or 45% by weight of fragrance. In some examples, an aerosol-generating material may contain at least about 0.1% by weight, 1% by weight, 10% by weight, 20% by weight, 30% by weight, 35% by weight, or 40% by weight of fragrance (all calculated on a dry weight basis). For example, an aerosol-generating material may contain 1-60% by weight, 10-60% by weight, 20-50% by weight, or 30-40% by weight of fragrance.

[0122] Different aerosol-generating materials in an aerosol-generating composition may contain the same or different fragrances and / or different amounts of fragrances.

[0123] As used herein, the terms “flavoring” and “flavoring” refer to materials that can be used to create a desired taste, aroma, or other somatosensory effect in products intended for adult consumers, where local regulations permit. These include naturally occurring flavoring materials, plant substances, extracts of plant substances, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, mint, anise, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, ma Gourd, 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, naswar, betel, sea 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, mint oil from any variety of mint, eucalyptus, star anise, cacao, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo, hazelnut, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange peel, rose, tea (green tea, black tea, etc.), Thai (Lumin, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, shiso, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, 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,It may contain acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol, as well as other additives, such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, plant-based substances, or breath fresheners. These may be imitation ingredients, synthetic ingredients, natural ingredients, or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, such as liquid (e.g., oil), solid (e.g., powder), or gas.

[0124] In some embodiments, the fragrance includes menthol, spearmint, and / or peppermint.

[0125] In some embodiments, the flavoring includes flavor components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruit, and / or red berry.

[0126] In some embodiments, the fragrance contains eugenol.

[0127] In some embodiments, the fragrance includes flavoring components extracted from tobacco.

[0128] In some embodiments, the fragrance includes flavor components extracted from cannabis.

[0129] In some embodiments, the fragrance may include sensory agents intended to achieve somatosensory effects that are normally chemically induced and perceived by stimulating the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve) in addition to, or instead of, the olfactory nerve or gustatory nerve, and these may include agents that provide a heating effect, a cooling effect, a tingling effect, or a numbing effect. 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, eucolyptol or WS-3 (N-ethyl-2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanecarboxamide).

[0130] In some examples, the aerosol-generating material may further contain an emulsifier, which emulsifies the molten flavor during manufacturing. For example, the aerosol-generating material may contain about 5% to about 15% by weight of an emulsifier (calculated on a dry weight basis), preferably about 10% by weight. The emulsifier may contain acacia gum.

[0131] solvent The amorphous solid may be prepared from a gel, which may further contain a solvent in an amount of 0.1 to 50% by weight. However, it has been established that the inclusion of a solvent in which the fragrance is soluble reduces gel stability, and the fragrance may leave the gel and crystallize. Therefore, in some examples, the gel does not contain a solvent in which the fragrance is soluble.

[0132] Other functional materials In some embodiments, one or more aerosol-generating materials may further include one or more other functional materials.

[0133] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may further comprise one or more additional active substances and / or fragrances, and optionally one or more other functional materials. The one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more of pH adjusters, colorants, preservatives, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants.

[0134] seat In some embodiments, one or more aerosol-generating materials are each formed as a sheet.

[0135] In some examples, the aerosol-generating material sheet may be incorporated into a non-combustible aerosol supply system or consumable in sheet form. The aerosol-generating material sheet may be incorporated as a flat sheet, a gathered or pleated sheet, a corrugated sheet, or a rolled sheet (i.e., in the form of a tube). In some such examples, the aerosol-generating material of these embodiments may be included in the system / consumable as a sheet, for example, a sheet surrounding a rod of aerosolizable material (such as cigarettes). For example, the aerosol-generating material sheet may be formed on a roll surrounding aerosolizable material such as cigarettes. In other examples, the sheet may be shredded and then incorporated into an assembly and optionally mixed with aerosolizable material such as shredded rag tobacco or non-tobacco plant material.

[0136] If the aerosol generating composition includes two or more aerosol generating materials in sheet form, the sheets may be incorporated into a non-combustible aerosol supply system or consumables in the same or different manner.

[0137] The “thickness” of the aerosol-generating material refers to the shortest distance between the first surface and the second surface. In embodiments where the aerosol-generating material is in the form of a sheet, the thickness of the aerosol-generating material is the shortest distance between the first flat surface of the sheet and the second flat surface of the sheet opposite the first flat surface. In some examples, the aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a sheet or layer having a thickness of about 0.015 mm to about 1.0 mm. Preferably, the thickness may be in the range of about 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, or 0.15 mm to about 0.5 mm, or 0.3 mm, for example, 0.1 to 3 mm, or 0.15 to 0.3 mm. A material having a thickness of 0.2 mm may be particularly suitable. The aerosol-generating material may comprise two or more layers, and the thickness described herein refers to the total thickness of these layers. If the aerosol-generating composition comprises two or more sheets of aerosol-generating material, the sheets may have the same thickness or different thicknesses.

[0138] If the aerosol-generating material is too thick, heating efficiency may be impaired. This negatively impacts power consumption during use. Conversely, if the aerosol-generating material is too thin, manufacturing and handling may be difficult. In other words, very thin materials are more difficult to cast, are more fragile, and may impair aerosol formation during use.

[0139] The thicknesses specified herein are the average thickness of the material. In some examples, the thickness of the aerosol-generating material may vary by only 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 5%, or 1% or less.

[0140] In some examples, the aerosol-generating material in sheet form may have a tensile strength of about 200 N / m to about 2000 N / m. In some examples, the aerosol-generating material in sheet form may have a tensile strength of about 200 N / m to about 900 N / m. In some examples, such as when the aerosol-generating material does not contain fillers, the aerosol-generating material in sheet form may have a tensile strength of about 200 N / m to about 400 N / m, or about 200 N / m to about 300 N / m, or about 250 N / m. Such tensile strengths may be particularly suitable for embodiments in which the aerosol-generating material and / or aerosol-generating composition is formed as a sheet, then shredded, and incorporated into a consumable. In some examples, such as when the aerosol-generating material includes a filler, the aerosol-generating material may have a tensile strength of about 600 N / m to about 900 N / m, or about 700 N / m to about 900 N / m, or about 800 N / m. Such tensile strengths may be particularly suitable for embodiments in which the aerosol-generating material and / or aerosol-generating composition is included in a consumable / non-combustible aerosol supply system, preferably in the form of a wound sheet or a tube.

[0141] If the aerosol-generating composition includes two or more aerosol-generating materials in sheet form, the sheets may have the same tensile strength or different tensile strengths.

[0142] The aerosol-generating composition containing the aerosol-generating material has any suitable surface density, for example, 30 g / m².2 ~120 g / m 2 and may have. In some examples, the aerosol-generating composition is 80 - 120 g / m 2 , or about 70 - 110 g / m 2 , or particularly about 90 - 110 g / m 2 , or preferably about 100 g / m 2 per unit area mass (so that the sheet has a density similar to cut-rag tobacco and mixtures of these substances do not easily separate). Such areal density can be particularly suitable when the aerosol-generating composition is included in the form of a sheet or as shredded sheets in an assembly consumable / system (further described below). In some examples, the aerosol-generating composition is about 30 - 70 g / m 2 , 40 - 60 g / m 2 , or 25 - 60 g / m 2 per unit area mass and may be used to surround an aerosolizable material such as tobacco.

[0143] When the aerosol-generating composition includes two or more aerosol-generating materials in sheet form, the sheets may have the same or different areal densities.

[0144] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is formed as a film on a support. The aerosol-generating film may be a continuous film or a discontinuous film such as a configuration of separate portions of the film on the support. In some examples, the aerosol-forming film does not contain a filler.

[0145] The aerosol-generating material used for aerosol generation may be present on or in a support to form a substrate. The support may be, for example, paper, cardboard, paperboard, thick paper, recycled material, plastic material, ceramic material, composite material, glass, metal, or metal alloy, or may include it. In some embodiments, the support comprises a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is incorporated within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or both sides of the material.

[0146] If the aerosol-generating composition includes two or more aerosol-generating materials in sheet form, the sheets may be formed on the same support, on the same type of support, or on different supports.

[0147] The aerosol-generating composition may include a carrier on which the aerosol-generating material is provided. The carrier functions as a support on which the aerosol-generating material layer is formed, facilitating manufacturing. The carrier may provide tensile strength to the aerosol-generating material layer, facilitating handling.

[0148] In some examples, the carrier may be formed from a material selected from metal foil, paper, carbon paper, oil-resistant paper, ceramics, carbon allotropes (e.g., graphite and graphene), plastics, cardboard, wood, or a combination thereof. In some examples, the carrier may contain or consist of tobacco material (such as a sheet of reconstituted tobacco). In some examples, the carrier may be formed from a material selected from metal foil, paper, cardboard, wood, or a combination thereof. In some examples, the carrier itself is a laminated structure comprising layers of multiple materials selected from the aforementioned list. In some examples, the carrier may also function as a flavor carrier. For example, the carrier may be impregnated with a flavor or tobacco extract.

[0149] In some examples, the carrier may be magnetic. This feature may be used to fix the carrier to a non-combustible aerosol supply device during use, or to generate a specific aerosol-generating material shape. In some examples, the aerosol-generating composition may contain one or more magnets that can be used to fix the material to an induction heater during use.

[0150] In some examples, the carrier may be substantially or completely impermeable to gases and / or aerosols. This prevents aerosols or gases from passing through the carrier layer, thereby controlling the flow and ensuring that the aerosols or gases are reliably delivered to the user. This can also be used to prevent gases / aerosols from condensing or other deposits during use, for example, on the surface of a heater located within an aerosol generation assembly. In this way, consumption efficiency and hygiene can be improved in some examples.

[0151] In some cases, the surface of the carrier in contact with the aerosol-generating material may be porous. For example, in some cases, the carrier includes paper. Porous carriers such as paper have been found to be particularly suitable, as the porous (e.g., paper) layer comes into contact with the aerosol-generating material layer and forms a strong bond. The aerosol-generating material may be formed by drying a gel, and although not limited by theory, the slurry forming the gel is thought to partially impregnate the porous carrier (e.g., paper), resulting in the carrier being partially bonded to the gel when the gel solidifies. This results in a strong bond between the gel and the carrier (and between the dried gel and the carrier).

[0152] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may be laminated on a carrier such as a paper sheet.

[0153] In some embodiments, when an aerosol-generating material is formed from a slurry as described herein, the slurry layer may be formed on a carrier such as a paper sheet.

[0154] In addition, surface roughness can contribute to the strength of the bond between the aerosol-generating material and the carrier. The roughness of the paper (the surface in contact with the carrier) is preferably in the range of 50 to 1000 Bekk seconds, preferably 50 to 150 Bekk seconds, and preferably 100 Bekk seconds (measured over an air pressure range of 50.66 to 48.00 kPa). (A Bekk smoothness tester is an instrument used to measure the smoothness of a paper surface. In this tester, air at a specific pressure is introduced between a smooth glass surface and a paper sample. The time (in seconds) that a fixed volume of air penetrates between these surfaces is called "Bekk smoothness").

[0155] Conversely, the surface of the carrier that does not face the aerosol-generating material may be placed in contact with the heater, and a smoother surface may provide more efficient heat transfer. Therefore, in some examples, the carrier is arranged to have a rougher surface that is in contact with the aerosol-generating material and a smoother surface that does not face the aerosol-generating material.

[0156] In one particular example, the carrier may be foil backed with paper, where the paper layer is in contact with the aerosol-generating material layer, and the properties discussed in the preceding paragraphs are brought about by this contact. The foil backing is substantially impermeable, resulting in control of the aerosol channel. Metal foil backing may also serve to transfer heat to the aerosol-generating material.

[0157] In another example, the foil layer of a paper backing comes into contact with the aerosol-generating material. The foil is substantially impermeable, preventing moisture introduced into the aerosol-generating material from being absorbed by the paper (which could weaken the structural integrity of the paper).

[0158] In some cases, the carrier is formed from or includes a metal foil, such as aluminum foil. The metal carrier can enable better transfer of thermal energy to the aerosol-generating material. In addition, or alternatively, the metal foil may function as a susceptor in the induction heating system. In certain embodiments, the carrier comprises a metal foil layer and a support layer (such as cardboard). In these embodiments, the metal foil layer may have a thickness of less than 20 μm, for example, about 1 μm to about 10 μm, preferably about 5 μm.

[0159] In some examples, the carrier may have a thickness of approximately 0.010 mm to approximately 2.0 mm, preferably approximately 0.015 mm, 0.02 mm, 0.05 mm, or from 0.1 mm to approximately 1.5 mm, 1.0 mm, or 0.5 mm.

[0160] If the aerosol-generating composition includes two or more aerosol-generating materials in sheet form, the sheets may be formed on the same carrier, on the same type of carrier, or on different carriers.

[0161] Two or more aerosol-generating materials are included in the aerosol-generating composition. These aerosol-generating materials contain different active substances. The aerosol-generating materials may otherwise be the same. Alternatively, the materials may differ in one or more further ways.

[0162] For example, the aerosol-generating material may have different thicknesses and / or may be supplied in other different sizes, for example, cut to different dimensions or average particle sizes.

[0163] The densities of the aerosol-generating materials may vary.

[0164] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material contains different components or different amounts of the same component.

[0165] Two or more aerosol-generating materials may be included in the aerosol-generating material in different amounts.

[0166] In some embodiments, different aerosol-generating materials may be mixed to form a substantially homogeneous blend. In other embodiments, the distribution of different aerosol-generating materials is controlled to provide a desired distribution within the composition, optionally including unmixed or substantially unmixed materials. If the aerosol-generating composition contains a blend of two or more different aerosol-generating materials, this can control the release of the activator. For example, the blend may provide a consistent release throughout the use of the consumable, or it may be configured / formulated to provide either immediate or slow release.

[0167] consumables According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a consumable for use in a non-combustible aerosol supply device is provided. This consumable comprises an aerosol-generating composition comprising a first aerosol-generating material comprising an active substance and a gelling agent, which is a component, derivative or extract of cannabis, as described above, and a second aerosol-generating material comprising a different active substance and a gelling agent.

[0168] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating compositions and configured for use with non-combustible aerosol supply devices. These consumables may be referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0169] The articles of the present invention may be provided in any suitable shape or configuration. In some examples, the articles are provided as rods (e.g., substantially cylindrical). Articles provided as rods may contain the aerosol-generating composition as shredded sheets of two or more aerosol-generating materials. Optionally, these shredded sheets are blended with another aerosol-generating material, such as shredded tobacco or another plant-based material.

[0170] Alternatively, or in addition, the article provided as a rod may include one or more sheets of an aerosol-generating composition surrounding a rod of aerosol-generating material (e.g., tobacco, an aerosol-generating material such as those described herein, or a combination thereof).

[0171] In some embodiments, two or more different aerosol-generating materials are placed or located in different sections of the consumable.

[0172] For example, the aerosol-generating composition may be provided in a consumable in the form of a rod of material.

[0173] In some embodiments, the rod may comprise cylindrical sections of different aerosol-generating materials arranged along the longitudinal axis of the rod. In other embodiments, the sections of different aerosol-generating materials may be arranged along the longitudinal axis of the rod. In other embodiments, the rod may comprise an inner section of aerosol-generating material that extends along the longitudinal axis of the rod and is surrounded by one or more sections of other aerosol-generating materials.

[0174] In some embodiments, the article comprises a layer portion of aerosol-generating material placed on a carrier. In an example, the article may have at least one substantially flat surface. In such embodiments, the consumable may be provided in a shape or configuration other than a rod.

[0175] In some such embodiments, consumables for use in non-combustible aerosol supply systems are provided. These consumables comprise a flat support (e.g., a continuous aerosol-generating film comprising one or more of the aerosol-generating materials described herein) that completely covers the aerosol-generating material. Figure 8 provides a schematic exploded view of such a consumable, which comprises a support layer 54 and an aerosol-generating material layer 52.

[0176] The aerosol-generating film may be discontinuous. For example, the aerosol-generating film may include one or more distinct parts or regions of the aerosol-generating material, such as dots, stripes, or lines, which may be supported by a support. In such embodiments, the support may be flat or not. Each of the one or more distinct parts or regions of the aerosol-generating material may include one of the aerosol-generating materials described herein, or a combination of two or more aerosol-generating materials. Different distinct parts of the aerosol-generating materials may be heated separately.

[0177] In some examples, the distinct parts of the aerosol-generating material are substantially circular, cylindrical, or hemispherical. In some examples, there is a grid-shaped distribution of the aerosol-generating material that is substantially circular, cylindrical, or hemispherical.

[0178] In several examples, consumables used in non-combustible aerosol supply systems are provided. These consumables comprise a flat support having a deposited discontinuous aerosol-generating film (containing multiple distinct parts of aerosol-generating material).

[0179] Figure 9 shows an example of a consumable (401), which is provided with a discontinuous aerosol-generating film (which includes a separate portion (403) of the aerosol-generating material).

[0180] In some embodiments, a flat consumable comprises an aerosol-generating composition comprising two aerosol-generating materials that can be heated by a heater. These may be arranged as two separate parts or regions of the two aerosol-generating materials. The first aerosol-generating material comprises an active substance and a gelling agent, which is a component, derivative, or extract of cannabis, and the second aerosol-generating material comprises a different active substance and a gelling agent.

[0181] The two portions or regions of the aerosol-generating material may be adjacent, in contact, or separated by a region that does not contain the aerosol-generating material.

[0182] In further exemplary embodiments, the flat consumable comprises an aerosol-generating composition comprising six (as shown in Figure 9) or nine aerosol-generating materials that can be heated by a flat heater. The first aerosol-generating material comprises an active substance and a gelling agent, which is a component, derivative, or extract of cannabis, and the second and further aerosol-generating materials comprise different active substances and gelling agents.

[0183] The portions or regions of the aerosol-generating material may be adjacent, in contact, or separated by regions that do not contain the aerosol-generating material (as shown in Figure 9). The portions may be arranged in one or more rows; for example, in the case of nine portions, they may be arranged as three portions in three rows. Two or more portions may contain the same aerosol-generating material, or all portions may be different.

[0184] The consumables may be used with any suitable non-combustible aerosol supply device.

[0185] Consumables are articles containing or comprising an aerosol-generating composition, which is intended to be partially or entirely consumed during use by the user. Consumables may also include one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating composition storage area, an aerosol-generating composition transport component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a roll of paper, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. Consumables may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater that generates heat to cause aerosol generation from the aerosol-generating composition during use. The heater may comprise, for example, a flammable material, an electrically conductive material, or a susceptor.

[0186] A susceptor is a material that can be heated by the intrusion of a fluctuating magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically conductive material, in which case its intrusion with a fluctuating magnetic field causes inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material, in which case its intrusion with a fluctuating magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically conductive and magnetic, in which case the susceptor can be heated by both heating mechanisms. A device configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

[0187] Aerosol modifiers are typically substances located downstream of an aerosol-generating region, configured to modify the resulting aerosol, for example, by altering its taste, flavor, acidity, or other properties. Aerosol modifiers may be contained within an aerosol modifier-releasing component that can be manipulated to selectively release the aerosol modifier.

[0188] The aerosol modifier may be, for example, an additive or an adsorbent. The aerosol modifier may contain, for example, one or more of the following: flavorings, colorings, water, and carbon adsorbents. 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, thread, or granules. The aerosol modifier does not need to contain a filter material.

[0189] An aerosol generator is a device configured to induce the generation of an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to expose an aerosol-generating composition to thermal energy to release one or more volatile substances from the aerosol-generating composition and form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to induce the generation of an aerosol from an aerosol-generating composition without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to expose the aerosol-generating composition to one or more of the following: vibration, high pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0190] Non-combustion type aerosol supply system In another aspect of this disclosure, a non-combustible aerosol supply system is provided, comprising consumables and a non-combustible aerosol supply device as described herein.

[0191] According to this disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol delivery system is one in which the aerosol-generating composition (or its components) of the aerosol delivery system is not combusted or burned during use in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to the user.

[0192] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as a powdered non-combustible aerosol supply system.

[0193] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustible heating system. An example of such a system is a cigarette heating system.

[0194] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply device is of the non-combustible heating type.

[0195] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that generates aerosols using a combination of aerosol-generating compositions, one or more of which may be heated. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes an aerosol-generating material and an aerosol-generating composition as described herein, comprising or consisting of a further liquid or gel aerosol-generating composition.

[0196] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply device is an e-cigarette hybrid device.

[0197] Typically, a non-combustible aerosol supply system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol supply device and consumables used in conjunction with the non-combustible aerosol supply device.

[0198] In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol supply system, for example, the non-combustible aerosol supply device, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, a power source or a heat source. In some embodiments, the heat source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energized to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or a heat transfer material adjacent to the heat source.

[0199] In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol supply system, for example, a non-combustible aerosol supply device, may include a consumable receiving area, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0200] A non-combustible aerosol supply system or device may include a heater configured to heat the aerosol-generating substrate without combustion. In some examples, the heater may be a thin-film electrical resistance heater. In other examples, the heater may be an induction heater or other type of heater. In further examples, the heater may be a flammable heat source or a chemical heat source that generates heat by undergoing an exothermic reaction during use.

[0201] In some examples, the heater may heat the aerosolizable material to 120°C to 350°C during use without combustion. In some examples, the heater may heat the aerosolizable material to 140°C to 250°C during use without combustion. In some examples, substantially the entire aerosol-generating material is less than about 4 mm, 3 mm, 2 mm, or 1 mm from the heater during use. In some examples, the solid is positioned about 0.017 mm to 2.0 mm, preferably about 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm, from the heater. These minimum distances may, in some examples, reflect the thickness of the carrier supporting the aerosol-generating material. In some examples, the surface of the aerosol-generating material may be in direct contact with the heater.

[0202] In some examples, the heater may be incorporated into the aerosol-generating composition. In some such examples, the heater may be an electrical resistance heater (with exposed contacts for connection to an electrical circuit). In other such examples, the heater may be a susceptor incorporated into the aerosol-generating composition that is heated by induction.

[0203] A non-combustible aerosol supply system may further include a cooling element and / or a filter. If a cooling element is present, it may act or function to cool the gaseous component or the aerosol component. In some examples, the cooling element may act to cool the gaseous component so that it condenses to form an aerosol. The cooling element may also act to keep the very hot parts of the device away from the user. If a filter is present, it may consist of any suitable filter known in the art, such as a cellulose acetate plug.

[0204] In some examples, the non-combustible aerosol supply system may be a non-combustible heating system. That is, the non-combustible aerosol supply system may include solid materials (but not liquid aerosolizable materials). Non-combustible heating devices are disclosed in WO2015 / 062983A2, the entire publication of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0205] In some examples, a non-combustible aerosol supply system may be an e-cigarette hybrid device. That is, a non-combustible aerosol supply system may include a solid aerosolizable material and a liquid aerosolizing material. These separate aerosolizable materials may be heated by separate heaters or by the same heater, and in some examples, the downstream aerosolizable material may be heated by a high-temperature aerosol generated from the upstream aerosolizable material. An e-cigarette hybrid device is disclosed in WO2016 / 135331A1, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0206] This consumable may also be referred to as a cartridge in this specification. This consumable may be adapted for use in a THP, an e-cigarette hybrid device, or another aerosol generating device. In some examples, the consumable may further comprise a filter and / or cooling element as already described. In some examples, the consumable may be enclosed in packaging material such as paper.

[0207] The consumables may further include vents, which may be located on the side walls of the article. In some examples, the vents may be located on the filter and / or cooling element. These vents allow cold air to be drawn into the article during use, and this cold air can mix with the heated volatile components, thereby cooling the aerosol.

[0208] Ventilation facilitates the generation of visible heat-volatile components from the article when the article is heated during use. These heat-volatile components are made visible by a process of cooling them to the point where supersaturation occurs. The heat-volatile components then undergo droplet formation (also known as nucleation), and ultimately, the size of the heat-volatile component aerosol particles increases due to further condensation of the heat-volatile components and the aggregation of newly formed droplets from the heat-volatile components.

[0209] In some cases, the ratio of cold air to the total amount of heated volatile components (known as the permeability ratio) is at least 15%. A permeability ratio of 15% makes it possible to visualize the heated volatile components in the manner described above. The visibility of heated volatile components allows the user to identify that volatile components have been generated, enhancing the perceptual experience of the smoking experience.

[0210] In another example, the permeability ratio is 50% to 85% to further cool the heated volatile components. In some examples, the permeability ratio may be at least 60% or 65%.

[0211] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a partial cross-sectional view and a perspective view of an example of an article consumable 101 ("article"). Article 101 is adapted for use with a device having a power supply and a heater. Article 101 of this embodiment is particularly suitable for use with the device 51 shown in Figures 5 to 7, which are described below. When in use, article 101 can be removably inserted into the device at the insertion point 20 of the device 51 shown in Figure 5.

[0212] An example article 101 is in the form of a substantially cylindrical rod, comprising an aerosol-generating composition 103 and a filter assembly 105 in the form of a rod. The aerosol-generating composition comprises the aerosol-generating material described herein. In some embodiments, it may be included in sheet form. In some embodiments, it may be included in shredded sheet form. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating composition described herein may be incorporated in both sheet and shredded forms.

[0213] The filter assembly 105 includes three segments: a cooling segment 107, a filter segment 109, and a mouth-end segment 111. Article 101 has a first end 113, also known as the mouth-end or proximal end, and a second end 115, also known as the distal end. The aerosol-generating composition 103 is located on the distal end 115 side of article 101. In one example, the cooling segment 107 is located adjacent to the aerosol-generating composition 103 between the aerosol-generating composition 103 and the filter segment 109, such that the cooling segment 107 is in contact with the aerosol-generating composition 103 and the filter segment 109. In other examples, there may be separations between the aerosol-generating composition 103 and the cooling segment 107, and between the aerosol-generating composition 103 and the filter segment 109. The filter segment 109 is located between the cooling segment 107 and the mouth-end segment 111. The mouth end segment 111 is positioned on the proximal end 113 side of the article 101 and is adjacent to the filter segment 109. In one example, the filter segment 109 is in contact with the mouth end segment 111. In one embodiment, the total length of the filter assembly 105 is 37 mm to 45 mm, and more preferably, the total length of the filter assembly 105 is 41 mm.

[0214] In one example, the rod of the aerosol-generating composition 103 has a length of 34 mm to 50 mm, preferably 38 mm to 46 mm, and preferably 42 mm.

[0215] In one example, the total length of article 101 is 71 mm to 95 mm, preferably 79 mm to 87 mm, and preferably 83 mm.

[0216] One axial end of the aerosol-generating composition 103 is visible at the distal end 115 of the article 101. However, in other embodiments, the distal end 115 of the article 101 may include an end member (not shown) that covers one axial end of the aerosol-generating composition 103.

[0217] The aerosol-generating composition 103 is bonded to the filter assembly 105 by annular tip paper (not shown), which is positioned substantially around the filter assembly 105 so as to surround it and partially extends along the length of the aerosol-generating composition 103. In one example, the tip paper is made from 58GSM standard tip base paper. In one example, the tip paper has a length of 42 mm to 50 mm, preferably 46 mm.

[0218] In one example, the cooling segment 107 is an annular tube positioned around a void within the cooling segment to define the void. This void provides a chamber through which heated volatile components generated from the aerosol-generating composition 103 flow. The cooling segment 107 is hollow to provide a chamber for aerosol accumulation, but is rigid enough to withstand axial compressive forces and bending moments that may occur during manufacturing and while the article 101 is being used during insertion into the device 51. In one example, the wall thickness of the cooling segment 107 is approximately 0.29 mm.

[0219] The cooling segment 107 provides a physical displacement between the aerosol-generating composition 103 and the filter segment 109. The physical displacement provided by the cooling segment 107 creates a thermal gradient between the two ends of the cooling segment 107 in the longitudinal direction. In one example, the cooling segment 107 is configured to create a temperature difference of at least 40°C between the heated volatile components entering the first end of the cooling segment 107 and the heated volatile components exiting the second end of the cooling segment 107. In another example, the cooling segment 107 is configured to create a temperature difference of at least 60°C between the heated volatile components entering the first end of the cooling segment 107 and the heated volatile components exiting the second end of the cooling segment 107. This temperature difference between the two ends of the cooling element 107 in the longitudinal direction protects the temperature-sensitive filter segment 109 from the high temperature of the aerosol-generating composition 103 when the aerosol-generating composition 103 is heated by the device 51. If no physical displacement is provided between the filter segment 109 and the aerosol-generating composition 103 and the heating element of the device 51, the temperature-sensitive filter segment 109 may be damaged during use and may not effectively perform its required function.

[0220] In one example, the length of the cooling segment 107 is at least 15 mm. In another example, the length of the cooling segment 107 is 20 mm to 30 mm, more specifically 23 mm to 27 mm, more specifically 25 mm to 27 mm, preferably 25 mm.

[0221] The cooling segment 107 is made of paper, meaning that the cooling segment 107 is composed of a material that does not generate compounds of concern (e.g., toxic compounds) when it is adjacent to the heater of the device 51 during use. In one example, the cooling segment 107 is manufactured from a spiral-wound paper tube that provides a hollow internal chamber while maintaining mechanical rigidity. The spiral-wound paper tube can meet the stringent dimensional accuracy requirements of a high-speed manufacturing process with respect to the length, outer diameter, roundness, and straightness of the tube.

[0222] In another example, the cooling segment 107 is a recess made from rigid plug wrap or tip paper. The rigid plug wrap or tip paper is manufactured to be rigid enough to withstand the axial compressive forces and bending moments that may occur during manufacturing and while the article 101 is being used during insertion into the device 51.

[0223] The filter segment 109 may be formed from any filter material sufficient to remove one or more volatile compounds from the heat-volatile components of the aerosol-generating material. In one example, the filter segment 109 is made from a monoacetate material such as cellulose acetate. The filter segment 109 provides cooling and irritation reduction of the heat-volatile components without depleting the amount of heat-volatile components to an unsatisfactory level for the user.

[0224] In some embodiments, a capsule (not shown) may be provided within the filter segment 109. This capsule may be positioned substantially at the center of the filter segment 109 in both the radial and longitudinal directions. In other examples, the capsule may be offset from the center in one or more dimensions. In some examples, if a capsule is present, it may contain a volatile component such as a fragrance or an aerosol-forming composition.

[0225] The density of the cellulose acetate tow material in the filter segment 109 controls the pressure drop between the ends of the filter segment 109, and consequently controls the suction resistance of article 101. Therefore, the selection of the material for the filter segment 109 is important in controlling the suction resistance of article 101. Furthermore, the filter segment performs a filtration function in article 101.

[0226] In one example, filter segment 109 is made of 8Y15 grade filter tow material. This filter tow material provides a filtering effect against heated volatile materials while reducing the size of condensed aerosol droplets generated from the heated volatile materials.

[0227] The presence of the filter segment 109 provides an insulating effect by further cooling the heated volatile components that exit the cooling segment 107. This further cooling effect lowers the contact temperature of the user's lips with the surface of the filter segment 109.

[0228] In one example, the filter segment 109 has a length of 6 mm to 10 mm, preferably 8 mm.

[0229] The mouth end segment 111 is an annular tube and is positioned around a void within the mouth end segment 111, defining the void. This void provides a chamber for heated volatile components flowing from the filter segment 109. The mouth end segment 111 is hollow to provide a chamber for aerosol accumulation, but is rigid enough to withstand axial compressive forces and bending moments that may occur during use of the article during manufacturing and insertion into the device 51. In one example, the wall thickness of the mouth end segment 111 is about 0.29 mm. In one example, the length of the mouth end segment 111 is 6 mm to 10 mm, preferably 8 mm.

[0230] The mouth end segment 111 may be manufactured from a helical paper tube that provides a hollow internal chamber while maintaining important mechanical rigidity. The helical paper tube can meet the stringent dimensional accuracy requirements of high-speed manufacturing processes with respect to tube length, outer diameter, roundness, and straightness.

[0231] The mouth end segment 111 provides a function to prevent liquid condensation accumulating at the outlet of the filter segment 109 from coming into direct contact with the user.

[0232] In one example, the mouth end segment 111 and the cooling segment 107 may be formed from a single tube, and the filter segment 109 may be placed inside that tube to separate the mouth end segment 111 and the cooling segment 107.

[0233] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, a partial fractured section view and a perspective view of an example of article 301 are shown. The reference numerals shown in Figures 3 and 4 correspond to the reference numerals shown in Figures 1 and 2, but the numbers are increased by 200.

[0234] In the example of article 301 shown in Figures 3 and 4, a ventilation region 317 is provided in the article 301 to allow air to flow from the outside of the article 301 into the inside of the article 301. In one example, the ventilation region 317 takes the form of one or more ventilation holes 317 formed through the outer layer of the article 301. These ventilation holes may be located in a cooling segment 307 to help cool the article 301. In one example, the ventilation region 317 comprises one or more rows of holes, preferably each row of holes arranged along the outer circumference of the article 301 in a cross section substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the article 301.

[0235] In one example, article 301 has 1 to 4 rows of vents to provide ventilation. Each row of vents may have 12 to 36 vents 317. The diameter of the vents 317 can be, for example, 100 to 500 μm. In one example, the axial spacing between rows of vents 317 is 0.25 mm to 0.75 mm, preferably 0.5 mm.

[0236] In one example, the vents 317 have a uniform size. In another example, the vents 317 have a variety of sizes. The vents can be fabricated using one or more of any suitable techniques, such as laser technology, mechanical perforation of the cooling segment 307, or pre-perforation of the cooling segment 307 before it is formed in the article 301. The vents 317 are positioned to effectively cool the article 301.

[0237] In one example, the row of vents 317 is located at least 11 mm from the proximal end 313 of the article, preferably 17 mm to 20 mm from the proximal end 313 of the article 301. The position of the vents 317 is determined so that the user does not block the vents 317 when using the article 301.

[0238] By providing a row of vents 17mm to 20mm from the proximal end 313 of article 301, the vents 317 can be positioned outside the device 51 when article 301 is fully inserted into the device 51, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. Positioning the vents outside the device allows unheated air to enter article 301 from outside the device 51 through the vents, helping to cool article 301.

[0239] The length of the cooling segment 307 is such that when the article 301 is fully inserted into the device 51, the cooling segment 307 is partially inserted into the device 51. This length of the cooling segment 307 has two functions: firstly, it provides a physical gap between the heating device and the heat-sensitive filter device 309 of the device 51, and secondly, it allows the vents 317 to be located within the cooling segment while also being located outside the device 51 when the article 301 is fully inserted into the device 51. As can be seen from Figures 6 and 7, the majority of the cooling element 307 is located inside the device 51. However, there is a portion of the cooling element 307 that extends outside the device 51. The vents 317 are located in this portion of the cooling element 307 that extends outside the device 51.

[0240] Referring more closely to Figures 5 to 7, an example of a device 51 configured to heat an aerosol-generating composition to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating composition, typically forming an inhalable aerosol. Device 51 is a heating device that releases compounds by heating the aerosol-generating composition but not burning it.

[0241] The first end 53 may be referred to herein as the oral end or proximal end 53 of the device 51, and the second end 55 may be referred to herein as the distal end 55 of the device 51. The device 51 has an on / off button 57 that allows the user to start / stop the entire device 51 as desired.

[0242] The device 51 includes a housing 59 for arranging and protecting various internal components of the device 51. In the illustrated example, the housing 59 comprises a single sleeve 11 surrounding the outer edge of the device 51, which is covered by a top panel 17 that generally forms the “upper” part of the device 51 and a bottom panel 19 that generally forms the “bottom” part of the device 51. In another example, the housing comprises a front panel, a rear panel, and a pair of opposing side panels in addition to the top panel 17 and the bottom panel 19.

[0243] The top panel 17 and / or bottom panel 19 may be detachably fixed to the single-piece sleeve 11 to allow easy access to the interior of the device 51, or they may be "permanently" fixed to the single-piece sleeve 11 to prevent, for example, a user from accessing the interior of the device 51. In one example, the panels 17 and 19 are made of plastic material (including glass-filled nylon formed by injection molding, etc.) and the single-piece sleeve 11 is made of aluminum, but other materials and other manufacturing processes may be used.

[0244] The top panel 17 of the device 51 has an opening 20 at the mouth end 53 of the device 51, so that when in use, the user can insert articles 101, 301 containing aerosol-generating compositions into and out of the device 51 through this opening 20.

[0245] The housing 59 houses or secures the heating device 23, the control circuit 25, and the power supply 27. In this example, the heating device 23, the control circuit 25, and the power supply 27 are located close together laterally (i.e., close together when viewed from one end), and the control circuit 25 is generally located between the heating device 23 and the power supply 27, although other arrangements are possible.

[0246] The control circuit 25 may include a controller, such as a microprocessor, configured and arranged to control the heating of the aerosol-generating composition in articles 101, 301, as will be further discussed below.

[0247] The power source 27 may be, for example, a battery, which may be rechargeable or non-rechargeable. Suitable battery examples include lithium-ion batteries, nickel batteries (e.g., nickel-cadmium batteries), and alkaline batteries. The battery 27 is electrically coupled to the heating device 23 and supplies power under the control of the control circuit 25 when needed to heat the aerosol-generating composition in the article (volatilizing the aerosol-generating composition without burning it, as described above).

[0248] The advantage of positioning the power supply 27 laterally close to the heating device 23 is that a physically larger power supply 25 can be used without making the entire device 51 excessively long. Naturally, a physically larger power supply 25 generally has a higher capacity (i.e., the total electrical energy that can be supplied, often measured in ampere-hours, etc.) and therefore can extend the battery life of the device 51.

[0249] In one example, the heating device 23 generally takes the form of a hollow cylindrical tube having a hollow internal heating chamber 29 into which articles 101, 301 containing an aerosol-generating composition are inserted for heating during use. Various configurations are possible for the heating device 23. For example, the heating device 23 may have a single heating element, or it may be formed from a plurality of heating elements aligned along the longitudinal axis of the heating device 23. The heating element or each heating element may be annular or tubular, or at least partially annular or at least partially tubular along its outer circumference. In one example, the heating element or each heating element may be a thin-film heater. In another example, the heating element or each heating element may be made from a ceramic material. Examples of suitable ceramic materials include alumina ceramics, aluminum nitride ceramics, and silicon nitride ceramics, which may be laminated and sintered. Other heating configurations are also possible, including, for example, induction heating, infrared heating elements (which heat by emitting infrared radiation), and resistance heating elements formed by resistive electric windings.

[0250] In one particular example, the heating device 23 is supported by a stainless steel support tube and comprises a polyimide heating element. The heating device 23 is sized such that when articles 101, 301 are inserted into the device 51, substantially the entire body of articles 101, 301, consisting of aerosol-generating material 103, 303, is inserted into the heating device 23.

[0251] The heating elements or each heating element may be arranged to independently heat a selection of zones (areas) of the aerosol-generating composition, for example, sequentially (over time as described above) or together (simultaneously), as desired.

[0252] In this example, the heating device 23 is surrounded by an insulating material 31 along at least a portion of its length. The insulating material 31 helps reduce the heat that passes from the heating device 23 to the outside of the device 51. This generally reduces heat loss and thus helps keep the power requirements of the heating device 23 low. The insulating material 31 also helps keep the outside of the device 51 cool while the heating device 23 is operating. In one example, the insulating material 31 may be a double-walled sleeve that provides a low-pressure region between the two walls of the sleeve. That is, the insulating material 31 may be, for example, a "vacuum" tube, i.e., a tube that is at least partially vacuum-evacuated to minimize heat transfer by conduction and / or convection. Other configurations of the insulating material 31 are also possible, including the use of insulating material (including, for example, a suitable foam type material) in addition to, or instead of, a double-walled sleeve.

[0253] The housing 59, like the heating device 23, may further comprise various internal support structures 37 for supporting all internal components.

[0254] The device 51 further comprises a collar 33 extending around the opening 20 and projecting from the opening 20 into the housing 59, and a substantially tubular chamber 35 positioned between the collar 33 and one end of the vacuum sleeve 31. The chamber 35 further comprises a cooling structure 35f, which in this example comprises a number of spaced-apart cooling fins 35f along the outer surface of the chamber 35, each cooling fin arranged to surround the outer surface of the chamber 35. When articles 101, 301 are inserted into the device 51 over at least a portion of the length of the hollow chamber 35, a gap 36 exists between the hollow chamber 35 and the articles 101, 301. The gap 36 surrounds the entire outer circumference of the articles 101, 301 over at least a portion of the cooling segment 307.

[0255] The collar 33 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 60 arranged to surround the outer periphery of the opening 20, and these protrusions project into the opening 20. The protrusions 60 occupy space within the opening 20 such that the opening distance of the opening 20 at the location of the protrusions 60 is smaller than the opening distance of the opening 20 at the location without the protrusions 60. The protrusions 60 are configured to engage with the articles 101, 301 inserted into the device, and to help secure them within the device 51. The open spaces (not shown) defined by adjacent pairs of protrusions 60 and the articles 101, 301 form ventilation paths around the outer surfaces of the articles 101, 301. These ventilation paths allow hot vapor escaping from the articles 101, 301 to exit the device 51, and allow cooling air to flow into the device 51 around the articles 101, 301 within the void 36.

[0256] During operation, articles 101 and 301 are removably inserted into the insertion points 20 of the device 51, as shown in Figures 5-7. Referring particularly to Figure 6, in one example, the aerosol-generating compositions 103 and 303 (located on the distal ends 115 and 315 of articles 101 and 301) are fully housed within the heating element 23 of the device 51. The proximal ends 113 and 313 of articles 101 and 301 extend from the device 51 and function as a mouthpiece assembly for the user.

[0257] During operation, the heating device 23 heats the articles 101 and 301 to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating composition from the aerosol-generating composition bodies 103 and 303.

[0258] The primary channel for heated volatile components from the aerosol-generating compositions 103, 303 passes axially through articles 101, 301, through the inner chambers of the cooling segments 107, 307, through the filter segments 109, 309, and through mouth-end segments 111, 313 to the user. In one example, the temperature of the heated volatile components generated from the aerosol-generating compositions is 60°C to 250°C, which may exceed the user's acceptable inhalation temperature. As the heated volatile components move through the cooling segments 107, 307, they are cooled, and some of the volatile components condense on the inner surfaces of the cooling segments 107, 307.

[0259] In the example of article 301 shown in Figures 3 and 4, cold air can enter the cooling segment 307 through vents 317 formed in the cooling segment 307. This cold air mixes with the heated volatile components to further cool them.

[0260] Manufacturing method In another embodiment, a method is provided for forming an aerosol-generating composition comprising a first aerosol-generating material containing an active substance which is a component, derivative, or extract of cannabis and a gelling agent, as described above, and a second aerosol-generating material which contains a different active substance and a gelling agent.

[0261] The method is, (a) A step of preparing a slurry containing any further components of an active substance, a gelling agent, an aerosol forming agent, a solvent, and an aerosol generating material, (b) The step of forming a slurry layer, (c) Optionally, a step to solidify the slurry layer, (d) The step of drying the slurry to form an aerosol generating material. This includes the step of forming each aerosol-generating material.

[0262] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for producing a consumable or system as described above. This method includes producing aerosol-generating materials and incorporating these aerosol-generating materials into a consumable or system. This method may comprise the steps of (a) forming a slurry containing components of aerosol-generating materials or their precursors; (b) forming a layer of slurry; (c) optionally solidifying the slurry; (d) drying to form aerosol-generating materials; and (e) incorporating the resulting aerosol-generating materials into a consumable or system.

[0263] In step (a), cannabis components, derivatives or extracts and / or other active substances may first be dissolved in an aerosol-forming material, and the resulting solution is then added to the other components of the slurry.

[0264] Step (b) of forming a slurry layer in the above method may include, for example, spraying, casting, or extruding the slurry. In some examples, the layer is formed by electrostatic spraying of the slurry. In some examples, the layer is formed by casting the slurry.

[0265] In some examples, steps (b) and / or (c) and / or (d) may be performed at least partially simultaneously (for example, during electrostatic spraying). In some examples, these steps may be performed sequentially.

[0266] In some cases, a solidifying agent (such as a calcium source) may be added to the slurry before or during step (b). This is suitable when gelation occurs relatively slowly (e.g., with an alginate gelling agent), and therefore the slurry may be cast, for example, after the solidifying agent has been added.

[0267] In other examples, the optional step (c) of solidifying the slurry may include adding a solidifying agent or crosslinking agent to the slurry layer. The solidifying agent or crosslinking agent may, for example, be sprayed onto the slurry or pre-filled onto the surface on which the slurry is laminated. Thus, step (c) includes crosslinking, for example, crosslinking of a gelling agent.

[0268] For example, a solidifying or crosslinking agent containing a calcium source (such as calcium chloride or calcium citrate) may be added to a slurry containing alginate and / or pectin to form a calcium crosslinked alginate / pectin gel. In some cases where gelation occurs rapidly (such as when a pectin gelling agent is used), calcium should be added after casting (because the slurry is too viscous to cast).

[0269] The total amount of solidifying agent or crosslinking agent, such as a calcium source, may be 0.5 to 5% by weight (calculated on a dry weight basis). It has been found that if the amount of solidifying agent or crosslinking agent added is too small, a gel may be obtained in which the fragrance is not stabilized and the fragrance falls out of the gel. It has also been found that if the amount of solidifying agent or crosslinking agent added is too large, a gel may be obtained that is very sticky and as a result is difficult to handle.

[0270] Alginates are derivatives of alginic acid and are typically high molecular weight polymers (10-600 kDa). Alginic acid is a copolymer of β-D-mannuronic acid (M) and α-L-guluronic acid (G) units (blocks) linked by (1,4)-glycosidic bonds to form polysaccharides. When calcium cations are added, the alginates crosslink to form gels. Alginates with a high G monomer content can form gels more readily when a calcium source is added. Therefore, in some examples, the gel precursor may contain an alginate in which at least about 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, or 70% of the monomer units in the alginate copolymer are α-L-guluronic acid (G) units.

[0271] In some cases, the slurry may be heated before and during casting. This can result in slow gelation, which improves handling and facilitates the casting process. Furthermore, heating the slurry may optionally melt fragrance components (e.g., menthol), which also improves handling.

[0272] In some examples, menthol or any other flavoring may be distributed throughout the slurry in powder form. In some examples, menthol or other flavoring may be melted in the slurry (which is heated). In such examples, an emulsifier such as acacia gum may be added to disperse the melted menthol in the slurry.

[0273] In some cases, the slurry may be cast onto a bandcast sheet. The sheet may be filled with a release agent such as lecithin, which can help separate the bandcast from the aerosol-generating material.

[0274] In some embodiments, the slurry solvent comprises or is one or more of water, ethanol, methanol, dimethyl sulfoxide, acetone, hexane, and toluene.

[0275] In certain embodiments, the slurry solvent may contain water. In some examples, the slurry solvent is essentially water or may consist of water.

[0276] In some examples, the slurry may contain approximately 50% by weight, 60% by weight, 70% by weight, 80% by weight, or 90% by weight of the solvent (in WWB).

[0277] In some cases, the slurry has a viscosity of approximately 1 to approximately 20 Pa·s at 46.5°C, for example, approximately 10 to approximately 20 Pa·s at 46.5°C, for example, approximately 14 to approximately 16 Pa·s at 46.5°C.

[0278] The discussions in this specification regarding aerosol - forming materials are explicitly disclosed in combination with any slurry embodiments of the present invention.

Examples

[0279] An exemplary first aerosol - forming material containing an active substance that is a component, derivative or extract of cannabis was formulated as follows:

[0280]

Table 1

[0281] The obtained sheet or film of the aerosol - forming material had a total mass of 400 g, of which 340 g (or 340 ml) was water and the total dry mass was 60 g.

[0282] A second aerosol - forming material containing a different active substance was prepared, for example, by replacing 10% w / w of CBD with a different active agent.

[0283] Definitions As used herein, the term "tobacco material" refers to any material containing tobacco or its derivatives. The term "tobacco material" may include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. The tobacco material may include one or more of shredded tobacco, tobacco fibers, cut tobacco, extruded tobacco, tobacco stalks, reconstituted tobacco, and / or tobacco extracts.

[0284] The tobacco used to manufacture the tobacco material may be any suitable tobacco, including Virginia and / or Burley and / or Oriental, single grade or blend, cut rag or whole leaf. It may also be tobacco particles, "fine powder" or dust, puffed tobacco, leaf stalks, puffed leaf stalks, and other processed leaf stalk materials (such as rolled cut leaf stalks). The tobacco material may be ground tobacco or reconstituted tobacco material. Reconstituted tobacco material may contain tobacco fibers and may be formed by casting, a wire mesh papermaking approach with backing addition of tobacco extract, or extrusion.

[0285] All weight percentages (indicated as wt%) used herein are calculated on a dry weight basis (DWB) unless otherwise specified. All weight ratios are also calculated on a dry weight basis. Weights expressed on a dry weight basis refer to the entirety of the extract, slurry, or material other than water or other solvents, and may include components that are liquid by themselves at room temperature and pressure, such as glycerol. Conversely, weight percentages expressed on a wet weight basis (WWB) refer to all components, including water or other solvents.

[0286] To avoid misunderstanding, while the term “contains” is used herein to define the invention or its features, embodiments are also disclosed in which the terms “essentially consist of” or “consist of” may be used instead of “contains.” References to materials that “contain” certain features mean that those features are included in, contained in, or retained within the material.

[0287] The embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative examples of the present invention. Any feature described in relation to any one embodiment may be used alone or in combination with other features described, or in combination with one or more features of any other embodiment or any combination of any other embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be used without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0288] The various embodiments described herein are provided solely to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It is understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures and / or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations to the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or to equivalents of the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilized and modified without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may preferably include, consist of, or essentially consist of, appropriate combinations of elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. of this disclosure other than those specifically described herein. Furthermore, this disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating composition comprising a first aerosol-generating material containing an active substance which is a component, derivative, or extract of cannabis and a gelling agent, and a second aerosol-generating material which contains a different active substance and gelling agent.

2. The aerosol-generating composition according to claim 1, comprising a third or further aerosol-generating material containing an active substance and a gelling agent.

3. The first, second and / or further aerosol-generating materials are Approximately 15 to 70% by weight of the active substance, Approximately 10 to approximately 50% by weight of aerosol-forming material, Approximately 15 to 60% by weight of a gelling agent, Optionally, filler and The aerosol-generating composition according to claim 1 or 2, comprising, where the weight percentage value is calculated on a dry weight basis.

4. An aerosol-generating composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising approximately 5 to approximately 60% by weight of an active substance.

5. An aerosol-generating composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising approximately 15 to approximately 45% by weight of an aerosol-forming material.

6. An aerosol-generating composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising approximately 25 to approximately 50% by weight of a gelling agent.

7. The aerosol-generating composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the gelling agent comprises or is one or more compounds selected from polysaccharide gelling agents, such as alginate, pectin, starch or derivatives thereof, cellulose or derivatives thereof, pullulan, carrageenan, agar and agarose; gelatin; gums, such as xanthan gum, guar gum and acacia gum; silica or silicone compounds, such as PDMS and sodium silicate; clay, such as kaolin; and polyvinyl alcohol.

8. The aerosol-generating composition according to claim 7, wherein the polysaccharide gelling agent is selected from the group consisting of alginates and cellulose derivatives, and / or the cellulose derivative is selected from hydroxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, cellulose acetate (CA), cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), and cellulose acetate propionate (CAP).

9. The aerosol-generating composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the gelling agent is not crosslinked.

10. The aerosol-generating composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the gelling agent is CMC.

11. The aerosol-forming composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the aerosol-forming material comprises (or is) one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a mixture of diacetin, benzyl benzoate, benzylphenyl acetate, tributyline, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

12. The aerosol-generating composition according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the aerosol-forming material comprises glycerol or a combination of glycerol and propylene glycol, or is the same.

13. The aerosol-generating composition according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the component, derivative, or extract of cannabis is a cannabinoid.

14. The aerosol-generating composition according to claim 13, wherein the cannabinoid is selected from cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinol (CBN), cannabinodiol (CBDL), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabivarin (CBV), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabichromvaline (CBCV), cannabigerovaline (CBGV), cannabigerol monomethyl ether (CBGM), cannabinerol acid, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabinol propyl variant (CBNV), cannabitriol (CBO), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), and tetrahydrocannabivaric acid (THCV A).

15. The aerosol-generating composition according to claim 13, wherein the cannabinoid is cannabidiol.

16. The aerosol-generating composition according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the second and any further aerosol-generating materials comprises one or more active substances selected from the group consisting of functional foods, nootropes, psychoactive substances, and components, derivatives or extracts of tobacco or other plant substances, such as nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins (such as B6, B12 or C), melatonin, and components or derivatives thereof.

17. The aerosol-generating composition according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the first and second aerosol-generating materials have different compositions in addition to the different active substances.

18. The aerosol generating composition according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the first and second aerosol generating materials are in the form of sheets.

19. The aerosol generating composition according to claim 18, wherein the first and second aerosol generating materials are sheets having different thicknesses.

20. The aerosol-generating composition according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the first and second aerosol-generating materials release their respective active substances at different temperatures.

21. An aerosol generating composition according to any one of claims 1 to 20, comprising one or more of the first aerosol generating material, the second aerosol generating material, and any further aerosol generating material.

22. The aerosol-generating composition according to claim 21, comprising approximately 50 to 100% by weight of the aerosol-generating material (in WWB).

23. A consumable used in a non-combustible aerosol supply device, comprising the aerosol generating composition described in any one of claims 1 to 22.

24. A non-combustible aerosol supply system comprising the consumables described in claim 23 and a non-combustible aerosol supply device.

25. A method for preparing an aerosol-generating composition according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the first and second aerosol-generating materials are formed by casting a slurry onto a sheet.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein the active substance is dissolved in the solvent in the slurry.

27. A method for preparing an aerosol-generating composition according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the first and second aerosol-generating materials are formed by extrusion.

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