Components
By embedding aerosol modifiers within a component surrounded by a low-absorbency treated sheet, the aerosol modifier's effectiveness is enhanced, addressing the absorption issue and maintaining the desired properties in delivery systems.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2025546251
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-02-10
- Filing Date
- 2024-02-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-27
AI Technical Summary
Aerosol modifiers in delivery systems are often absorbed by the surrounding material, reducing their ability to effectively impart properties to the aerosol, thus diminishing their desired effect.
The use of a component comprising a body of material with an aerosol modifier-releasing component surrounded by a first sheet of material having lower absorbency, treated with coatings like silicone, starch, glassine, clay, silica, or alginate, to minimize absorption and enhance the aerosol modifier's impact.
The reduced absorption of aerosol modifiers into the surrounding material allows them to maintain a stronger effect on the aerosol, thereby improving the intensity of the properties imparted by the aerosol modifier.
Smart Images

Figure 2026506914000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to components for use in delivery systems. Methods of manufacturing the delivery systems and components for use in delivery systems are also disclosed. [Background technology]
[0002] Aerosol modifier-releasing components, such as flavor capsules, are often disposed within components for use in delivery systems, and are configured to release aerosol modifiers to impart properties to the aerosols generated by the delivery system. Summary of the Invention
[0003] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a component for use in a delivery system comprising: a body of material; an aerosol modifier-releasing component comprising an aerosol modifier, the aerosol modifier-releasing component being embedded within the body of material; a first sheet of material forming at least a portion of the body of material and surrounding the aerosol modifier-releasing component; and a second sheet material surrounding the first sheet of material, at least a portion of which includes the second sheet material having a lower absorbency than the second sheet of material.
[0004] A first sheet of material may form the body of material and a second sheet of material may be a plug wrap surrounding the body of material.
[0005] The first sheet of material and the second sheet of material may form the body of material.
[0006] The first sheet material has a density of 60 g / m 2 may have an FAU5 of less than 1.
[0007] The first sheet material has a density of 50 g / m 2 Less than 40g / m 2 Less than 30g / m 2Less than 20g / m 2 Less than 10g / m 2 Less than or 5g / m 2 may have an FAU5 of less than 1.
[0008] The difference in average contact angles of the first sheet of material may be less than 40°.
[0009] The difference in the average contact angles of the first sheet of material may be less than 30° or less than 20°.
[0010] The first sheet of material may be a nonwoven sheet of material.
[0011] The first sheet of material may be a sheet of paper material.
[0012] The second sheet of material may be a nonwoven sheet of material.
[0013] The second sheet of material may be a sheet of paper material.
[0014] The first sheet of material may be treated with a coating.
[0015] The coating may be any one of silicone, starch, glassine, clay, silica, alginate or guar.
[0016] The thickness of the first sheet of material may be between 70 μm and 90 μm.
[0017] The thickness of the second sheet of material may be between 70 μm and 350 μm.
[0018] The first sheet of material and / or the second sheet of material may be biodegradable.
[0019] The first sheet of material and / or the second sheet of material may be a crimped sheet of material.
[0020] The body of material may be wrapped in plug wrap.
[0021] The plug wrap may be treated with any one of silicone, starch, glassine, clay, silica, alginate or guar.
[0022] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a component for use in a delivery system, the component including: a body of material wrapped in plug wrap; and an aerosol modifier-releasing component including an aerosol modifier, the aerosol modifier-releasing component being embedded within the body of material, the body of material being a sheet of material surrounding the aerosol modifier-releasing component, at least a portion of the sheet of material being treated to have a lower absorbency than the sheet of material prior to treatment.
[0023] Treating the sheet of material may include treating a surface of the sheet of material that faces the aerosol modifier-releasing component.
[0024] The material sheet is 60g / m 2 may have an FAU5 of less than 1.
[0025] The material sheet is 50g / m 2 Less than 40g / m 2 Less than 30g / m 2 Less than 20g / m 2 Less than 10g / m 2 Less than or 5g / m 2 may have an FAU5 of less than 1.
[0026] The difference in average contact angles of the sheets of material may be less than 40°.
[0027] The difference in average contact angles of the sheets of material may be less than 30° or less than 20°.
[0028] The sheet of material may be a nonwoven sheet of material.
[0029] The sheet of material may be a sheet of paper material.
[0030] The sheet of material may be treated with a coating.
[0031] The coating may be any one of silicone, starch, glassine, clay, silica, alginate or guar.
[0032] The sheet of material may be biodegradable.
[0033] The sheet of material may be a crimped sheet of material.
[0034] The plug wrap may be coated with any one of silicone, starch, glassine, clay, silica, alginate or guar.
[0035] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a delivery system including a component according to the present disclosure.
[0036] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of manufacturing a component for use in a delivery system, the method comprising: forming a body of material, at least a portion of which is formed from a first sheet of material; embedding an aerosol modifier-releasing component comprising an aerosol modifier within the body of material such that the aerosol modifier-releasing component is surrounded by the first sheet of material; and surrounding the first sheet of material with a second sheet of material, at least a portion of which has a lower absorbency than the second sheet of material.
[0037] The method may include forming a body of material from a first sheet of material, and the second sheet of material may be a plug wrap surrounding the body of material.
[0038] The method may include forming a body of material from a first sheet of material and a second sheet of material.
[0039] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of manufacturing a component for use in a delivery system, the method comprising: forming a body of material from a sheet of material; and embedding an aerosol modifier-releasing component comprising an aerosol modifier within the body of material such that the aerosol modifier-releasing component is surrounded by the sheet of material, wherein at least a portion of the sheet of material is treated to have a lower absorbency than the sheet of material before treatment.
[0040] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0041] [Figure 1] 1 shows a side cross-sectional view of a delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1A] 1 shows a side cross-sectional view of an alternative delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the delivery system shown in FIG. 1 taken along line AA. [Figure 3] 2 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the delivery system shown in FIG. 1 taken along line AA. [Figure 4] 1 is a data table showing the results of a medium chain triglyceride absorbency test. [Figure 5] 1 is a data table showing the results of contact angle testing. [Figure 6] 1 is a data table showing the results of a water absorption test. [Figure 7] 1 is a data table showing the results of an oil drop absorption test. [Figure 8] 1 illustrates method steps of a method of manufacturing a component for use in a delivery system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 10 illustrates method steps of a method of manufacturing a component for use in a delivery system according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0042] As used herein, the term "delivery system" is intended to encompass a system that delivers at least one substance to a user; Combustion aerosol delivery systems, such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco for pipes or hand-rolled or homemade cigarettes (whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes, or other smokable materials); and non-combustion aerosol delivery systems that release compounds from aerosol-forming materials without burning the aerosol-forming materials, such as e-cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems that generate aerosols using a combination of aerosol-forming materials.
[0043] According to the present disclosure, a "combustion-based" aerosol delivery system is one in which the constituent aerosol-generating materials (or components thereof) of the aerosol delivery system are combusted or burned during use to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.
[0044] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a combustion aerosol delivery system, such as a system selected from the group consisting of a cigarette, a cigarillo, and a cigar.
[0045] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to aerosol modifier-releasing components such as filters, filter rods, filter segments, tobacco rods, spills, capsules, threads, or beads, or papers such as plug wrap, tipping paper, or cigarette paper, for use in combustion-based aerosol delivery systems.
[0046] According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustion" aerosol delivery system is one in which the constituent aerosol-generating materials (or components thereof) of the aerosol delivery system are not combusted or burned to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.
[0047] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, such as a powered non-combustion aerosol delivery system.
[0048] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.
[0049] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. One example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.
[0050] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, where one or more aerosol-generating materials can be heated. Each aerosol-generating material can be, for example, in solid, liquid, or gel form and can contain nicotine or not. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material can include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.
[0051] Typically, a non-combustion aerosol delivery system may include a non-combustion aerosol delivery device and a consumable item for use with the non-combustion aerosol delivery device.
[0052] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables, sometimes referred to as articles throughout this disclosure, that comprise aerosol-generating materials and are configured for use with non-combustion aerosol delivery devices.
[0053] In some embodiments, a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, e.g., the non-combustion aerosol delivery device, can include a power source and a controller. The power source can be, for example, an electrical power source or a heat generating power source. In some embodiments, the heat generating power source includes a carbon substrate that can be energized to deliver power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or a heat transfer material proximate the heat generating power source.
[0054] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system may include an area for receiving a consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.
[0055] In some embodiments, consumables for use with non-combustion aerosol delivery devices may include aerosol-generating materials, aerosol-generating material storage areas, aerosol-generating material transfer components, aerosol generators, aerosol-generating regions, housings, wrappers, filters, mouthpieces, and / or aerosol modifiers.
[0056] An aerosol-forming material is a material that can generate an aerosol when, for example, heated, irradiated, or otherwise energized. The aerosol-forming material can be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or semi-solid (such as a gel), which may or may not contain an active agent and / or flavoring.
[0057] The aerosol-generating materials may include one or more active agents and / or flavors, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.
[0058] The aerosol-generating material may include a binder, such as a gelling agent, and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, a substance to be delivered and / or a bulking agent may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, may also be present, and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of plant material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco.
[0059] The aerosol-generating material may include or be in the form of an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may include a binder, such as a gelling agent, and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, a substance to be delivered and / or a filler may also be present. The aerosol-generating film may be substantially free of plant material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco.
[0060] The aerosol-generating film may have a thickness of about 0.015 mm to about 1 mm. For example, the thickness may be within the range of about 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, or 0.15 mm to about 0.5 mm or 0.3 mm.
[0061] The aerosol-generating film can be continuous. For example, the film can include or be a continuous sheet of material. The sheet can be in the form of a wrapper, gathered to form a gathered sheet, or chopped to form a chopped sheet. The chopped sheet can include one or more strands or strips of aerosol-generating material.
[0062] The aerosol-generating film may be discontinuous. For example, the aerosol-generating film may include one or more discrete portions or regions of aerosol-generating material, such as dots, stripes, or lines, that may be supported on a substrate. In such embodiments, the substrate may be planar or non-planar.
[0063] The aerosol-generating film can be formed by combining a binder, such as a gelling agent, with one or more other ingredients, such as a solvent, such as water, an aerosol-forming agent, and one or more substances to be delivered, to form a slurry, and then heating the slurry to volatilize at least a portion of the solvent and form the aerosol-generating film.
[0064] The slurry can be heated to remove at least about 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%, or 90% by weight of the solvent.
[0065] An aerosol modifier is a substance typically located downstream of the aerosol-generation region and configured to modify the generated aerosol, for example, by changing the taste, flavor, acidity, or another characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosol modifier may be provided within an aerosol modifier-releasing component operable to selectively release the aerosol modifier.
[0066] The aerosol modifier may be, for example, an additive or an adsorbent. The aerosol modifier may include, for example, one or more of a flavoring, a colorant, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol modifier may be, for example, a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol modifier may be in the form of a powder, a string, or granules. The aerosol modifier may not include a filtering material.
[0067] As used herein, the terms "flavor" and "flavoring agent" refer to materials that may be used, where local regulations permit, to create a desired taste, aroma, or other somatic sensation in products intended for adult consumers.They may be naturally occurring flavoring materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically derived materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, rye, etc.). Musk, tropical fruits, papaya, rhubarb, grapes, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, eggplant, betel nut, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang ylang sage, fennel, wasabi, bell pepper, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, peppermint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, bay leaf, yerba mate, orange peel, rose, tea such as green or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, shiso, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, black currant, valerian, pimento, mace, damiento, maize The present invention may include other additives such as joram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, Calvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath fresheners.They may be of imitation, synthetic, or natural origin, or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, a liquid such as an oil, a solid such as a powder, or a gas.
[0068] In some embodiments, the flavor comprises menthol, spearmint, and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises cucumber, blueberry, citrus, and / or red berry flavor components. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor components extracted from cannabis.
[0069] In some embodiments, the flavor may include a sensation elicitor, typically chemically induced, intended to achieve somatic sensations perceived by stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve) in addition to or instead of the aroma or taste nerves, and may include agents that produce heating, cooling, tingling, or numbing effects. A suitable heating agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and a suitable cooling agent may be, but is not limited to, eucolyptol, WS-3.
[0070] 1 shows an isometric view of a delivery system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Delivery system 1 includes an aerosol-generating material 2, a component 3 located downstream from the aerosol-generating material 2, and a mouth end segment 4 located downstream from the component 3. The component 3 and the mouth end segment 4 are axially aligned and wrapped in a wrapper 5, such as plug wrap. The aerosol-generating material 2 is wrapped in a wrapper 6, such as cigarette paper. The wrapped aerosol-generating material 2, as well as the wrapped component 3 and the mouth end segment 4, are axially aligned and connected by a wrapper 7, such as tipping paper.
[0071] Component 3 includes a body of material 13 and an aerosol modifier-releasing component 8 embedded within body of material 13. Upon activation, the aerosol modifier is configured to be released from aerosol modifier-releasing component 8 to impart properties to the aerosol generated by aerosol-generating material 2. In some embodiments, the aerosol modifier is in liquid form. For example, aerosol modifier-releasing component 8 may be a flavor capsule configured to be burst by a consumer and release a flavoring configured to impart flavor to the aerosol.
[0072] The mouth end segment 4 may comprise a solid or tubular structure and may be formed from either a woven or nonwoven material.
[0073] FIG. 1A shows an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the delivery system 1 shown in FIG. 1 . Here, the delivery system 1 further includes a tubular portion 14 and an end plug 15. The tubular portion 14 is positioned between the component 3 and the aerosol-generating material 2. In some embodiments, the tubular portion 14 is formed from a spirally wound or longitudinally wrapped material. For example, the tubular portion 14 may be formed from two- or three-ply hard paper, specifically two-ply 82 gsm plug wrap. The end plug 15 is positioned at the distal end of the delivery system 1 adjacent the aerosol-generating material 2. The end plug 15 may be formed from either a woven or nonwoven material. For example, the end plug 15 may be formed from paper, more specifically 36 gsm paper.
[0074] The body of material includes one or more sheets having a longitudinal axis and extending therethrough, e.g., having an overall width when extended of about 100 mm to about 350 mm. The one or more sheets may be corrugated and / or gathered to form the body of material. The one or more sheets may comprise a cellulosic material. The one or more sheets may be paper sheets, sheets of tobacco material, sheets of non-tobacco plant material, or combinations thereof. The one or more sheets may have a basis weight of about 20 to about 80 gsm, or about 30 to about 50 gsm, or about 36 to about 45 gsm, or about 55 to about 75 gsm.
[0075] The one or more sheets can have an uncorrugated thickness of about 50 μm to about 500 μm, about 50 μm to about 350 μm, about 60 μm to about 300 μm, or about 60 μm to about 160 μm. The body of material can have a weight of about 5 mg to about 15 mg per mm of body length, or about 8 mg to about 12 mg per mm of body length, or about 10 mg per mm of body length.
[0076] The body of material can have an average bulk density of about 0.05 to about 0.5 gms / cm3, about 0.05 to about 0.35 gms / cm3, about 0.1 to about 0.3 gms / cm3, about 0.16 to about 0.25 gms / cm3, or about 0.2 to about 0.25 gms / cm3.
[0077] The plug wrap surrounding the body of material may comprise a basis weight of from about 30 to about 75 gsm, or from about 40 to about 65 gsm.
[0078] In addition to the aerosol-modifying additive release component, which may contain a first aerosol-modifying additive, the body of material may also contain a second aerosol-modifying additive, which may include at least one additive selected from glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate (TEC), triacetin, diacetin mixtures, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, propylene carbonate, polyethylene glycol (PEG), tetra(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (TEGDA), or alkyl ketene dimer (AKD). For example, the second aerosol-modifying additive may include glycerol and / or triacetin.
[0079] The second aerosol-modifying additive may comprise from about 7% to about 20% or from about 9% to about 18% by weight of the one or more sheets, measured on a dry weight basis.
[0080] The second aerosol-modifying additive may be applied to the one or more sheets of material as a liquid having a viscosity of 5 to 100 centipoise at 25°C.
[0081] The one or more sheets may have an overall width of from about 120 mm to about 300 mm.
[0082] At least one of the one or more sheets extending through the body can comprise a crimped sheet material formed with a corrugated pattern including a series of substantially parallel ridges and grooves, wherein the average spacing between adjacent ridges is greater than about 0.3 mm, and / or the average depth or amplitude of the ridges and grooves is between about 0.1 mm and about 0.8 mm.
[0083] The corrugations may be processed using a roller surface at a temperature above 30°C, above 40°C, or above 50°C.
[0084] The one or more sheets may have a permeability of about 1,000 to about 50,000 Coresta units or about 5,000 to about 50,000 Coresta units before any processing. The one or more sheets may have a permeability of about 1,000 to about 10,000 Coresta units, and in some examples, about 2,000 to about 8,000 Coresta units before any processing. In other examples, the one or more sheets may have a permeability of about 5,000 to about 12,000 Coresta units.
[0085] The components may include a circumference ranging from about 16 mm to about 25 mm. The components may include a circumference ranging from about 20 mm to about 23 mm.
[0086] The component can include a filter. The closing pressure drop across the component can be from about 0.5 mmWG to about 8.6 mmWG / mm of the length of the component, or from about 2 mmWG to about 6 mmWG / mm of the length of the component.
[0087] The tensile strength of the one or more sheets, measured in accordance with ISO 1924-2:2008 in the longitudinal (machine) direction of the one or more sheets, can be greater than about 10 N / 30 mm, and can be about 20 to about 100 N / 30 mm, or about 25 to about 80 N / 30 mm. The elongation of the one or more sheets, measured in accordance with ISO 1924-2:2008 in the longitudinal (machine) direction of the one or more sheets, can be less than 5%, for example, about 0.5% to about 4%, or about 0.9% to about 2.5%. The same tensile strength and elongation ranges can also apply in the transverse (cross) direction across the width of the one or more sheets.
[0088] The hardness of the component at the longitudinal center point of the component can range from about 80% to about 95%, or from about 85% to about 95%.
[0089] The article can be for use in or as a combustion or non-combustion aerosol delivery system, as described herein. The article can be for use in a tobacco heating system.
[0090] Aerosol modifier-releasing components are often used in delivery systems. A consumer can activate the aerosol modifier-releasing component 8 so that the aerosol modifier therein is released and imparts a property to the aerosol flowing through the delivery system 1. However, the aerosol modifier tends to be absorbed by the body of material 13 in which the aerosol modifier-releasing component 8 is embedded. This inhibits the aerosol modifier's ability to impart said property to the aerosol, thus reducing the intensity of the aerosol modifier's desired effect.
[0091] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the delivery system shown in FIG. 1 taken along line AA through component 3. As shown in FIG. 2, component 3 further includes a first sheet of material 9 that forms at least a portion of body 13 and surrounds aerosol modifier-releasing component 8, and a second sheet of material 10 that surrounds first sheet of material 9. At least a portion of first sheet of material 9 has a lower absorbency than second sheet of material 10. To reduce the absorbency of first sheet of material 9, a portion of first sheet of material 9 is treated with a coating. The coating is one of silicone, starch, glassine, clay, silica, alginate, or guar. However, it should be understood that other coating materials may be suitable to achieve the desired functionality.
[0092] In some embodiments, the portion of the first sheet of material that is treated forms more than 40%, more than 50%, more than 60%, more than 70%, more than 80%, or more than 90% of the first sheet of material, or the entire first sheet of material is treated.
[0093] Because the first sheet of material 9 surrounding the aerosol modifier-releasing component 8 has a lower absorbency than the second sheet of material 10, when the aerosol modifier-releasing component 8 is activated, the aerosol modifier is less absorbed into the body of material 13 9 and therefore has a stronger effect on the aerosol. In other words, reduced absorption of the aerosol modifier into the body of material 13 improves the aerosol modifier's ability to impart properties to the aerosol.
[0094] As shown in Figure 2, body of material 13 is formed from first sheet of material 9 and second sheet of material 10. Body of material 13 is wrapped in plug wrap 5. Alternatively, body of material 13 is formed from first sheet of material 9 and second sheet of material 10 is plug wrap 5.
[0095] The first sheet of material 9 is a sheet of nonwoven material, such as a paper material, having a thickness of 70 μm to 90 μm. The second sheet of material 10 is also a sheet of nonwoven material, such as a paper material, having a thickness of 70 μm to 350 μm. In some embodiments, the width of the first sheet of material 9 is smaller than the width of the second sheet of material 10. For example, the width of the first sheet of material 9 is 120 mm to 180 mm, and the width of the second sheet of material 10 is 140 mm to 200 mm. Furthermore, the metric basis weight of the first sheet of material 9 and the second sheet of material 10 is 20 gsm to 80 gsm. As shown in FIG. 2, the first sheet of material 9 and / or the second sheet of material 10 are corrugated. Furthermore, the first sheet of material 9 and / or the second sheet of material 10 are biodegradable. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the first sheet of material 9 and the second sheet of material 10 may have other configurations.
[0096] The plug wrap 5 wrapped around the body of material 13 may be treated to reduce its absorbency by treating it with any one of silicone, starch, glassine, clay, silica, alginate, or guar, although it should be understood that other coating substances may be suitable to achieve the desired functionality.
[0097] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the delivery system shown in FIG. 1 taken along line AA through component 3. As shown in FIG. 3, body of material 13 includes sheet of material 11 surrounding aerosol modifier-releasing component 8. Body of material 13 is wrapped in plug wrap 5. At least a portion of sheet of material 11 is treated to have lower absorbency than sheet of material 11 had prior to said treatment. As seen in FIG. 3, sheet of material 11 includes surface 12 facing the aerosol modifier-releasing component. In particular, the treatment of sheet of material 11 includes treatment of surface 12 of sheet of material 11 facing aerosol modifier-releasing component 8. To reduce the absorbency of sheet of material 11, sheet of material 11 is treated with a coating. The coating is any one of silicone, starch, glassine, clay, silica, alginate, or guar. However, it should be understood that other coating materials may be suitable to achieve the desired functionality.
[0098] In some embodiments, the portion of the sheet of material that is treated forms more than 40%, more than 50%, more than 60%, more than 70%, more than 80%, or more than 90% of the first sheet of material, or the entire sheet of material is treated.
[0099] 2, because the surface 12 of the sheet of material 11 surrounding the aerosol modifier-releasing component 8 has a lower absorbency than the sheet of material 11, when the aerosol modifier-releasing component 8 is activated, the aerosol modifier is less absorbed by the first sheet of material 11 and therefore has a stronger effect on the aerosol. In other words, reduced absorption of the aerosol modifier by the first sheet of material 11 improves the aerosol modifier's ability to impart properties to the aerosol.
[0100] Sheet of material 11 is a nonwoven sheet of material, such as a paper material. As shown in Figure 3, sheet of material 11 is corrugated. Furthermore, sheet of material 11 is biodegradable. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, first sheet of material 11 may have another configuration.
[0101] The plug wrap 5 around the body of material 13 may be treated to reduce its absorbency and / or permeability by treating it with any one of silicone, starch, glassine, clay, silica, alginate, or guar, although it should be understood that other coating substances may be suitable to achieve the desired functionality.
[0102] Figure 4 is a data table showing the results of a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) absorbency test. The method used is a modified version of the Cobb test, in which a conditioned specimen is weighed before and after one side of the specimen is exposed to MCT under specified conditions. Excess MCT is removed from the specimen surface before final weighing, and the amount of MCT absorbed per unit area is calculated.
[0103] The MCT absorbency tester consists of a device that allows for uniform wetting of one side of the test specimen at the moment the immersion period begins and allows for rapid removal of the MCT at the end of the test period. 2 The test specimen is secured to a flat base plate having a cylindrical cup or ring with an internal cross-sectional area of 4.0 cm and a height of 4.0 cm. The base plate has a rubber mat on it that is larger than the outer dimensions of the ring on which the specimen is secured.
[0104] The MCT absorbability test was carried out as follows.
[0105] ·Cut the test specimen into 7.0 x 7.0 cm squares and weigh them to the nearest 1.0 mg.
[0106] Place the test specimen on a rubber mat on a metal plate. Wipe the ring dry (do not use heat), place it on the test specimen, and clamp it in place with a crossbar (or another clamping mechanism) firmly enough to prevent any leakage between the ring and the test specimen.
[0107] Using a syringe, pour 25 mL of MCT into the ring as quickly as possible to obtain a 2.5 cm head. Immediately start a stopwatch. After 5 seconds, quickly pour the MCT out of the ring, being careful not to drip any MCT onto the outer portion of the specimen.
[0108] While holding the ring in place by pressing down on it with one hand, release the clamping mechanism and swing the crossbar out of the way. Carefully but quickly, remove the ring and place the specimen, wet side up, on a sheet of blotting paper placed on a flat, rigid surface. Place a second piece of blotting paper on top of the specimen and, without applying any additional pressure to the roller, remove excess MCT by running a hand roller back and forth once over the pad.
[0109] After removing excess MCT, immediately reweigh the test piece to the nearest 1.0 mg.
[0110] Flavor Absorption Units over 5 seconds (FAU5) can be calculated using the following formula: Flavor absorption unit (g / m 2 ) = [final weight (g) - initial weight (g)] / test area (m 2 ) In this case, the test area is 0.0001 m 2 is.
[0111] A lower FAU5 indicates a material with poor absorption properties. In one particular embodiment, the FAU5 of the first sheet of material 9 and the sheet of material 11 is 60 g / m 2 Less than 50g / m 2 Less than 40g / m 2 Less than 30g / m 2 Less than 20g / m 2 Less than 10g / m 2 Less than or equal to 5g / m 2 is less than.
[0112] Figure 5 is a data table showing the results of the contact angle tests. Contact angle measurements were made using an OCA 15 Dataphysics goniometer and recorded at 25 frames per second. For each experiment, a droplet (7 μL) of flavoring agent was placed on each paper surface. Image analysis software was used to calculate the contact angle, and the angle calculation was adjusted by circular fitting. Measurements were taken at instantaneous contact angles (0 seconds) and at 5 seconds.
[0113] A low difference in the average contact angles at 0 and 5 seconds indicates a material with low absorption properties. In certain embodiments, the difference in the average contact angles between first sheet of material 9 and sheet of material 11 at 0 and 5 seconds is less than 40°, less than 30°, or less than 20°.
[0114] Figure 6 is a data table showing the results of water absorption (TAPPI 432 method). Due to the high absorbency of the samples, the standard TAPPI 432 procedure was followed, using 10 μl of water. A droplet analyzer (Attension Theta Optical Tensiometer) was used to place a droplet on the sample, ensuring accurate absorption time measurements. The sample was recorded with a high-frame-rate camera parallel to the surface of the material. The time to absorb a specified volume was determined by frame-by-frame inspection of the optical tensiometer's video output. This absorption time was defined as the difference between the time the droplet left the needle and the time when the liquid was no longer considered appreciably present on the paper's surface. The samples were removed from the standard TAPPI atmosphere for a short period (<30 minutes) and tested at room temperature. A shorter average water drop absorption time indicates a more absorbent material. In some embodiments, the average water drop absorption time of first material sheet 9 and material sheet 11 is less than 3 seconds, less than 2 seconds, or less than 1 second.
[0115] Figure 7 is a data table showing the results of the oil drop absorption test. Due to the rapid absorption of the material, a method similar to the TAPPI 432 standard was used. A syringe equipped with a 12-gauge needle was filled with medium-chain triglyceride and attached to a droplet analyzer (Attension Theta Optical Tensiometer) perpendicular to the surface of the sample. A 10 μl drop was then formed at the tip of the needle. The medium-chain triglyceride drop was then mechanically dropped onto the surface, and the progressive absorption time by the sample was recorded. The time to absorb a specified volume was determined by frame-by-frame inspection of the optical tensiometer's video output. This absorption time was defined as the difference between the time the drop left the needle and the time when the liquid was no longer clearly present on the paper surface. Samples were tested at room temperature after being briefly removed (<30 min) from the standard TAPPI atmosphere. A lower average oil drop absorption time indicates a material with better absorption properties. In some embodiments, the average oil droplet absorption time of first sheet of material 9 and sheet of material 11 is less than 250 seconds, less than 200 seconds, less than 150 seconds, less than 100 seconds, less than 50 seconds, or less than 25 seconds.
[0116] 8 illustrates method steps for manufacturing component 3 for use in delivery system 1. The method includes a first step S1 of forming a body of material, at least a portion of which is formed from a first sheet of material. A second step S2 of the method includes embedding an aerosol modifier-releasing component, including the aerosol modifier, within the body of material such that the aerosol modifier-releasing component is surrounded by the first sheet of material. The method further includes a third step S3 of surrounding the first sheet of material with a second sheet of material, at least a portion of which has lower absorbency and / or permeability than the second sheet of material.
[0117] In some embodiments, the portion of the first sheet of material that is treated forms more than 40%, more than 50%, more than 60%, more than 70%, more than 80%, or more than 90% of the first sheet of material, or the entire first sheet of material is treated.
[0118] The method may include forming a body of material from a first sheet of material, and the second sheet of material may be a plug wrap surrounding the body of material. Alternatively, the method may include forming a body of material from a first sheet of material and a second sheet of material.
[0119] 9 illustrates method steps for manufacturing another component 3 for use in delivery system 1. The method includes a first step S1 of forming a body of material from a sheet of material. A second step S2 of the method includes embedding an aerosol modifier-releasing component comprising the aerosol modifier within the body of material such that the aerosol modifier-releasing component is surrounded by the sheet of material. At least a portion of the sheet of material is treated such that the sheet of material has a lower absorbency than the sheet of material had before said treatment.
[0120] In some embodiments, the portion of the sheet of material that is treated forms more than 40%, more than 50%, more than 60%, more than 70%, more than 80%, or more than 90% of the first sheet of material, or the entire sheet of material is treated.
[0121] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in the understanding and teaching of the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as a representative sample of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on the equivalents of the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the present invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of any suitable combination of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. Additionally, the present disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.
Claims
1. 1. A component for use in a delivery system, comprising: A body of material; an aerosol modifier-releasing component including an aerosol modifier, the aerosol modifier-releasing component being embedded within the body of material; and a first sheet of material forming at least a portion of the body of material and surrounding the aerosol modifier-releasing component; a second sheet of material surrounding the first sheet of material; A component wherein at least a portion of the first sheet of material has a lower absorbency than the second sheet of material.
2. 10. The component of claim 1, wherein the first sheet of material forms the body of material and the second sheet of material is a plug wrap surrounding the body of material.
3. The component of claim 1 , wherein the first sheet of material and the second sheet of material form the body of material.
4. The first sheet of material has a thickness of 60 g / m 2 4. The component of claim 1, having a FAU5 of less than 1000 .mu.m.
5. The first sheet of material has a thickness of 50 g / m 2 Less than 40 g / m 2 Less than 30 g / m 2 Less than 20 g / m 2 Less than 10 g / m 2 Less than or 5 g / m 2 5. The component of claim 4 having a FAU5 of less than 1000 .mu.m.
6. 6. The component according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the difference in average contact angles of the first sheet of material is less than 40°.
7. 7. The component of claim 6, wherein the difference in average contact angles of the first sheet of material is less than 30 degrees or less than 20 degrees.
8. 8. The component of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first sheet of material is a nonwoven sheet of material.
9. 9. The component of claim 8, wherein the first sheet of material is a sheet of paper material.
10. Component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second sheet of material is a sheet of nonwoven material.
11. The component of claim 10 , wherein the second sheet of material is a paper sheet of material.
12. Component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first sheet of material is treated with a coating.
13. 13. The component of claim 12, wherein the coating is one of silicone, starch, glassine, clay, silica, alginate, or guar.
14. Component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first sheet of material has a thickness of between 70 μm and 90 μm.
15. Component according to any one of claims 3 to 14, wherein the second sheet of material has a thickness of between 70 μm and 350 μm.
16. Component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first sheet of material and / or the second sheet of material are biodegradable.
17. Component according to any one of claims 3 to 16, wherein the first sheet of material and / or the second sheet of material are crimped sheets of material.
18. A component according to any one of claims 3 to 17, wherein the body of material is wrapped in plug wrap.
19. 20. The component of claim 18, wherein the plug wrap is treated with any one of silicone, starch, glassine, clay, silica, alginate, or guar.
20. 1. A component for use in a delivery system, comprising: a material body wrapped in plug wrap; an aerosol modifier-releasing component including an aerosol modifier, the aerosol modifier-releasing component being embedded within the body of material, the body of material comprising: A component comprising: a sheet of material surrounding the aerosol modifier-releasing component, at least a portion of the sheet of material being treated to have a lower absorbency than the sheet of material prior to treatment.
21. 21. The component of claim 20, wherein the treating of the sheet of material comprises treating a surface of the sheet of material that faces the aerosol modifier-releasing component.
22. The material sheet has a thickness of 60 g / m 2 22. The component of claim 20 or 21, having a FAU5 of less than 1000.
23. The material sheet has a thickness of 50 g / m 2 Less than 40 g / m 2 Less than 30 g / m 2 Less than 20 g / m 2 Less than 10 g / m 2 Less than or 5 g / m 2 23. The component of claim 22 having a FAU5 of less than 1000 .mu.m.
24. Component according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the difference in average contact angles of the sheets of material is less than 40°.
25. 25. The component of claim 24, wherein the difference in average contact angles of the sheets of material is less than 30° or less than 20°.
26. Component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sheet of material is a nonwoven sheet of material.
27. 27. The component of claim 26, wherein the sheet of material is a paper sheet of material.
28. Component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sheet of material is treated with a coating.
29. 30. The component of claim 28, wherein the coating is one of silicone, starch, glassine, clay, silica, alginate, or guar.
30. 30. The component of any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein the sheet of material is biodegradable.
31. Component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sheet of material is a crimped sheet of material.
32. 32. The component of any one of claims 1 to 31, wherein the plug wrap is coated with any one of silicone, starch, glassine, clay, silica, alginate, or guar.
33. A delivery system comprising a component according to any one of claims 1 to 32.
34. 1. A method of manufacturing a component for use in a delivery system, comprising: forming a body of material, at least a portion of the body of material being formed from a first sheet of material; embedding an aerosol modifier-releasing component including an aerosol modifier within the body of material such that the aerosol modifier-releasing component is surrounded by the first sheet of material; and surrounding the first sheet of material with a second sheet of material; The method wherein at least a portion of the first sheet of material has a lower absorbency than the second sheet of material.
35. 35. The method of claim 34, including forming the body of material from the first sheet of material, wherein the second sheet of material is a plug wrap surrounding the body of material.
36. 35. The method of claim 34, including forming the body of material from the first sheet of material and the second sheet of material.
37. 1. A method of manufacturing a component for use in a delivery system, comprising: forming a body of material from the sheet of material; embedding an aerosol modifier-emitting component including an aerosol modifier within the body of material such that the aerosol modifier-emitting component is surrounded by the sheet of material; The method wherein at least a portion of the sheet of material is treated to have a lower absorbency than the sheet of material prior to treatment.