Article having a wrapper with a movable cover portion

Abstract

An article (200) for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating, wherein the article (200) is a body having a mouth end (12) and a distal end (14), the body comprising an aerosol generating substrate (25), the aerosol generating substrate (25) comprising at least about 5 weight percent of an aerosol forming body on a dry weight basis, the body, an air intake provided on the outer surface of the body comprising one or more air intake holes (35), and a substantially airtight wrapper (240) comprising a cover portion (242), the cover An article comprising a substantially impermeable wrapper, the portion (242) of which covers at least one of one or more air intake holes (35) and substantially prevents air from entering the article (200) through at least one of the one or more air intake holes (35), wherein the article (200) is configured such that at least a portion of the cover portion (242) is movable away from at least one of the one or more air intake holes (35) and allows air to enter the article (200) through at least one of the one or more air intake holes (35).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an article for generating an aerosol. In particular, the present invention relates to an article for generating an aerosol that can be inhaled upon heating, an article for generating an aerosol that can be inhaled upon heating by an aerosol generating device, and an article for generating an aerosol that can be inhaled upon heating. The article comprises an aerosol generating substrate compartment for holding an aerosol generating substrate.

Background Art

[0002] Articles in which an aerosol generating substrate, such as a tobacco-containing material, is heated rather than burned are known in the art. The purpose of such "heated" articles is to reduce known harmful smoke components of the type generated by the combustion and pyrolysis of tobacco in conventional cigarettes.

[0003] Typically, in a heated article, the aerosol is generated by the transfer of heat from a heat source to an aerosol generating substrate physically separated from the heat source. In use, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol generating substrate by the transfer of heat from the heat source to the aerosol generating substrate and entrained in the air drawn through the article. As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol, which is then inhaled by the user.

[0004] One known type of heated article, commonly referred to as a heat-not-burn tobacco product or a heated tobacco product, comprises a solid aerosol generating substrate comprising a tobacco material, which when heated generates an inhalable aerosol.

[0005] Numerous handheld aerosol generators configured to heat an aerosol generating substrate of a heated article are known in the art. These include electrically operated aerosol generators in which an aerosol is generated by the transfer of heat from one or more electric heating elements of the aerosol generator to an aerosol generating substrate of a heated article. Known handheld electrically operated aerosol generators typically comprise a battery, a control electronic device, and one or more electric heating elements for heating an aerosol generating substrate of a heated article specifically designed for use in an aerosol generator.

[0006] Some known electrically heated aerosol generators include an internal heating element configured to be inserted into the aerosol generating base of a heated article. For example, International Publication No. 2013 / 098410A2 discloses an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating article and an electrically operated aerosol generator having a heating element in the form of a blade inserted into the aerosol generating base of the aerosol generating article.

[0007] Other known electrically operated aerosol generators include one or more external heating elements. For example, International Publication No. 2020 / 115151A1 discloses an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating article and an electrically operated aerosol generating device including external heating elements surrounding the aerosol generating article.

[0008] Electrically operated aerosol generators are also known, including an inductor configured to inductively heat an aerosol generating substrate of a heated article. For example, International Publication No. 2015 / 176898A1 discloses an aerosol generating system including an aerosol generating article, comprising an elongated susceptor in thermal contact with an aerosol generating substrate and an electrically operated aerosol generator having an inductor for heating the aerosol generating substrate. During use, fluctuations or alternating electromagnetic fields generated by the inductor induce eddy currents in the susceptor, causing heating of the susceptor as a result of either or both resistive losses (Joule heating) and / or hysteresis losses (if the susceptor is magnetic). The heat generated in the susceptor is transferred to the aerosol generating substrate by conduction.

[0009] Articles having a body and air intake holes provided on the outer surface of the body are known. Before use of the article, air may enter the article through the air intake holes. This may reduce the shelf life of the article and the quality of the aerosol delivered to the user during the article's subsequent use.

[0010] The volatile components of the aerosol-generating substrate within the article may be released from the article through air intake holes before use. This can lead to the loss of fragrance from the aerosol-generating substrate within the article before use.

[0011] In humid environments, the aerosol generating substrate may absorb water from the air before the article is used. This may increase the temperature of the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating substrate during the user's first inhalation, which may be unpleasant for the user. The aerosol delivered to the user during the first inhalation may differ from the aerosol delivered to the user during subsequent inhalations. For example, the aerosol delivered to the user during the first inhalation may have a higher water content than the aerosol delivered to the user during subsequent inhalations.

[0012] Typically, the amount of air entering through the air intake holes is not adjustable. Thus, users may not be able to customize the experience provided by the product. However, user preferences for experience may vary.

[0013] It is desirable to provide products that offer improved quality and consistency of aerosols delivered to the user compared to known products. It is also desirable to provide products that allow users to customize the experience provided by the product. [Overview of the project]

[0014] This disclosure relates to articles for generating aerosols. In particular, this disclosure relates to articles for generating inhalable aerosols upon heating, articles for generating inhalable aerosols upon heating by an aerosol generator, and articles for generating inhalable aerosols upon heating. The article comprises a body having a mouth end and a distal end, the body comprising an aerosol generating substrate compartment for holding an aerosol generating substrate. The article may comprise an air intake provided on the outer surface of the body. The air intake may comprise one or more air intake holes. Each of the one or more air intake holes may have an opening area of ​​at least about 0.01 square millimeters. The article may comprise a substantially impermeable wrapper comprising a cover portion. The cover portion may cover at least one of the one or more air intake holes and substantially prevent air from entering the article through at least one of the one or more air intake holes. The article may be configured such that at least a portion of the cover portion is movable away from at least one of the one or more air intake holes, allowing air to enter the article through at least one of the one or more air intake holes.

[0015] According to the present invention, there is an article for generating an aerosol, the article comprising: a body having a mouth end and a distal end, and comprising an aerosol generating substrate compartment for holding an aerosol generating substrate; an air intake provided on the outer surface of the body, the air intake comprising one or more air intake holes, each of which having an opening area of ​​at least about 0.01 square millimeters; and a substantially impermeable wrapper comprising a cover portion, the cover portion covering at least one of the one or more air intake holes, substantially preventing air from entering the article through at least one of the one or more air intake holes, wherein the article is configured such that at least a portion of the cover portion is movable away from at least one of the one or more air intake holes, allowing air to enter the article through at least one of the one or more air intake holes.

[0016] As used herein in relation to the present invention, the terms “article” or “article for generating aerosols” are used to describe an article configured to hold or receive an aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating substrate compartment of the article may include an aerosol-generating substrate. The article may also be an aerosol-generating article. Unless otherwise stated, the features associated with “article” are equally applicable to “aerosol-generating article.”

[0017] As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "aerosol-generating article" is used to describe an article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate that generates and delivers a heated, inhalable aerosol to a user.

[0018] As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "aerosol-generating substrate" is used to describe a substrate comprising an aerosol-generating material having the ability to release volatile compounds that can generate aerosols upon heating. The aerosol is an inhalable aerosol.

[0019] As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "aerosol" is used to describe a dispersion of solid particles or droplets, or a combination of solid particles and droplets, in a gas. Aerosols may be visible or invisible. Aerosols may include vapors of substances that are normally liquid or solid at room temperature, as well as solid particles or droplets, or a combination of solid particles and droplets.

[0020] As used herein in relation to the present invention, the term "aerosol generator" is used to describe a device that generates an aerosol by interacting with an aerosol-generating substrate of an article.

[0021] The aerosol generating article according to the present invention has a mouth end through which an aerosol exits the aerosol generating article for delivery to the user during use. The mouth end of the aerosol generating article may also be called the downstream end or proximal end of the aerosol generating article. During use, the user directly or indirectly inhales the mouth end of the aerosol generating article for the purpose of inhaling the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating article.

[0022] The aerosol-generating article according to the present invention has a distal end. The distal end is on the opposite side from the oral end. The distal end of the aerosol-generating article may also be at the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0023] Where used herein in connection with this specification, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” are used to describe the relative positions of components or parts of components of an article according to the present invention with respect to the direction of airflow through the article when a user inhales the mouth end of the article. When a user inhales the mouth end of an article, air is drawn into the article, passes downstream through the article, and exits the article at the mouth end.

[0024] The distal end of a component of an article may be the upstream end of the component. The mouth end of a component of an article may be the downstream end of the component.

[0025] As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "longitudinal direction" is used to describe the direction between the distal end and the mouth-side end of an aerosol-generating article.

[0026] As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "length" is used to describe the maximum dimension in the longitudinal direction of an aerosol-generating article or a component of an aerosol-generating article.

[0027] As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "transverse direction" is used to describe a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Unless otherwise specified, the "cross-section" of an aerosol-generating article or a component of an aerosol-generating article refers to a cross-section in the transverse direction.

[0028] As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "width" refers to the maximum dimension in the transverse direction of an aerosol-generating article or a component of an aerosol-generating article. When the aerosol-generating article has a substantially circular cross-section, the width of the aerosol-generating article corresponds to the diameter of the aerosol-generating article. When a component of the aerosol-generating article has a substantially circular cross-section, the width of the component of the aerosol-generating article corresponds to the diameter of the component of the aerosol-generating article.

[0029] An article according to the present invention has an air intake provided on an outer surface of a body, the air intake being a substantially airtight wrapper including one or more air intake holes and a cover portion, the cover portion covering at least one of the one or more air intake holes and substantially preventing air from entering the article through at least one of the one or more air intake holes, and the article having an air intake configured such that at least a part of the cover portion is movable away from at least one of the one or more air intake holes to allow air to enter the article through at least one of the one or more air intake holes. By including such a substantially airtight wrapper, it becomes possible to adjust the air entering the article through at least one of the one or more air intake holes. For example, during storage of an unused article and before use of the article, the cover portion may cover at least one of the one or more air intake holes and substantially prevent air from entering the article through at least one of the one or more air intake holes. To use the article, a user may move at least a part of the cover portion away from at least one of the one or more air intake holes to allow air to enter the article through at least one of the one or more air intake holes.

[0030] The cover portion covering at least one of the one or more air intake holes can substantially prevent or reduce the absorption of water by the aerosol generating substrate before use of the article. This can help avoid delivering an uncomfortably warm aerosol to the user during the first smoking. Substantially preventing or reducing the absorption of water by the aerosol generating substrate before use of the article can help achieve a more consistent aerosol between the first smoking and subsequent smokings.

[0031] The cover portion covering at least one of the one or more air intake holes can substantially prevent or reduce the release of volatile components of the aerosol generating substrate within the article before use of the article. This can substantially prevent or reduce the loss of the scent from the aerosol generating substrate within the article before use of the article.

[0032] Sealing at least one of the one or more air intake holes in the article until use can improve the shelf life of the article and the quality of the aerosol delivered to the user during use.

[0033] A portion of the cover that is movable away from at least one of one or more air intake holes may provide the user with the ability to customize the experience provided by the article. For example, the user may be able to select a desired draw resistance of the article by moving at least a portion of the cover away from the air intake hole as needed.

[0034] As will be further explained below, one or more air intake holes may also be one or more ventilation holes. Users may be able to adjust the level of ventilation of an article by moving at least a portion of the cover away from the air intake holes. For example, in a warm environment, a user may choose to move at least a portion of the cover away from many or all of the ventilation holes to increase the cooling of aerosols generated by an aerosol generating substrate within the article. In a cold environment, a user may choose not to move at least a portion of the cover away from any of the air intake holes to minimize the cooling of aerosols generated by an aerosol generating substrate within the article.

[0035] Moving at least a portion of the cover away from at least one of the one or more air intake holes allows air to enter the article through the air intake holes. For example, moving at least a portion of the cover away from at least one of the one or more air intake holes may expose at least one of the one or more air intake holes. This may occur if, before at least a portion of the cover moves away from at least one of the one or more air intake holes, the cover covers the area immediately above at least one of the one or more air intake holes without any other components of the article in between. There may be no components of the article between a substantially impermeable wrapper and the one or more air intake holes provided on the outer surface of the body of the article.

[0036] The article may be configured such that the resistance to pulling out the article is adjustable by moving at least a portion of the cover away from at least one of the one or more air intake holes. The user may adjust the resistance to pulling out the article as desired by moving at least a portion of the cover away from at least one of the one or more air intake holes. Exposing at least one of the one or more air intake holes may reduce the resistance to pulling out the article. Increasing the number of exposed one or more air intake holes may increase the reduction in the resistance to pulling out the article.

[0037] When the cover portion covers at least one of the one or more air intake holes, the article may have an extraction resistance of at least about 40 mmH2O, at least about 50 mmH2O, or at least about 60 mmH2O.

[0038] When the cover portion covers at least one of the one or more air intake holes, the article may have an draw resistance of about 100 mmH2O or less, about 90 mmH2O or less, or about 80 mmH2O or less. This may be the case when the article includes an air intake provided on the outer surface of the main body and one or more additional air intakes. Air may be drawn into the article through one or more additional air intakes. For example, air may be drawn into the article through the distal end face of the article. One or more air intake holes provided on the outer surface of the main body may be one or more vents.

[0039] When the cover portion covers at least one of the one or more air intake holes, the article may have an extraction resistance of approximately 40 mmH2O to approximately 100 mmH2O, approximately 40 mmH2O to approximately 90 mmH2O, or approximately 40 mmH2O to approximately 80 mmH2O.

[0040] When the cover portion covers at least one of the one or more air intake holes, the article may have an extraction resistance of approximately 50 mmH2O to approximately 100 mmH2O, approximately 50 mmH2O to approximately 90 mmH2O, or approximately 50 mmH2O to approximately 80 mmH2O.

[0041] When the cover portion covers at least one of the one or more air intake holes, the article may have an extraction resistance of approximately 60 mmH2O to approximately 100 mmH2O, approximately 60 mmH2O to approximately 90 mmH2O, or approximately 60 mmH2O to approximately 80 mmH2O.

[0042] When at least a portion of the cover is located away from at least one of the one or more air intake holes, the article may have an extraction resistance of at least about 20 mmH2O, at least about 30 mmH2O, or at least about 40 mmH2O.

[0043] When at least a portion of the cover is located away from at least one of the one or more air intake holes, the article may have a draw resistance of about 80 mmH2O or less, about 70 mmH2O or less, or about 60 mmH2O or less. This may be the case when the article includes an air intake provided on the outer surface of the main body and one or more additional air intakes. For example, this may be the case when one or more air intake holes provided on the outer surface of the main body are one or more ventilation holes.

[0044] When at least a portion of the cover is located away from at least one of the one or more air intake holes, the article may have an extraction resistance of about 20 mmH2O to about 80 mmH2O, about 20 mmH2O to about 70 mmH2O, or about 20 mmH2O to about 60 mmH2O.

[0045] When at least a portion of the cover is located away from at least one of the one or more air intake holes, the article may have an extraction resistance of about 30 mmH2O to about 80 mmH2O, about 30 mmH2O to about 70 mmH2O, or about 30 mmH2O to about 60 mmH2O.

[0046] When at least a portion of the cover is located away from at least one of the one or more air intake holes, the article may have an extraction resistance of approximately 40 mmH2O to approximately 40 mmH2O, approximately 20 mmH2O to approximately 70 mmH2O, or approximately 40 mmH2O to approximately 60 mmH2O.

[0047] The article may be configured such that at least a portion of the cover is movable away from at least one of one or more air intake holes, thereby reducing the article's draw-out resistance (RTD) by at least about 5 mmH2O, at least about 10 mmH2O, or at least about 15 mmH2O.

[0048] The article may be configured such that at least a portion of the cover is movable away from at least one of the one or more air intake holes, thereby reducing the resistance to pulling out the article to about 35 mmH2O or less, about 30 mmH2O or less, or about 25 mmH2O or less.

[0049] The article may be configured such that at least a portion of the cover is movable away from at least one of one or more air intake holes, thereby reducing the resistance of pulling out the article by about 5 mmH2O to about 35 mmH2O, about 5 mmH2O to about 30 mmH2O, or about 5 mmH2O to about 25 mmH2O.

[0050] The article may be configured such that at least a portion of the cover is movable away from at least one of one or more air intake holes, thereby reducing the resistance of pulling out the article by about 10 mmH2O to about 35 mmH2O, about 10 mmH2O to about 30 mmH2O, or about 10 mmH2O to about 25 mmH2O.

[0051] The article may be configured such that at least a portion of the cover is movable away from at least one of one or more air intake holes, thereby reducing the resistance of pulling out the article by about 15 mmH2O to about 35 mmH2O, about 15 mmH2O to about 30 mmH2O, or about 15 mmH2O to about 25 mmH2O.

[0052] The article may be configured such that at least a portion of the cover is movable away from at least one of the one or more air intake holes, thereby reducing the resistance to pulling out the article by at least about 10 percent, at least about 15 percent, or at least 20 percent.

[0053] Unless otherwise stated, the reduction in the resistance to pulling out an article when at least a portion of the cover moves away from at least one of the air intake holes is relative to the resistance to pulling out an article when the cover covers at least one of the air intake holes.

[0054] The article may be configured such that at least a portion of the cover is movable away from at least one of the one or more air intake holes, thereby reducing the resistance to pulling out the article by about 50 percent or less, at least about 45 percent or less, or at least about 40 percent.

[0055] The article may be configured such that at least a portion of the cover is movable away from at least one of the one or more air intake holes, thereby reducing the resistance to pulling out the article by about 10 percent to about 50 percent, about 10 percent to about 45 percent, or about 10 percent to about 40 percent.

[0056] The article may be configured such that at least a portion of the cover is movable away from at least one of the one or more air intake holes, thereby reducing the resistance to pulling out the article by about 15 percent to about 50 percent, about 15 percent to about 45 percent, or about 15 percent to about 40 percent.

[0057] The article may be configured such that at least a portion of the cover is movable away from at least one of the one or more air intake holes, thereby reducing the resistance to pulling out the article by about 20 percent to about 50 percent, about 20 percent to about 45 percent, or about 20 percent to about 40 percent.

[0058] When a user sucks on the mouth or proximal end of an article, substantially all of the air drawn into the article may pass through one or more air intake holes provided on the outer surface of the body. The air intake provided on the outer surface of the body may be the sole air intake for the article.

[0059] When the cover portion covers at least one of one or more air intake holes, the article may have an extraction resistance of at least about 80 mmH2O, at least about 90 mmH2O, or at least about 100 mmH2O. This may be the case when the air intake provided on the outer surface of the body is the only air intake for the article.

[0060] When the cover portion covers at least one of the one or more air intake holes, the article may have an exhaust resistance of about 200 mmH2O or less. This may be the case when the air intake provided on the outer surface of the body is the only air intake for the article.

[0061] When the cover portion covers at least one of the one or more air intake holes, the article may have an airflow resistance of approximately 80 mmH2O to approximately 200 mmH2O, approximately 90 mmH2O to approximately 190 mmH2O, or approximately 100 mmH2O to approximately 200 mmH2O.

[0062] The article may be configured such that at least a portion of the cover is movable away from at least one of one or more air intake holes, thereby reducing the resistance to pulling out the article by at least about 40 mmH2O, at least about 60 mmH2O, or at least about 80 mmH2O. This may be the case when the air intake provided on the outer surface of the body is the only air intake for the article.

[0063] The article may be configured such that at least a portion of the cover is movable away from at least one of one or more air intake holes, thereby reducing the resistance to pulling out the article by about 140 mmH2O or less. This may be the case when the air intake provided on the outer surface of the body is the only air intake for the article.

[0064] The article may be configured such that at least a portion of the cover is movable away from at least one of one or more air intake holes, thereby reducing the resistance of pulling out the article by about 40 mmH2O to about 140 mmH2O, about 60 mmH2O to about 140 mmH2O, or about 80 mmH2O to about 140 mmH2O.

[0065] Unless otherwise specified, the draw-to-discharge (RTD) of an article or component of an article is expressed in units of pressure, either "mmWG," "millimeters of water column," or "mmH2O," and is measured according to ISO 6565-2015 at a temperature of approximately 22 degrees Celsius, a pressure of approximately 101 kPa (approximately 760 Torr), and a relative humidity of approximately 60%, with a volumetric flow rate of approximately 17.5 milliliters / second at the mouth or downstream end of the article or component.

[0066] The cover portion may cover each of the one or more air intake holes. The cover portion may cover each of the one or more air intake holes to substantially prevent air from entering the article through the air intake.

[0067] The feature of an article having a cover portion that covers at least one of one or more air intake holes may also be applicable to an article having a cover portion that covers each of one or more air intake holes.

[0068] The article is configured such that at least a portion of the cover is movable away from at least one of the one or more air intake holes. For example, the article may be configured such that at least a portion of the cover is removable from or to the body of the article. That is, the article may be configured such that at least a portion of the cover is removable, allowing air to enter the article through at least one of the one or more air intake holes.

[0069] The article may be configured such that the entire cover portion is movable away from at least one of the one or more air intake holes. For example, the article may be configured such that the entire cover portion is removable from the article.

[0070] A feature of an article having a cover portion, wherein at least a part of the cover portion is movable away from at least one of one or more air intake holes, may also apply to an article having a cover portion, wherein the entire cover portion is movable away from at least one of one or more air intake holes.

[0071] The length of the cover portion may be such that it covers each of one or more air intake holes. This may be such that the cover portion substantially prevents air from entering the article through each of the one or more air intake holes.

[0072] The length of the cover portion may be such that it extends beyond the air intake.

[0073] The cover portion may have a length of at least approximately 2 millimeters, at least approximately 3 millimeters, or at least approximately 4 millimeters. Increasing the length of the cover portion may help ensure that the cover portion substantially prevents air from entering the article through at least one of the one or more air intake holes. Increasing the length of the cover portion may make it easier to move at least a portion of the cover portion away from at least one of the one or more air intake holes. For example, it may be easier for a user to grasp a longer cover portion and move at least a portion of it away from a shorter cover portion.

[0074] The cover portion may have a length of approximately 20 millimeters or less, approximately 15 millimeters or less, or approximately 10 millimeters or less. Reducing the length of the cover portion may help maintain the integrity of the article when at least a portion of the cover portion of a substantially impermeable wrapper moves away from at least one of the one or more air intake holes.

[0075] The cover portion may have a length of approximately 2 mm to 20 mm, approximately 2 mm to 15 mm, or approximately 2 mm to 10 mm.

[0076] The cover portion may have a length of approximately 3 mm to 20 mm, approximately 3 mm to 15 mm, or approximately 3 mm to 10 mm.

[0077] The cover portion may have a length of approximately 4 mm to 20 mm, approximately 4 mm to 15 mm, or approximately 4 mm to 10 mm.

[0078] The cover portion may extend along a portion of the length of the article. The cover portion may have a length shorter than the length of the article.

[0079] The cover portion may have a length of at least about 4 percent of the length of the article, at least about 6 percent of the length of the article, or at least about 8 percent of the length of the article.

[0080] The cover portion may have a length of approximately 50 percent or less of the length of the article, approximately 35 percent or less of the length of the article, or approximately 20 percent or less of the length of the article.

[0081] The cover portion may have a length of approximately 4 percent to 50 percent of the length of the article, approximately 4 percent to 35 percent of the length of the article, or approximately 4 percent to 20 percent of the length of the article.

[0082] The cover portion may have a length of approximately 6 percent to 50 percent of the length of the article, approximately 6 percent to 35 percent of the length of the article, or approximately 6 percent to 20 percent of the length of the article.

[0083] The cover portion may have a length of approximately 8 percent to 50 percent of the length of the article, approximately 8 percent to 35 percent of the length of the article, or approximately 8 percent to 20 percent of the length of the article.

[0084] The cover portion may extend to the entire length of the substantially opaque wrapper. The cover portion may have substantially the same length as the substantially opaque wrapper. The length of the cover portion described above may also apply to the length of the substantially opaque wrapper.

[0085] The cover portion may extend along a portion of the length of the wrapper, which is essentially opaque.

[0086] The cover portion may have a length of at least about 4 percent of the length of the substantially impermeable wrapper, at least about 6 percent of the length of the substantially impermeable wrapper, or at least about 8 percent of the length of the substantially impermeable wrapper.

[0087] The cover portion may have a length of approximately 50 percent or less of the length of the substantially impermeable wrapper, approximately 35 percent or less of the length of the substantially impermeable wrapper, or approximately 20 percent or less of the length of the substantially impermeable wrapper.

[0088] The cover portion may have a length of approximately 4 percent to 50 percent of the length of the substantially opaque wrapper, approximately 4 percent to 35 percent of the length of the substantially opaque wrapper, or approximately 4 percent to 20 percent of the length of the substantially opaque wrapper.

[0089] The cover portion may have a length of approximately 6 percent to 50 percent of the length of the substantially opaque wrapper, approximately 6 percent to 35 percent of the length of the substantially opaque wrapper, or approximately 6 percent to 20 percent of the length of the substantially opaque wrapper.

[0090] The cover portion may have a length of approximately 8 percent to 50 percent of the length of the substantially opaque wrapper, approximately 8 percent to 35 percent of the length of the substantially opaque wrapper, or approximately 8 percent to 20 percent of the length of the substantially opaque wrapper.

[0091] The cover portion may extend from the distal end of the substantially impermeable wrapper toward the proximal end of the substantially impermeable wrapper.

[0092] The cover portion may extend from the proximal end of the substantially impermeable wrapper toward the distal end of the substantially impermeable wrapper.

[0093] If the cover portion extends along the entire length of the substantially impermeable wrapper, the cover portion extends from the proximal end of the substantially impermeable wrapper to the distal end of the substantially impermeable wrapper.

[0094] A substantially impermeable wrapper encloses at least a portion of the body of the article.

[0095] The cover portion may be a circumferential cover portion. That is, the cover portion may surround one or more components located beneath the article.

[0096] One or more air intake holes may be provided through the tubular walls of the hollow tubular elements of the main body. A substantially airtight wrapper may surround at least a portion of the hollow tubular elements.

[0097] A substantially opaque wrapper may enclose at least part of two or more components of the body of the article.

[0098] A substantially impermeable wrapper may surround at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate compartment. A substantially impermeable wrapper may surround at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate within the main body.

[0099] A substantially airtight wrapper may extend from the distal end of the body toward the oral end of the body. A substantially airtight wrapper may extend from the oral end of the body toward the distal end of the body. A substantially airtight wrapper may extend from the distal end of the body toward the oral end of the body.

[0100] An article or body of an article may have transverse weak lines provided within a substantially opaque wrapper. The transverse weak lines may define the edges of the covering portion of the substantially opaque wrapper; that is, the covering portion may extend to the transverse weak lines.

[0101] A substantially impermeable wrapper may be ruptureable along a transverse weakness line, facilitating the movement of at least a portion of the cover away from at least one of the one or more air intake holes.

[0102] A substantially impermeable wrapper may be ruptureable along transverse weakness lines to facilitate the removal of at least a portion of the cover. A substantially impermeable wrapper may be ruptureable along transverse weakness lines to facilitate the removal of the cover.

[0103] Suitable types of weak lines that can be provided to substantially impermeable wrappers are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, embossed lines, debossed lines, wrinkles, score lines, perforated lines, and combinations thereof.

[0104] The weak lines are preferably perforated lines. The weak lines provided to a substantially impermeable wrapper can be formed using suitable known methods such as laser perforation or mechanical perforation such as pin perforation.

[0105] Weak lines may be formed within a substantially impermeable wrapper before the assembly of the article. Weak lines may also be formed within a substantially impermeable wrapper after the assembly of the article.

[0106] A transverse weak line may also be a circumferential weak line. As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term “circumferential weak line” is used to describe a weak line surrounding a component beneath an article.

[0107] The transverse weak line may be located between the air intake and the distal end of the article or the body of the article. The transverse weak line may be located between the air intake and the mouth end of the article or the body of the article.

[0108] The transverse weak lines may be located away from the air intakes through gaps. Positioning the transverse weak lines away from the air intakes may help ensure that the substantially impermeable wrapper substantially prevents air from entering the article through one or more air intake holes.

[0109] The transverse weak line may be located at least about 1 millimeter away from an air intake provided on the outer surface of the body of the article, or at least about 1.5 millimeters away from an air intake provided on the outer surface of the body of the article, or at least about 2 millimeters away from an air intake provided on the outer surface of the body of the article.

[0110] The transverse weak line may be located at a distance of approximately 10 millimeters or less from an air intake provided on the outer surface of the body of the article, or at a distance of approximately 7 millimeters or less from an air intake provided on the outer surface of the body of the article, or at a distance of approximately 5 millimeters or less from an air intake provided on the outer surface of the body of the article. Reducing the distance between the transverse weak line and the air intake provided on the outer surface of the body of the article may reduce the length of the cover portion. This may help maintain the integrity of the article when at least a portion of the cover portion of a substantially impermeable wrapper moves away from at least one of the one or more air intake holes, for example when at least a portion of the cover portion is removed from the article.

[0111] The transverse weak lines may be located about 1 to 10 millimeters away from the air intakes provided on the outer surface of the body of the article, about 1 to 7 millimeters away from the air intakes provided on the outer surface of the body of the article, or about 1 to 5 millimeters away from the air intakes provided on the outer surface of the body of the article.

[0112] The transverse weak line may be located about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm away from the air intake provided on the outer surface of the body of the article, about 1.5 mm to about 7 mm away from the air intake provided on the outer surface of the body of the article, or about 1.5 mm to about 5 mm away from the air intake provided on the outer surface of the body of the article.

[0113] The transverse weak lines may be located about 2 to 10 millimeters away from the air intakes provided on the outer surface of the body of the article, about 2 to 7 millimeters away from the air intakes provided on the outer surface of the body of the article, or about 2 to 5 millimeters away from the air intakes provided on the outer surface of the body of the article.

[0114] The distance between the transverse weak line and the aforementioned air intake may also be applicable to the distance between the transverse weak line and each of one or more air intake holes of the air intake.

[0115] The article may have a single transverse weak line provided within a substantially impermeable wrapper. The transverse weak line provided within the substantially impermeable wrapper described above may be the only transverse weak line provided within the substantially impermeable wrapper.

[0116] The cover portion may extend from a transverse weakness line to the proximal end of a substantially impermeable wrapper. The article may be configured such that the cover portion extending from the transverse weakness line to the proximal end of a substantially impermeable wrapper is removable.

[0117] The cover portion may extend from a transverse weakness line to the distal end of a substantially impermeable wrapper. The article may be configured such that the cover portion extending from the transverse weakness line to the distal end of a substantially impermeable wrapper is removable.

[0118] The article may comprise one or more transverse weak lines provided within a substantially impermeable wrapper. The properties of the transverse weak lines described above may also apply to each of the one or more transverse weak lines provided within a substantially impermeable wrapper.

[0119] The article may comprise two transverse weak lines provided within a substantially impermeable wrapper. That is, the article may comprise a first transverse weak line provided within a substantially impermeable wrapper and a second transverse weak line provided within a substantially impermeable wrapper.

[0120] The first transverse weakness line may be located between the air intake and the distal end of the article. The second transverse weakness line may be located between the air intake and the mouth end of the article.

[0121] The substantially opaque wrapper cover portion may be a substantially opaque wrapper portion extending from a first transverse weak line to a second transverse weak line. The article may be configured such that the substantially opaque wrapper cover portion extending from the first transverse weak line to the second transverse weak line is removable.

[0122] A substantially impermeable wrapper may include a forward portion extending from the covering portion of the substantially impermeable wrapper toward the distal end of the substantially impermeable wrapper. The forward portion may extend from a transverse weakness line toward the distal end of the substantially impermeable wrapper. For example, the forward portion may extend from a first transverse weakness line toward the distal end of the substantially impermeable wrapper.

[0123] The front portion may extend from the cover portion to the distal end of a substantially impermeable wrapper. The front portion may extend from the first transverse weak line to the distal end of the article.

[0124] A substantially impermeable wrapper may include a rear portion extending from the covering portion of the substantially impermeable wrapper toward the proximal end of the substantially impermeable wrapper. The rear portion may extend toward the proximal end of the substantially impermeable wrapper toward a transverse weakness line. For example, the rear portion may extend toward the proximal end of the substantially impermeable wrapper toward a second transverse weakness line.

[0125] The rear portion may extend from the cover portion to the proximal end of a substantially impermeable wrapper. The rear portion may extend from a transverse weakness line to the proximal end of a substantially impermeable wrapper. For example, the rear portion may extend from a second transverse weakness line to the proximal end of a substantially impermeable wrapper.

[0126] At least a portion of the substantially airtight wrapper may be attached to the component beneath the article. For example, at least a portion of the substantially airtight wrapper may be attached to the component beneath the article using an adhesive.

[0127] The article may be configured such that when at least a portion of the cover moves away from at least one of the one or more air intake holes, one or more portions of a substantially impermeable wrapper attached to a component beneath the article remain attached to the component beneath the article.

[0128] A substantially impermeable wrapper may comprise one or more additional parts, at least one of which is attached to a component beneath the article. That is, at least a portion of the substantially impermeable wrapper other than the cover portion may be attached to a component beneath the article. Attaching a portion of the substantially impermeable wrapper other than the cover portion to a component beneath the article may be advantageous in that it may facilitate the movement of at least a portion of the cover portion. For example, attaching a portion of the substantially impermeable wrapper other than the cover portion to a component beneath the article may be advantageous in that it may facilitate the removal of at least a portion of the cover portion by breaking the substantially impermeable wrapper along a transverse weakness line, if present.

[0129] A portion of the substantially impermeable wrapper located between the distal end of the substantially impermeable wrapper and the distal end of the cover portion may be attached to a component beneath the article. For example, if the substantially impermeable wrapper includes a front portion, the front portion may be attached to a component beneath the article.

[0130] A portion of the substantially impermeable wrapper located between the proximal end of the substantially impermeable wrapper and the proximal end of the cover portion may be attached to a component beneath the article. For example, if the substantially impermeable wrapper includes a rear portion, the rear portion may be attached to a component beneath the article.

[0131] If a substantially opaque wrapper includes both a front and a rear portion, the front portion may be attached to a component beneath the article, and the rear portion may also be attached to a component beneath the article.

[0132] At least a portion of the cover may not be adhered to the components beneath the article. The entire cover may not be adhered to the components beneath the article.

[0133] A substantially opaque wrapper may have first and second opposing ends that overlap each other along an overlapping region in the longitudinal direction. The first and second opposing ends are the longitudinal ends.

[0134] The first end of the substantially impermeable wrapper may be outside the second end of the substantially impermeable wrapper.

[0135] The adhesive may be placed between the first and second opposing ends of a substantially opaque wrapper, along at least a portion of the overlapping area in the longitudinal direction. For example, the adhesive may be placed between the first and second ends of a substantially transparent wrapper, along a portion of the overlapping area in the longitudinal direction that is part of the cover portion. This may form a seam.

[0136] A portion of the longitudinal overlapping region extending to the first end of the substantially impermeable wrapper may be substantially free of adhesive. A portion of the longitudinal overlapping region extending to the first end of the substantially impermeable wrapper and forming part of the cover portion may be substantially free of adhesive.

[0137] A portion of the substantially impermeable wrapper extending to the first end of the substantially impermeable wrapper may not be adhered to the portion beneath the substantially impermeable wrapper. A portion of the cover portion extending to the first end of the substantially impermeable wrapper may not be adhered to the portion beneath the substantially impermeable wrapper. That is, a portion of the cover portion extending to the first end of the substantially impermeable wrapper may form a flap. This may help facilitate the movement of at least a portion of the cover portion. For example, a user may grasp the portion of the cover portion that is not adhered to the portion beneath the substantially impermeable wrapper to help move at least a portion of the cover portion. A user may grasp the portion of the cover portion that is not adhered to the portion beneath the substantially impermeable wrapper in order to remove the cover portion.

[0138] A substantially opaque wrapper may have a flap extending along the longitudinal end of the substantially opaque wrapper. The flap may be described as a loose flap; that is, the flap is not adhered to the portion beneath the substantially opaque wrapper or to any component beneath the article. The flap may form the outer surface of the article.

[0139] A substantially impermeable wrapper may have permeability of approximately 10 cholesterol units or less, approximately 5 cholesterol units or less, or approximately 2 cholesterol units or less.

[0140] The permeability of the wrapper can be determined according to the international standard test method ISO 2965:2019, and the results can be presented as cubic centimeters / minute / square centimeter, which may be referred to as "cholesta units".

[0141] As described above, the article may have transverse weak lines provided within a substantially impermeable wrapper. For example, the article may have lines of perforations provided within a substantially impermeable wrapper. The permeability of the substantially impermeable wrapper is independent of the perforations provided within the substantially impermeable wrapper.

[0142] A substantially airtight wrapper can be formed from one or more suitable materials. Suitable materials are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, plastic materials such as polymer films, paper-based materials such as paper, cardboard, and thick paper, and impregnated papers such as wax-impregnated paper and glycerol-impregnated paper. Preferably, a substantially airtight wrapper is formed from a paper-based material.

[0143] Each of the one or more air intake holes has an opening area of ​​at least about 0.01 square millimeters. Each of the one or more air intake holes may have an opening area of ​​at least about 0.02 square millimeters, or at least about 0.04 square millimeters.

[0144] Each of the one or more air intake holes may have an opening area of ​​approximately 1 square millimeter or less.

[0145] Each of the one or more air intake holes may have an opening area of ​​approximately 0.01 square millimeters to approximately 1 square millimeter, approximately 0.02 square millimeters to approximately 1 square millimeter, or approximately 0.04 square millimeters to approximately 1 square millimeter.

[0146] Each of the one or more air intake holes may have a maximum dimension of at least about 0.1 mm, at least about 0.15 mm, or at least about 0.2 mm.

[0147] Each of the one or more air intake holes may have a maximum dimension of approximately 1 millimeter.

[0148] Each of the one or more air intake holes may have a maximum dimension of approximately 0.1 mm to 1 mm, approximately 0.15 mm to 1 mm, or approximately 0.2 mm to 1 mm.

[0149] An air intake includes one or more air intake holes. That is, an air intake may have a single air intake hole or multiple air intake holes.

[0150] If the air intake includes a plurality of air intake holes, the article comprises a body having a mouth end and a distal end, the body comprising an aerosol generating substrate compartment for holding an aerosol generating substrate; an air intake provided on the outer surface of the body, the air intake comprising a plurality of air intake holes; and a substantially impermeable wrapper comprising a cover portion, the cover portion covering at least one of the plurality of air intake holes and substantially preventing the entry of air into the article through at least one of the plurality of air intake holes, the article being configured such that at least a portion of the cover portion is movable away from at least one of the plurality of air intake holes, thereby facilitating the entry of air into the article through at least one of the plurality of air intake holes.

[0151] If an air intake includes multiple air intake holes, the multiple air intake holes may be in the form of at least one circumferential row of air intake holes or perforations. That is, an air intake provided on the outer surface of the body of an article may comprise at least one circumferential row of perforations.

[0152] Multiple air intake holes may be in the form of two circular rows of perforations.

[0153] Each circular row may have at least 8 holes. Each circular row may have 30 or fewer holes. Each circular row may have 8 to 30 holes.

[0154] The air intake may consist of a single air intake hole. The single air intake hole may surround the body of the article.

[0155] One or more air intake holes may extend through a component located beneath the cover portion. One or more air intake holes may extend through the wall of a component located beneath the cover portion. For example, one or more air intake holes may extend through the wall of a hollow tubular element of the article.

[0156] The air intake may be located between the aerosol generating substrate compartment and the mouth end of the article. The air intake may be located between the aerosol generating substrate inside the article and the mouth end of the article.

[0157] The air intake may be located along the long axis between the aerosol generating substrate compartment and the mouth end of the article.

[0158] The air intake may be located toward the mouth end of the article. The substantially airtight cover portion of the wrapper may also be located toward the mouth end of the article.

[0159] The position of the air intake may be chosen so that the user's lips or fingers do not block the air intake while the article is in use. The air intake may be spaced away from the mouth-side edge of the article.

[0160] The air intake may be located at least about 15 millimeters from the distal end of the article, at least about 20 millimeters from the distal end of the article, or at least about 25 millimeters from the distal end of the article.

[0161] The air intake may be located no more than approximately 35 millimeters from the distal end of the article.

[0162] The air intake may be located approximately 15 to 35 millimeters from the distal end of the article, approximately 20 to 35 millimeters from the distal end of the article, or approximately 25 to 35 millimeters from the distal end of the article.

[0163] The distance between the air intake and the distal end of the article described above may also be applicable to the distance between the distal end of the article and each of the one or more air intake holes of the air intake.

[0164] The air intake may be located at least about 5 millimeters from the mouth end of the article.

[0165] The air intake may be located within approximately 30 millimeters from the opening edge of the article, within approximately 25 millimeters from the opening edge of the article, or within approximately 20 millimeters from the opening edge of the article.

[0166] The air intake may be located approximately 5 to 30 millimeters from the opening edge of the article, approximately 5 to 25 millimeters from the opening edge of the article, or approximately 5 to 20 millimeters from the opening edge of the article.

[0167] The distance between the air intake and the mouth end of the article described above may also be applicable to the distance between the distal end of the article and each of the one or more air intake holes of the air intake.

[0168] One or more air intake holes may also be one or more ventilation holes. One or more ventilation holes may define a ventilation zone of an article.

[0169] Air may be introduced into the article downstream of the aerosol generating substrate through one or more vents. Providing one or more vents may help achieve the desired cooling of the aerosol flow generated as the aerosol generating substrate heats up. While we do not wish to be bound by any theory, the temperature reduction caused by the introduction of cooler outside air into the article through the vent zone may have a favorable effect on the nucleation and growth of aerosol particles.

[0170] The article may be configured such that the level of ventilation of the article is adjustable by moving at least a portion of the cover away from at least one of the one or more air intake holes. The user may adjust the level of ventilation of the article as desired by moving at least a portion of the cover away from at least one of the one or more air intake holes. Exposing at least one of the one or more air intake holes may increase the level of ventilation of the article. Exposing more of the one or more air intake holes may further increase the level of ventilation of the article.

[0171] The article may be configured such that at least a portion of the cover is movable away from at least one of one or more air intake holes, thereby increasing the ventilation level of the article by at least about 10 percent, at least about 20 percent, or at least about 30 percent.

[0172] When the cover portion covers at least one of the one or more air intake holes, the article may have an air permeability level of about 10 percent or less, about 5 percent or less, or about 2 percent or less.

[0173] When the cover portion covers at least one of the one or more air intake holes, the article may have a ventilation level of approximately 0 percent. The one or more air intake holes may be the only ventilation holes of the article.

[0174] When at least a portion of the cover is located away from at least one of the one or more air intake holes, the article may have an air permeability level of at least about 10 percent, at least about 20 percent, or at least about 30 percent.

[0175] When used in connection with the present invention, the term "ventilation level" is used to indicate the volume ratio between the airflow entering an article through the ventilation zone (ventilation airflow) and the airflow exiting the mouth end of the article. The airflow entering the article through the ventilation zone may be the airflow entering the article through one or more ventilation holes. A higher ventilation level results in greater dilution of the aerosol flow delivered to the user.

[0176] As described above, the air intake provided on the outer surface of the main body may be the sole air intake for the article. When the user sucks on the mouth end of the article, substantially all of the air drawn into the article may pass through one or more air intake holes provided on the outer surface of the main body.

[0177] Air entering an article through an air intake may be drawn towards the mouth end of the article and then towards the distal end of the article before exiting the article at the mouth end. For example, an article may include an aerosol generating substrate located toward the distal end of the article, and air entering the article through an air intake may be drawn towards the mouth end of the article and then towards the aerosol generating substrate toward the distal end of the article before exiting the article at the mouth end.

[0178] The aerosol-generating substrate compartment may be a cavity within the main body. The aerosol-generating substrate compartment may be defined by a wrapper of the article. For example, an article may comprise an aerosol-generating substrate surrounded by an outer wrapper. The outer wrapper surrounding the aerosol-generating substrate may define the aerosol-generating substrate compartment. For example, a substantially impermeable wrapper may define the aerosol-generating substrate compartment.

[0179] The aerosol generating substrate compartment may be located toward the distal end of the main body.

[0180] The aerosol-generating substrate compartment may contain an aerosol-generating substrate. In other words, the article may contain an aerosol-generating substrate.

[0181] The article may be an aerosol-generating article.

[0182] The main body may include an aerosol generating substrate. That is, the article may be an aerosol generating article comprising: a main body having a mouth end and a distal end, the main body comprising an aerosol generating substrate; an air intake provided on the outer surface of the main body, comprising one or more air intake holes; and a substantially airtight wrapper comprising a cover portion, the cover portion covering at least one of the one or more air intake holes, substantially preventing air from entering the article through at least one of the one or more air intake holes, wherein the article is configured such that at least a portion of the cover portion is movable away from at least one of the one or more air intake holes, allowing air to enter the article through at least one of the one or more air intake holes.

[0183] The aerosol generating substrate may be in the form of a rod. As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "rod" is used to refer to a generally cylindrical element having a substantially circular, oval, or elliptical cross-section.

[0184] The aerosol generating substrate includes an aerosol generating material surrounded by a wrapper such as a plug wrap. For example, the aerosol generating substrate may include an aerosol generating material surrounded by a wrapper to form a rod.

[0185] The aerosol generating substrate may have a length of at least about 8 millimeters, at least about 9 millimeters, or at least about 10 millimeters. The aerosol generating substrate may have a length of about 16 millimeters or less, about 15 millimeters or less, or about 14 millimeters or less. For example, the aerosol generating substrate may have a length of about 12 millimeters.

[0186] The aerosol generating substrate preferably has a substantially circular cross-section.

[0187] The aerosol generating substrate may have an outer diameter of at least about 5 mm, at least about 6 mm, or at least about 7 mm. The aerosol generating substrate may have an outer diameter of 12 mm or less, about 10 mm or less, or about 8 mm or less.

[0188] The aerosol generating substrate preferably has an outer diameter substantially the same as the outer diameter of the aerosol generating article.

[0189] The RTD of the aerosol generating substrate may be at least about 4 mmH2O, at least 5 mmH2O, or at least 6 mmH2O. The RTD of the aerosol generating substrate may be about 10 mmH2O or less, about 9 mmH2O or less, or about 8 mmH2O or less.

[0190] The aerosol generating substrate may be a solid aerosol generating substrate.

[0191] The aerosol generating substrate preferably contains an aerosol forming element.

[0192] The aerosol-forming agent can be any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that promotes the formation of a dense and stable aerosol during use. The aerosol-forming agent may be substantially resistant to thermal degradation at temperatures typically applied during use of an aerosol-generating article. Suitable aerosol-forming agents include, for example, polyhydric alcohols (e.g., triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, propylene glycol, glycerin, etc.), esters of polyhydric alcohols (e.g., glycerol mono-, di-, or triacetate, etc.), aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids (e.g., dimethyl dodecanediol, dimethyl tetradecanediol, etc.), and combinations thereof.

[0193] The aerosol-forming body preferably comprises one or more of glycerin and propylene glycol. The aerosol-forming body may consist of glycerin, propylene glycol, or a combination of glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0194] The aerosol generating substrate may comprise at least about 5 weight percent, at least about 10 weight percent, or at least about 12 weight percent of aerosol forming material, based on the dry weight of the aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating substrate may comprise at least 30 weight percent, at least about 25 weight percent, or at least about 20 weight percent of aerosol forming material, based on the dry weight of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0195] The aerosol generating substrate may comprise multiple pieces of tobacco material. As used herein in relation to the present invention, the term "piece" means an element having a length substantially greater than its width and thickness.

[0196] The aerosol generating substrate may comprise pellets or granules of multiple tobacco materials.

[0197] The aerosol generating substrate may comprise one or more sheets of tobacco material. The one or more sheets of tobacco material may be subjected to one or more processes such as crimping, folding, bundling, and pleating.

[0198] The tobacco material may be homogenized tobacco material. As used herein in relation to the present invention, the term “homogenized tobacco material” is used to describe a material formed by aggregating particulate tobacco material.

[0199] The article may be equipped with a susceptor. The body of the article may be equipped with a susceptor.

[0200] If the article is an aerosol-generating article, the aerosol-generating article may include a susceptor disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0201] As used herein in relation to the present invention, the term "susceptor" refers to a material capable of converting electromagnetic energy into heat. When located within a fluctuating electromagnetic field, eddy currents induced within the susceptor heat the susceptor.

[0202] The susceptor is disposed in thermal contact with the aerosol generating substrate. Therefore, when the susceptor is heated, the aerosol generating substrate is heated by the susceptor, causing aerosol generation. The susceptor may also be disposed in direct physical contact with the aerosol generating substrate.

[0203] The susceptor may be formed from any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the susceptor may comprise a metal or carbon. The susceptor may comprise or be made of a ferromagnetic material, such as a ferromagnetic alloy, ferrite iron, or ferromagnetic steel or ferromagnetic stainless steel. A preferred susceptor may be aluminum, or comprise aluminum.

[0204] The main body may include a mouthpiece element located downstream of the aerosol generating substrate compartment.

[0205] The mouthpiece element may be located at the downstream end or the mouth end of the body of the article.

[0206] The mouthpiece element may also be a mouthpiece filter element. The mouthpiece element may comprise at least one filter segment for filtering aerosols generated when the aerosol generating substrate is heated. For example, the mouthpiece element may comprise one or more segments of a fibrous filter material. Suitable fibrous filter materials are known in the art. For example, at least one mouthpiece filter segment may include a cellulose acetate filter segment formed from cellulose acetate tow.

[0207] The mouthpiece element may consist of a single filter segment. The mouthpiece element may include two or more filter segments that are in contact with each other end-to-end and aligned axially.

[0208] The mouthpiece element may include a flavoring agent that can be provided in any suitable form. For example, the mouthpiece element may include one or more capsules, flavoring beads or granules, or one or more flavoring threads or filaments.

[0209] Parameters or characteristics described herein in relation to the entire mouthpiece element may be equally applied to the filter segment of the mouthpiece element.

[0210] The mouthpiece element may have a low particulate filtration efficiency.

[0211] The mouthpiece element may have an RTD of approximately 25 mmH2O or less, approximately 20 mmH2O or less, or approximately 15 mmH2O or less. The mouthpiece element may have an RTD of at least approximately 10 mmH2O or less.

[0212] The mouthpiece element preferably has a substantially circular cross-section.

[0213] Preferably, the mouthpiece element has substantially the same outer diameter as the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

[0214] The mouthpiece element may have a length of at least about 3 millimeters, or at least about 5 millimeters. The length of the mouthpiece element may be about 11 millimeters or less, or about 9 millimeters or less. For example, the length of the mouthpiece element may be about 7 millimeters. The length of the mouthpiece element may be selected based on the desired overall length of the aerosol generating article.

[0215] The mouthpiece element may be surrounded by a plug wrap.

[0216] The mouthpiece element may be non-breathable so that air does not enter the item along the mouthpiece element.

[0217] The mouthpiece element may be connected to one or more adjacent components of the article by a chipping wrapper.

[0218] The article may have a mouth-end cavity at its downstream end. If present, the mouth-end cavity may be located downstream of the mouthpiece element.

[0219] The body of the article may have a mouth-side end cavity at the downstream end of the body.

[0220] The mouth-end cavity may be defined by a hollow tubular element provided at the downstream end of the mouthpiece. Alternatively, the mouth-end cavity may be defined by an outer wrapper of the mouthpiece element, which extends downstream from the mouthpiece element.

[0221] The main body of the article may include one or more intermediate elements between the aerosol generating substrate section and the mouthpiece element.

[0222] One or more intermediate elements may touch each other at their ends.

[0223] One of the intermediate elements may abut the downstream end of the aerosol generating substrate compartment or the aerosol generating substrate itself. One of the intermediate elements may abut the upstream or distal end of the mouthpiece element. For example, if there is a single intermediate element, it may abut both the downstream end of the aerosol generating substrate and the upstream end of the mouthpiece element. For example, if there are multiple intermediate elements, one intermediate element may abut the downstream end of the aerosol generating substrate, and another intermediate element may abut the upstream end of the mouthpiece element.

[0224] At least one of the one or more intermediate elements may be a hollow tubular element.

[0225] As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term “hollow tubular element” is used to describe a substantially cylindrical element having a tubular space along its longitudinal axis. The hollow tubular element may have a substantially circular, substantially oval, or substantially elliptical cross-section. The tubular space may have a substantially circular, substantially oval, or substantially elliptical cross-section. Specifically, the term “tubular” is used to describe an element that defines at least one airflow conduit establishing an uninterrupted fluid communication between the upstream end of the hollow tubular element and the downstream end of the hollow tubular element.

[0226] In the context of the present invention, a hollow tubular element provides an unrestricted flow channel. This means that the hollow tubular element provides a negligible level of drawdown resistance (RTD). As used herein in relation to the present invention, the term “negligible level of RTD” is used to mean an RTD of less than 1 mmH2O per 10 mm of length of the hollow tubular element, less than 0.4 mmH2O per 10 mm of length of the hollow tubular element, or less than 0.1 mmH2O per 10 mm of length of the hollow tubular element. Therefore, the flow channel should not contain any components that would obstruct the airflow in the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the flow channel is substantially empty.

[0227] One or more intermediate elements may have an overall length of at least about 10 mm, at least about 12 mm, or at least about 15 mm. One or more intermediate elements may have an overall length of about 30 mm or less, about 25 mm or less, or about 23 mm or less. The overall length of one or more intermediate elements may be selected based on the desired overall length of the aerosol-generating article.

[0228] If an aerosol-generating article has a single intermediate element, the total length of one or more intermediate elements is the length of the single intermediate element. If an aerosol-generating article has multiple intermediate elements, the total length of one or more intermediate elements is the sum of the lengths of each of the multiple intermediate elements.

[0229] If the aerosol-generating article comprises multiple intermediate elements, the lengths of each of the intermediate elements may be substantially the same.

[0230] Preferably, each of the one or more intermediate elements has a substantially circular cross-section.

[0231] Preferably, the outer diameter of each of the one or more intermediate elements is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

[0232] One or more intermediate elements can be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials. For example, at least one of the intermediate elements may be formed from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of cellulose acetate, paper-based materials such as paper or cardboard, and polymer materials such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Other suitable materials include polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) fibers.

[0233] Ventilation zones may be provided at locations along one or more intermediate elements. Satisfactory cooling of the aerosol flow generated as the aerosol generating substrate is heated and drawn out through one or more intermediate elements can be achieved by providing ventilation zones at locations along one or more intermediate elements.

[0234] The ventilation zone may be located along at least one of the intermediate elements.

[0235] If the intermediate element is a hollow tubular element, the ventilation zone may have multiple holes or perforations passing through the tubular wall of at least one of the one or more hollow tubular elements.

[0236] The ventilation zone may have at least one row of circumferential holes or perforations. The ventilation zone may have two rows of circumferential holes or perforations. For example, the holes or perforations may be formed online during the manufacture of the aerosol-generating article. Each row of circumferential holes or perforations may have 8 to 30 perforations.

[0237] As described above, the one or more air intake holes of the present invention may be one or more ventilation holes in a ventilation zone. The one or more air intake holes of the present invention may be provided at locations along one or more intermediate elements.

[0238] The article may have upstream elements. The body of the article may have upstream elements.

[0239] The upstream element may be located upstream of the aerosol generating substrate. The upstream element may be in contact with the aerosol generating substrate.

[0240] The upstream element may be a cellulose acetate tow plug.

[0241] The upstream element may have a length of at least about 2 millimeters, at least about 3 millimeters, or at least about 4 millimeters. The upstream element may have a length of about 10 millimeters or less, about 8 millimeters or less, or about 6 millimeters or less. For example, the upstream element may have a length of about 5 millimeters. The length of the upstream element may be selected based on the desired overall length of the article.

[0242] The upstream element preferably has a substantially circular cross-section.

[0243] Preferably, the upstream element has an outer diameter substantially the same as the outer diameter of the article.

[0244] The article may have an overall length of at least about 35 millimeters, at least about 38 millimeters, at least about 40 millimeters, or at least about 42 millimeters. The article may have an overall length of about 100 millimeters or less, about 70 millimeters or less, about 60 millimeters or less, or 50 millimeters or less. For example, the article may have an overall length of about 45 millimeters.

[0245] The body of the article may extend from the distal end to the mouth end. The body of the article may extend from the mouth end to the distal end. The body of the article may extend from the mouth end to the distal end. The body of the article may extend along the entire length of the article.

[0246] The length of the body may be substantially the same as the length of the article. The length of the article as described above may also apply to the length of the body of the article.

[0247] The article preferably has a substantially circular cross-section.

[0248] The article may have an outer diameter of at least about 5 mm, at least about 6 mm, or at least about 7 mm. The article may have an outer diameter of about 12 mm or less, about 10 mm or less, or about 8 mm or less. For example, the article may have an outer diameter of about 7.1 mm.

[0249] The body of the article preferably has a substantially circular cross-section.

[0250] The outer diameter of the body of the article may be substantially the same as the outer diameter of the article.

[0251] The outer diameter of the article described above may also apply to the outer diameter of the body of the article.

[0252] The distal end of the main body may be the distal end of the article. The mouth end of the main body may be the mouth end of the article. The main body may extend along the entire length of the article.

[0253] The mouth end of the body may be an open end. The article may have an open end. As will be discussed below, the body may include an inner tube, and the inner tube may have an open end that defines the open end of the body.

[0254] The article may be provided with a cap for sealing the open end of the body. The cap may be a removable cap. The cap may be removablely attached to the opening end of the body.

[0255] The cap can be one that is practically airtight.

[0256] When the cap is attached to the mouth end of the main body, it prevents air from flowing through the mouth end of the main body. For example, when the cap is attached to the mouth end of the main body, it prevents air from outside the item from flowing through the mouth end of the main body into the aerosol generating substrate compartment.

[0257] When the cap is removed from the mouth end of the main body, air may flow through the mouth end of the main body.

[0258] The cap may have a tab.

[0259] The distal end of the body may be a closed distal end. The article may have a closed distal end. Air may not enter the article through the distal end of an article having a closed distal end. As will be discussed below, the body may include an outer tube, and the outer tube may have a closed distal end that defines the closed distal end of the body. The outer tube may include a distal end wall, which forms the closed distal end of the outer tube.

[0260] The aerosol generating substrate compartment may be located toward the distal end of the main body. If the main body has a closed distal end, the aerosol generating substrate compartment may be defined by the closed distal end of the main body. The aerosol generating substrate compartment may also be a chamber located at the closed distal end of the main body, and the chamber is defined as a cavity between the inner tube and the outer tube of the main body.

[0261] The main body may include an outer tube. The main body may include an inner tube. The inner tube may be located inside the outer tube.

[0262] The inner tube may be formed from a substantially impermeable material. The inner tube may be formed from plastic.

[0263] The outer tube may be formed from a substantially impermeable material. The outer tube may be formed from plastic.

[0264] The outer tube may have a substantially constant outer diameter. The outer tube may have a substantially constant inner diameter.

[0265] The article includes an air intake. The article may be equipped with an air intake to provide fluid communication between the aerosol generating substrate compartment and the outside of the article.

[0266] The air intake provided on the outer surface of the main body may also be provided on the outer tube. The air intake may be provided through the wall of the outer tube. One or more air intake holes of the air intake may be provided through the wall of the outer tube.

[0267] A substantially airtight wrapper can enclose at least a portion of the outer tube.

[0268] The ratio of the draw resistance (RTD) through the air intake to the overall draw resistance (RTD) of the article may be at least 0.5, at least 0.7, or at least 0.9. Such a ratio may be calculated based on measuring the RTD of the article in the assembled state (in other words, with the inner tube assembled within the outer tube) with the substantially impermeable wrapper cover portion not overlapping the air intake; measuring the RTD of the outer tube by drawing airflow through the air intake from the mouth end of the outer tube (without the substantially impermeable wrapper cover portion covering the air intake); and dividing such measured RTD of the outer tube by the measured RTD of the article in the assembled state and without the substantially impermeable wrapper cover portion covering the air intake. Measuring the RTD through the air intake of the outer tube by drawing airflow through the air intake from the mouth end of the outer tube is preferably performed only on the outer tube separated from the inner tube.

[0269] The ratio of the RTD through the air intake of the article to the overall RTD may also be called the ratio of the RTD of the air intake to the overall RTD of the article, or the ratio of the RTD of the outer tube to the overall RTD of the article.

[0270] The inventors have found that setting the ratio of the draw resistance through the air intake to the overall draw resistance of the article to at least 0.5 can provide a satisfactory experience for users of such closed-end articles. Providing such an air intake may enable a corresponding aerosol generator with less complex airflow management features, and the article may be securely received within the device in a tight-fitting manner. Furthermore, this relatively high ratio or contribution of the air intake to the overall RTD of the article means that air can flow only through the air intake under high-pressure draw. Thus, the risk of air accidentally entering the article and aerosol generating compartment is reduced without the user sucking in the article, and the shelf life of the aerosol generating substrate present in the aerosol generating compartment can be extended.

[0271] The inner tube may comprise one or more sections. Adjacent sections of the inner tube may have one or both of different outer diameters and / or different inner diameters. Each section of the inner tube may have one or both of substantially constant outer diameters and / or substantially constant inner diameters.

[0272] The inner tube may include an end section located toward the mouth end of the article. The inner tube may include a distal end section located toward the distal end of the article. The inner tube may include a central section located between the end section and the distal end section.

[0273] The mouth end section of the inner tube may have substantially the same outer diameter as the inner diameter of the outer tube.

[0274] The distal end section of the inner tube may have an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the outer tube. The distal end section of the inner tube may have an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the oral end section. This is advantageous because it can promote the homogenization and cooling of the aerosol generated by vaporizing the aerosol generating substrate held within the aerosol generating substrate compartment.

[0275] The central end section of the inner tube may have an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the outer tube. The central section of the inner tube may have an outer diameter that is between the outer diameter of the oral end section and the distal end section.

[0276] The article may be provided with an air outlet. The article may be provided with an air outlet to provide fluid communication between the aerosol generating substrate compartment and the outside of the article, such as between the aerosol generating substrate compartment and the open end of the main body. Fluid communication between the aerosol generating substrate compartment and the open end of the main body may be through an internal tube.

[0277] The air outlet may have one or more air outlet holes. The air outlet may have a single air outlet hole or multiple air outlet holes.

[0278] The air outlet may be provided toward the distal end of the inner tube. The air outlet may be provided at the distal end of the inner tube.

[0279] The air outlet may be provided in the inner tube. The air outlet may be provided through the wall of the inner tube. One or more air outlet holes may be provided through the wall of the inner tube. For example, one or more air outlet holes may be provided through the distal end section of the inner tube.

[0280] The air outlet may be provided through the distal end face of the inner tube. For example, one or more air outlet holes may extend through the distal end face of the inner tube. One or more air outlet holes may be one or more openings or holes in the inner tube that define the open distal end of the inner tube.

[0281] The inner tube may have an opening at its distal end, the opening being defined by the peripheral wall of the inner tube. The air outlet may be provided by an opening in the inner tube defined by the peripheral wall of the inner tube.

[0282] The inner and outer tubes may be movable relative to each other between the first and second configurations. The first configuration may be called a closed configuration. When the inner and outer tubes are in the first configuration, the article may be said to be in the first configuration. The second configuration may be called an open configuration. When the inner and outer tubes are in the second configuration, the article may be said to be in the second configuration. The article may be in the second configuration while in use.

[0283] In the first configuration, the inner and outer tubes may work together to substantially prevent airflow through the air outlet. This can help prevent or reduce contact between air from outside the article and the aerosol-generating substrate that may be stored in the aerosol-generating substrate compartment. Preventing or reducing contact between air and the aerosol-generating substrate can help, for example, prevent or reduce water absorption by the aerosol-generating substrate before use of the article.

[0284] In the first configuration, the outer tube can block the air outlet and substantially prevent airflow through the air outlet. For example, if the air outlet is provided through the distal end face of the inner tube, when the inner and outer tubes are in the first configuration, the distal end of the inner tube can abut against the inner surface of the outer tube and substantially prevent airflow through the air outlet. For example, the outer tube may have a distal end wall, and the air outlet may be provided through the open distal end of the inner tube, when the inner and outer tubes are in the first configuration, the distal end of the inner tube may abut against the distal end wall of the outer tube and substantially prevent airflow through the air outlet. In the first configuration, the distal end wall of the outer tube may cover the air intake so as to substantially prevent air from flowing through the air outlet.

[0285] In the second configuration, the inner and outer tubes can work together to enable airflow through the air outlet.

[0286] In the second configuration, the outer tube may be spaced apart from the air outlet to allow airflow through the air outlet. For example, the outer tube may be spaced apart from the air outlet in the longitudinal direction to allow airflow through the air outlet.

[0287] When the inner and outer tubes are in the second configuration, the distal end wall of the outer tube may have a gap from the distal end of the inner tube so as to define a space between the distal end wall of the outer tube and the air intake, allowing airflow into the inner tube through the air intake.

[0288] The inner tube and the outer tube may be movable relative to each other along their longitudinal axis. Movement of the inner tube and the outer tube relative to each other along their longitudinal axis may cause them to move between the first and second configurations. In other words, the inner tube and the outer tube may be configured to be movable relative to each other along their longitudinal axis between the first and second configurations. The inner tube and the outer tube may be slidable relative to each other.

[0289] The main body may be equipped with an airflow passage.

[0290] At least a portion of the airflow passage may extend between the air intake and the air outlet. The airflow passage may extend between the air intake and the open end of the main body. The airflow passage may extend from the air intake to the open end of the main body. The airflow passage may extend through the aerosol generating substrate compartment. The airflow passage may extend through the inside of the inner tube.

[0291] When the inner and outer tubes are in the first configuration, the airflow passage may be closed to prevent airflow between the air intake and air outlet along the airflow passage. This may help to further seal the aerosol generating substrate compartment when the article is in the first configuration.

[0292] When the inner and outer tubes are in the second configuration, the airflow passage may be open to allow airflow between the air intake and air outlet along the airflow passage.

[0293] The inner tube may be positioned within the outer tube to define a space between the inner surface of the outer tube and the outer surface of the inner tube. The airflow passage may extend at least partially through the space defined between the inner surface of the outer tube and the outer surface of the inner tube. The airflow passage may extend through the space from the air intake to the aerosol generating substrate compartment and the air outlet.

[0294] The airflow passage may comprise a first airflow passage and a second airflow passage. The first airflow passage may extend between the air intake and the aerosol generating substrate compartment. The second airflow passage may extend between the aerosol generating substrate compartment and the open end of the inner tube. The second airflow passage may extend through the air outlet. The second airflow passage may extend through the interior of the inner tube.

[0295] The outer tube may include an outer tube sealing member. The inner tube may include an inner tube sealing member. In the first configuration, the inner tube and the outer tube sealing member may cooperate with each other to substantially prevent airflow passing through the airflow passage, for example, airflow passing through one or both of the first airflow passage and the second airflow passage. This can help further seal the aerosol generating substrate compartment when the article is in the first configuration. For example, this can help reduce or prevent external air entering the article through the air outlet from reaching the aerosol generating substrate compartment.

[0296] The outer tube sealing member may be an outer tube sealing ring. The outer tube sealing ring may include a disk having a central hole. The outer tube sealing member may include a segmented disk. The segmented disk may include one or more openings between one or more segments.

[0297] The inner tube sealing member may be an inner tube sealing ring. The inner tube sealing ring may include a disk having a central hole. The inner tube sealing member may include a segmented disk. The segmented disk may include one or more openings between one or more segments.

[0298] The outer tube sealing member may extend into the space defined between the inner tube and the outer tube. The outer tube sealing member may extend radially inward from the inner surface of the outer tube. In other words, the outer tube sealing member may protrude into the interior of the outer tube.

[0299] The inner tube sealing member may extend into the space defined between the inner tube and the outer tube. The inner tube sealing member may extend radially outward from the outer surface of the inner tube. In other words, the inner tube sealing member may be an outwardly extending protrusion.

[0300] The outer tube sealing member may extend below the height of the inner tube sealing member.

[0301] In the first configuration, the inner tube sealing member and the outer tube sealing member may engage with or abut against each other to form a seal that substantially prevents airflow along the air passage.

[0302] In the second configuration, the outer pipe sealing member and the inner pipe sealing member may provide at least one opening between the outer pipe sealing member and the inner pipe sealing member, which allows air to flow through the airflow passage, for example, through both the first airflow passage and the second airflow passage. In the second configuration, the inner pipe sealing member and the outer pipe sealing member may be spaced apart from each other.

[0303] The inner tube and the outer tube may be rotatable relative to each other. For example, rotation of the inner tube relative to the outer tube may move the inner and outer tubes from a first configuration in which the inner tube sealing member and the outer tube sealing member work together to substantially prevent airflow through the air passage to a second configuration in which the inner tube sealing member and the outer tube sealing member provide at least one opening that allows airflow through the air passage.

[0304] The inner tube may be placed inside the outer tube to define an annular space between the inner surface of the outer tube and the outer surface of the inner tube.

[0305] The airflow passage may be at least partially defined by one or more grooves provided within the outer surface of the inner tube.

[0306] The air passage may be at least partially defined by one or more grooves provided on the inner surface of the outer tube. The air passage may be defined by one or more grooves provided within the inner surface of the outer tube.

[0307] The airflow passages may be at least partially defined by one or more grooves provided on either the outer surface of the inner tube or the inner surface of the outer tube, so that the resistance of pulling out the article can be more precisely predefined during manufacturing, in order to improve the user experience. Providing such airflow passages may enable a corresponding aerosol generator with less complex airflow management features, and the article may be securely received within the device in a tight-fitting manner.

[0308] Along a portion of the length of the airflow passage, the outer circumference of the inner tube may engage with the inner surface of the outer tube.

[0309] This disclosure also relates to an aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating system may include articles for generating aerosols, as described above. In particular, this disclosure also relates to an aerosol generating system, as described above, including articles for generating inhalable aerosols upon heating, articles for generating inhalable aerosols upon heating by an aerosol generating device, or articles for generating inhalable aerosols upon heating.

[0310] An aerosol generating system may include an article for generating an aerosol, comprising a body having a mouth end and a distal end, the body comprising an aerosol generating substrate compartment for holding an aerosol generating substrate. The article may include an air intake provided on the outer surface of the body. The air intake may comprise one or more air intake holes. Each of the one or more air intake holes may have an opening area of ​​at least about 0.01 square millimeters. The article may include a substantially impermeable wrapper comprising a cover portion. The cover portion may cover at least one of the one or more air intake holes and substantially prevent air from entering the article through at least one of the one or more air intake holes. The article may be configured such that at least a portion of the cover portion is movable away from at least one of the one or more air intake holes, allowing air to enter the article through at least one of the one or more air intake holes. An aerosol generating system may include an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may include a heating element. The aerosol generating device may include a power supply for powering the heating element. The aerosol generator may include a control device. The control device may be configured to control the power supply from the power source to the heating element.

[0311] An article for generating an aerosol is provided, the article comprising: a body having a mouth end and a distal end, and comprising an aerosol generating substrate compartment for holding an aerosol generating substrate; an air intake provided on the outer surface of the body, comprising one or more air intake holes, each of which having an opening area of ​​at least about 0.01 square millimeters; and a substantially impermeable wrapper comprising a cover portion, the cover portion covering at least one of the one or more air intake holes, substantially preventing air from entering the article through at least one of the one or more air intake holes; the article is configured such that at least a portion of the cover portion is movable away from at least one of the one or more air intake holes, allowing air to enter the article through at least one of the one or more air intake holes; and an aerosol generating system is provided, the aerosol generating device comprising: a heating element; a power supply for supplying power to the heating element; and a control device configured to control the power supply from the power supply to the heating element.

[0312] The aerosol generator may include a housing. The housing may extend between a first end and a second end. The housing may be rigid. The housing may define a heating chamber for removably receiving an article. The heating chamber may be defined by a closed first end and an open second end. The open second end of the heating chamber may be located at the second end of the aerosol generator.

[0313] The heating chamber may extend between its closed first end and its open second end. The article may be inserted into the heating chamber through the open end of the heating chamber. The heating chamber may be cylindrical in shape.

[0314] The aerosol generator may include a heater or heating element for heating the aerosol generating substrate when an article is received in the heating chamber.

[0315] The heater may include an induction heating arrangement. The induction heating arrangement may include an inductor coil and a power source configured to provide a high-frequency oscillating current to the inductor coil.

[0316] The heater may include at least one resistive heating element. The heater may include a plurality of resistive heating elements. The resistive heating elements are preferably arranged in parallel and electrically connected.

[0317] The aerosol generating device may include a power source for supplying power to the heater.

[0318] The aerosol generating device may include a control device configured to control the power supply from the power source to the heater. The control device may be configured to controllably heat the aerosol generation section of the article during use to the heater. The control device may be configured to controllably heat the aerosol generation section of the article to the heater when the article is received in the heating chamber.

[0319] The aerosol generating device may be configured such that the heater is arranged to heat the article from the outside.

[0320] One or more features of one of the above aspects or embodiments may be combined with one or more features of another aspect of the above embodiments.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0321] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an article according to a first embodiment of the present invention, having a substantially airtight wrapper and the substantially airtight wrapper not being wrapped. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of an article according to a second embodiment of the present invention, having a substantially airtight wrapper and the substantially airtight wrapper not being wrapped. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of an article according to a third embodiment of the present invention, having a substantially airtight wrapper. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of an article according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, which includes a substantially airtight wrapper. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0322] [Examples] A non-exclusive list of non-limiting embodiments is provided below. Any one or more features in these embodiments may be combined with any one or more features in other embodiments or other forms or aspects described herein.

[0323] Example 1: Article for generating an aerosol, the article comprising: a body having a mouth end and a distal end, and comprising an aerosol generating substrate compartment for holding an aerosol generating substrate; an air intake provided on the outer surface of the body, comprising one or more air intake holes; and a substantially impermeable wrapper comprising a cover portion, the cover portion covering at least one of the one or more air intake holes, substantially preventing air from entering the article through at least one of the one or more air intake holes, the article being configured such that at least a portion of the cover portion is movable away from at least one of the one or more air intake holes, thereby allowing air to enter the article through at least one of the one or more air intake holes. Example 2: The article according to Example 1, wherein when the cover portion covers at least one of the one or more air intake holes, the article has an H2O draw resistance of at least about 40 mm. Example 3: The article according to Example 1 or 2, wherein the article is configured such that at least a portion of the cover is movable away from at least one of one or more air intake holes, thereby reducing the pull-out resistance of the article by at least about 5 mm H2O. Example 4: The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the article is configured such that at least a portion of the cover is movable away from at least one of one or more air intake holes, thereby reducing the resistance to pulling out the article by at least about 10 percent. Example 5: The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the air intake provided on the outer surface of the main body is the sole air intake of the article. Example 6: The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the article has an H2O draw resistance of at least about 80 mm when the cover portion covers at least one of the one or more air intake holes. Example 7: The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the article is configured such that at least a portion of the cover is movable away from at least one of one or more air intake holes, thereby reducing the resistance of the article to being pulled out by at least about 40 mm H2O. Example 8: The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the upper portion covers each of one or more air intake holes. Example 9: The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein at least a portion of the cover is removable from the article. Example 10: The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the article is configured such that the entire cover portion is movable away from at least one of one or more air intake holes. Example 11: The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the article is configured such that the entire cover portion is removable from the article. Example 12: An article according to any one of Examples 1 to 11, wherein the cover portion has a length of at least about 2 millimeters. Example 13: An article according to any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the cover portion has a length of approximately 20 millimeters or less. Example 14: The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 13, wherein the cover portion has a length of at least about 4 percent of the length of the article. Example 15: An article according to any one of Examples 1 to 14, wherein the cover portion has a length of approximately 50 percent or less of the length of the article. Example 16: The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 15, wherein the cover portion has a length of at least about 4 percent of the length of the substantially opaque wrapper. Example 17: The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 16, wherein the cover portion has a length of about 50 percent or less of the length of the substantially impermeable wrapper. Example 18: The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 16, wherein the cover portion extends along the entire length of a substantially airtight wrapper. Example 19: An article as described in any one of Examples 1 to 18, wherein the cover portion is a circumferential cover portion. Example 20: An article according to any one of Examples 1 to 19, wherein the air intake is located in the longitudinal direction between the aerosol generating substrate compartment and the mouth end of the article. Example 21: The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 20, wherein the article includes transverse weak lines provided in a substantially airtight wrapper, the transverse weak lines defining the edges of the cover portion. Example 22: The article according to Example 21, wherein the substantially impermeable wrapper is breakable along a transverse weakness line. Example 23: The article according to Example 21 or 22, wherein the weak line in the transverse direction is spaced apart from the air intake. Example 24: The article according to any one of Examples 21 to 23, wherein the transverse weak line is a first transverse weak line, and the article includes a second transverse weak line provided within a substantially impermeable wrapper, the cover portion extending from the first transverse weak line to the second transverse weak line. Example 25: The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 24, wherein at least a portion of a substantially airtight wrapper, other than the cover portion, is attached to a component beneath the article. Example 26: An article according to any one of Examples 1 to 25, wherein a substantially impermeable wrapper includes a flap extending from the longitudinal end of the substantially impermeable wrapper. Example 27: An article according to any one of Examples 1 to 26, wherein the substantially airtight wrapper has a permeability of about 10 cholestas or less. Example 28: The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 27, wherein each of the one or more air intake holes has an opening area of ​​at least about 0.01 square millimeters. Example 29: An article according to any one of Examples 1 to 28, wherein each of one or more air intake holes has a maximum dimension of at least 0.1 millimeters. Example 30: The air intake is located at least about 15 millimeters from the distal end of the article. The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 29, wherein the air intake is located at about 30 millimeters or less from the mouth end of the article. Example 31: An article according to any one of Examples 1 to 30, wherein one or more air intake holes are one or more ventilation holes. Example 32: The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 31, wherein at least a portion of the cover is movable away from at least one of one or more air intake holes, and is configured to increase the ventilation level of the article by at least about 10 percent. Example 33: The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 32, wherein when the cover portion covers at least one of the one or more air intake holes, the article has an air permeability level of about 10 percent or less. Example 34: An article according to any one of Examples 1 to 33, wherein the aerosol generating substrate compartment contains an aerosol generating substrate. Example 35: The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 34, wherein the main body comprises a hollow tubular element, and the air intake is provided through the tubular wall of the hollow tubular element. Example 36: The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 35, wherein the article comprises a cap for sealing the mouth end of the main body. Example 37: The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 36, wherein the main body has an oral end and a distal end, and the aerosol generating substrate is located toward the distal end of the main body. Example 38: The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 37, wherein the main body has a closed distal end and an open port end. Example 39: The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 38, wherein the main body comprises an outer tube, an inner tube disposed within the outer tube, and an air outlet for providing fluid communication between an aerosol generating substrate compartment and the mouth end of the main body through the inner tube. Example 40: The article according to Example 39, wherein the air intake is provided on the outer tube. Example 41: The article according to Example 39 or 40, wherein the ratio of the draw resistance through the air intake to the overall draw resistance of the article is at least 0.5. Example 42: The article according to any one of Examples 39 to 41, wherein the inner tube and the outer tube are movable relative to each other between a first configuration and a second configuration, and in the first configuration, the inner tube and the outer tube cooperate with each other to substantially prevent airflow through the air outlet. Example 43: The article according to any one of Examples 39 to 42, wherein the air outlet is provided by one or more openings provided through the distal end face of the inner tube. Example 44: The article according to any one of Examples 39 to 43, wherein the first configuration involves an outer tube blocking the air outlet and substantially preventing airflow through the air outlet. Example 45: The article according to any one of Examples 39 to 44, wherein the inner tube is positioned inside the outer tube such that it defines a space between the inner surface of the outer tube and the outer surface of the inner tube, and the body includes an airflow passage that extends through the space from an air intake to an aerosol generating substrate compartment and an air outlet. Example 46: The article according to Embodiment 45, wherein the outer tube comprises an outer tube sealing member, the inner tube comprises an inner tube sealing member, the inner tube and the outer tube are movable relative to each other between a first configuration and a second configuration, and in the first configuration, the inner tube sealing member and the outer tube sealing member cooperate with each other to substantially prevent the flow of air through the air passage. Example 47: The article according to Example 45 or 46, wherein the airflow passage is at least partially defined by one or more grooves provided on one or both of the inner surface of the outer tube and the outer surface of the inner tube.

[0324] The present invention will be further described with reference to the attached drawings, for illustrative purposes only.

[0325] Figure 1 shows an article 100 comprising a body having a mouth end or downstream end 12 and a distal end or upstream end 14. The body extends along the entire length of the article 100. Therefore, the mouth end 12 of the body is also the mouth end of the article 100, and the distal end 14 of the body is also the distal end 14 of the article 100.

[0326] The main body comprises an aerosol generating substrate 25 held within the aerosol generating substrate compartment of the main body. The aerosol generating substrate 25 is in the form of a rod.

[0327] The main body also includes a hollow tubular element 30 located downstream of the aerosol generating substrate 25 and in contact with the downstream end of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0328] The main body also includes a mouthpiece element 40 located downstream of the hollow tubular element 40 and in contact with the downstream end of the hollow tubular element 40. The mouthpiece element 40 extends to the downstream end of the main body 12. The mouthpiece element 40 includes a filter segment formed of cellulose acetate tow.

[0329] The main body also includes an upstream element 50 located upstream of the aerosol generating substrate 25 and in contact with the upstream end of the aerosol generating substrate 25. The upstream element 40 extends to the upstream end 14 of the main body. The upstream element includes a plug made of cellulose acetate tow.

[0330] Article 200 has a length of approximately 45 millimeters.

[0331] The upstream element 50, the aerosol generating base rod 25, the hollow tubular element 40, the multiple air intake holes 35, and the mouthpiece element 40 each have an outer diameter of approximately 7.1 millimeters. The article has an outer diameter of approximately 7.1 millimeters.

[0332] Article 100 also includes an air intake provided on the outer surface of the main body. The air intake is located toward the mouth end 12 of the main body. The air intake includes a plurality of air intake holes 35. The plurality of air intake holes 35 are provided through the wall of a hollow tubular element 30. The plurality of air intake holes 35 are a plurality of ventilation holes 35 that form a ventilation zone.

[0333] Article 100 also comprises a substantially opaque wrapper 140 extending along the entire length of the main body. The substantially opaque wrapper 140 is formed from a paper-based material.

[0334] In Figure 1, the substantially airtight wrapper 140 is shown unwound to illustrate the upstream element 50, the aerosol generating substrate rod 25, the hollow tubular element 30, the multiple air intake holes 35, and the mouthpiece element 40.

[0335] The substantially airtight wrapper 140 comprises a cover portion 142 and a front portion 144. The cover portion 142 covers each of the multiple air intake holes 35. This can substantially prevent air from entering the article through the multiple air intake holes 35.

[0336] Article 100 comprises a single transverse weak line 150 provided within a substantially impermeable wrapper 140. The substantially impermeable wrapper 140 is breakable along the transverse weak line 150.

[0337] The transverse weak line 150 is located approximately 2 millimeters away from the air intake.

[0338] The forward portion 144 of the substantially impermeable wrapper 140 extends from the distal end of the substantially impermeable wrapper 144 to a transverse weak line 150. The first portion 144 of the substantially impermeable wrapper 140 surrounds the upstream element 50, the aerosol generating substrate 25, and the upstream portion of the hollow tubular element 30.

[0339] The substantially impermeable wrapper 144 has a cover portion 142 that extends from a transverse weak line 150 to the proximal end of the substantially impermeable wrapper 144. The substantially impermeable wrapper cover portion 142 surrounds the downstream portions of the mouthpiece element 40 and the hollow tubular element 30.

[0340] At least a portion of the substantially impermeable wrapper cover portion 142 is removable from the article by breaking the substantially impermeable wrapper along the transverse weak line 150. Removing at least a portion of the cover portion 142 may allow air to enter the article 100 through a plurality of air intake holes 35.

[0341] When using the article in a hot and humid environment, the user may choose to remove the cover portion 142 from the article 100 in order to increase the ventilation level of the article. This may increase the cooling of aerosols and air drawn through the article.

[0342] When using item 100 in a cold environment, the user may instead choose not to remove the cover portion 142 from item 20.

[0343] The front portion 144 of the substantially impermeable wrapper 140 is attached by adhesive to each of the upstream element 50, the aerosol generating substrate 25, and the hollow tubular element 30. The cover portion 142 is not attached to any components beneath the article 200. When at least a portion of the cover portion 142 is removed, the front portion 144 of the substantially impermeable wrapper 140 remains on the body of the article and is attached to each of the upstream element 50, the aerosol generating substrate 25, and the hollow tubular element 30.

[0344] Figure 2 shows article 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Article 200 shown in Figure 2 is similar to article 100 shown in Figure 1, and the same numbering is used to specify similar parts.

[0345] Article 200, shown in Figure 2, differs from the aerosol-generating article 100 shown in Figure 1 in that Article 200 comprises two transverse weak lines 150, 252 (a first transverse weak line 150 and a second transverse weak line 252) provided within a substantially impermeable wrapper 240, the cover portion 242 does not surround the mouthpiece element 40, the cover portion 242 does not extend to the proximal end of the substantially impermeable wrapper but only to the second transverse weak line 252, and the substantially impermeable wrapper 240 comprises a rear portion 246 that extends from the second transverse weak line 252 to the proximal end of the substantially impermeable wrapper 240.

[0346] Each of the first transverse weak line 150 and the second transverse weak line 252 is located approximately 2 millimeters away from the air intake. The cover portion 242 has a length of approximately 4 millimeters.

[0347] The rear portion 246 of the substantially impermeable wrapper 240 is attached to the mouthpiece element 40. The rear portion 246 of the substantially impermeable wrapper 240 remains attached to the mouthpiece element 40 when the cover portion 242 of the substantially impermeable wrapper is removed from the body of the article 200.

[0348] Figure 3 shows article 300 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Article 300 shown in Figure 3 is similar to article 200 shown in Figure 2, and the same numbering is used to specify similar parts.

[0349] Unlike in Figures 1 and 2, the substantially airtight wrapper 340 of article 300 is shown wrapped around the body of article 300 in Figure 3.

[0350] Article 300 shown in Figure 3 differs from the aerosol-generating article 200 shown in Figure 2 in that the substantially impermeable wrapper 340 does not include a front or rear portion. The covering portion 342 of the substantially impermeable wrapper 340 extends from the distal end of the wrapper 340 to the proximal end of the wrapper 340.

[0351] The substantially impermeable wrapper 340 includes a flap extending from the longitudinal end of the substantially impermeable wrapper 340. The flap is not adhered to the portion beneath the substantially impermeable wrapper 340 or to any component beneath the article. The user can grasp the flap of the substantially impermeable wrapper 340 and remove the substantially impermeable wrapper 340 from the article 300.

[0352] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of an article 400 for generating an aerosol. The article 400 has a body 402. The body 402 has a mouth end 404 and a distal end 406. In this embodiment, the mouth end 404 of the body 402 is open, and the distal end 406 of the body 402 is closed. In other words, air can flow out of the body 402 at the mouth end 404, but air cannot easily flow out of the distal end 406 of the body 402.

[0353] The main body 402 has an outer tube 408 and an inner tube 410. The outer tube 408 has an inner surface 412, and the inner tube 410 has an outer surface 414. The inner tube 110 is located inside the outer tube 408. The space 416 is defined between the inner surface 412 of the outer tube 408 and the outer surface 414 of the inner tube 410. In the embodiment of Figure 4, the space is an annular space 416.

[0354] The main body 402 has an aerosol generating substrate compartment 418. The aerosol generating substrate compartment 418 is defined by an annular space 416 at the closed distal end 406 of the article 400. The aerosol generating substrate compartment 418 is a cavity suitable for holding a certain amount of aerosol generating substrate, such as a solid aerosol generating substrate. In this embodiment, the aerosol generating substrate compartment 418 holds a certain amount of solid aerosol generating substrate 420.

[0355] The outer tube 408 generally has a cylindrical shape. The outer tube 408 has a distal end wall at its distal end.

[0356] The inner tube 410 may be formed from one or more sections. In the embodiment of Figure 4, the inner tube 410 has an oral end section 422, a distal end section 424, and a central section 426. The three sections 422, 424, and 426 of the inner tube 408 are formed individually and joined together to form a single component. In this embodiment, the oral end section 422 is located at the oral end 404 of the body 402, the distal end section 424 is located at the distal end of the inner tube 410 and is positioned toward the distal end 406 of the body 402, and the central section 426 extends between the oral end section 424 and the distal end section 124.

[0357] The mouth end section 422 of the inner tube 410 has substantially the same outer diameter as the inner diameter of the outer tube 408. As a result, at the mouth end section 422, the inner surface 412 of the outer tube 408 and the outer surface 414 of the inner tube 410 come into contact with each other in such a manner that air leaks between the inner tube 410 and the outer tube 408 at the mouth end 104.

[0358] The distal end section 424 of the inner tube 410 has a much smaller outer diameter than the oral end section 424. The distal end section 424 of the inner tube 410 has a much smaller outer diameter than the inner diameter of the outer tube 408. As a result, at the distal end of the inner tube 410, the inner surface 412 of the outer tube 408 and the outer surface 414 of the inner tube 410 are separated by a gap.

[0359] The central section 426 of the inner tube 410 has an outer diameter that lies between the outer diameter of the oral end section 422 and the outer diameter of the distal end section 424. The outer diameter of the central section 426 is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer tube 408.

[0360] The annular space 416 is provided within the space defined between the inner surface 412 of the outer tube 408 and the outer surfaces of the distal end section 424 and the central section 426.

[0361] The main body 402 has an air intake 428. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the air intake is a plurality of air intake holes provided in the wall of the outer pipe 408. The air intake holes are arranged in a row around the perimeter of the outer pipe 408.

[0362] When the user sucks on the mouth end 404 of the article, substantially all of the air drawn into the article passes through the air intake 428.

[0363] The main body 402 has an air outlet 432. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the air outlet 432 is a plurality of air outlet holes provided in the wall of the inner tube 410.

[0364] An airflow passage is defined between the air intake 428 and the open end 404 of the main body 402. The airflow passage extends from the air intake 428 through the aerosol generating substrate compartment 418, through the air outlet 432, to the open end 404.

[0365] In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the airflow passage comprises a first airflow passage 430 and a second airflow passage 434.

[0366] The first airflow passage 430 extends between the air intake 428 and the aerosol generating substrate compartment 418. The first airflow passage 430 passes through an annular space 416 defined between the inner surface 412 of the outer tube 408 and the outer surface 414 of the inner tube 410. In this way, the air intake 428 provides fluid communication between the aerosol generating substrate compartment 418 and the outside of the article 400.

[0367] The second airflow passage 434 extends between the aerosol generating substrate compartment 418 and the open end 404 of the article 400. The second airflow passage 434 passes through the air outlet 432, through the internal space defined by the inner tube 410, and through to the open end 404. In this way, the air outlet 432 provides fluid communication between the aerosol generating substrate compartment 418 and the open end 404 of the article 400.

[0368] Article 400 comprises a substantially impermeable wrapper 440 that surrounds the entire length of the outer tube 408. Thus, the substantially impermeable wrapper 440 surrounds the air intake 428. In particular, the substantially impermeable wrapper 440 comprises a cover portion 442 that covers the air intake 428.

[0369] Article 400 comprises a first transverse weak line 450 and a second transverse weak line 452, each provided within a substantially impermeable wrapper 440. The cover portion 442 extends from the first transverse weak line 450 to the second transverse weak line 452. The cover portion 442 is not bonded to the outer tube 408.

[0370] The substantially impermeable wrapper 440 also includes a forward portion 444 extending from the distal end of the substantially impermeable wrapper 440 to a first transverse weak line 450. The forward portion 44 of the substantially impermeable wrapper 440 is permanently attached to the outer tube 408.

[0371] The substantially impermeable wrapper 440 also includes a rear portion 446 extending from a second transverse weak line 452 to the proximal end of the substantially impermeable wrapper 440.

[0372] The cover portion 442 is movable away from the air intake 428 by breaking the substantially impermeable wrapper 440 along both the first transverse weakness line 450 and the second transverse weakness line 452. The cover portion 442 may then be removed from the article.

[0373] Before moving the cover portion 442 away from the air intake 428, it may be possible to substantially prevent air from entering the article 400 through the air intake 428. Before using the article 400, the user may remove the cover 442 from the article 400 to allow air to enter the article when the user sucks on the open end 404 of the main body.

[0374] The specific embodiments and examples described above are illustrative of the present invention and do not limit it. It will be understood that other embodiments of the present invention may be practiced, and that the specific embodiments and examples described herein are not exhaustive.

Claims

1. An article for generating an inhalable aerosol when heated, wherein the article is A body having an oral end and a distal end, wherein the body comprises an aerosol generating substrate, and the aerosol generating substrate contains an aerosol forming material in an amount of at least about 5 weight percent of the dry weight of the aerosol generating substrate, An air intake provided on the outer surface of the main body, wherein the air intake includes one or more air intake holes, and each of the one or more air intake holes has an opening area of ​​at least about 0.01 square millimeters, A substantially airtight wrapper comprising a cover portion, wherein the cover portion covers at least one of the one or more air intake holes and substantially prevents air from entering the article through at least one of the one or more air intake holes, An article wherein at least a portion of the cover is movable away from at least one of the one or more air intake holes, and is configured to allow air to enter the article through at least one of the one or more air intake holes.

2. When the cover portion covers at least one of the one or more air intake holes, the article is at least about 40 mm H 2 The article according to claim 1, having an O draw resistance.

3. The article is movable such that at least a portion of the cover is away from at least one of the one or more air intake holes, and the resistance of the article to being pulled out is at least about 5 mmH 2 The article according to claim 1 or 2, configured to reduce O.

4. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least a portion of the cover portion is movable away from at least one of the one or more air intake holes, and is configured to reduce the pull-out resistance of the article by at least about 10 percent.

5. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the article is configured such that at least a portion of the cover is removable.

6. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cover portion has a length of approximately 20 millimeters or less.

7. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cover portion has a length of about 50 percent or less of the length of the article.

8. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a transverse weak line provided within the substantially impermeable wrapper, wherein the cover portion extends to the transverse weak line.

9. The article according to claim 8, wherein the substantially impermeable wrapper is rupturable along the transverse weak line, allowing at least a portion of the cover to move away from at least one of the one or more air intake holes.

10. The article according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the transverse weak line is located at least about 1 millimeter away from the air intake provided on the outer surface of the body of the article.

11. The article according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the transverse weak line is a first transverse weak line, and the article further includes a second transverse weak line provided within the substantially impermeable wrapper, the cover portion extending from the first transverse weak line to the second transverse weak line.

12. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the substantially impermeable wrapper comprises one or more additional parts, at least one of the one or more additional parts being fixed to a component located beneath the article.

13. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the air intake is located at least about 15 millimeters from the distal end of the article.

14. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the one or more air intake holes are one or more ventilation holes.

15. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the air intake provided on the outer surface of the main body is the sole air intake of the article.

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