thing

Abstract

An article (350) for use with an aerosol supply device comprises a non-circular hollow tube formed from a bent blank (300) defined by multiple sides, wherein a first portion (308) of aerosol-generating material is provided on the first side and a second portion (310) of aerosol-generating material is provided on the second side.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present invention relates to an article, a system, a blank and a method for manufacturing an article for forming an aerosol. [[Background Art]]

[0002] Smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigars burn tobacco during use to generate tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles that burn tobacco by producing products that release compounds without combustion. An example of such a product is a heating device that releases compounds by heating but not burning the material. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, and may or may not contain nicotine. [[Summary of the Invention]]

[0003] According to the embodiments described herein, there is provided an article for use with an aerosol delivery device, the article comprising a non-circular hollow tube defined by a plurality of side surfaces and formed from a folded blank, wherein a first portion of aerosol-generating material is provided on a first side surface, and a second portion of aerosol-generating material is provided on a second side surface.

[0004] The side surfaces may extend in a longitudinal direction.

[0005] The blank may include a layered structure including a first layer, the first layer is a structural layer, and the aerosol-generating material is supported by the first layer. The first layer may not be heatable by penetration with a varying electromagnetic field. The first layer may be cardboard.

[0006] The blank may include a second layer, and the second layer is a heatable element for heating the aerosol-generating material.

[0007] The second layer may be formed of a material configured to absorb electromagnetic energy and convert it into heat. The second layer may be a susceptor layer.

[0008] The second layer may be made of metal or a metal alloy. The second layer may be made of aluminum.

[0009] The second layer may be located between the first layer and the aerosol-generating material.

[0010] The second layer may be stacked on top of the first layer.

[0011] The aerosol-generating material may be a gel. The aerosol-generating material may be laminated on top of a second layer. The aerosol-generating material may be located inside the article.

[0012] The aerosol generating material may have a thickness of 0.1 mm to 5 mm in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the consumable.

[0013] The first portion of the aerosol-generating material may include a series of sub-parts of the aerosol-generating material, each sub-part configured to be independently heated by an aerosol supply device.

[0014] The second portion of the aerosol generating material may include a series of sub-parts of the aerosol generating material, each sub-part configured to be independently heated by an aerosol supply device.

[0015] Each sub-part of the first part may be aligned with a sub-part of the second part.

[0016] The sub-parts of the aerosol-generating material may be distributed longitudinally along the article.

[0017] The blank may include a first fold line extending in the longitudinal direction, and folding the blank along the first fold line forms a first overlap, the first overlap is between a first side and a second side, and the first overlap provides a third side.

[0018] The blank may include a second fold line extending longitudinally, and folding the blank along the second fold line forms a second overlap, the second overlap being between the first side and the second side, and the second overlap providing a fourth side.

[0019] The blank may include a third fold line that divides the blank into first and second sections, and the blank is folded along the third fold line such that the first section forms a first side and the second section forms a second side.

[0020] The third fold line may extend transversely across the blank, and the blank includes first and second bridges to the third fold line to connect the first section to the second section, and the article has a suction end opening between the first bridge and the second bridge.

[0021] A third fold line extends longitudinally across the blank, and folding along the third fold line forms an upright portion in the article, where the upright portion lies between the first side and the second side, and the upright portion provides a fourth side. The third fold line may also be between the second fold line of the first section and the first fold line of the second section.

[0022] According to embodiments described herein, a system is provided comprising the articles described above and an aerosol supply device, wherein the aerosol supply device is configured to heat an aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol.

[0023] The aerosol supply device may be configured to heat different sub-parts of the aerosol-generating material independently of each other.

[0024] According to the embodiments described in the present specification, there is provided a blank for forming an article for use with an aerosol supply device, the article comprising a non-circular hollow tube defined by a plurality of side surfaces and formed from a folded blank, wherein a first portion of aerosol-generating material is provided on a first side surface, and a second portion of aerosol-generating material is provided on a second side surface.

[0025] According to the embodiments described in the present specification, there is provided a method of manufacturing an article for use with an aerosol supply device, the method comprising the step of folding a blank to form the article, the article comprising a non-circular hollow tube defined by a plurality of side surfaces, wherein a first portion of aerosol-generating material is provided on a first side surface, and a second portion of aerosol-generating material is provided on a second side surface.

[0026] The method may comprise the step of forming a blank, the blank comprising a layered structure.

[0027] The system may comprise any of the features of the article. The blank may comprise any of the features described with respect to the article. The method of manufacturing an article may comprise manufacturing any of the features of the article.

[0028] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] [Figure 1] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of an aerosol supply device and an article. [Figure 2] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of an aerosol supply device receiving an article. [Figure 3] Fig. 3 shows a first blank for forming a first article. [Figure 4] Fig. 4 shows the first blank after a first folding step. [Figure 5] Fig. 5 is a side view of the first article. [Figure 6] Fig. 6 is a mouth end view of the first article. [Figure 7] This shows a second blank for forming a second article. [Figure 8] This shows the second blank after the first bending step. [Figure 9] A side view of the second article is shown. [Figure 10] The mouthpiece end of the second item is shown. [Figure 11] A third blank for forming a third article is shown. [Figure 12] This shows the third blank after the first bending step. [Figure 13] This shows the third blank after the second bending stage. [Figure 14] A side view of the third article is shown. [Figure 15] The mouthpiece end of the third item is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating material” refers to a material that can generate an aerosol when, for example, it is heated, irradiated, or to which energy is applied in any other way. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, which may or may not contain activators and / or flavorings. The aerosol-generating material may also contain any plant-based material, such as tobacco-containing material, and may include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, recombined tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. The aerosol-generating material may also contain other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine, depending on the product. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, gel, or wax. The aerosol-generating material may also be, for example, a combination or blend of materials. The aerosol-generating material may also be known as “smoked material.”

[0031] The aerosol-generating material may include a binder and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, an activator and / or filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent such as water may also be present, and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of plant materials. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0032] The aerosol-generating material may include or may be an amorphous solid. The amorphous solid may be a monolithic solid. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material capable of holding some fluid, such as a liquid, within the amorphous solid. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may include, for example, about 50% by weight, 60% by weight, or 70% by weight of amorphous solid, or about 90% by weight, 95% by weight, or 100% by weight of amorphous solid.

[0033] The aerosol-generating material may include an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may include, or may be, a sheet that can be optionally shredded to form shredded sheets. The sheet may be a crimped sheet. The aerosol-generating sheet or shredded sheet may not substantially contain tobacco.

[0034] According to this disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol supply system is a system in which the aerosol-generating materials (or their components) that make up the aerosol supply system are not burned or incinerated in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to the user.

[0035] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol supply system.

[0036] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0037] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. An example of such a system is a cigarette heating system.

[0038] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of one or more aerosol-generating materials that can be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0039] Typically, a non-combustible aerosol supply system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol supply device and articles, which are typically consumables for use with the non-combustible aerosol supply device.

[0040] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising an aerosol-generating material and configured for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device. These consumables may be referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0041] In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol supply system, for example, the non-combustible aerosol supply device, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, an electrical power source or a heat-generating power source. In some embodiments, the heat-generating power source includes a carbon substrate to which energy can be supplied to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or heat-transferring material adjacent to the heat-generating power source.

[0042] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply system may include a consumable receiving area, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0043] In some embodiments, consumables for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device may include aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, packaging material, a filter, a suction nozzle and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0044] An aerosol generating device can accept an article containing an aerosol-generating material for heating. In this context, “article” refers to a component that contains or is contained with an aerosol-generating material at the time of use, is heated to volatilize the aerosol-generating material, and optionally refers to other components at the time of use. A user can insert an article into the aerosol generating device before the article is heated to generate an aerosol, after which the user inhales the aerosol. The article may be of a predetermined or specific size, for example, configured to be placed in a heating chamber of a device sized to accept the article.

[0045] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the aerosol supply system 10 comprises an aerosol supply device 100 for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol supply system 10 further comprises a replaceable article 200 containing the aerosol-generating material. Schematically, the aerosol supply device 100 may be used to heat the article 200 to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium to be inhaled by a user of the device 100. Figures 1 and 2 show the same aerosol supply device 100 and article 200, although some reference numerals have been omitted from Figure 1 or Figure 2 for clarity.

[0046] The aerosol supply device 100 comprises a housing 102. The housing 102 accommodates various components of the aerosol supply device 102.

[0047] The aerosol supply device 100 includes an aerosol generator 104. The aerosol generator 104 includes a heating unit 106. The heating unit 106 is configured to receive an article 200 inside the heating unit.

[0048] The external heating section 106 is a hollow body 106. The heating section 106 has a rectangular cross-section. The heating section 106 includes an inductive element 106a. The inductive element is configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field. The inductive element 106a is a coil 106a.

[0049] Induction heating is a process of heating a conductive heating element (such as a susceptor) by electromagnetic induction. An induction heating assembly may comprise an induction element, for example, one or more inductor coils, and a device for passing a fluctuating current, such as an alternating current, through the induction element. The fluctuating current within the induction element generates a fluctuating magnetic field. The fluctuating magnetic field penetrates a susceptor (heating element) appropriately positioned relative to the induction element, generating eddy currents within the susceptor. The susceptor has electrical resistance to eddy currents, and therefore, the flow of eddy currents against this resistance heats the susceptor by Joule heating. If the susceptor contains a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel, or cobalt, heat may also be generated by magnetic hysteresis losses within the susceptor, i.e., by the changing orientation of magnetic dipoles within the magnetic material as a result of alignment with the fluctuating magnetic field. Compared to heating by conduction, for example, induction heating generates heat within the susceptor, allowing for rapid heating. Furthermore, since no physical contact is required between the inductor and the susceptor, it becomes possible to increase the degree of freedom in construction and application.

[0050] The heating element 106 extends away from the housing 102. In this example, the heating element 106 is not surrounded by the housing 102. The heating element may have a separate housing from the housing 102. In other examples, the external heating element 106 is covered by the housing 102.

[0051] The article receptacle 111 is formed between the internal heating section 108 and the external heating section 106.

[0052] The aerosol supply device 100 includes a power source 114 for supplying power to the aerosol generator 104. The aerosol supply device 100 also includes a controller 116. The power source 114 is located in the housing 102. The controller 116 is located in the housing 102. The power source supplies power to the aerosol generator, which converts the supplied electrical energy into thermal energy for heating the aerosol generating material. The power source may be a battery, such as a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, lithium batteries (such as lithium-ion batteries), nickel batteries (such as nickel-cadmium batteries), and alkaline batteries.

[0053] The power source 114 is electrically coupled to the aerosol generator 104 to heat the aerosol-generating material by supplying power as needed under the control of the controller 116. The controller 116 may be configured to operate and stop the aerosol generator 104 based on user input. The controller 116 is located in the housing 102.

[0054] Article 200 includes an aerosol-generating material (not shown in Figure 1). Article 200 is equipped with an air passage 204. Article 200 is equipped with a mouthpiece end 208, which is received in the user's mouth during use. Article 200 includes a susceptor material (not shown in Figure 1).

[0055] During use, article 200 is received into article receptacle 111 as shown in Figure 2. The heating element 106 extends around article 200. Coil 106a surrounds the susceptor of article 200. Coil 106a induces a fluctuating magnetic field within the susceptor, causing the susceptor to heat up. The susceptor then heats the aerosol-generating material.

[0056] An inlet channel 118 to article 200 allows air to flow into article 200 from outside the aerosol supply system 10. The inlet channel 118 is located between the heating section 106 and article 200. In other examples, air flows from an air inlet (e.g., an opening) at the base of article receptacle 111.

[0057] When a user inhales over article 200, air flows through the inlet channel 118 between the external heating unit 106 and article 200. The air enters article 200 through the device end of article 200 (opposite the mouthpiece end 208). The air is drawn in through the air passage 204, passing through the aerosol-generating material that forms an aerosol from the heated aerosol-generating material. The aerosol exits through the mouthpiece end 208 and is inhaled by the user.

[0058] Referring to Figure 3, a first blank 300 for forming the first article 350 is shown.

[0059] The first blank 300 is formed of a layered material (layers not shown). The layered material includes a first layer and a second layer. The second layer surface of the first blank 300 is visible in Figure 3. The first layer is located behind the second layer in Figure 3.

[0060] The first layer is a support layer. The first layer provides rigidity to the first blank 300. The first layer is cardboard.

[0061] The second layer is a susceptor layer. The susceptor layer is made of a material that absorbs electromagnetic energy and converts it into heat. Therefore, the susceptor layer acts as a heatable element. The susceptor layer is made of metal foil. The metal foil is aluminum foil. The layered material forming the first blank 300 is formed by laminating cardboard and aluminum foil. The aluminum foil is fixed to the cardboard using an adhesive (e.g., glue).

[0062] The first blank 300 contains a first portion 308 of the aerosol-generating material 308. The first blank 300 also contains a second portion 310 of the aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material is a gel. A slurry containing water, a binder, an aerosol-forming agent, and a filler is formed to form the aerosol-generating material on the second layer of the first blank 300. The slurry is applied to the surface of the second layer. The slurry is set and dried on the second layer to form a film of the aerosol-generating material on the aluminum foil. In this example, no further adhesive is used to fix the aerosol-generating material to the second layer.

[0063] In the first blank 300, the aerosol-generating material has a thickness of 0.03 mm to 0.3 mm. More specifically, the aerosol-generating material has a thickness of substantially 0.1 mm.

[0064] The first blank 300 is substantially rectangular. The first blank 300 is elongated. The first blank 300 is longer than it is wide (when measured transversely, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) (defined with respect to the first article 350, i.e., the length extending from the distal end of the first article 350 to the mouthpiece end of the first article 350, when measured longitudinally).

[0065] The first blank includes a first fold line 302. The first blank includes a second fold line 304. The first fold line 302 extends longitudinally along the first blank 300. The second fold line 304 extends longitudinally along the first blank 300.

[0066] The first bend line 302 is provided with a series of perforations. The second bend line is provided with a series of perforations. The first bend line 302 extends along the entire length of the first blank 300. The second bend line 304 extends along the entire length of the second blank 300.

[0067] The first blank 300 includes a third fold line 306. The third fold line 306 extends across the first blank in a direction perpendicular to the first fold line 302. The third fold line 306 extends across the first blank in a transverse direction. The third fold line 306 extends across the entire width of the first blank 300.

[0068] The third bend line 306 comprises three cuts extending along the common line. The first and second bridges 312, 314 are formed between the cuts. The first blank 300 is intact (e.g., uncut) at the first and second bridges 312, 314. The first and second layers of the first blank 300 are intact at the first and second bridges 312, 314.

[0069] The third fold line 306 extends across the longitudinal centerline of the first blank 300. This divides the first blank 300 into first and second sections 316, 318 of equal size. The first portion 308 and the second portion 310 of the aerosol-forming material are located on either side of the third fold line. The first and second bridges 312, 314 hold the first and second sections 316, 318 together.

[0070] The first portion 308 and the second portion 310 of the aerosol-forming material are rectangular and longer (when measured longitudinally) than wider (when measured transversely). The first portion 308 and the second portion 310 of the aerosol-forming material are located between the first fold line 302 and the second fold line 304. The edges of the first portion 308 and the second portion 310 substantially align with the first and second bridges 312 and 314.

[0071] The first blank 300 is symmetric with respect to the third bending line 306. The first blank 300 is symmetric with respect to its longitudinal axis.

[0072] Figure 4 (some reference numerals are omitted for clarity) shows the first blank 300 after the first folding step. In the first folding step, the first blank 300 is folded inward along the first fold line 302, more specifically along the first fold line 302, so that the second layer of the first blank 300 is folded toward itself.

[0073] By folding along the first fold line 302 in this manner, a first overlap 320 is formed. The first overlap 320 is formed on the second layer surface of the first blank 300, inside the first blank 300. The first overlap 320 is formed on the aerosol-generating material surface of the first blank 300. The first and second portions 308 and 310 are positioned such that the first overlap 320 does not overlap with the aerosol-generating material.

[0074] In the first folding stage, the first blank 300 is also folded along the second fold line 304. The first blank 300 is folded inward along the second fold line 304 such that the second layer of the first blank 300 is folded toward itself.

[0075] By folding along the second fold line 304 in this manner, a second overlap 322 is formed. The second overlap 322 is formed on the second layer surface of the first blank 300, inside the first blank 300. The first overlap 320 is formed on the aerosol-generating material surface of the first blank 300. The first and second portions 308 and 310 are positioned such that the second overlap 322 does not overlap with the aerosol-generating material.

[0076] Figures 5 and 6 show the first article 350 formed from the first blank 300 after the second bending step. In the second bending step, the first blank 300 is bent along the third bending line 306. The first blank 300 is bent inward along the third bending line 306 so that the first and second overlaps 320, 322 are bent and in contact with each other. Adhesive is applied along the first and second overlaps 320, 322 to hold the first article 350 together.

[0077] The second bending step involves moving the first and second portions 308, 310 of the aerosol-generating material toward each other so that the aerosol-generating material is inside the first article 310. Contact between the first overlap 320 and the second overlap 322 prevents the first portion 308 and the second portion 310 from coming into contact with each other.

[0078] The first and second overlaps 320, 322 are located inside the first article 350. The first and second portions 308, 310 of the aerosol-generating material are located inside the first article 350.

[0079] In the first article 350, the first side is formed by the first section 316 of the first blank 300. The second side is formed by the second section 318 of the first blank 300. The third side is formed by the first overlap 320. The fourth side is formed by the second overlap 322. Each side extends in the longitudinal direction. The first side and the second side are substantially parallel to each other. The third side and the fourth side are substantially parallel to each other. The first portion 308 of the aerosol-generating material is provided on the first side. The second portion 310 of the aerosol-generating material is provided on the second side.

[0080] An air passage 356 is formed between the first to fourth sides. The air passage 356 extends longitudinally along the first article 350 from the distal end 354 to the mouthpiece end 352. The mouthpiece end opening 358 is formed in the first article 350 between the first bridge 312 and the second bridge 314. A distal end opening (not shown) is formed at the free end of the first article 350 (i.e., where there are no bridges) between the first portion 308 and the second portion 310 and between the first overlap 320 and the second overlap 322.

[0081] The first article 350 has a non-circular cross-section. The first article 350 is a hollow tube defined by the first to fourth sides. The first article 350 has a rectangular cross-section. The first to fourth sides are substantially planar.

[0082] During use, the first article 350 is received into the receptacle 111 of the aerosol supply device 100. The coil 106a forms a fluctuating magnetic field within the susceptor layer (the second layer of the first article 350), which generates heat to heat the aerosol-generating material of the first and second parts 308, 310. The user inhales through the mouthpiece end 352 of the first article 350, drawing in air through the air passage 356 and generating an aerosol for inhalation from the aerosol-generating material.

[0083] Referring to Figure 7, a second blank 400 for forming a second article 450 is shown. Similar to the first blank 300, the second blank 400 comprises first and second sections 416, 418. The first section 416 comprises first and second fold lines 402, 404. The second section 418 comprises first and second fold lines 412, 414. The first section 416 contains a first portion 408 of the aerosol-generating material. The second section 418 contains a second portion 410 of the aerosol-generating material. The second blank 400 is made of the same material as the first blank 300 and is manufactured in the same manner as the first blank 300. Furthermore, each of the first and second sections 416, 418 contains the same features in the same positions as the first and second sections 316, 318 of the first blank 300, except for the differences described below.

[0084] In contrast to the first blank 300, in the second blank 400, the first and second sections 416 are joined at the longitudinal edges of the first and second sections 406. The longitudinal edges define a third fold line 406, which comprises a series of perforations. The third fold line 406 is located between the second fold line 404 of the first section 416 and the first fold line 412 of the second section 418.

[0085] Figure 8 (some reference numerals are omitted for clarity) shows the second blank 400 after the first folding step. With respect to the first blank 300, in the first fold, the second blank 400 is folded along its first and second fold lines 402, 404, 412, and 414. By folding along the first fold line 402 of the first section 416, the first overlap 420 is formed. By folding along the second fold line 414 of the second section 418, the second overlap 422 is formed.

[0086] In contrast to the first blank 300, the first and second sections 416, 418 of the second blank 400 are connected by a third fold line 406 between the second fold line 404 of the first section 416 and the first fold line 412 of the second section 418. This means that in the first folding step, when the second blank is folded at the second fold line 404 of the first section 416 and the first fold line 412 of the second section 418, the second blank 400 is also folded at the third fold line 406, forming an upright portion 424 at the third fold line 406. The upright portion 424 extends upward from the second layer / aerosol-generating material surface of the second blank 400. In the upright portion 424, the second blank 400 is in contact with itself at the surface of the first layer (i.e., the first layer is in contact with itself).

[0087] Referring to Figures 9 and 10, the second article 450 formed from the second blank 400 after the second folding step is shown. In the second folding step, the second blank 400 is further folded along the second fold line 404 of the first section 416 and the first fold line 412 of the second section 418 until the first overlap 420 contacts the second overlap 422. The second blank then contacts itself again on both sides of the third fold line 406 (i.e., to the sides of the second layer of the second blank 400).

[0088] This means that in the second article 450, the first side is formed by the first section 416 of the second blank 400. The second side is formed by the second section 418 of the second blank 400. The upright portion 424 is between the first side and the second side. The upright portion 424 provides a third side. The first overlap 420 and the second overlap 422 are between the first side and the second side. The first overlap 420 and the second overlap provide a fourth side. Each side extends in the longitudinal direction. The first side and the second side are substantially parallel to each other. The third side and the fourth side are substantially parallel to each other. The first portion 408 of the aerosol-generating material is provided on the first side. The second portion 410 of the aerosol-generating material is provided on the second side.

[0089] The second article 450 has a non-circular cross-section. The second article 450 is a hollow tube defined by the first to fourth sides. The second article 450 has a rectangular cross-section.

[0090] The adhesive is applied between the first overlap 420 and the second overlap 422, and between the surfaces of the upright portion 424, to hold the second article 450 together.

[0091] Similar to the first article 350, the first and second parts 408, 410 of the aerosol-generating material are located inside the second article 450.

[0092] The second article 450 comprises a mouthpiece end 452 and a distal end 454. An air passage 456 extends longitudinally from the distal end 454 to the mouthpiece end 452. The air passage 456 is formed between the first to fourth sides.

[0093] When in use, the second article 450 operates in the same manner as the first article 350.

[0094] Referring to Figure 11, a third blank 500 for forming the third article 550 is shown. Similar to the first blank 300, the third blank 500 comprises first and second sections 516, 518. The first section 516 comprises first and second fold lines 502, 504. The second section 418 comprises first and second fold lines 512, 514. The third blank 500 is made of the same material as the first blank 300 and is manufactured in the same manner as the first blank 300. Again, a repeated explanation of features common to the first blank 300 and the third blank 500 is omitted.

[0095] Similar to the first blank 300, the first and second sections 516, 518 of the third blank 500 are joined by a third bend line 506 extending transversely. The third bend line 306 comprises three cuts extending along a common line. The first and second bridges 511, 513 are formed between the cuts. The third blank 500 is intact (e.g., not cut) at the first and second bridges 511, 513. The first and second layers of the third blank 300 are intact at the first and second bridges 511, 513.

[0096] Similar to the first blank 300, the third blank 500 is symmetric with respect to the third bending line 506 and symmetric with respect to its longitudinal axis.

[0097] In contrast to the first blank 300, in the third blank 500, the aerosol-generating material is provided in a series of sub-parts 508a-508d and 510a-510d. The first portion of the aerosol-generating material is provided in a series of four sub-parts 508a-508d distributed longitudinally across the first section 516. The second portion of the aerosol-generating material is provided in a series of four sub-parts 510a-510d distributed longitudinally across the second section 516. Each of the sub-parts 508a-508d and 510a-510d is approximately circular in shape. The aerosol-generating material is a gel laminated on the second layer, similar to the first blank 300.

[0098] In contrast to the first blank 300, the third blank 500 includes a first notch 515 and a second notch 517. The first and second notches 515 and 517 are located on the opposing transverse edges of the third blank 500 at a third bend line 506 between the first section 516 and the second section 518. Each of the first and second notches 515 and 517 extends from the third bend line 506 into the first section 516 and the second section 518 parallel to the longitudinal direction.

[0099] The first notch 515 separates the first fold line 502 of the first section 516 from the first fold line 512 of the second section 518. The second notch 517 separates the second fold line 504 of the first section 516 from the second fold line 514 of the second section 518.

[0100] Referring to Figure 12 (some reference numerals have been omitted for clarity), the third blank 500 is shown after the first folding step. In the first folding step, the third blank 500 is folded in the same direction as the first blank 300 along the first and second folding lines 502, 504 of the first section 516. As previously mentioned, this forms the first and second overlaps 520, 522.

[0101] In contrast to the first blank 300, the third blank 500 is not folded along the first and second fold lines 512, 514 of the second section 518 during the first folding step.

[0102] Referring to Figure 13 (some reference numerals have been omitted for clarity), the third blank 500 is shown after the second folding step. In the second folding step, the third blank 500 is folded along the third fold line 306 in the same direction as the first blank 300. The third blank 500 remains unfolded along the first and second fold lines 512, 514 of the second section 516 after the second folding step.

[0103] Referring to Figures 14 and 15, the third article 550 formed from the third blank 500 after the third folding step is shown. In the third folding step, the third blank 500 is folded along the first and second folding lines 512, 514 of the second section 518. This forms third and fourth overlaps 524, 526 extending around the first section 516. Adhesive is applied along the interior of the third and fourth overlaps 524, 526, thereby fixing the first section 516 to the second section 518 and holding the third article 550 together.

[0104] In the third article 550, the first side is formed by the first section 516 of the third blank 500. The second side is formed by the second section 518 of the third blank 500. The first and second overlaps 520, 522 are between the first side and the second side. The third side is formed by the first overlap 320. The fourth side is formed by the second overlap 322. Each side extends in the longitudinal direction. The first side and the second side are substantially parallel to each other. The third side and the fourth side are substantially parallel to each other. The first portions 508a to 508d of the aerosol-generating material are provided on the first side. The second portions 510a to 510d of the aerosol-generating material are provided on the second side.

[0105] The third article 550 has a non-circular cross-section. The third article 550 is a hollow tube defined by the first to fourth sides. The third article 550 has a rectangular cross-section.

[0106] Similar to the first article 350, the first and second parts 508a-508d and 510a-510d of the aerosol-generating material are located inside the third article 550. Each of the sub-parts 508a-508d of the first part of the aerosol-generating material aligns with the corresponding sub-parts 510a-510d.

[0107] The third article 550 comprises a mouthpiece end 552 and a distal end 554. An air passage 556 extends longitudinally from the distal end 554 to the mouthpiece end 552. The air passage 556 is formed between the first to fourth sides.

[0108] During use, the third article 550 is received into a receptacle of an aerosol supply device (not shown). In the case of the third article 550, the aerosol supply device is configured to heat sub-parts 508a-508d, 510a-510d in series, i.e., heating the first sub-part 508a of the first part and the first sub-part of the second part before heating the second sub-part 508b of the second part and the second sub-part 510b of the second part. To do this, the aerosol supply device may include a plurality of inductors distributed longitudinally along the aerosol supply device, the inductors may be energized in sequence.

[0109] In other examples, the heating section may be configured for resistance heating. In the resistance heating section, the aerosol generating assembly comprises a resistance heating generator which includes components for heating a heating element by a resistance heating process. In this case, a current is applied directly to the resistance heating component, and the resulting flow of current within the heating component heats it by Joule heating. The resistance heating component includes a resistive material configured to generate heat when a suitable current passes through it, and the heating assembly comprises electrical contacts for supplying current to the resistive material.

[0110] In the embodiment, the heating element forms the resistive heating component itself. In the embodiment, the resistive heating component transfers heat to the heating element, for example, by conduction.

[0111] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in the understanding and teaching of the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations to the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or to equivalents of the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be used and modified without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may appropriately include, consist of, or be essentially composed of, appropriate combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, processes, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. An article for use with an aerosol supply device, wherein the article comprises a non-circular hollow tube formed from a bent blank and defined by a plurality of sides, with a first portion of aerosol-generating material provided on the first side and a second portion of aerosol-generating material provided on the second side.

2. The article according to claim 1, wherein the blank comprises a layered structure including a first layer, the first layer being a structural layer, and the aerosol-generating material being supported by the first layer.

3. The article according to claim 2, wherein the blank includes a second layer, the second layer being a heatable element for heating the aerosol-generating material.

4. The article according to claim 3, wherein the second layer is formed of a material configured to absorb electromagnetic energy and convert it into heat.

5. The article according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the second layer is located between the first layer and the aerosol-generating material.

6. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the aerosol generating material is located inside the article.

7. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first portion of the aerosol generating material comprises a series of sub-parts of the aerosol generating material, the sub-parts being configured to be heated independently by the aerosol supply device.

8. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the blank comprises a first fold line extending in the longitudinal direction, the blank is folded along the first fold line to form a first overlap, the article wherein the first overlap lies between a first side and a second side, and the first overlap provides a third side.

9. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the blank comprises a third fold line, the third fold line divides the blank into first and second sections, the blank is folded along the third fold line, the first section forms a first side surface, and the second section forms a second side surface.

10. The article according to claim 9, wherein the third fold line extends transversely across the blank, the blank includes first and second bridges on the third fold line to connect the first section to the second section, and the article has a suction end opening between the first bridge and the second bridge.

11. A system comprising an article according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and an aerosol supply device, wherein the aerosol supply device is configured to heat the aerosol generating material to form an aerosol.

12. The system according to claim 13, wherein the aerosol supply device is configured to heat different sub-parts of the aerosol generating material independently of each other.

13. A blank for forming an article for use with an aerosol supply device, wherein the article comprises a non-circular hollow tube defined by a plurality of sides and formed from a folded blank, the blank having a first portion of aerosol-generating material on the first side and a second portion of aerosol-generating material on the second side.

14. A method for manufacturing an article for use with an aerosol supply device, the method comprising the step of bending a blank to form the article, wherein the article comprises a non-circular hollow tube defined by a plurality of sides, with a first portion of aerosol-generating material provided on the first side and a second portion of aerosol-generating material provided on the second side.

15. The method according to claim 14, comprising the step of forming the blank, wherein the blank includes a layered structure.

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