Consumables for use with an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material

Abstract

To provide a consumable for use with an apparatus for heating aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material.SOLUTION: The consumable comprises an outer tube, an inner member inside the outer tube, and at least one support that supports the inner member relative to the outer tube so that at least one air gap exists between the inner member and the outer tube. At least one of the inner member, the outer tube, and the support comprises aerosolizable material that is heatable to generate aerosol in the air gap. The consumable has at least one outlet for permitting the aerosol to pass out of the consumable from the air gap.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a consumable for use with an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material, and a system comprising such a consumable and an apparatus for heating the aerosolizable material of the consumable to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material.

Background Art

[0002] Smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigars produce tobacco smoke by burning the tobacco during use. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these products by creating products that release compounds without burning. Examples of such products include so-called "non-combustion heating" products, or tobacco heating devices or products, which release compounds by heating rather than burning the material. This material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a consumable for use with an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, the consumable comprising: an outer tube, an inner member inside the outer tube, and at least one support for supporting the inner member relative to the outer tube such that at least one gap exists between the inner member and the outer tube; at least one of the inner member, the outer tube and the support contains an aerosolizable material that can be heated to generate an aerosol within the gap; the consumable has at least one outlet to allow the aerosol to exit the consumable from the gap.

[0004] In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one support includes a plurality of supports spaced circumferentially from each other.

[0005] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one support is disposed between the inner member and the outer tube.

[0006] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one support includes an annular non-circular support between the inner member and the outer tube.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one support includes a bent or corrugated element between the inner member and the outer tube.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment, the or each support is disposed at the axial end of the consumable.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the inner member and the outer tube includes an aerosolizable material.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the inner member and the outer tube includes a carrier, and an aerosolizable material is added to the carrier. In an exemplary embodiment, the aerosolizable material is coated on the carrier by spraying, electrospraying, casting (molding) or band casting, etc.

[0011] In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a consumable for use with an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, the consumable comprising an outer tube, and an inner member inside the outer tube, at least a part of the inner member being spaced from the outer tube by at least one void, the inner member including an aerosolizable material that can be heated to generate an aerosol within the void, the consumable having at least one outlet that allows the aerosol to exit the consumable from the void.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the inner member includes a carrier, and an aerosolizable material is added to the carrier. In an exemplary embodiment, the aerosolizable material is coated on the carrier by, for example, spraying, electrospraying, casting, or bandaging.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment of the consumable of the first aspect or the second aspect, the aerosolizable material includes an amorphous solid.

[0014] In a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a consumable for use with an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, the consumable comprising an outer tube, and an inner member inside the outer tube, at least a part of the inner member being spaced from the outer tube by at least one void, and further comprising an aerosolizable material including an amorphous solid that is heatable to generate an aerosol within the void, the consumable having at least one outlet that allows the aerosol to exit the consumable from the void.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment of the consumable of the third aspect, at least one of the inner member and the outer tube includes an aerosolizable material.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment of the consumable of any one of the first to third aspects, at least one of the inner member and the outer tube is circular.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment of the consumable of any one of the first to third aspects, at least one of the inner member and the outer tube is non-circular.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment of the consumable of any one of the first to third aspects, at least one of the inner member and the outer tube is corrugated.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment of a consumable according to any one of the first to third aspects, the inner member and the outer tube are coaxial.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment of a consumable according to any one of the first to third aspects, the inner member includes an inner tube.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the inner tube is disposed around a passage that is open at an axial end of the consumable such that a heating element for heating an aerosolizable material can be inserted into the passage during use. In an exemplary embodiment, the passage extends only partially along the length or axial dimension of the consumable. In an exemplary embodiment, the passage extends at least substantially over the length or axial dimension of the consumable. In an exemplary embodiment, the passage extends completely through the consumable from a first axial end of the consumable to a second axial end on the opposite side of the consumable.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment of a consumable according to any one of the first to third aspects, at least one outlet is at an axial end of the consumable.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment of a consumable according to any one of the first to third aspects, the inner tube is disposed around a passage that is open at a first axial end of the consumable, and at least one outlet is at a second axial end of the consumable that is opposite the first axial end of the consumable.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment of a consumable according to any one of the first to third aspects, at least one outlet is at an axial end of the consumable, and the inner tube is disposed around a passage that is open at the same axial end of the consumable.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment of a consumable according to any one of the first to third aspects, the void extends only partially along the length or axial dimension of the consumable.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment of a consumable of any one of the first to third aspects, the void extends over at least a majority of the length or axial dimension of the consumable.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment of a consumable of any one of the first to third aspects, the void extends completely through the consumable from a first axial end of the consumable to a second axial end on the opposite side of the consumable.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment of a consumable of any one of the first to third aspects, the consumable is non-combustible.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment of a consumable of any one of the first to third aspects, it includes a heatable material that can be heated by a changing magnetic field penetrating and heating an aerosolizable material.

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, the heatable material includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of a conductive material, a magnetic material, and a magneto-conductive material.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, the heatable material includes a metal or a metal alloy.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, the heatable material includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of aluminum, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, graphite, steel, plain carbon steel, mild steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, molybdenum, silicon carbide, copper, and bronze.

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the inner member and the outer tube includes a heatable material.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment of the consumable of the first aspect, at least one support includes a heatable material.

[0035] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, and this system is Any one of the consumables of the first to third aspects, and An apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material of a consumable to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, the apparatus including a heating region for receiving the consumable, and the system further including a device for causing heating of the aerosolizable material when the consumable is in the heating region.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, the device includes a magnetic field generator for generating a changing magnetic field that penetrates the heating region when the consumable is in the heating region.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the device of the apparatus includes a heatable heating element in the heating region, and the inner member of the consumable includes an inner tube disposed around a passage that is open at an axial end of the consumable such that the heating element can be inserted into the passage.

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, the heatable heating element has an outer cross-sectional shape, and the inner member of the consumable includes an inner tube having an inner cross-sectional shape that matches the outer cross-sectional shape of the heating element.

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, the device for causing heating of the aerosolizable material when the consumable is in the heating region is configured to heat separate portions of the heating region independently of each other.

[0040] In another aspect of the present invention, it may be possible to use the consumable of the first or second or third aspect of the present invention to generate an inhalable aerosol.

[0041] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0042]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] As used herein, the term "aerosolizable material" includes materials that, when heated, typically yield volatile components in the form of vapors or aerosols. The "aerosolizable material" may be a non-tobacco-containing material or a tobacco-containing material. The "aerosolizable material" may include, for example, one or more of tobacco itself, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco extracts, homogenized tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. The aerosolizable material can be in the form of shredded tobacco, cut-rag tobacco, extruded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, reconstituted aerosolizable material, liquid, gel, gelled sheet, powder, mass, etc. The "aerosolizable material" may include other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine depending on the product. The "aerosolizable material" may contain one or more humectants such as glycerol or propylene glycol.

[0044] In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material includes an "amorphous solid", which may alternatively be referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e., non-fibrous) or a "xerogel". An amorphous solid is a solid material that can hold some fluid such as a liquid therein. In some cases, the aerosolizable material includes from about 50 wt%, 60 wt% or 70 wt% amorphous solid to about 90 wt%, 95 wt% or 100 wt% amorphous solid. In some cases, the aerosolizable material consists of an amorphous solid.

[0045] The "aerosolizable material" may include other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine depending on the product. The "aerosolizable material" may include one or more humectants such as glycerol or propylene glycol.

[0046] The amorphous solid can be formed as a sheet. The amorphous solid may be incorporated into a consumable in sheet form. In some cases, the aerosolizable material may be included as a flat sheet, a bundled or assembled sheet, a crimped sheet, or a wound sheet (i.e., in the form of a tube). In some cases, the amorphous solid of these embodiments may be included in a consumable or system as a sheet, such as a sheet surrounding a rod (e.g., a cigarette) of the aerosolizable material. In some cases, the aerosolizable material is formed as a sheet and then shredded and incorporated into a consumable. In some cases, the shredded sheet may be mixed with cut-rag tobacco and incorporated into a consumable.

[0047] In some cases, the amorphous solid may include 1 to 60 wt% of a gelling agent, these weights being calculated on a dry weight basis.

[0048] Optionally, the amorphous solid can contain from about 1 wt%, 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 15 wt%, 20 wt% or 25 wt% to about 60 wt%, 50 wt%, 45 wt%, 40 wt%, 35 wt%, 30 wt% or 27 wt% of a gelling agent (all calculated on a dry weight basis). For example, the amorphous solid may contain 1-50 wt%, 5-40 wt%, 10-30 wt% or 15-27 wt% of a gelling agent.

[0049] In some embodiments, the gelling agent comprises a hydrocolloid. In some embodiments, the gelling agent comprises one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of alginic acid, pectin, starch (and derivatives), cellulose (and derivatives), gums, silica or silicone compounds, clays, polyvinyl alcohol, and combinations thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the gelling agent comprises one or more of alginic acid, pectin, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, pullulan, xanthan gum, guar gum, carrageenan, agarose, gum arabic, fumed silica, PDMS, sodium silicate, kaolin, and polyvinyl alcohol. Optionally, the gelling agent comprises alginic acid and / or pectin and may be mixed with a curing agent (such as a calcium source) during the formation of the amorphous solid. Optionally, the amorphous solid may comprise calcium-crosslinked alginic acid and / or calcium-crosslinked pectin.

[0050] In some embodiments, the gelling agent comprises alginic acid, and there is present in the amorphous solid an amount of 10-30 wt% of the amorphous solid (calculated on a dry weight basis). In some embodiments, alginic acid is the only gelling agent present in the amorphous solid. In other embodiments, the gelling agent comprises alginic acid and at least one other gelling agent such as pectin.

[0051] In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may contain a gelling agent comprising carrageenan.

[0052] Optionally, the amorphous solid can contain from about 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 15 wt%, or 20 wt% to about 80 wt%, 70 wt%, 60 wt%, 55 wt%, 50 wt%, 45 wt%, 40 wt%, or 35 wt% of an aerosol forming agent (all calculated on a dry weight basis). The aerosol forming agent can act as a plasticizer. For example, the amorphous solid can contain 10 - 60 wt%, 15 - 50 wt%, or 20 - 40 wt% of the aerosol forming agent. In some cases, the aerosol forming agent includes one or more compounds selected from erythritol, propylene glycol, glycerol, triacetin, sorbitol, and xylitol. In some cases, the aerosol forming agent contains glycerol, consists essentially of glycerol, or is composed of glycerol. The inventors have confirmed that when the content of the plasticizer is too high, the amorphous solid can absorb water, resulting in a material that does not provide an appropriate consumption experience during use. The inventors have confirmed that when the content of the plasticizer is too low, the amorphous solid becomes brittle and can be easily crushed. The plasticizer content specified herein achieves an amorphous solid flexibility that enables winding an amorphous solid sheet useful for the manufacture of aerosol products around a bobbin.

[0053] Optionally, the amorphous solid may contain a fragrance. Appropriately, the amorphous solid can contain up to about 60 wt%, 50 wt%, 40 wt%, 30 wt%, 20 wt%, 10 wt%, or 5 wt% of the fragrance. In some cases, the amorphous solid can contain at least about 0.1 wt%, 0.5 wt%, 1 wt%, 2 wt%, 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 20 wt%, or 30 wt% of the fragrance (all calculated on a dry weight basis). For example, the amorphous solid can contain 0.1 - 60 wt%, 1 - 60 wt%, 5 - 60 wt%, 10 - 60 wt%, 20 - 50 wt%, or 30 - 40 wt% of the fragrance. In some cases, the fragrance (if present) contains menthol, consists essentially of menthol, or is composed of menthol. In some cases, the amorphous solid does not contain a fragrance.

[0054] In some cases, the amorphous solid further contains an active substance. For example, in some cases, the amorphous solid contains tobacco material and / or nicotine. For example, the amorphous solid may contain powdered tobacco and / or nicotine and / or tobacco extract. In some cases, the amorphous solid may contain from about 1 wt%, 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 15 wt%, 20 wt%, or 25 wt% to about 70 wt%, 50 wt%, 45 wt%, or 40 wt% of the active substance (calculated on a dry weight basis). In some cases, the amorphous solid may contain from about 1 wt%, 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 15 wt%, 20 wt%, or 25 wt% to about 70 wt%, 60 wt%, 50 wt%, 45 wt%, or 40 wt% of tobacco material and / or nicotine (calculated on a dry weight basis).

[0055] In some cases, the amorphous solid contains an active substance such as tobacco extract. In some cases, the amorphous solid may contain 5 to 60 wt% of the tobacco extract (calculated on a dry weight basis). In some cases, the amorphous solid may contain from about 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 15 wt%, 20 wt%, or 25 wt% to about 55 wt%, 50 wt%, 45 wt%, or 40 wt% of the tobacco extract (calculated on a dry weight basis). For example, the amorphous solid may contain 5 to 60 wt%, 10 to 55 wt%, or 25 to 55 wt% of the tobacco extract. The tobacco extract can contain nicotine at a concentration such that the amorphous solid contains from about 1 wt%, 1.5 wt%, 2 wt%, or 2.5 wt% to about 6 wt%, 5 wt%, 4.5 wt%, or 4 wt% of nicotine (calculated on a dry weight basis). In some cases, there may be no nicotine in the amorphous solid other than that resulting from the tobacco extract.

[0056] In some embodiments, the amorphous solid does not contain tobacco material but contains nicotine. In some such cases, the amorphous solid may contain from about 1 wt%, 2 wt%, 3 wt%, or 4 wt% to about 20 wt%, 15 wt%, 10 wt%, or 5 wt% of nicotine (calculated on a dry weight basis). For example, the amorphous solid may contain 1 to 20 wt%, or 2 to 5 wt% of nicotine.

[0057] In some cases, the total content of the active substance and / or fragrance can be at least about 0.1 wt%, 1 wt%, 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 20 wt%, 25 wt%, or 30 wt%. In some cases, the total content of the active substance and / or fragrance can be less than about 80 wt%, 70 wt%, 60 wt%, 50 wt%, or 40 wt% (all calculated on a dry weight basis).

[0058] In some cases, the total content of the tobacco material, nicotine and fragrance can be at least about 1 wt%, 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 20 wt%, 25 wt%, or 30 wt%. In some cases, the total content of the tobacco material, nicotine and fragrance can be less than about 70 wt%, 60 wt%, 50 wt%, or 40 wt% (all calculated on a dry weight basis).

[0059] In some cases, the amorphous solid contains about 1 to about 15 wt% water, or about 5 to 15 wt% water calculated on a wet weight basis. Optionally, the water content of the amorphous solid can be from about 5 wt%, 7 wt%, or 9 wt% to about 15 wt%, 13 wt%, or 11 wt% (WWB), most preferably about 10 wt%.

[0060] In some embodiments, the amorphous solid is a hydrogel and contains less than about 20 wt% water calculated on a wet weight basis. In some cases, the hydrogel can contain about 15 wt%, 12 wt%, or 10 wt% water calculated on a wet weight basis (WWB). In some cases, the hydrogel may contain at least 2 wt% or at least 5 wt% water (WWB).

[0061] The amorphous solid can be made from a gel, which can further contain a solvent contained at 0.1 to 50 wt%. However, the inventors have confirmed that containing a solvent in which the fragrance can dissolve can reduce gel stability and can crystallize the fragrance from the gel. Therefore, in some cases, the gel does not contain a solvent in which the fragrance can dissolve.

[0062] In some embodiments, the amorphous solid comprises less than 60% by weight, or 5 - 50% by weight, or 5 - 30% by weight, or 10 - 20% by weight, etc. of a filler.

[0063] In other embodiments, the amorphous solid comprises less than 20% by weight, preferably less than 10% by weight, or less than 5% by weight of a filler. In some cases, the amorphous solid comprises less than 1% by weight of a filler and in some cases does not contain a filler.

[0064] When present, the filler may include one or more inorganic filler materials such as calcium carbonate, perlite, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, colloidal silica, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate, magnesium carbonate, etc., and a suitable inorganic adsorbent such as a molecular sieve. The filler may include one or more inorganic filler materials such as wood pulp, cellulose, and cellulose derivatives. In special cases, the amorphous solid does not contain calcium carbonate such as chalk.

[0065] In certain embodiments containing a filler, the filler is fibrous. For example, the filler can be an organic fibrous filler material such as wood pulp, hemp fiber, cellulose or cellulose derivative. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that including a fibrous filler in the amorphous solid can increase the tensile strength of the material. This increase in tensile strength can be particularly advantageous in examples where the amorphous solid is provided as a sheet, such as when the amorphous solid sheet surrounds a rod of aerosolizable material.

[0066] In some embodiments, the amorphous solid does not contain tobacco fiber. In certain embodiments, the amorphous solid does not contain fibrous material.

[0067] In some embodiments, the aerosol - generating material does not contain tobacco fiber. In certain embodiments, the aerosol - generating material does not contain fibrous material.

[0068] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate does not contain tobacco fibers. In certain embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate does not contain fibrous material.

[0069] In some embodiments, the consumable does not contain tobacco fibers. In certain embodiments, the consumable does not contain fibrous material.

[0070] Optionally, the amorphous solid may consist essentially of, or consist of, a gelling agent, an aerosol-forming agent, a tobacco material and / or a nicotine source, water, and optionally a flavor.

[0071] A method of making an aerosolizable material may include: (a) forming a slurry comprising components of an amorphous solid or a precursor thereof; (b) forming a layer of the slurry; (c) curing the slurry to form a gel; and (d) drying to form an amorphous solid.

[0072] The step of forming a layer of the slurry (b) may include, for example, spraying, casting, or extruding the slurry. Optionally, the layer is formed by electrospraying the slurry. Optionally, the layer is formed by casting the slurry.

[0073] Optionally, the slurry is applied to a carrier.

[0074] Optionally, steps (b) and / or (c) and / or (d) may be performed, at least in part, simultaneously (e.g., during electrospraying). Optionally, these steps may be performed sequentially.

[0075] The step of curing the gel (c) may include adding a curing agent to the slurry. For example, the slurry may contain sodium, potassium, or ammonium alginate as a gel precursor, and a curing agent containing a calcium source (such as calcium chloride) may be added to the slurry to form a calcium alginate gel.

[0076] The total amount of the curing agent such as the calcium source can be 0.5 to 5% by weight (calculated on a dry weight basis). The inventors have found that if the addition of the curing agent is too small, an amorphous solid that does not stabilize the amorphous solid component will be formed, and these components will fall off from the amorphous solid. The inventors have found that if the addition of the curing agent is too large, a very sticky amorphous solid will be formed, thus making it difficult to handle.

[0077] Alginates are derivatives of alginic acid and are generally high molecular weight polymers (10 - 600 kDa). Alginic acid is a copolymer composed of units (blocks) of β-D-mannuronic acid (M) and α-L-guluronic acid (G) that are linked by (1,4)-glycosidic bonds to form a polysaccharide. When calcium cations are added, alginic acid crosslinks to form a gel. The inventors have confirmed that alginates with a high G monomer content form gels more easily by adding a calcium source. Thus, in some cases, the gel precursor may contain an alginate in which at least about 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60% or 70% of the monomer units of the alginic acid copolymer are α-L-guluronic acid (G) units.

[0078] Due to the drying step, the thickness to be cast may be reduced by at least 80%, preferably 85% or 87%. For example, the slurry can be cast at a thickness of 2 mm, and the resulting dried amorphous solid material can have a thickness of 0.2 mm.

[0079] In some cases, the amorphous solid can have a thickness of about 0.015 to 1.0 mm. Appropriately, the thickness can range from about 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm or 0.15 mm to about 0.5 mm or 0.3 mm. The inventors have found that a material having a thickness of 0.2 mm is particularly suitable. The amorphous solid may include two or more layers, and the thickness described herein refers to the total thickness of these layers.

[0080] Optionally, the slurry solvent may be substantially composed of water or may be composed of water. Optionally, the slurry may contain from about 50 wt% to 60 wt%, 70 wt%, 80 wt%, or 90 wt% of solvent (WWB).

[0081] When the solvent is composed of water, the dry weight content of the slurry may match the dry weight content of the amorphous solid. Thus, the discussion herein regarding the solid composition is clearly disclosed in conjunction with the slurry aspect of the present invention.

[0082] In some examples, the slurry has a viscosity of about 10 to about 20 Pas at 46.5 °C, such as about 14 to about 16 Pas at 46.5 °C.

[0083] The aerosolizable material containing the amorphous solid can have any suitable surface density, such as 30 - 120 g / m2. In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material may have a surface density of about 30 - 70 g / m2, or about 40 - 60 g / m2. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may have a surface density of about 80 - 120 g / m2, or about 70 - 110 g / m2, or particularly about 90 - 110 g / m2. Such surface densities may be particularly suitable when the aerosol generating material is included in a consumable or system in sheet form or as shredded sheets (further described below).

[0084] In some examples, the sheet-shaped amorphous solid may have a tensile strength of about 200 to 900 N / m. In some examples, such as when the amorphous solid does not contain a filler, the amorphous solid may have a tensile strength of 200 to 400 N / m, or 200 to 300 N / m, or about 250 N / m. Such a tensile strength may be particularly suitable for embodiments in which the aerosolizable material is formed as a sheet and then shredded and incorporated into the consumable. In some examples, such as when the amorphous solid contains a filler, the amorphous solid may have a tensile strength of 600 to 900 N / m, or 700 to 900 N / m, or about 800 N / m. Such a tensile strength may be particularly suitable for embodiments in which the aerosolizable material is preferably included in the form of a wound sheet in the consumable or system, in a tube shape.

[0085] In one particular case, the carrier may be a paper-backed foil, the paper layer of which abuts the amorphous solid layer, and the properties discussed in the previous section are brought about by this abutment. This foil backing is substantially impermeable and enables control of the aerosol flow path. The metal foil backing can also serve to conduct heat to the amorphous solid.

[0086] In another case, the foil layer of the paper-backed foil abuts the amorphous solid. Since the foil is substantially impermeable, it prevents water provided in the amorphous solid from being absorbed by the paper, which may weaken the structural integrity of the paper.

[0087] In some cases, the carrier is formed from or includes a metal foil, such as an aluminum foil. The metal carrier can enable good conduction of thermal energy to the amorphous solid. Additionally or alternatively, the metal foil can function as a susceptor for an induction heating system. In a particular embodiment, the carrier comprises a metal foil layer and a support layer such as cardboard. In these embodiments, the metal foil layer can have a thickness of less than 20 μm, such as about 1 to 10 μm, preferably about 5 μm.

[0088] As used herein, an active substance may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological reaction. This active substance can be, for example, a dietary supplement, a nootropic, or a psychostimulant. The active substance may be a natural material or synthetically obtained. The active substance may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamin B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoid, or a component, derivative, or combination thereof. The active substance may include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco, cannabis, or other plants.

[0089] In some embodiments, the active substance includes nicotine.

[0090] In some embodiments, the active substance includes caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

[0091] As shown herein, the active substance may include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.

[0092] Cannabinoids are a type of natural or synthetic compound that act on cannabinoid receptors (i.e., CB1 and CB2) of cells that suppress neurotransmitter release in the brain. Cannabinoids can be natural materials (phytocannabinoids) from plants such as cannabis, animals (endogenous cannabinoids), or can be artificially manufactured (synthetic cannabinoids). Cannabis seeds express at least 85 different phytocannabinoids and are classified into subclasses including cannabigerol, cannabinchrome, cannabidiol, tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabinol, and cannabinodiol, as well as other cannabinoids. Cannabinoids found in cannabis include, but are not limited to, cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinchrome (CBC), cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinol (CBN), cannabinodiol (CBDL), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabivarin (CBV), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabidiovalerate (CBDV), cannabinchromevarin (CBCV), cannabigerovalerate (CBGV), cannabigerol monomethyl ether (CBGM), cannabinerolic acid, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabinol propyl variant (CBNV), cannabinotriol (CBO), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), and tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid (THCV A).

[0093] As shown in this specification, the active substance may include one or more plant substances or components, their derivatives or extracts, or may be derived therefrom. As used herein, the term "plant substance" includes any material obtained from plants, including but not limited to extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, hulls, shells, etc. Alternatively, this material may contain active compounds that occur naturally in plants or are obtained synthetically. The material can be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, chips, strips, sheets, etc. Exemplary plant substances include eucalyptus, dandelion, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, dandelion, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo, purslane, hibiscus, laurel, licorice, matcha, mate tea, orange peel, papaya, rose, sage, green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed, basil, bay leaf, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, chrysanthemum flower, vanilla, wintergreen, artichoke, turmeric, curcuma, aconite, camphorwood, silantro, bergamot, orange flower, ginkgo biloba, blackcurrant, valerian, pimento, mace, damiana, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, Japanese leek, carvi, vervain, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab, or a combination thereof.The mint can be selected from the following mint varieties: Cool Mint, Mentha c.v., Egyptian Mint (Mentha niliaca), Peppermint (Mentha piperita), Lime Mint (Mentha piperita citrata c.v.), Black Pepper Mint (Mentha piperita c.v.), Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cordifolia, Long-leaved Mint (Mentha longifolia), Pineapple Mint (Mentha suaveolens variegata), Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium), Moroccan Mint (Mentha spicata c.v.), and Apple Mint (Mentha suaveolens).

[0094] In some embodiments, the plant is selected from eucalyptus, perilla, cocoa, and hemp.

[0095] In some embodiments, the plant is selected from rooibos and perilla.

[0096] As used herein, the terms "flavoring" and "flavorant" refer to materials that may be used in products for adult consumers to create a desired flavor, aroma, or other sensory perception, if permitted by local regulations.

[0097] These may include naturally occurring flavor materials, plant substances, extracts of plant substances, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, phyllostachys bambusoides leaves, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian varieties, Asian varieties, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, redberry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, dambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, barbados aloe, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, frankincense, bergamot, geranium, chat, naswar, kinma, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange flower, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, perilla, wasabi, pepper, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, mint oil from any species of the genus mentha, eucalyptus, perilla frutescens, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo, nettle, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange peel, rose, green tea or black tea such as tea, thyme, juniper, nasturtium flower, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, chrysanthemum, curcuma, silantro, ginger, valerian, pimento, mace, damiana, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, scallion, beef, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphor), flavor enhancers, bitter receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or alternative sugars (e.g., sucrose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, plant substances, or breath fresheners may be included.These may be counterfeits, synthetic or natural ingredients, or mixtures thereof. They may be in any suitable form, such as a liquid like oil, a solid like powder, or a gas.

[0098] The fragrance may optionally contain one or more mint fragrances, preferably mint oil from any species of the Mentha genus. The fragrance may optionally contain menthol, consist essentially of menthol, or be composed of menthol.

[0099] In some embodiments, the fragrance contains menthol, spearmint, and / or peppermint.

[0100] In some embodiments, the fragrance contains fragrance components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus, and / or redberry.

[0101] In some embodiments, the fragrance contains eugenol.

[0102] In some embodiments, the fragrance contains fragrance components extracted from tobacco.

[0103] In some embodiments, the fragrance contains fragrance components extracted from cannabis.

[0104] In some embodiments, the fragrance may contain a sensation inducer, which is intended to obtain a bodily sensation that is typically chemically induced and perceived by stimulating the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve) in addition to or instead of the nerves of smell or taste, and may include agents that produce effects such as warming, cooling, tingling, or numbing. Suitable warming effect agents may include, but are not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and suitable cooling agents may include, but are not limited to, eucalyptol WS-3.

[0105] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming agent" refers to an agent that promotes the formation of an aerosol. An aerosol-forming agent can promote the formation of an aerosol by facilitating initial vaporization and / or the condensation of a gas into an inhalable solid and / or liquid aerosol.

[0106] Suitable aerosol-forming agents include, but are not limited to, polyols such as erythritol, sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols such as propylene glycol or triethylene glycol, non-polyols such as monohydric alcohols, high-boiling hydrocarbons, acids such as lactic acid, glycerol derivatives, esters such as diacetin, triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate or myristates including ethyl myristate and isopropyl myristate, and aliphatic carboxylic acid esters such as methyl stearate, dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. The aerosol-forming agent can optionally have a composition that does not dissolve menthol. The aerosol-forming agent can optionally contain glycerol, consist essentially of glycerol, or consist of glycerol.

[0107] As used herein, the term "tobacco material" refers to any material that includes tobacco or a derivative thereof. The term "tobacco material" can include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. The tobacco material can include one or more of ground tobacco, tobacco fibers, cut tobacco, extruded tobacco, tobacco stems, reconstituted tobacco and / or tobacco extracts.

[0108] The tobacco used to produce the tobacco material can be any suitable tobacco, including Virginia, and / or Burley and / or Oriental, such as a single grade or blend, flake tobacco or whole leaf. The tobacco material can also be tobacco particles "fine powder" or dust, expanded tobacco, stems, expanded stems, and other processed stem materials such as cut roll stems. The tobacco material may be ground tobacco or recycled tobacco material. The recycled tobacco material may contain tobacco fibers and can be formed by a casting method, a Ford liner-based papermaking type method including back addition of tobacco extract, or extrusion molding.

[0109] In some embodiments, the amorphous solid contains menthol.

[0110] Certain embodiments containing a menthol-containing amorphous solid may be particularly suitable for inclusion in a consumable or system as a shredded sheet. In these embodiments, the amorphous solid can have the following composition (DWB), namely, a gelling agent (preferably containing alginic acid, more preferably containing a combination of alginic acid and pectin) in an amount of about 20 to about 40% by weight or about 25 to 35% by weight, menthol in an amount of about 35 to about 60% by weight or about 40 to 55% by weight, and an aerosol forming agent (preferably containing glycerol) in an amount of about 10 to about 30% by weight or about 15 to about 25% (DWB).

[0111] In one embodiment, the amorphous solid contains a gelling agent mixture of about 32 - 33% by weight of alginic acid / pectin, about 47 - 48% by weight of menthol flavorant, and about 19 - 20% by weight of glycerol aerosol forming agent (DWB).

[0112] As shown above, the amorphous solids of these embodiments may be included in a consumable or system as a shredded sheet. The shredded sheet may be mixed with flake tobacco and added to a consumable or system. Alternatively, the amorphous solid may be added as an unshredded sheet. Optionally, the shredded or unshredded sheet has a thickness of about 0.015 mm to about 1 mm, preferably about 0.02 mm to about 0.07 mm.

[0113] Certain embodiments of the menthol-containing amorphous solid may be particularly suitable for inclusion in a consumable or system as a sheet, such as a sheet that surrounds a rod of aerosolizable material (e.g., a cigarette). In these embodiments, the amorphous solid has the following composition (DWB): a gelling agent (preferably including alginic acid, more preferably including a combination of alginic acid and pectin) in an amount of about 5 to about 40 wt% or about 10 to 30 wt%, menthol in an amount of about 10 to about 50 wt% or about 15 to 40 wt%, an aerosol-generating agent (preferably including glycerol) in an amount of about 5 to about 40 wt% or about 10 to about 35 wt%, and optionally a filler in an amount up to 60 wt%, for example in an amount of 5 to 20 wt% or about 40 to 60 wt% (DWB).

[0114] In one of these embodiments, the amorphous solid includes (DWB) about 11 wt% of an alginic acid / pectin gelling agent mixture, about 56 wt% of a wood pulp filler, about 18% of a menthol flavorant, and about 15 wt% of glycerol.

[0115] In another of these embodiments, the amorphous solid includes (DWB) about 22 wt% of an alginic acid / pectin gelling agent mixture, about 12 wt% of a wood pulp filler, about 36% of a menthol flavorant, and about 30 wt% of glycerol.

[0116] As shown above, the amorphous solids of these embodiments may be included as a sheet. In one embodiment, the sheet is disposed on a carrier including paper. In one embodiment, the sheet is disposed on a carrier including a metal foil, preferably an aluminum metal foil. In this embodiment, the amorphous solid may abut the metal foil.

[0117] In one embodiment, the sheet forms a portion of a laminate material, and one layer (preferably including paper) is attached to the top and bottom surfaces of the sheet. Optionally, the sheet of the amorphous solid has a thickness of about 0.015 to about 1 mm.

[0118] In some embodiments, the amorphous solid comprises a menthol-free flavorant. In these embodiments, the amorphous solid comprises the following composition (DWB), namely, a gelling agent (preferably including alginic acid) in an amount of about 5 to about 40 wt% or about 10 to about 35 wt% or about 20 to about 35 wt%, a flavorant in an amount of about 0.1 to about 40 wt%, about 1 to about 30 wt% or about 1 to about 20 wt% or about 5 to about 20 wt%, an aerosol-forming agent (preferably including glycerol) in an amount of 15 to 75 wt% or about 30 to about 70 wt% or about 50 to about 65 wt%, and optionally a filler (suitably wood pulp) in an amount of less than about 60 wt%, or about 20 wt% or about 10 wt% or about 5 wt% (preferably, the amorphous solid does not contain a filler) (DWB).

[0119] In one of these embodiments, the amorphous solid comprises about 27 wt% alginic acid gelling agent, about 14 wt% flavorant, and about 57 wt% glycerol aerosol-forming agent (DWB).

[0120] In another of these embodiments, the amorphous solid comprises about 29 wt% alginic acid gelling agent, about 9 wt% flavorant, and about 60 wt% glycerol (DWB).

[0121] The amorphous solid of these embodiments may be included in a consumable or system as a shredded sheet, optionally together with cut tobacco. Alternatively, the amorphous solid of these embodiments may be included in a consumable or system as a sheet, such as a sheet surrounding a rod of aerosolizable material (e.g., tobacco). Alternatively, the amorphous solid of these embodiments may be included in a consumable or system as a layer portion disposed on a carrier.

[0122] In some embodiments, the amorphous solid comprises a tobacco extract. In these embodiments, the amorphous solid comprises the following components (DWB), namely, a gelling agent (preferably including alginic acid) in an amount of about 5 to about 40 wt% or about 10 to 30 wt% or about 15 to about 25 wt%, a tobacco extract in an amount of about 30 to about 60 wt% or about 40 to 55 wt% or about 45 to about 50 wt%, and an aerosol-forming agent (preferably including glycerol) in an amount of about 10 to about 50 wt% or about 20 to about 40 wt% or about 25 to about 35 wt% (DWB).

[0123] In one embodiment, the amorphous solid comprises about 20 wt% alginic acid gelling agent, about 48 wt% Virginia tobacco extract, and about 32 wt% glycerol (DWB).

[0124] The amorphous solids of these embodiments can have any suitable water content. For example, the amorphous solid can have a water content of about 5 to about 15 wt% or about 7 to about 13 wt% or about 10 wt%.

[0125] The amorphous solids of these embodiments are included in the consumable or system as a shredded sheet and may optionally be mixed with cut tobacco. Alternatively, the amorphous solids of these embodiments may be included in the consumable or system as a sheet such as a sheet surrounding a rod of aerosolizable material (e.g., tobacco). Alternatively, the amorphous solids of these embodiments may be included in the consumable or system as a layer portion disposed on a carrier. Appropriately, in any of these embodiments, the amorphous solid has a thickness of 50 to 200 μm or about 50 to about 100 μm or about 60 to about 90 μm, preferably about 77 μm.

[0126] The slurry for forming this amorphous solid can also form part of the present invention. In some cases, the slurry can have a modulus of elasticity (also called storage modulus) of about 5 to 1200 Pa. In some cases, the slurry can have a viscosity (also called loss modulus) of about 5 to 600 Pa.

[0127] All weight percentages (expressed as wt%) shown in this specification are calculated on a dry weight basis unless otherwise specified. All weight ratios are also calculated on a dry weight basis. Weights cited on a dry weight basis relate to all of the extract, slurry or material other than water and may include components which are liquid at room temperature and pressure in their own right, such as glycerol. Conversely, weight percentages cited on a wet weight basis relate to all components including water.

[0128] As used herein, the term "sheet" refers to an element having a width and length which are significantly greater than its thickness. The sheet can be, for example, a strip.

[0129] As used herein, the term "heating material" or "heater material" refers to a material which can be heated by the intrusion of a changing magnetic field.

[0130] Dielectric heating is the process by which a conductive object is heated by the intrusion of a changing magnetic field into the object. This process is described by Faraday's law of induction and Ohm's law. An induction heater can include an electromagnet and a device for passing a changing current, such as an alternating current, through the electromagnet. When the electromagnet and the object to be heated are appropriately positioned relative to each other such that the resulting changing magnetic field generated by the electromagnet intrudes into the object, one or more eddy currents are generated within the object. The object has a resistance to the flow of the current. Thus, when such eddy currents are generated in the object, the object is heated by the flow of the eddy currents against the electrical resistance of the object. This process is called Joule heating, Ohmic heating, or resistive heating. An object which can be inductively heated is known as a susceptor.

[0131] It has been found that when the susceptor is in the form of a closed electrical circuit, the electromagnetic coupling between the susceptor and the electromagnet during use is enhanced, resulting in an increase or improvement in Joule heating.

[0132] Magnetic hysteresis heating refers to the process in which an object made of a magnetic material is heated when a changing magnetic field penetrates the object. A magnetic material can be considered to contain many atomic-scale magnets, i.e., magnetic dipoles. When a magnetic field penetrates such a material, the magnetic dipoles align with the magnetic field. Therefore, when a changing magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field generated by an electromagnet, penetrates a magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles changes due to the changing applied magnetic field. Heat is generated in the magnetic material due to such reorientation of the magnetic dipoles.

[0133] When an object is both conductive and magnetic, when a changing magnetic field penetrates the object, both Joule overheating and magnetic hysteresis heating can occur in the object. Furthermore, using a magnetic material can strengthen the magnetic field, and by doing so, Joule heating and magnetic hysteresis heating can be enhanced.

[0134] In each of the above processes, heat is generated inside the object itself rather than from an external heat source by heat conduction. Therefore, a rapid temperature rise and a more uniform heat distribution in the object can be achieved by selecting particularly appropriate object materials and geometries, as well as appropriate magnitudes and orientations of the changing magnetic field with respect to the object. Furthermore, induction heating and magnetic hysteresis heating do not require a physical connection formed between the source of the changing magnetic field and the object, so the freedom of design and the controllability of the heating profile may increase, and the cost may also decrease.

[0135] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a schematic cross-sectional end view and a cross-sectional side view of an example of a consumable according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown. The consumable 1 is for use with an apparatus such as the apparatus 100 shown in and described below with reference to FIG. 6, which heats an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material. This apparatus can be a tobacco heating product (in the art, it is also known as a tobacco heating device or a non-combustion heating device).

[0136] The consumable 1 includes an outer tube 10, an inner member 11 inside the outer tube 10, and a plurality of supports 12. The supports 12 support the inner member 11 with respect to the outer tube 10, whereby a plurality of gaps 13 exist between the inner member 11 and the outer tube 10. The supports 12 connect the inner member 11 to the outer tube 10. In this embodiment, the inner member 11 includes a hollow inner tube 11 that defines a passage 14 therein, but in other embodiments, the inner member 11 may be other than tubular such as a solid rod shape.

[0137] The consumable 1 of this embodiment has a circular inner and outer cross-sectional shape. Further, both the inner member 11 and the outer tube 10 are circular. In other embodiments, one or each of the inner member 11 and the outer tube 10 may be non-circular such as elliptical, polygonal, rectangular, square, triangular, or star-shaped. In some embodiments, the inner member 11 and / or the outer tube 10 are corrugated.

[0138] The consumable 1 of this embodiment extends along the axis A-A. The axis A-A is a central axis that extends along the passage 14, but in other embodiments, the shape of the consumable may be such that the axis A-A is offset from the passage 14. In this embodiment, the consumable 1 is elongated in the direction of the axis A-A, but in other embodiments, the width or diameter of the consumable 1 may be greater than or equal to the dimension of the consumable 1 in the direction of the axis A-A, whereby the consumable 1 is not elongated. In this embodiment, the inner member 11 and the outer tube 10 are substantially coaxial, each having a center on the axis A-A. In other embodiments, the inner member 11 may be non-coaxial with the outer tube 10, and the center of one or each of the inner member 11 and the outer tube 10 can be arranged at an interval from the axis A-A.

[0139] In this embodiment, the consumable 1 includes three supports 12 that support the inner member 11 with respect to the outer tube 10. In some embodiments, the consumable can include more or fewer supports 12 than three, such as four, five, or six supports 12, only two supports 12, or only one support 12.

[0140] In this embodiment, the support 12 is disposed between the inner member 11 and the outer tube 10 and is circumferentially spaced apart from each other by the gap 13. However, in other embodiments, the arrangement may not be like this. For example, in some embodiments, the support 12 may be arranged in contact with the axial end faces of the inner member 11 and the outer tube 10, or two supports 12 may be arranged at the respective axial ends of the inner member 11 and the outer tube 10. Such a support (s) 12 may also be an end piece. These supports can be made of any suitable material such as a plastic material. The end piece can have a function for receiving the inner member 11 and the outer tube 10 respectively, and can be configured to hold the inner member 11 with respect to the outer tube 10.

[0141] In some embodiments, the support (s) 12 may be omitted. For example, the inner member 11 and / or the outer tube 10 can be shaped such that the inner member 11 and the outer tube 10 are in contact with each other at at least one position. For example, the inner member 11 and / or the outer tube 10 may be in a corrugated shape. Therefore, the inner member 11 and the outer tube 10 themselves are configured to support the inner member 11 with respect to the outer tube 10 even if no other support 12 is provided. In such an embodiment, at least a part of the inner member 11 is spaced apart from the outer tube 10 by the gap 13. In some such embodiments, a plurality of portions of the inner member 11 are spaced apart from the outer tube 10 by respective gaps 13.

[0142] In this embodiment, each gap 13 is circumferentially spaced and separated by the support 12. In this embodiment, there are three gaps 13. In other embodiments, the consumable 1 may include more or fewer gaps 13 than three, such as four, five or six gaps 13, only two gaps 13, or only one gap 13. In some embodiments, the number of gaps (s) 13 is equal to the number of supports (s) 12 disposed between the inner member 11 and the outer tube 10.

[0143] The support members 12 radiate from the inner member 11 to the outer tube 10 such that each of the support members 12 extends generally radially perpendicular to the axis A-A of the consumable 1. Each of the support members 12 can take the form of spokes or fins. In this embodiment, each of the support members 12 is substantially flat. In other embodiments, the support members 12 may extend in a direction other than the radial direction from the inner member 11 to the outer tube 10 and / or may not be flat, such as curved or corrugated.

[0144] In some embodiments, such as those shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the or each support member 12 includes an annular non-circular support member 12C between the inner member 11 and the outer tube 10. FIGS. 3 and 4 show schematic cross-sectional end views and cross-sectional side views of an example of another consumable according to an embodiment of the present invention. The consumable 2 of FIGS. 3 and 4 is for use with an apparatus such as apparatus 100 shown in and described below with reference to FIG. 6 that heats an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material. In the consumable 2 of FIGS. 3 and 4, since the inner member 11 is the same as that described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the discussion of the inner member is omitted for brevity. The outer tube 10 of this embodiment does not contain an aerosolizable material, but in other embodiments, the outer tube 10 may contain an aerosolizable material.

[0145] In contrast to the support members 12 of the consumable 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2, the consumable 2 of FIGS. 3 and 4 includes the support member 12C between the inner member 11 and the outer tube 10 in the form of a folded or corrugated element 12C. The folded or corrugated element 12C can be made from any suitable material such as paper, cardboard, tissue paper, cardstock, or a plastic material. In some embodiments, the support member 12C of the consumable 2 includes or is made from a heating material such as one of the heating materials discussed elsewhere herein. The support member 12C is annular and thus extends completely around the inner member 11, but in other embodiments, the support member 12C is non-annular and thus can only extend partially around the inner member 11.

[0146] In some embodiments, such as those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the support 12 thereof, or each support 12, extends along the entire length or axial dimension of the outer tube 10 and, optionally, along the entire length or axial dimension of the consumables 1, 2, 3. In other embodiments, such as those shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the support 12C thereof, or each support 12C, can extend only along a portion of the outer tube 10 or the consumable 4. In use, in the embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 4, the support 12C is disposed only at the upstream end of the outer tube 10. In some embodiments, a plurality of spaced supports 12 may be provided axially along the entire length or axial dimension of the outer tube 10 or the consumables 1, 2, 3, with respective intervals therebetween.

[0147] The consumable 2 in FIGS. 3 and 4 includes a porous filter 18 disposed at one end of the void 13. The filter 18 preferably includes a filtering material such as cellulose acetate. In use, this filter 18 may be at the downstream end of the consumable 2 and can be used for filtering the aerosol generated in the void 13 during use. Such a filter 18 can be provided similarly in variations of other embodiments described herein.

[0148] In each of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 - 4, the inner tube 11 is disposed around the passage 14, and the passage 14 is open at the axial ends 15 of the consumables 1, 2 such that the heating element of the device can be inserted into the passage 14 during use, as will be discussed in more detail below. In each of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 - 4, the passage 14 extends completely through the inner tube 11 from one axial end of the inner tube 11 to the opposite axial end of the inner tube 11. Further, in each of these embodiments, the passage 14 extends completely through the consumables 1, 2 from the first axial end 15 of the consumables 1, 2 to the second axial end 16 on the opposite side of the consumables 1, 2. However, in some embodiments, such as those shown in FIG. 5, the passage 14 extends only partially along the length or axial dimension of the consumable, such as for most of the length or axial dimension of the consumable or for a portion of the length or axial dimension of the consumable.

[0149] FIG. 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of an example of another consumable according to an embodiment of the present invention. The consumable 3 in FIG. 5 is for use with an apparatus such as the apparatus 100 shown in and described below with reference to FIG. 6 that heats an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material. The consumable 3 in FIG. 5 is identical to the consumables of FIGS. 1 and 2, except that the body 19 of the material is radially disposed inside the inner tube 11 at the second axial end 16 of the consumable 3 so as to fill the inner hollow region of the inner tube 11 at the second axial end 16. Accordingly, the passage 14 is a spiral hole extending over the distance from the first axial end 15 of the consumable 3 to the body 19 of the material. In this embodiment, this distance is greater than half the length or axial dimension of the consumable 3 such that the passage 14 extends over most of the length or axial dimension of the consumable 3. In other embodiments, the body 19 of the material and the consumable 3 as a whole may be configured such that the passage 14 extends over only half, or less than half, of the length or axial dimension of the consumable 3. The body 19 of the material may be porous or non-porous.

[0150] Each of the consumables 1, 2, and 3 includes an aerosolizable material that can be heated to generate an aerosol in the void(s) 13. In each embodiment, the aerosolizable material can include, for example, an amorphous solid or any of the other forms discussed herein.

[0151] In some embodiments, the inner member 11 contains an aerosolizable material. In some such embodiments, a heating element for heating the aerosolizable material is insertable into the passage 14 during use, and when the heating element is heated, thermal energy passes radially outwardly from the heating element to the aerosolizable material of the adjacent inner member 11. This thermal energy heats the aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material. This at least one component of the aerosolizable material then passes radially outwardly from the inner member 11 to the void(s) 13. An aerosol can be formed within the inner member 11 or in the subsequent void(s) 13, but in any case, when the inner member 11 is heated, an aerosol is generated or supplied into the void(s) 13. Heating the consumables 1, 2, 3 in this way from the inside outwards can be more efficient than heating them from the outside inwards because heat from the internal heater of the device only radiates outwards.

[0152] In some embodiments, the outer tube 10 contains an aerosolizable material that can be heated to generate an aerosol within the void(s) 13. In some such embodiments, a heating element for heating the aerosolizable material can be disposed radially outwardly around the outer tube 10, and when the heating element is heated, thermal energy passes radially inwards from the heating element to the aerosolizable material of the adjacent outer tube 10. This thermal energy heats the aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material. This at least one component of the aerosolizable material then passes radially inwards from the outer tube 10 to the void(s) 13. Again, an aerosol can be formed within the outer tube 10 or in the subsequent void(s) 13, but in any case, when the outer tube 10 is heated, an aerosol is generated or supplied into the void(s) 13.

[0153] In some embodiments, each of the inner member 11 and the outer tube 10 includes an aerosolizable material that can be heated to generate an aerosol within the void(s) 13. In some such embodiments, in use, a first heating element for heating the aerosolizable material of the inner member 11 can be inserted into the passage 14 as discussed above, and a second heating element for heating the aerosolizable material of the outer tube 10 can be disposed radially outward around the outer tube 10 as discussed above. The first and second heating elements can be controllable separately.

[0154] In some embodiments, the, or each, support 12 (if provided) includes an aerosolizable material that can be heated to generate an aerosol within the void(s) 13. In some such embodiments, in use, a heating element for heating the aerosolizable material of the support(s) 12 can be inserted into the passage 14 as discussed above, and the thermal energy from the heating element passes through the inner member 11 by heat conduction to the support(s) 12. In some embodiments, in use, a heating element for heating the aerosolizable material of the support(s) 12 can be disposed radially outward around the outer tube 10 as discussed above, and the thermal energy from the heating element passes through the outer tube 10 by heat conduction to the support 12. In some such embodiments, the passage 14 may be omitted. The conducted thermal energy heats the aerosolizable material of the support(s) 12 to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material. Next, at least one component of the aerosolizable material travels, for example circumferentially, from the support(s) 12 into the void(s) 13. An aerosol can be formed within the support(s) 12 or in the subsequent void(s) 13, but in any case heating the support(s) 12 results in the generation or supply of an aerosol into the void(s) 13.

[0155] In some embodiments, the support(s) 12, and also one or each of the inner member 11 and the outer tube 10, also contain an aerosolizable material that can be heated to generate an aerosol within the void(s) 13.

[0156] In some embodiments, the support(s) 12 (when provided), the outer tube 10 or the inner member 11 is / are composed of an aerosolizable material or substantially composed of an aerosolizable material. For example, the support(s) 12 (when provided), the outer tube 10 or the inner member 11 may be composed of a regenerated aerosolizable material such as regenerated tobacco. In some embodiments, the support(s) 12 (when provided), the outer tube 10 or the inner member 11 contain a carrier and an aerosolizable material.

[0157] When the inner member 11 contains the aerosolizable material 11b, the aerosolizable material 11b of the inner member 11 may be radially outside the carrier 11a of the inner member 11 (see FIGS. 1 to 4). The aerosolizable material 11b of the inner member 11 can at least partially define the gap(s) 13. When the outer tube 10 contains the aerosolizable material 10b, the aerosolizable material 10b of the outer tube 10 may be radially inside the carrier 10a of the outer tube 10 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The aerosolizable material 10b of the outer tube 10 can at least partially define the gap(s) 13. Such a configuration can help prevent contact between the aerosolizable material of the consumable and the device or the user's finger. When the support 12 or each support 12 contains the aerosolizable material 12b, the aerosolizable material 12b of each support 12 can be circumferentially adjacent to the carrier 12a of each support 12 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The aerosolizable material(s) 12b of the support(s) 12 can at least partially define the gap(s) 13.

[0158] In some embodiments where the inner member is corrugated, the corrugated inner member defines a plurality of wave valleys, and the aerosolizable material (such as the amorphous solid described herein) is disposed in at least one of the wave valleys, such as a plurality of wave valleys.

[0159] In some embodiments where the outer tube is corrugated, the corrugated outer tube defines a plurality of wave valleys, and the aerosolizable material (such as the amorphous solid described herein) is disposed in at least one of the wave valleys, such as a plurality of wave valleys.

[0160] In some embodiments where the support includes a bent or corrugated element, the bent or corrugated element defines a plurality of wave valleys, and the aerosolizable material (such as the amorphous solid described herein) is disposed in at least one of the wave valleys, such as a plurality of wave valleys.

[0161] In some embodiments, the carrier 11a of the inner member 11 (see FIGS. 1-4) and / or the carrier 10a of the outer tube 10 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) and / or the carrier 12a of each support 12 (if provided) (see FIGS. 1 and 2) is composed of or includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of paper, crepe paper, cardboard, thick paper, recycled tobacco, and plastic materials. In some embodiments, the carrier 10a of the inner member 11 and / or the carrier 11a of the outer tube 10 and / or the carrier 12a of the support 12 is composed of or includes a heating material such as one of the heating materials discussed elsewhere herein. The aerosolizable materials 10b, 11b, 12b can be added to the carriers 10a, 11a, 12a. This addition can be by any suitable method such as adhesion, coating, or coextrusion. Coatings can include, for example, spraying, electrospraying, casting or band casting. The carriers 10a, 11a, 12a can be laminates.

[0162] In some cases, the surfaces of the carriers 10a, 11a, 12a that contact the aerosolizable materials 10b, 11b, 12b can be porous. For example, in some cases, the carriers 10a, 11a, 12a include paper. In some embodiments, the carriers 10a, 11a, 12a include or are composed of a tobacco material that can be porous, such as a sheet of reconstituted tobacco. The inventors have found that porous carriers such as paper are particularly suitable for some embodiments of the present invention, and this porous layer contacts the aerosolizable materials 10b, 11b, 12b and forms a strong bond. The amorphous solids of the aerosolizable materials 10b, 11b, 12b in some embodiments are formed by drying a gel, and although not wishing to be limited by theory, the slurry forming the gel partially impregnates the porous carrier (e.g., paper), whereby the carrier is considered to be partially bonded to the gel when the gel hardens and forms crosslinks. This results in a strong bond between the gel and the carrier (and between the dried gel and the carrier). The porous layer (e.g., paper) can also be used to hold flavors. In some cases, the porous layer may preferably include paper having a porosity of 0 to 300 Coresta units (CU), preferably 5 to 100 CU or 25 to 75 CU.

[0163] In addition, surface roughness can contribute to the strength of the bond between the aerosolizable materials 10b, 11b, 12b and the carriers 10a, 11a, 12a. The inventors have found that the paper roughness (of the surface in contact with the aerosolizable material) can preferably be in the range of 50 to 1000 Bekk seconds, preferably 50 to 150 Bekk seconds, preferably 100 Bekk seconds (measured over an air pressure range of 50.66 to 48.00 kPa). (The Bekk smoothness tester is an instrument used to determine the smoothness of a paper surface. Air at a specified pressure is leaked between a smooth glass surface and a paper sample, and the time (in seconds) for a predetermined amount of air to leak between these surfaces is the "Bekk smoothness".)

[0164] In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material of the support(s) 12 has a different shape or chemical composition than the aerosolizable material of the inner member 11 or the outer tube 10. In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material of the outer tube 10 has a different shape or chemical composition than the aerosolizable material of the inner member 11.

[0165] For example, in some embodiments, differences in shape can include differences in the average particle size of the aerosolizable material. Generally, particles of an aerosolizable material with a smaller average particle size can be heated faster, for example, to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material by a given heat source, than particles of an aerosolizable material with a larger average particle size.

[0166] In some embodiments, differences in shape can include one of the aerosolizable materials of the support(s) 12 (if provided), the outer tube 10, and the inner member 11 that includes a regenerated aerosolizable material (such as regenerated tobacco), etc., and another one of the aerosolizable materials of the support(s) 12 (if provided), the outer tube 10, and the inner member 11 that includes an amorphous solid.

[0167] In some embodiments, differences in chemical composition can include differences such as differences in the chemical composition of each amorphous solid of one or more compositions of the aerosolizable material. In some embodiments, differences in chemical composition can include differences in the type or concentration of an aerosol-forming agent such as glycerol in the aerosolizable material. In some embodiments, differences in chemical composition can include differences as a percentage of the weight of a smoke modifier such as a flavorant in the total weight of the aerosolizable material.

[0168] In some embodiments, the support(s) 12 (if provided) and / or the outer tube 10 and / or the inner member 11 may include a plurality of spaced-apart individual regions of aerosolizable material. In use, such individual regions of aerosolizable material can be individually heated by respective heaters of the device in which the consumables 1, 2, 3 are operable.

[0169] In some embodiments, each of the voids 13 extends along the entire outer tube 10 from one axial end of the outer tube 10 to the opposite axial end of the outer tube 10. Further, each of the voids 13 extends along the entire consumables 1, 2, 3 from a first axial end 15 of the consumables 1, 2, 3 to a second axial end 16 opposite the consumables 1, 2, 3. In other embodiments, one or each or some of the voids 13 extend only partially along the length or axial dimension of the consumables 1, 2, 3, such as over a majority of the length or axial dimension of the consumables 1, 2, 3 or over a portion of the length or axial dimension of the consumables 1, 2, 3.

[0170] Each of the illustrated consumables 1, 2, 3 has at least one outlet 17 that allows aerosol to exit the consumables 1, 2, 3 from the voids 13. In the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2, there are a plurality of outlets 17, each corresponding to one of the voids 13. The outlet 17 of the consumable 1 is defined by the inner member 11 and the outer tube 10. In contrast, in the embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 4, the outlet 17 of the consumable 2 is defined by a porous filter 18, more particularly by the pores of the porous filter 18. In other embodiments, such as where there is only one void 13 between the inner member 11 and the outer tube 10, there may be only one outlet 17. The aerosol can exit the consumables 1, 2, 3 via the outlet(s) 17 from the void(s) 13 when the user inhales the consumables 1, 2, 3 or when a negative pressure is otherwise applied to the consumables 1, 2, 3 to create movement of the aerosol exiting the consumables 1, 2, 3.

[0171] In each of the illustrated embodiments, each of the outlets 17 is at the axial end 16 of the consumables 1, 2, 3. In the consumable 3 of FIG. 5, the passage 14 is open at the first axial end 15 of the consumable 3, and each of the outlets 17 is at the second axial end 16 of the consumable 3 on the side opposite the first axial end 15 of the consumable 3. In some other embodiments, the outlet(s) 17 is / are at the axial end of the consumable, and the passage 14 is open at the same axial end of the consumable.

[0172] In some embodiments, the outer tube 10 forms at least a part of one surface, such as the outermost surface of the consumables 1, 2, 3. In some embodiments, the outer tube 10 forms at least a majority of the surface, such as all of the surface. In some embodiments, the inner tube 11 forms at least a part of one surface, such as the innermost surface of the consumables 1, 2, 3. In some embodiments, the inner tube 11 forms at least a majority of the surface, such as all of the surface.

[0173] Each of the inner member 11 and the outer tube 10 can be made of any suitable material. Each of the inner member 11 and the outer tube 10 must be sufficiently heat-resistant so as to withstand temperatures such as those discussed later in this specification to which they are exposed during normal use of the consumables 1, 2, 3. The inner member 11 and / or the outer tube 10 can help provide rigidity to the consumables 1, 2, 3. In some embodiments, the outer tube 10 is thicker than the inner tube 11, and in some other embodiments, the outer tube 10 is thinner than the inner tube 11. In some embodiments, the inner member 11 and / or the outer tube 10 includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of paper, textured paper, cardboard, thick paper, recycled tobacco, and plastic materials. In some embodiments, the inner member 11 and / or the outer tube 10 includes or is made of a heating material such as one of the heating materials discussed elsewhere in this specification. In some embodiments, the inner member 11 and / or the outer tube 10 may include, for example, a roll sheet or strip of paper or textured paper or recycled tobacco. In other embodiments, the inner member 11 and / or the outer tube 10 may include, for example, an extrusion of a plastic material or a material containing one or more metals or metal alloys. In some embodiments, the inner member 11 and / or the outer tube 10 may be extruded, such as co-extruded, and may also be co-extruded with a support (s) 12 (if provided).

[0174] In some embodiments, the inner member 11 and / or the outer tube 10 is non-porous to the aerosol generated from the aerosolizable material during use. This can help prevent or impede the generated aerosol from contacting the device in which the consumables 1, 2, 3 are usable or depositing within the device. This can also help allow the flow of the aerosol through the gap (s) 13 towards the outlet (s) 17.

[0175] The support(s) 12, if provided, can be made of any suitable material. The support or each support 12 must be sufficiently heat-resistant to withstand temperatures such as those discussed later in this specification to which they are exposed during normal use of the consumables 1, 2, 3. The support or each support 12 can help provide rigidity to the consumables 1, 2, 3. In some embodiments, the support or each support 12 comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of paper, tissue paper, cardboard, thick paper, recycled tobacco, and plastic materials. In some embodiments, the support or each support 12 comprises or is made of a heating material such as one of the heating materials discussed elsewhere in this specification.

[0176] In some embodiments, the outer tube 10 extends over the entire length or axial dimension of the consumables 1, 2, 3. In other embodiments, the consumables 1, 2, 3 may include one or more elements (not shown) at one or each axial end of the outer tube 10, whereby the outer tube 10 extends over only a portion of the length or axial dimension of the consumables 1, 2, 3.

[0177] In some embodiments, the consumables 1, 2, 3 comprise a porous body (not shown). This porous body can be for filtering aerosol or vapor released from the aerosolizable material during use. Alternatively or additionally, the porous body can be for controlling the pressure drop over the length or axial dimension of the consumables 1, 2, 3. The porous body can be of any type used in the tobacco industry. For example, the porous body can be made of cellulose acetate. In some embodiments, the porous body is substantially cylindrical, having a substantially circular cross-section and a longitudinal axis. In other embodiments, the filter may have a different cross-section or may not be elongated.

[0178] In some embodiments, the porous body abuts against the axial ends 15, 16 of the outer tube 10 and is axially aligned with the outer tube 10. In other embodiments, the porous body may be spaced from the outer tube 10 by a gap and / or one or more other components of the consumables 1, 2, 3. Exemplary other components (where applicable) are additives or fragrance sources (such as additive- or fragrance-containing capsules or threads), which can be held, for example, by the body of the filter material or between two bodies of the filter material.

[0179] The consumables 1, 2, 3 may include a wrap that is wound around the outer tube 10 and the porous body to hold the porous body relative to the outer tube 10. This wrap can surround the outer tube 10 and the porous body. The wrap can be wound around the outer tube 10 and the porous body such that the free ends of the wrap overlap each other. The wrap can form part or all of the outer peripheral surface of the consumables 1, 2, 3. The wrap can be made of any suitable material such as paper, patterned paper, or recycled aerosolizable material (such as recycled tobacco). The wrap may include an adhesive that adheres the overlapping free ends of the wrap. This adhesive helps prevent the overlapping free ends of the wrap from separating. In other embodiments, the adhesive may be omitted or may take a form different from that described. In other embodiments, the porous body may be held relative to the outer tube 10 by a connection other than the wrap, such as an adhesive.

[0180] In some embodiments, the consumables 1, 2, 3 have a length or axial dimension between 30 and 150 millimeters, such as between 70 and 120 millimeters.

[0181] In some embodiments, the consumables 1, 2, 3 have an inner dimension (such as an inner diameter) in a direction perpendicular to the axis between 2 and 10 millimeters, such as between 4 and 8 millimeters.

[0182] In some embodiments, the consumables 1, 2, 3 have an outer dimension (e.g., outer diameter) in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, such as between 4.5 and 8 millimeters, or between 4 and 10 millimeters.

[0183] In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material is provided anywhere on the consumables 1, 2, 3 and has a thickness between 0.05 and 1 millimeter, such as between 0.1 and 1 millimeter, or between 0.15 and 0.5 millimeter, or between 0.05 and 2 millimeters. This thickness can be 1 millimeter or less, such as 0.5 millimeter or less, or 0.25 millimeter or less, or 0.2 millimeter or less, or 0.1 millimeter or less, or 0.05 millimeter or less.

[0184] In some embodiments, the outer tube 10 has a thickness between 0.15 and 2 millimeters, such as between 0.1 and 3 millimeters.

[0185] In some embodiments, the inner tube 11 has a thickness between 0.15 and 2 millimeters, such as between 0.1 and 3 millimeters.

[0186] In some embodiments, the consumables 1, 2, 3 are suitable for insertion into a heating region of the device, such as the heating region 110 of the device 100 shown in FIG. 6. This device has a device that causes heating of the aerosolizable material of the consumables 1, 2, 3 when the consumables 1, 2, 3 are in the heating region. When in the heating region 110, the device of the device causes heating of the aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material.

[0187] In some embodiments, the device is configured to apply thermal energy to the consumables 1, 2, 3, particularly to the aerosolizable material, via the outer tube 10 and / or the inner member 11. In some such embodiments, the device comprises a resistive heater that is heated by electrically connecting the resistive heater to an electrical power source, and the thermal energy passes from the resistive heater to the consumables 1, 2, 3.

[0188] In some other embodiments, the device may include a magnetic field generator 112 for generating a changing magnetic field that penetrates the heating region when consumables 1, 2, 3 are in the heating region 110, and the consumables 1, 2, 3 include a heating material that can be heated by the changing magnetic field penetrating and heating the aerosolizable material. Thus, in such embodiments, the device is configured such that electromagnetic energy is applied to the heating material of the consumables 1, 2, 3 to generate heat in the heating material, and then thermal energy is applied from the heating material to the aerosolizable material. In some embodiments, the consumables 1, 2, 3 may include a heating material that is partially or wholly embedded in the aerosolizable material.

[0189] In yet another embodiment, the apparatus 100 has a heatable element that includes a heating material, the heatable element is in thermal contact with the heating region, and the magnetic field generator is for generating a changing magnetic field that penetrates the heatable element of the apparatus so as to cause heating of the heatable element and thus heating of the heating region.

[0190] In any case, the volatile component(s) of the aerosolizable material proceed from the aerosolizable material, enter the void(s) 13, and can exit the consumables 1, 2, 3 via the outlet(s) 17 when the user inhales on the consumables 1, 2, 3 or the mouthpiece of the device (if provided).

[0191] Thus, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the consumables 1, 2, 3 include a heating material that can be heated by the penetration of a changing magnetic field. The heating material can be, for example, any one or more of those discussed herein.

[0192] The outer tube 10 may contain a heating material, be composed of a heating material, or be substantially composed of a heating material, or there may be no heating material in the outer tube 10. The inner member 11 may contain a heating material, be composed of a heating material, or be substantially composed of a heating material, or there may be no heating material in the inner member 11. One or each of the support(s) 12 (when provided) may contain a heating material, be composed of a heating material, or be substantially composed of a heating material, or there may be no heating material. Although not essential, it is preferable that the consumables 1, 2, 3 include a closed circuit of the heating material. The heating material can be, for example, any one or more of those discussed in this specification. In some embodiments, there may be no heating material in the consumables 1, 2, 3.

[0193] Referring to FIG. 6, a schematic cross-sectional side view of an example of a system including a consumable and a device for heating an aerosolizable material of the consumable to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0194] The system 1000 includes the consumable 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2 and a device 100 for heating the aerosolizable material of the consumable 1 to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material. In other embodiments, the consumable 1 may be replaced with any of the other consumables described herein, such as one of the consumables 2, 3 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5. In this embodiment, the device 100 is a tobacco heating product (also known in the art as a tobacco heating device or a non-combustion heating device).

[0195] The device includes a heating region 110 for receiving the consumables 1, 2, 3 and a device 112 for causing heating of the aerosolizable material when the consumables 1, 2, 3 are in the heating region 110.

[0196] The device 100 can define at least one air inlet (not shown) that fluidly couples the heating region 110 to the exterior of the device 100. A user may be able to draw in the volatile component(s) of the aerosolizable material by inhaling the volatile component(s) from the heating region 110. As the volatile component(s) are removed from the heating region 110 and the consumables 1, 2, 3, air can be drawn into the heating region 110 via the air inlet(s) of the device 100.

[0197] In this embodiment, the heating region 110 includes a recess for receiving at least a portion of the consumables 1, 2, 3. In other embodiments, the heating region 110 may be other than a recess, such as a shelf, surface, or protrusion, and may need to mechanically mate with the consumables 1, 2, 3 in order to cooperate with or receive the consumables 1, 2, 3. In this embodiment, the heating region 110 is elongated and dimensioned and configured to accommodate the entire consumables 1, 2, 3. In other embodiments, the heating region 110 may be dimensioned to receive only a portion of the consumables 1, 2, 3.

[0198] In some embodiments, device 112 includes a power source, a resistive heater that is heated by passing electricity through it, and a controller for controlling the passage of electricity through the resistive heater. The resistive heater is configured to apply thermal energy to heating region 110, and thus to consumables 1, 2, 3, when the consumables are in the heating region 110. Thermal energy can be applied by the resistive heater to the aerosolizable material within, or via, outer tube 10 or inner member 11. In some embodiments, the resistive heater can protrude into heating region 110 such that it is located within passage 14 of the consumable when the consumable is in heating region 110. For example, such a configuration can be used when the consumable is one of those of FIGS. 1-4. In some other embodiments, the resistive heater can be located radially outside of the consumable when the consumable is in heating region 110. For example, the resistive heater can at least partially define heating region 110. Such a configuration can be used when inner member 11 of the consumable does not define passage 14 therein. In some embodiments, the device can include a first resistive heater that is in passage 14 of the consumable when the consumable is in heating region 110 and a second resistive heater that is located radially outside of the consumable when the consumable is in heating region 110.

[0199] In some embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 6, device 12 includes a magnetic field generator for generating a changing magnetic field that penetrates heating region 110 when consumables 1, 2, 3 are in heating region 110.

[0200] In some cases during use, substantially all of the amorphous solid is less than about 4 mm, 3 mm, 2 mm, or 1 mm from the heater (i.e., the heatable element or resistive heater). In some cases, the solid is disposed between about 0.010 and 2.0 mm from the heater, preferably between about 0.02 and 1.0 mm, and preferably between about 0.1 and 0.5 mm. These minimum distances may in some cases reflect the thickness of the carrier supporting the amorphous solid. In some cases, the surface of the amorphous solid may directly abut the heater.

[0201] As discussed above, in some embodiments, the consumable includes a heating material for use in heating the aerosolizable material. In such embodiments, the magnetic field generator of the device can be configured to generate a changing magnetic field that penetrates the heating material of consumables 1, 2, 3 when consumables 1, 2, 3 are in the heating region 110.

[0202] In other embodiments, such as those shown in FIG. 6, the device 112 of the apparatus 100 includes a heatable heating element 111 in the heating region 110, and the magnetic field generator of the apparatus is configured to generate a changing magnetic field that penetrates the heating element 111. In some embodiments, the heating element is located radially outside of consumables 1, 2, 3 when consumables 1, 2, 3 are in the heating region 110. For example, the heating element can at least partially define the heating region 110. In other embodiments, such as those shown in FIG. 6, the heating element 111 protrudes into the heating region 110. Such a configuration is suitable when the inner member 11 of consumables 1, 2, 3 includes an inner tube disposed around the passage 14, and this passage is open at the axial ends of consumables 1, 2, 3 such that the heating element 111 can be inserted into the passage 14 of consumables 1, 2, 3 during use. In some embodiments, such as those shown in FIG. 6, the heating element 111 enters the passage 14 while consumables 1, 2, 3 are being inserted into the heating region 110. In other embodiments, the apparatus may be configured to be movable relative to the heating region 110 such that the heating element 111 protrudes into the passage 14 when consumables 1, 2, 3 are already disposed in the heating region 110.

[0203] In some embodiments, the heating element 111 of the device has a certain outer cross-sectional shape, and the inner tube 11 of the consumables 1, 2, 3 has an inner cross-sectional shape that matches the outer cross-sectional shape of the heating element 111. For example, these inner and outer cross-sectional shapes can be circular, or non-circular such as elliptical, polygonal, rectangular, square, triangular, corrugated, or star-shaped. In some embodiments, the heating element 111 of the device and the inner tube 11 of the consumables 1, 2, 3 are dimensioned relative to each other such that the inner tube 11 abuts the heating element 111 during use in order to enhance the efficiency and effect of heat energy supply from the heating element 111 to the inner tube 11. The inner tube 11 can be an interference fit or a press fit with respect to the heating element 111.

[0204] In this embodiment, the magnetic field generator 112 includes a power source 113, a coil 114, a device 116 for passing a changing current such as an alternating current through the coil 114, a controller 117, and a user interface 118 for user operation of the controller 117.

[0205] The power source 113 of this embodiment is a rechargeable battery. In other embodiments, the power source 113 may be other than a rechargeable battery, such as a non-rechargeable battery, a capacitor, a hybrid of a battery and a capacitor, or a connection to a main power source.

[0206] The coil 114 can take any suitable form. In some embodiments, the coil 114 is a helical coil made of a conductive material such as copper. In some embodiments, the coil is a flat coil. That is, the coil can be a two-dimensional helix made of a conductive material such as copper. In some embodiments, the coil 114 surrounds the heating region 110. In some embodiments, the coil 114 extends along a longitudinal axis that is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the heating region 110. These aligned axes may coincide. Alternatively, the aligned axes may be parallel to each other or inclined.

[0207] In this embodiment, a device 116 for passing a changing current through the coil 114 is electrically connected between the power supply 113 and the coil 114. In this embodiment, the controller 117 is also electrically connected to the power supply 113 and is communicably connected to the device 116 to control the device 116. More specifically, in this embodiment, the controller 117 is for controlling the device 116 so as to control the supply of power from the power supply 113 to the coil 114. In this embodiment, the controller 117 comprises an integrated circuit (IC), such as an IC on a printed circuit board (PCB). In other embodiments, the controller 117 may take different forms. In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may have a single electrical or electronic component including the device 116 and the controller 117. The controller 117 is, in this embodiment, operated by a user operation of the user interface 118. The user interface 118 may include a push button, a toggle switch, a dial, a touch screen, etc. In other embodiments, the user interface 118 is remote and is wirelessly connected to the rest of the apparatus 100, such as via Bluetooth.

[0208] In this embodiment, when the user operates the user interface 118, the controller 117 causes an alternating current to pass through the coil 114 in the device 116. Thereby, the coil 114 generates an alternating magnetic field. The coil 114 of the apparatus 100 and the heating region 110 are appropriately arranged relative to each other such that when the consumables 1, 2, 3 are disposed in the heating region 110, the changing magnetic field generated by the coil 114 penetrates into the heating element 111 of the apparatus 100. When the heating material of the heating element 111 is conductive, one or more eddy currents are generated in the heating material due to this penetration. When eddy currents flow in the heating material against the electrical resistance of the heating material, the heating material is heated by Joule heating. When the heating material of the heating element 111 is a magnetic material, heat is generated in the heating material by a change in the orientation of magnetic dipoles in the heating material due to the changing applied magnetic field.

[0209] In some embodiments, the consumables 1, 2, 3 include a heating material, and the coil 114 and the heating region 110 of the apparatus 100 are appropriately arranged relative to each other such that when the consumables 1, 2, 3 are disposed in the heating region 110, the changing magnetic field generated by the coil 114 penetrates the heating material of the consumables 1, 2, 3. In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 includes a heating element 111, the heating element 111 includes a heating material, and the consumables 1, 2, 3 also include a heating material. In some such embodiments, the coil 114 and the heating region 110 of the apparatus 100 are appropriately arranged relative to each other such that when the consumables 1, 2, 3 are disposed in the heating region 110, the changing magnetic field generated by the coil 114 penetrates the heating material of the consumables 1, 2, 3 and the heating material of the heating element 111.

[0210] The apparatus 100 of this embodiment includes a temperature sensor 119 for detecting the temperature of the heating region 110. The temperature sensor 119 is communicably connected to the controller 117 so that the controller 117 can monitor the temperature of the heating region 110. Based on one or more signals received from the temperature sensor 119, the controller 117 can cause the device 112 to adjust, as necessary, the characteristics of the changing or alternating current passed through the coil 114 to ensure that the temperature of the heating region 110 remains within a predetermined temperature range. These characteristics can be, for example, amplitude or frequency or duty cycle. Within the predetermined temperature range, during use, the aerosolizable material in the consumable disposed in the heating region 110 is heated sufficiently to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material 14 without burning the aerosolizable material 14. Thus, the controller, and also the apparatus 100 as a whole, is configured to heat the aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material without burning the aerosolizable material. In some embodiments, the temperature range is between about 100 and about 300 °C, or between about 120 and about 350 °C, or between about 140 and about 250 °C, or between about 200 and about 270 °C, etc., i.e., between about 50 and about 350 °C. In other embodiments, the temperature range may be outside of one of these ranges. In some embodiments, the upper limit of the temperature range may exceed 350 °C. In some embodiments, the consumable can be made non-combustible, for example, within these temperature ranges. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor 119 may be omitted.

[0211] In some embodiments, the device 112 that causes heating of the aerosolizable material when the consumable is in the heating region 110 is configured to heat separate portions of the heating region 110 independently of each other, such as by including a heatable element 111 that can be controlled separately.

[0212] In some embodiments, the heating material of the consumables 1, 2, 3 or the heatable heating element 111 of the apparatus 100 is aluminum. However, in other embodiments, the heating material may include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of conductive materials, magnetic materials, and magnetoconductive materials. In some embodiments, the heating material may include a metal or a metal alloy. In some embodiments, the heating material may include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of aluminum, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, graphite, steel, plain carbon steel, mild steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, molybdenum, silicon carbide, copper, and bronze. Other heating materials (plural in some cases) may be used in other embodiments.

[0213] In some embodiments, where the heating material includes iron such as steel (e.g., mild steel or stainless steel) or aluminum-containing materials such as those, the heating material may be coated to help prevent corrosion or oxidation of the heating material during use. Such coatings may include, for example, nickel plating, gold plating, or coatings of ceramics or inert polymers.

[0214] In some embodiments, the consumables 1, 2, 3 may include a heating material that is partially or entirely embedded in the aerosolizable material of the consumables 1, 2, 3. In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material may include the heating material. In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material may not have a heating material.

[0215] In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material includes tobacco. However, in other embodiments, the aerosolizable material may be composed of tobacco, may be substantially entirely composed of tobacco, may include tobacco and aerosolizable materials other than tobacco, may include aerosolizable materials other than tobacco, or may not have tobacco. In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material may include a vapor or aerosol forming agent or a humectant such as glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin, or diethylene glycol.

[0216] In some embodiments, the consumable is non-combustible. In some embodiments, the consumable is configured not to become combustible during use.

[0217] In some embodiments, when all or substantially all of the volatile component(s) of the aerosolizable material in consumables 1, 2, and 3 are depleted, the user can remove consumables 1, 2, and 3 from the heating region of device 100 and discard consumables 1, 2, and 3. The user can then reuse device 100 with another one of consumables 1, 2, and 3. However, in each of some other embodiments, device 100 and consumables 1, 2, and 3 may be discarded together when the volatile component(s) of the aerosolizable material are depleted.

[0218] In some embodiments, consumables 1, 2, and 3 are sold, supplied, or otherwise provided separately from device 100 in which consumables 1, 2, and 3 are usable. However, in some embodiments, device 100 and one or more of consumables 1, 2, and 3 may be provided together as a system such as a kit or an assembly, and in some cases, together with additional components such as cleaning tools.

[0219] To avoid doubt, when the term "comprising" is used in this specification to define the invention or a feature of the invention, embodiments are also disclosed in which the invention or feature may be defined using the terms "consisting essentially of" or "consisting of" instead of "comprising". Referring to a material "comprising" certain features means that these features are included, contained, or held within that material.

[0220] To address various problems and advance technology, the present disclosure as a whole describes and illustrates by way of example various embodiments that provide excellent consumables for use with an apparatus that can practice the claimed invention and heat an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, and a system comprising such consumables and such an apparatus. The advantages and features of the present disclosure are merely representative examples of the various embodiments and are not comprehensive and / or exclusive. These advantages and features are presented only to assist in teaching and understanding the claimed or separately disclosed features. It should not be construed that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of the present disclosure limit the present disclosure as defined by the claims or limit equivalents of other claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments can be utilized and modifications can be made without departing from the scope and / or spirit of the present disclosure. The various embodiments can suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, members, steps, means, etc. The present disclosure can include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. A consumable for use with an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, comprising: an outer tube (10); an inner member (11) inside the outer tube, and at least one support (12) for supporting the inner member relative to the outer tube such that at least one gap (13) exists between the inner member and the outer tube; the inner member comprises a hollow inner tube defining a passage (14) configured to receive a heating element of an apparatus for heating the aerosolizable material, and the at least one support (12) connects the inner member (11) to the outer tube (10); the outer tube contains an aerosolizable material that can be heated to generate an aerosol within the gap; the consumable has at least one outlet (17) allowing the aerosol to exit the consumable from the gap.

2. The consumable according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of supports as the at least one support (12), the plurality of supports being circumferentially spaced from each other.

3. The consumable according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the at least one support (12) is disposed between the inner member (11) and the outer tube (10).

4. The consumable according to claim 3, wherein the at least one support (12) includes an annular non-circular support (12C) between the inner member (11) and the outer tube (10).

5. The consumable according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the at least one support (12) includes a bent or corrugated element (12C) between the inner member (11) and the outer tube (10).

6. The consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one of the inner member (11) and the outer tube (10) contains the aerosolizable material.

7. The consumable according to claim 6, wherein at least one of the inner member (11) and the outer tube (10) includes a carrier (10a, 11a), and the aerosolizable material is added to the carrier.

8. A consumable for use with an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, comprising: an outer tube (10); an inner member (11) inside the outer tube. The inner member includes a hollow inner tube defining a passage (14) configured to receive a heating element of an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material, at least a part of the inner member being spaced from the outer tube by at least one gap (13), at least one of the inner member and the outer tube being shaped such that the inner member and the outer tube contact each other at at least one position, the inner member and the outer tube containing an aerosolizable material that can be heated to generate an aerosol in the gap. The consumable is a consumable having at least one outlet (17) that allows the aerosol to exit the consumable from the gap. Claim 9 The consumable according to claim 8, wherein the inner member (11) includes a carrier (10a, 11a), and the aerosolizable material is added to the carrier. Claim 10 The consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the aerosolizable material includes an amorphous solid. Claim 11 A consumable for use with an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, an outer tube, an inner member inside the outer tube, and at least one support (12), wherein the inner member includes a hollow inner tube defining a passage (14) configured to receive a heating element of an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material, the at least one support (12) supports the inner member relative to the outer tube such that at least one gap (13) exists between the inner member and the outer tube, and the at least one support (12) connects the inner member (11) to the outer tube (10). The outer tube includes an aerosolizable material including an amorphous solid that can be heated to generate an aerosol in the gap. The consumable is a consumable having at least one outlet that allows the aerosol to exit the consumable from the gap. Claim 12 A consumable for use with an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, an outer tube (10), and an inner member (11) inside the outer tube. The inner member comprises a hollow inner tube defining a passage (14) configured to receive a heating element of an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material, at least a part of the inner member being spaced from the outer tube by at least one gap (13), at least one of the inner member and the outer tube being shaped such that the inner member and the outer tube contact each other at at least one position, the inner member and the outer tube comprising an aerosolizable material that can be heated to generate an aerosol within the gap, the consumable having at least one outlet (17) enabling the aerosol to exit the consumable from the gap.

13. The consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein at least one of the inner member and the outer tube is circular.

14. The consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the inner member and the outer tube are coaxial.

15. The consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the inner tube is disposed around the passage, the passage being open at an axial end of the consumable such that a heating element for heating the aerosolizable material can be inserted into the passage during use.

16. The consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the at least one outlet is at an axial end of the consumable.

17. The consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 16, comprising a heating material that can be heated by a changing magnetic field penetrating and heating the aerosolizable material.

18. The consumable according to claim 17, wherein the heating material comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of a conductive material, a magnetic material, and a magnetoconductive material.

19. The consumable according to claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the heating material comprises a metal or a metal alloy.

20. The consumable according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the heating material comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of aluminum, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, graphite, steel, plain carbon steel, mild steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, molybdenum, silicon carbide, copper, and bronze.

21. The consumable according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein at least one of the inner member and the outer tube comprises the heating material.

22. The consumable according to any one of claims 17 to 21 when the at least one support includes the heating material, directly or indirectly dependent on claim 1.

23. A system for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, the consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 22, and an apparatus for heating the aerosolizable material of the consumable to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, the apparatus including a heating region for receiving the consumable, and further including a device for causing heating of the aerosolizable material when the consumable is in the heating region.

24. The system according to claim 23, wherein the device includes a magnetic field generator for generating a changing magnetic field that penetrates the heating region when the consumable is in the heating region.

25. The system according to claim 23 or claim 24, wherein the device of the apparatus includes a heatable heating element in the heating region, and the inner member of the consumable includes an inner tube disposed around a passage that is open at an axial end of the consumable such that the heating element can be inserted into the passage.

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