Consumables for aerosol generators

Abstract

A consumable article for an aerosol-generating device is disclosed. The consumable article comprises an aerosol-generating substrate having a cylindrical outer surface. The consumable article further comprises a strip removably attached to the cylindrical outer surface of the aerosol-generating substrate, the strip directly interfacing with the cylindrical outer surface and the strip comprising a tab extending away from the cylindrical outer surface, such that a user can grasp the tab to pick up the consumable article.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a consumable for an aerosol generating device.

Background Art

[0002] Aerosol generating devices such as electronic cigarettes are relatively well known and are becoming increasingly popular among consumers. A common operating principle for such electronic cigarettes is to heat a consumable without burning it and provide the user with an aerosol (also called vapor) for inhalation. Examples of such consumables include a filling of tobacco material or a capsule of a liquid containing active ingredients such as flavorings and / or nicotine.

[0003] An aerosol generating device often comprises a heater, a power source for supplying electricity to the heater, and a container such as a heating chamber for accommodating the consumable in the vicinity of the heater so that the consumable can be heated to generate vapor for inhalation.

[0004] In recent years, the popularity of multi-use aerosol generating devices has exceeded the demand for single-use devices that are discarded after use. In a multi-use device, the consumable must be replaced because it can only provide the necessary active ingredients or flavorings for a limited heating duration until these ingredients are depleted. This is generally achieved by removing the depleted consumable from the heating chamber and replacing it with a new one.

[0005] However, there are several drawbacks with such consumables and aerosol generating devices. Specifically, replacing the consumable is often a cumbersome process for the user considering the size of the components and the need to manipulate the aerosol generating device into an appropriate orientation while removing the used consumable and replacing it with a new one. This process must be performed regularly, which exacerbates the problem.

[0006] Furthermore, consumable articles often include a bulky outer container for holding the aerosol-generating material. Requirements for the container increase the size of the consumable article and ultimately the amount of material that ends up in landfills. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to provide a consumable article that addresses one or more of these drawbacks. MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a consumable article for an aerosol-generating device, the consumable article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate having a cylindrical outer surface and a strip removably attached to the cylindrical outer surface of the aerosol-generating substrate, the strip interfacing directly with the cylindrical outer surface, the strip comprising a tab extending away from the cylindrical outer surface, whereby a user can grip the tab to lift the consumable article.

[0009] In this way, a consumable article that is easily grippable and can be placed within an aerosol-generating device is provided. The tab allows for easy handling by the user, while the removable strip prevents direct contact between the aerosol-generating substrate and the user, increasing the durability of the consumable article.

[0010] Preferably, the strip surrounds at least a portion of the cylindrical outer surface. Preferably, the strip completely surrounds the cylindrical outer surface of the aerosol-generating substrate. In other words, the cylindrical pellet of the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a strip of material extending circumferentially around the cylindrical pellet. This configuration allows for efficient removal of the strip from the aerosol-generating substrate, resulting in a small consumable where only a small surface area of the aerosol-generating substrate is not protected by the strip.

[0011] Preferably, the consumable article has a length and a width, with the length being greater than the width. Those skilled in the art will understand that the length of the consumable article refers to the extent of the consumable article in a direction parallel to its cylindrical (i.e., longitudinal) axis, and the width of the consumable article refers to the diameter of the consumable article (i.e., the extent of the consumable article in a direction perpendicular to its cylindrical axis).

[0012] Preferably, the first part of the strip overlaps the second part of the strip, and the first and second parts of the strip are adhered at the overlap. In this way, a mechanism for removably attaching the strip to the aerosol generating substrate is provided. The adhered part of the strip secures the strip around the aerosol generating substrate until sufficient force is applied to break the adhesion and remove the strip from the aerosol generating substrate. In use, the consumable article is placed within the aerosol generating device, and while the aerosol generating substrate is held within the aerosol generating device, the tab is gripped and pulled by the user with sufficient force to break the adhesion and remove the strip. Additionally or alternatively, the strip may be adhered directly to the aerosol generating substrate.

[0013] Preferably, the tab is circumferentially positioned at the end portion of the strip with respect to the cylindrical outer surface of the aerosol generating substrate. In this way, the tensile force applied to the tab is evenly distributed over the length of the strip, thereby reducing the likelihood of the tab breaking and ensuring that the strip is reliably separated at the adhered overlap as intended. Further, since the tab extends in the same normal direction as the strip, the bulkiness of the consumable article is reduced and the packing efficiency of a plurality of consumable articles is improved. In one embodiment, the strip is substantially rigid so as to maintain its shape under gravity, and thus the tab extends away from the aerosol generating substrate and is reliably accessible for gripping by the user.

[0014] The consumable item may further comprise a hole extending through the aerosol-generating substrate in a direction parallel to the cylindrical axis of the cylindrical outer surface of the aerosol-generating substrate. Preferably, the hole is concentric with the cylindrical outer surface of the aerosol-generating surface. Thereby, the surface area of the aerosol-generating substrate is increased, and as a result, the aerosol-generating characteristics are improved. Moreover, using the hole (cylindrical or other shape) extending through the consumable item, the aerosol-generating substrate can be easily disposed within the aerosol-generating device or the packaging for the consumable item. Further, the hole can enable the rotation of the consumable item while the consumable item is positioned within the aerosol-generating device. For example, the hole can enable the attachment of the consumable item to a mandrel or shaft provided within the aerosol-generating device, and as a result, the aerosol-generating substrate can rotate about the mandrel. As a result, more uniform heating and improved aerosol-generating characteristics can be achieved. Further, the rotation of the consumable item may enable easier removal of the strip from the aerosol-generating substrate by applying a tensile force in the direction of rotation, i.e., circumferentially with respect to the cylindrical outer surface of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0015] Preferably, the aerosol-generating substrate has a solid or semi-solid form. The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a foamed tobacco material, which may be known as "tobacco mousse".

[0016] Preferably, the consumable item is configured to be able to remove the strip from the aerosol-generating substrate, and the aerosol-generating substrate is configured to be heated to generate an aerosol. That is, the consumable item is configured to be heated to generate an aerosol after removing the strip.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising: a main body portion; a chamber for accommodating a consumable as described above, the chamber being disposed within the main body portion and configured such that when the consumable is accommodated within the chamber, a tab of the consumable protrudes from the device; and an outer shell that is movable relative to the main body portion to adjust the opening area of the chamber.

[0018] Thereby, it is possible to easily dispose and replace the consumable within the device. Moreover, since the opening area of the chamber can be adjusted (i.e., the outer shell can be moved relative to the main body portion to expose or conceal the chamber), it is possible to prevent an object from entering the chamber unintentionally, thereby protecting the internal components of the aerosol generating device from damage.

[0019] Preferably, the aerosol generating device is further configured such that when the consumable is accommodated within the chamber and the outer shell is moved to conceal the chamber, the tab of the consumable can be pulled by the user to remove the strip from the aerosol generating substrate while the aerosol generating substrate is retained within the device. Specifically, this structure allows the tab to protrude from the chamber while the outer shell is positioned to close the opening of the chamber, such that the aerosol generating substrate is blocked from exiting the chamber while still allowing the tab to be pulled by the user.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol generating device as described above; and a consumable as described above accommodated within the chamber of the aerosol generating device.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention, a system is provided that includes a packaging and a plurality of consumable articles as described above. The packaging includes an inner portion having a cavity for holding the plurality of consumable articles, and an outer portion that is movable relative to the inner portion to expose or hide the cavity. In one embodiment, both portions may be tubular, and the outer portion may rotate around the inner portion to expose the chamber, thereby providing a compact and efficient means for storing the consumable articles. The packaging may be constructed from cardboard tubes or molded pulp for paper making.

[0022] Preferably, when the outer portion is moved and the cavity is exposed, the packaging is configured such that each tab of the plurality of consumable articles held within the cavity protrudes from the packaging, thereby enabling the user to grip the tab and lift each consumable article.

[0023] Preferably, the cavity is a cylindrical cavity having substantially the same circumference as each of the plurality of consumable articles, whereby the plurality of consumable articles can be arranged in a row along the length of the cavity with the cylindrical axis of each of the plurality of consumable articles oriented parallel to the cylindrical axis of the cavity. Thereby, a high packing density of the consumable articles is achieved, and it becomes possible to easily store and transport the plurality of consumable articles.

[0024] Here, embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] FIG. 1 shows a consumable item 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprising an aerosol generating substrate 12 and a strip 14 surrounding the peripheral surface of the aerosol generating substrate 12. The aerosol generating substrate 12 is formed as a cylindrical pellet of aerosol generating material, and a cylindrical hole 20 extends through the central portion of the cylindrical pellet (i.e., along its cylindrical axis). Thus, the aerosol generating substrate 12 can be said to be a hollow cylinder, pipe, or tubular portion.

[0027] In an alternative embodiment, the hole 20 need not be cylindrical and may instead have a triangular, square, hexagonal, or other cross-sectional shape. In other embodiments, the hole 20 may be completely absent.

[0028] The aerosol generating substrate 12 is formed of a solid or very viscous aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating substrate 12 may include a foamed tobacco material known as "tobacco mousse".

[0029] The strip 14 comprises a sheet material of a certain length. The term "sheet" means a flat shape whose thickness is many times smaller than its length or width. The strip 14 is configured around the cylindrical outer surface of the aerosol generating substrate 12, whereby the bottom major surface of the strip 14 interfaces with the cylindrical outer surface and the strip 14 extends around the circumferential direction of the cylindrical outer surface. In one embodiment, the strip 14 may cover the entire cylindrical outer surface of the aerosol generating substrate 12. In another embodiment, the strip 14 may cover only the central portion of the cylindrical outer surface, such that two bands of the aerosol generating substrate 12 are exposed on both sides of the strip 14 on the cylindrical outer surface.

[0030] The strip may be made of paper and / or other textile materials and may include various organic and / or inorganic materials.

[0031] Strip 14 is attached to the aerosol generating substrate 12 in a removable form. In the illustrated example, this is achieved by adhering (using an adhesive or otherwise) a section of the bottom major surface of strip 14 to a section of the upper major surface of strip 14 at overlap 18. Thus, a continuous loop of strip 14 surrounds the aerosol generating substrate 12, and strip 14 is attached to the aerosol generating substrate 12 by the constraint imposed by the loop of strip 14. However, if sufficient force is applied to the adhered overlap 18, the adhesion is broken and strip 14 can be separated from the aerosol generating substrate 12.

[0032] In other embodiments, the bottom major surface of strip 14 may be adhered to or directly attached to the cylindrical outer surface of the aerosol generating substrate 12. This may be in addition to or in place of the adhered overlap 18 described above. If sufficient force is applied to strip 14, the adhesion between strip 14 and the aerosol generating substrate 12 is broken and strip 14 can be removed from the aerosol generating substrate 12. One skilled in the art will understand that strip 14 may be adhered to the aerosol generating substrate 12 over the entire area of the bottom major surface of strip 14 or only over a portion of that area.

[0033] The strip 14 is provided with a tab 16 located at one end of the length of the strip 14, enabling a user to grasp the tab 16 and lift the consumable article 10. The tab 16 is designed to be, for example, radially away from the surface of the strip 14 under gravity. This improves the ease with which the user can grip the tab 16 and lift the consumable article 10. Further, when external constraints such as those imposed by the packaging for the consumable article are applied, the tab 14 can fit snugly over the remainder of the strip 14 (i.e., following the direction of the cylindrical outer surface of the aerosol generating substrate 12). However, when the constraint is removed, the tab 14 springs back to its original position and extends away from the aerosol generating substrate 12.

[0034] In addition to improving the ease with which the consumable article 10 can be gripped and handled by the user, the strip 14 also provides a physical barrier to protect the underlying aerosol generating substrate 12. This improves the durability of the consumable article 10 and prevents the aerosol generating substrate 12 from coming into contact with an external surface such as the user's hand.

[0035] Figure 2 shows an aerosol generating device 30 in one embodiment of the present invention configured to accommodate and heat a consumable article 10. The aerosol generating device 30 includes a chamber 32, a body portion 34, an outer shell 36, a mouthpiece 38, and an LED indicator 40.

[0036] The aerosol generating device 30 further includes a heating element powered by a battery (not shown), whereby, in use, the consumable article 10 can be inserted into the device 30 and heated using the heating element. Thereby, an aerosol (or vapor) is generated which can be inhaled by the user via the mouthpiece 38.

[0037] The chamber 32 is located on the side of the main body portion 34 and is configured such that the consumable article 10 can be disposed within the chamber 32. The outer shell 36 is attached to the main body portion 34 such that the relative position between the outer shell 36 and the main body portion 34 can be adjusted, for example, using a sliding mechanism.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3, the movement of the outer shell 36 relative to the main body portion 34 results in the opening and closing of the chamber 32. In use, the user can grasp the tab 16 of the consumable article 10 and dispose the consumable article 10 within the chamber 32 with the tab 16 protruding from the chamber 32. Subsequently, the outer shell 36 is moved relative to the main body portion 34, the chamber 32 is closed, and the consumable article 10 is received therein. However, a small gap remains at the opening of the chamber 32 and the tab 16 remains protruding from the chamber 32. Thus, the tab 16 is pulled by the user such that the strip 14 is removed from the aerosol generating substrate 12 while the aerosol generating substrate 12 is blocked by the outer shell 36 from exiting the chamber 12. In one embodiment, the aerosol generating substrate 12 then naturally drops into the internal oven where it is heated by a heating element to produce an aerosol. Alternatively, the aerosol generating substrate 12 may be retained and heated within the chamber 32.

[0039] In a further embodiment, when the consumable article 10 is disposed within the chamber 32, the consumable article 10 may be held by a shaft, mandrel, or other protrusion configured to extend through at least a portion of the hole 20 in the aerosol generating substrate 12. In this way, the aerosol generating substrate 12 is capable of rotating about its axis while disposed within the chamber 32. Thus, when a tensile force is applied to the tab 16, the aerosol generating substrate 12 is capable of rotating, whereby the strip 14 is fed out from a small gap in the chamber 32, thereby improving the ease with which a user can remove the strip 14 from the aerosol generating substrate 12. When the strip 14 is removed from the aerosol generating substrate 12, the aerosol generating substrate 12 may fall into the oven. Alternatively, the aerosol generating substrate 12 may be held by the protrusion and heated within the chamber 32.

[0040] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, alternative mechanisms can be used to present and conceal the chamber 32 without necessarily requiring a separate outer shell 36. For example, a sliding aperture or other closure mechanism may be disposed adjacent to the opening of the chamber 32.

[0041] Figure 4 shows a packaging 50 suitable for holding a plurality of consumable articles 10. The packaging 50 includes a tubular inner portion 52 held within a tubular outer portion 54, and the radius of the inner portion 52 is slightly smaller than that of the outer portion 54. In this way, the inner portion 52 and the outer portion 54 are prevented from accidentally separating, but can still rotate relative to each other.

[0042] The inner portion 52 is hollow and defines a cylindrical cavity 56, which is accessible through a notch area 58 along the length of the inner portion 54. The outer portion 54 also includes a notch area 60 extending along its length, such that access to the cavity 56 is obtained when the inner portion 52 and the outer portion 54 are rotated so that their corresponding notch areas 58, 60 are aligned. When the notch areas 58, 60 of the inner portion 52 and the outer portion 54 are not aligned, access to the chamber 56 is prevented.

[0043] The cylindrical cavity 56 is configured such that a plurality of consumable articles 10 can be arranged in a row along the length of the cavity 56. Each consumable article 10 must be oriented within the cavity 56 such that its cylindrical axis faces along the length (cylindrical axis) of the packaging 50. The notch areas 58, 60 have a width approximately equal to the diameter of the consumable article 10, enabling each consumable article 10 to be removed from the cavity 56.

[0044] The consumable articles 10 are arranged within the cavity 56 such that the tab 16 of each consumable article 10 is adjacent to the notch area 58 of the inner portion 52. Thus, when the cavity 56 is exposed by rotating the outer portion 54 relative to the inner portion 52, the tab 16 of each consumable article 10 protrudes from the cavity 56, allowing the user to easily grip the tab and pull the consumable article 10 out of the packaging 50.

[0045] Conversely, when the outer portion 54 is rotated (in the direction of the extension of the tab 16) such that the notch area 58 of the inner portion 54 is hidden, the constraint imposed by the outer portion 54 flattens the tab 16 against the cylindrical outer surface of the consumable article 10. In this way, an efficient packaging design is provided, which also enables easy access to the consumable articles 10 contained within the packaging 50.

[0046] In one embodiment, the packaging 50 may be formed by a cardboard tube. In another example, the packaging 50 may be formed by press-molded paper pulp.

Claims

1. A consumable for an aerosol generating device, the consumable comprising: an aerosol generating substrate having a cylindrical outer surface; a strip removably attached to the cylindrical outer surface of the aerosol generating substrate and interfacing directly with the cylindrical outer surface; and the strip includes a tab extending away from the cylindrical outer surface and protruding from the aerosol generating device when the consumable is housed within the aerosol generating device, whereby a user can grip the tab to lift the consumable. Consumable.

2. The consumable according to claim 1, wherein the strip surrounds at least a portion of the cylindrical outer surface.

3. The consumable according to claim 2, wherein the strip completely surrounds the cylindrical outer surface of the aerosol generating substrate.

4. The consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a first portion of the strip overlaps a second portion of the strip, and the first portion and the second portion of the strip are adhered at the overlap.

5. The consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the tab is circumferentially located with respect to the cylindrical outer surface of the aerosol generating substrate at an end portion of the strip.

6. The consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a hole extending through the aerosol generating substrate in a direction parallel to the cylindrical axis of the cylindrical outer surface of the aerosol generating substrate.

7. The consumable according to claim 6, wherein the hole and the cylindrical outer surface of the aerosol generating substrate are concentric.

8. The consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the aerosol generating substrate has a solid or semi-solid form.

9. The consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the aerosol generating substrate contains a foamed tobacco material.

10. An aerosol generating device, comprising: a body portion; a chamber for housing the consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the chamber being disposed within the body portion and configured such that when the consumable is housed within the chamber, the tab of the consumable protrudes from the device. An outer shell that can move relative to the body portion to adjust the opening area of the chamber, and an outer shell. An aerosol generating device comprising.

11. When the consumable is housed in the chamber and the outer shell moves to hide the chamber, while the aerosol generating substrate is held in the device, the tab of the consumable is pulled by the user so that the strip is removed from the aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating device according to claim 10, further configured to be removed.

12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 10 or 11, and A consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 9, housed in the chamber of the aerosol generating device. An aerosol generating system comprising.

13. A system comprising a packaging and a plurality of consumables according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the packaging An inner portion having a cavity in which the plurality of consumables are held, and An outer portion that is movable relative to the inner portion to expose or hide the cavity, and an outer portion. A system comprising.

14. When the outer portion moves and the cavity is exposed, the packaging is configured such that the tab of each of the plurality of consumables held in the cavity protrudes from the packaging, whereby a user can grip the tab and lift each consumable. The system according to claim 13.

15. The cavity is a cylindrical cavity having substantially the same circumference as each of the plurality of consumables, whereby the plurality of consumables can be arranged in a row along the length of the cavity with the cylindrical axis of each of the plurality of consumables facing parallel to the cylindrical axis of the cavity. The system according to claim 13 or 14.

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