Articles for use with non-flammable aerosol delivery devices

Abstract

An article 1 for use with a non-flammable aerosol provider comprises at least one fluid-permeable susceptor plug 4 and an aerosol-generating material 3 bounded by a wrapper 5. In some embodiments, the article comprises more than one aerosol-generating section (3a-e) separated by one or more fluid-permeable susceptor plugs (4a-c). The plug (4') may comprise a body (15') made of a susceptor material provided with a plurality of channels (16) that allow fluid to pass through the body (15'), or the plug may be porous. In some embodiments, the plugs (4'', 4'') are made from a first material (15'') having one or more discrete portions (18, 19) of susceptor material distributed throughout the first material.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application relates to articles for use in non-flammable aerosol delivery devices, and to non-flammable aerosol delivery systems including such articles and devices.

[0002] During use, aerosol generating systems generate an aerosol, which is inhaled by a user. For example, tobacco heating devices heat an aerosol-generating material, such as tobacco, to form an aerosol by heating but not burning the aerosol-generating material. Some aerosol generating systems include a susceptor configured to heat the aerosol-generating material to form the aerosol. Overview

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an article for use with a non-flammable aerosol dispenser, the article comprising at least one fluid-permeable susceptor plug.

[0004] In some embodiments, the article is in the form of a rod having a distal end and a mouth end opposite the distal end.

[0005] In some embodiments, the article comprises an aerosol-generating section that includes an aerosol-generating material.

[0006] In some embodiments, the fluid-permeable susceptor plug is adjacent to the aerosol-forming material.

[0007] In some embodiments, the article comprises two or more aerosol-generating sections, each section comprising an aerosol-generating material.

[0008] In some embodiments, the fluid-permeable susceptor plug is adjacent to at least two of the two or more sections.

[0009] In some embodiments, the sections of aerosol-generating material are separated by one or more susceptor plugs.

[0010] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generation section and the porous plug are surrounded by a wrapper.

[0011] In some embodiments, the susceptor plug is positioned to allow gas to pass through the susceptor plug from the external environment of the article from the distal end to the mouth end during use.

[0012] In some embodiments, the susceptor plug is positioned at the distal end of the rod such that, during use, air flows through the susceptor plug before contacting at least one of the one or more aerosol-generating materials.

[0013] In some embodiments, the susceptor plug is positioned within the aerosol-generation section such that, during use, air flows through at least one of the sections of aerosol-generating material before flowing through the susceptor plug.

[0014] In some embodiments, the article comprises a first section of aerosol-generating material and a second section of aerosol-generating material, and the susceptor plug is positioned within the article such that, during use, the first section of aerosol-generating material generates an aerosol when heated, and the aerosol flows through the susceptor plug before flowing through the second section of aerosol-generating material.

[0015] In some embodiments, the susceptor plug has a cross-sectional shape that is substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of one or more of the one or more aerosol-generation sections.

[0016] In some embodiments, the susceptor plug is porous.

[0017] In some embodiments, the susceptor plug comprises up to 100% by weight of a material that is heatable by penetration by a varying magnetic field.

[0018] In some embodiments, the material that can be heated by penetration by a varying magnetic field is a metal or a non-metal.

[0019] In some embodiments, the material heatable by penetration by a varying magnetic field is in the form of beads, flakes, particles, pieces, rods, tubes, or loops.

[0020] In some embodiments, the susceptor plug comprises a fibrous material.

[0021] In some embodiments, the susceptor plug comprises a material that is not heatable by penetration by a varying magnetic field.

[0022] In some embodiments, the material that is heatable by penetration by a varying magnetic field is at least partially embedded in a material that is not heatable by penetration by a varying magnetic field.

[0023] In some embodiments, the material that is not heatable by penetration by a varying magnetic field is selected from the group consisting of ceramics, plastics, plant materials, glasses, and minerals.

[0024] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material comprises plant material.

[0025] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material comprises reconstituted tobacco and / or lamina tobacco.

[0026] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a fluid-permeable susceptor plug for use in the article of the first aspect.

[0027] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus for use with the article of the first aspect.

[0028] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a system comprising the article of the first aspect and the apparatus of the third aspect.

[0029] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided the use of a non-flammable aerosol provider and an article according to the first aspect for generating an aerosol. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an article for use with a non-flammable aerosol dispenser. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the article shown in FIG. [Figure 3a] FIG. 3a is a cross-sectional end view of a portion of the article shown in FIGS. [Figure 3b] FIG. 3b is a cross-sectional end view of a portion of the article shown in FIGS. [Figure 4a] FIG. 4a is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of a component for an article for use with a non-flammable aerosol dispenser. [Figure 4b] FIG. 4b is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of a component for an article for use with a non-flammable aerosol dispenser. [Figure 4c] FIG. 4c is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a component for an article for use with a non-flammable aerosol dispenser. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of a component for an article for use with a non-flammable aerosol dispenser. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of a component for an article for use with a non-flammable aerosol dispenser. [Figure 6a] FIG. 6a is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of a component for an article for use with a non-flammable aerosol dispenser. [Figure 6b] FIG. 6b is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of a component for an article for use with a non-flammable aerosol dispenser. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a non-flammable aerosol providing device. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a non-flammable aerosol providing device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a non-flammable aerosol providing device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a non-flammable aerosol providing device. Detailed Description

[0031] As used herein, the term "delivery system" is intended to encompass a system that delivers at least one substance to a user, including: combustible aerosol delivery systems, such as cigarettes for pipes, rewind or roll-up cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco (whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes, or other smokable materials); Non-combustible aerosol delivery systems that release compounds from aerosol-generating materials without burning the aerosol-generating materials, such as e-cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems that generate aerosols using a combination of aerosol-generating materials; and Aerosol-free delivery systems that deliver at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally, or otherwise without forming an aerosol, including, but not limited to, oral products such as lozenges, gums, patches, articles containing inhalable powders, and oral tobacco products, including snus or moist snuff, where the at least one substance may or may not contain nicotine.

[0032] According to the present disclosure, a "non-flammable" aerosol delivery system is one in which the constituent aerosol-generating materials (or components thereof) of the aerosol delivery system are not or cannot be combusted to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0033] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-flammable aerosol delivery system, such as a powered non-flammable aerosol delivery system.

[0034] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaporizer or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0035] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. One example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0036] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol-delivery system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which can be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in solid, liquid, or gel form and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0037] Typically, a non-flammable aerosol delivery system can include a non-flammable aerosol delivery device and a consumable item for use with the non-flammable aerosol delivery device.

[0038] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to articles that include an aerosol-forming material and are configured for use with a non-flammable aerosol-providing device. These articles may be referred to as consumables throughout this disclosure.

[0039] As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are relative terms defined with respect to the direction of mainstream aerosol being drawn through the article or device in use.

[0040] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol-delivery system, e.g., the non-combustible aerosol-delivery device, can include a power source and a controller. The power source can be, for example, an electrical source or a heat-generating power source. In some embodiments, the heat-generating power source includes a carbon substrate that can be energized to deliver power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or a heat-transfer material proximate the heat-generating power source.

[0041] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system comprises an area for receiving an item for use in the non-flammable aerosol delivery system, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0042] In the figures described herein, like reference numerals are used to denote equivalent features, items or components.

[0043] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an article 1 for use in an aerosol delivery system.

[0044] Article 1 comprises a mouthpiece 2 and an aerosol-generation section 3 connected to mouthpiece 2. In this example, aerosol-generation section 3 comprises a cylindrical rod of an aerosol-generating composition. Article 1 comprises a downstream end 2b and an upstream end 2a distal to downstream end 2b.

[0045] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the article 1.

[0046] Article 1 comprises a mouthpiece 2 and an aerosol-generation section 3 connected to mouthpiece 2. Adjacent to aerosol-generation section 3 is a fluid-permeable susceptor plug 4 in the form of a cylindrical rod. In this example, aerosol-generation section 3 comprises a cylindrical rod of aerosol-generating material. Article 1 comprises an upstream end 2a and a downstream end 2b distal from upstream end 2a.

[0047] In this example, a cylindrical rod of aerosol-generating material comprises multiple strands and / or strips of aerosol-generating material and is surrounded by a wrapper 5. In this example, the wrapper 5 is a moisture-impermeable wrapper. The wrapper 5 also circumscribes a fluid-permeable susceptor plug 4.

[0048] Multiple strands or strips of aerosol-generating material may be aligned within the aerosol-generating section such that their longitudinal dimensions are aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X' of the article 1. Alternatively, the strands or strips may be generally disposed such that their aligned longitudinal dimensions are transverse to the longitudinal axis of the article.

[0049] At least about 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 95% of the plurality of strands or strips may be arranged such that their longitudinal dimensions are aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the article. A majority of the strands or strips may be arranged such that their longitudinal dimensions are aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the article. In some embodiments, between about 95% and about 100% of the plurality of strands or strips are arranged such that their longitudinal dimensions are aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the article. In some embodiments, substantially all of the strands or strips are arranged in the aerosol-generation section of the article such that their longitudinal dimensions are aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generation section.

[0050] Mouthpiece 2 includes a cooling section 6, also referred to as a cooling element, positioned immediately downstream of and adjacent to the source of aerosol-forming composition 3. In this example, cooling section 6 is in abutting relationship with the source of aerosol-forming material. Mouthpiece 2 also includes, in this example, a body of material 7 downstream of cooling section 6 and a hollow tubular element 8 downstream of body of material 7 at the mouth end of article 1.

[0051] The cooling section 6 comprises a hollow channel having an inner diameter of about 1 mm to about 4 mm, for example, about 2 mm to about 4 mm. In this example, the inner diameter of the hollow channel is about 3 mm. The hollow channel extends along the entire length of the cooling section 6. In this example, the cooling section 6 comprises a single hollow channel. In alternative embodiments, the cooling section may comprise multiple channels, for example, two, three, or four channels. In this example, the single hollow channel is substantially cylindrical, although other channel shapes / cross-sections may be used in alternative embodiments. The hollow channel may provide space in which aerosol drawn into the cooling section 6 can expand and cool. In all embodiments, the cooling section is configured to restrict the cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow channel during use to limit the displacement of tobacco into the cooling section.

[0052] The cooling section 6 preferably has a radial wall thickness, which can be measured, for example, using a caliper. The wall thickness of the cooling section 6 defines the inner diameter of the cavity enclosed by the walls of the cooling section 6 for a given outer diameter of the cooling section. The cooling section 6 can have a wall thickness of at least about 1.5 mm and up to about 2 mm. In this example, the wall thickness of the cooling section 6 is about 2 mm. Providing a cooling section 6 with a wall thickness within this range improves retention of the supply of aerosol-generating material within the aerosol-generating portion during use by reducing longitudinal displacement of the strands and / or strips of aerosol-generating material when the aerosol generator is inserted into an article.

[0053] Cooling section 6 is formed from filamentary tow. Other structures can be used to form cooling section 6, such as multiple parallel-wound or spirally wound paper layers with butted seams, a cardboard tube, a tube formed using a papier-mache process, a molded or extruded plastic tube, etc. Cooling section 6 is manufactured to be sufficiently rigid to withstand axial compressive forces and bending moments that may occur during manufacturing and use of article 1.

[0054] The wall material of the cooling section 6 may be relatively non-porous such that at least 90% of the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating material 3 passes longitudinally through the one or more hollow channels rather than through the wall material of the cooling section 6. For example, at least 92% or at least 95% of the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating material 3 may pass longitudinally through the one or more hollow channels.

[0055] The filamentary tows forming the cooling section 6 preferably have a total denier of less than 45,000, more preferably less than 42,000. This total denier has been found to allow for the formation of a cooling section 6 that is not overly dense. Preferably, the total denier is at least 20,000, more preferably at least 25,000. In preferred embodiments, the filamentary tows forming the cooling section 6 have a total denier of 25,000 to 45,000, more preferably 35,000 to 45,000. Preferably, the cross-sectional shape of the filaments in the tow is "Y" shaped, although other shapes, such as "X" shaped filaments, may be used in other embodiments.

[0056] The filamentary tows forming the cooling section 6 preferably have a denier per filament greater than 3. This denier per filament has been found to allow for the formation of tubular elements 6 that are not overly dense. Preferably, the denier per filament is at least 4, more preferably at least 5. In a preferred embodiment, the filamentary tows forming the hollow tubular elements 6 have a denier per filament of 4 to 10, more preferably 4 to 9. In one example, the filamentary tows forming the cooling section 6 are Y40,000 tows formed from cellulose acetate and containing 18% plasticizer, such as triacetin.

[0057] Preferably, the density of the material forming the cooling section 6 is at least about 0.20 grams per cubic centimeter (g / cc), more preferably at least about 0.25 g / cc. Preferably, the density of the material forming the cooling section 6 is less than about 0.80 grams per cubic centimeter (g / cc), more preferably less than 0.6 g / cc. In some embodiments, the density of the material forming the cooling section 6 is between 0.20 and 0.8 g / cc, more preferably between 0.3 and 0.6 g / cc, or between 0.4 g / cc and 0.6 g / cc, or about 0.5 g / cc. These densities have been found to provide a good balance between the improved hardness provided by higher density materials and minimizing the overall weight of the article. For purposes of the present invention, the "density" of the material forming the cooling section 6 refers to the density of any filamentary tows forming the element, including any plasticizers incorporated therein. Density can be determined by dividing the total weight of the material forming the cooling section 6 by the total volume of the material forming the cooling section 6, which can be calculated using appropriate measurements of the material forming the cooling section 6, for example, made using a caliper. If necessary, a microscope may be used to measure the appropriate dimensions.

[0058] Preferably, the length of the cooling section 6 is less than about 30 mm. More preferably, the length of the cooling section 6 is less than about 25 mm. Even more preferably, the length of the cooling section 6 is less than about 20 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the length of the cooling section 6 is preferably at least about 10 mm. Preferably, the length of the cooling section 6 is at least about 15 mm. In some preferred embodiments, the length of the cooling section 6 is between about 15 mm and about 20 mm, more preferably between about 16 mm and about 19 mm. In this example, the length of the cooling section 6 is 19 mm.

[0059] The cooling section 6 is disposed around the mouthpiece 2 and defines an air gap within the mouthpiece 2 that functions as the cooling section. The air gap provides a chamber through which the heated volatile components generated by the rod of aerosol-generating material 3 flow. The cooling section 6 is hollow to provide a chamber for aerosol accumulation, yet is rigid enough to withstand axial compressive forces and bending moments that may occur during manufacturing and use of the article 1. The cooling section 6 provides a physical displacement between the aerosol-generating material 3 and the body of material 7. The physical displacement provided by the cooling section 6 can provide a thermal gradient across the length of the cooling section 6.

[0060] Preferably, the mouthpiece 2 is 110 mm 3 It has been found that providing a cavity of at least this volume allows for improved aerosol formation. More preferably, the mouthpiece 2 is formed within the cooling section 6, for example, and has an internal volume of more than 110 mm. 3 Larger, even more preferably 130mm 3 The cavity may have a larger internal volume, allowing for further improvement of the aerosol. In some examples, the internal cavity may be about 130 mm 3 ~about 230mm 3 , for example, about 134 mm 3 or 227mm 3 Includes the volume of

[0061] The cooling section 6 can be configured to provide a temperature difference of at least 40°C between the heated volatile components entering the first upstream end of the cooling section 6 and the heated volatile components exiting the second downstream end of the cooling section 6. The cooling section 6 is preferably configured to provide a temperature difference of at least 60°C, preferably at least 80°C, and more preferably at least 100°C between the heated volatile components entering the first upstream end of the cooling section 6 and the heated volatile components exiting the second downstream end of the cooling section 6. This temperature difference 7 along the length of the cooling section 6 protects the temperature sensitive body of the material 7 from the high temperature of the aerosol-generating material 3 when the temperature sensitive body of the material 7 is heated.

[0062] In use, the aerosol-generation section may exhibit a pressure drop of about 15 to about 40 mmH 2 O. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generation section exhibits a pressure drop across the aerosol-generation section of about 15 to about 30 mmH 2 O.

[0063] The aerosol-generating material is approximately 400 mg / cm in the aerosol-generating section. 3 ~about 900mg / cm 3 Higher packing densities may increase the pressure drop.

[0064] At least about 70% of the volume of the aerosol-generating section is filled with the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, between about 75% and about 85% of the volume of the cavity is filled with the aerosol-generating material.

[0065] Tipping paper 11 is wrapped around a portion of rod 3 of aerosol-generating material along the entire length of mouthpiece 2 and has adhesive on its inner surface to connect mouthpiece 2 and rod 3. In this example, rod 3 of aerosol-generating material is wrapped in wrapper 5, which forms a first packaging material, and tipping paper 11 forms an outer packaging material that extends at least partially over rod 3 of aerosol-generating material to connect mouthpiece 2 and rod 3. In some examples, tipping paper may extend only partially over the rod of aerosol-generating material.

[0066] In this example, the tipping paper 11 extends 5 mm over the rod 3 of aerosol-generating material, but may alternatively extend 3 mm to 10 mm, or more preferably 4 mm to 6 mm, over the rod 3 to provide a secure attachment between the mouthpiece 2 and the rod 3. The tipping paper may have a basis weight of greater than 20 gsm, e.g., greater than 25 gsm, or preferably greater than 30 gsm, e.g., 37 gsm. These basis weight ranges have been found to result in tipping paper with acceptable tensile strength while being flexible enough to encase the article 1 and adhere to itself along the paper's longitudinal lap seam. When wrapped around the mouthpiece 2, the circumference of the tipping paper 11 is approximately 23 mm.

[0067] In this embodiment, the moisture-impermeable wrapper 5 surrounding the rod of aerosol-generating material comprises a paper wrapper. In other embodiments, the wrapper 5 comprises aluminum foil, optionally including a barrier coating to render the wrapper material substantially moisture-impermeable. Aluminum foil has been found to be particularly effective at promoting aerosol formation within the aerosol-generating material 3. In this example, the aluminum foil has a metal layer approximately 6 μm thick. In this example, the aluminum foil has a paper backing. However, in alternative configurations, the aluminum foil may have other thicknesses, for example, a thickness of 4 μm to 16 μm. The aluminum foil also need not have a paper backing, but may or may not have a backing formed from another material, for example, to help provide the foil with adequate tensile strength. Metal layers or foils other than aluminum can also be used. The total thickness of the wrapper is preferably 20 μm to 60 μm, more preferably 30 μm to 50 μm, to provide a wrapper with adequate structural integrity and heat transfer properties. The tension that can be applied to the wrapper before it breaks can be greater than 3,000 grams, e.g., 3,000 to 10,000 grams, or 3,000 to 4,500 grams. When the wrapper includes paper or a paper backing, i.e., a cellulosic material, the wrapper can have a basis weight greater than about 30 gsm. For example, the wrapper can have a basis weight in the range of about 40 gsm to about 70 gsm. Such a basis weight provides improved rigidity to the rod of aerosol-generating material. The increased rigidity provided by a wrapper having a basis weight in this range can make the rod of aerosol-generating material 3 more resistant to wrinkling or other deformation under the forces experienced by the article during use. Providing a rod of aerosol-generating material with increased stiffness can be beneficial when multiple strands or strips of aerosol-generating material are aligned within the aerosol-generating section with their longitudinal dimensions aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis, because longitudinally aligned strands or strips of aerosol-generating material may provide less stiffness to the rod of aerosol-generating material than if they were not aligned.The improved stiffness of the rod of aerosol-forming material enables the article to withstand increased forces to which the article is subjected during use.

[0068] In this example, the moisture-impermeable wrapper 5 is also substantially air-impermeable. In an alternative embodiment, the wrapper 5 preferably has a permeability of less than 100 Coresta units, more preferably less than 60 Coresta units. It has been found that low-permeability wrappers, for example, having a permeability of less than 100 Coresta units, more preferably less than 60 Coresta units, result in improved aerosol formation in the aerosol-generating material 3. Without wishing to be bound by theory, this is hypothesized to be due to reduced loss of aerosol compounds through the wrapper 5. The permeability of the wrapper 5 can be measured in accordance with ISO 2965:2009 for determination of air permeability of materials used as cigarette paper, filter plug wrap and filter bonding paper.

[0069] The body of material 7 and the hollow tubular element 8 each define a substantially cylindrical overall outer shape and share a common longitudinal axis. The body of material 7 is wrapped in a first plug wrap 9. Preferably, the first plug wrap 9 has a basis weight of less than 50 gsm, more preferably between about 20 gsm and 40 gsm. Preferably, the first plug wrap 9 has a thickness of between 30 μm and 60 μm, more preferably between 35 μm and 45 μm. Preferably, the first plug wrap 9 is a non-porous plug wrap having a permeability of, for example, less than 100 Coresta units, for example, less than 50 Coresta units. However, in other embodiments, the first plug wrap 9 may be a porous plug wrap having a permeability of, for example, greater than 200 Coresta units.

[0070] The article has a ventilation level of approximately 10% of the aerosol drawn through the article. In alternative embodiments, the article may have a ventilation level of 1% to 20%, e.g., 1% to 12%, of the aerosol drawn through the article. These levels of ventilation help to increase the consistency of the aerosol inhaled by the user at the mouth end 2b while assisting the aerosol cooling process. Ventilation is provided directly within the mouthpiece 2 of the article 1. In this example, ventilation is provided within the cooling section 6, which has been found to be particularly beneficial in assisting the aerosol generation process. Ventilation is provided via perforations 12, in this case formed as a single row of laser perforations, located 13 mm downstream from the mouth end 2b of the mouthpiece 2. In alternative embodiments, two or more rows of ventilation perforations may be provided. These perforations pass through the tipping paper 11, the second plug wrap 10, and the cooling section 6. In alternative embodiments, ventilation can be provided elsewhere within the mouthpiece, for example, within the body of material 7 or the first tubular element 8. Preferably, the article is constructed so that the perforations are located no more than about 28 mm from the upstream end of the article 1, preferably between 20 mm and 28 mm from the upstream end of the article 1. In this example, the opening is located about 25 mm from the upstream end of the article.

[0071] Article 1 comprises a susceptor plug 4. The susceptor plug comprises or consists of a susceptor material, which is a material that can be inductively heated by penetration by a varying magnetic field.

[0072] Induction heating is a process of heating a conductive object (such as a susceptor) by electromagnetic induction. A magnetic field generator can include an induction element, e.g., one or more inductor coils, and a device for passing a fluctuating current, such as an alternating current, through the induction element. The fluctuating current in the induction element generates a fluctuating magnetic field. The fluctuating magnetic field penetrates a susceptor appropriately positioned relative to the induction element, generating eddy currents within the susceptor. The susceptor has an electrical resistance to the eddy currents, and the flow of eddy currents against this resistance causes the susceptor to heat by Joule heating. If the susceptor contains a ferromagnetic material, such as iron, nickel, or cobalt, heat can also be generated by magnetic hysteresis losses within the susceptor, i.e., by the fluctuating orientation of magnetic dipoles within the magnetic material as a result of their alignment with the fluctuating magnetic field. Induction heating generates heat within the susceptor, allowing for rapid heating, compared to heating by conduction, for example. Furthermore, no physical contact is required between the induction heater and the susceptor, allowing for greater flexibility in construction and application.

[0073] In this example, the susceptor plug 4 is positioned adjacent to the aerosol-generation section 3 of the article 1. During use, air can pass from the external atmosphere through the fluid-permeable susceptor plug 4 into the aerosol-generation section 3. The susceptor plug 4 is in direct contact with the aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generation section 3. During use, heat can be easily transferred by conduction, which can improve the rate of heat transfer from the susceptor plug 4 to the aerosol-generating material 3. In other embodiments, the susceptor plug 4 is separate from the aerosol-generation section 3. For example, the susceptor plug 4 may be offset relative to the aerosol-generation section 3 so that a gap or void exists between these two components. This can promote convective heat transfer from the susceptor plug 4 to the aerosol-generating material and reduce or eliminate combustion of the aerosol-generating material during use. Alternatively, in such an embodiment, the void gap may be filled with a heat-conducting material. This can facilitate the transfer of heat generated by the susceptor plug to the aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generation section 3.

[0074] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generation section may have a cross-sectional shape that is substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the fluid-permeable susceptor plug. In some embodiments, this is preferred because all of the air passes through the susceptor plug, and is therefore heated, before contacting the aerosol-generating material. This can improve the aerosol generation rate and, therefore, the user's sensory experience.

[0075] The porous susceptor plug 4 may have a diameter that is substantially the same as the diameter of the aerosol-generation section 3 .

[0076] The porous susceptor plug may have a pressure drop of about 0.001 mmWg / mm to about 20 mmWg / mm.

[0077] FIG. 3 a shows a cross section through a portion of the aerosol-generation section 3 of the article 1 , and FIG. 3 b shows a cross section through a portion of the fluid-permeable susceptor plug 4 of the article 1 .

[0078] Referring to FIG. 3 a, the aerosol-generating section 3 comprises an aerosol-generating material 3 , a package 5 having an inwardly facing surface 13 and an outwardly facing surface 14 .

[0079] The longest linear distance perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X-X' of the article 1 shown in Figure 2 between the first portion of the inward-facing surface 13 of the packaging body 5 and the second portion of the inward-facing surface 13 of the packaging body 5 that passes through the aerosol-generation section 3 is defined by the distance A.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 3 b , the fluid permeable susceptor plug 4 comprises a wrapper 5 having an inwardly facing surface 13 and an outwardly facing surface 14 .

[0081] The longest linear distance perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X-X' of the article 1 shown in Figure 2 between the third portion of the inwardly facing surface 13 of the packaging body 5 and the fourth portion of the inwardly facing surface 13 of the packaging body 5 is defined by distance B.

[0082] In some embodiments, distances A and B are substantially the same. In some embodiments, distance A is less than distance B. Thus, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generation section has a cross-sectional area that is substantially the same as or less than the cross-sectional area of ​​the porous plug.

[0083] When the article comprises two or more aerosol-generating sections, the aerosol-generating sections may comprise different aerosol-generating materials, and any combination of aerosol-generating materials may be used in the first and second aerosol-generating sections.

[0084] The susceptor plug may be located anywhere in the aerosol-generation section.

[0085] 4a, 4b, and 4c are side cross-sectional views of portions of articles for use with non-flammable aerosol dispensers.

[0086] 4a, article 1 comprises an aerosol-generating material 3 and a fluid-permeable susceptor plug 4 bounded by a wrapper 5. The wrapper has an inwardly facing surface facing the aerosol-generating material, and the fluid-permeable susceptor plug has an outwardly facing surface facing away from the aerosol-generating material. The article has a longitudinal axis X-X'.

[0087] In the illustrated embodiment, the aerosol-generation section 3 comprises a single susceptor plug 4 located at the upstream end 2a of the article 1. During use, the susceptor plug 4 is inductively heated by a varying magnetic field. The aerosol-generating material is heated within the aerosol-generation section 3 by the heat generated by the susceptor plug 4, generating an aerosol. A user draws on the mouth end (not shown) of the article 1, which causes air to enter the article 1 through the porous susceptor plug 4 and transfer the generated aerosol to the user's mouth. The placement of the susceptor plug 4 at the upstream end 2a of the article 1 allows for the gradual generation of aerosol as heat is conducted downstream along the length of the aerosol-generation section 3.

[0088] In some embodiments, the article comprises more than one aerosol-generation section (e.g., two or more aerosol-generation sections), which may be separated by one or more fluid-permeable susceptor plugs.

[0089] 4b, article 1a includes two aerosol-generation sections, a first aerosol-generation section 3a and a second aerosol-generation section 3b, separated by a fluid-permeable susceptor plug 4a. This arrangement can allow for more rapid generation of aerosol compared to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3a, because a greater percentage of the surface area of ​​susceptor plug 4a is in contact with the aerosol-generating material.

[0090] In the illustrated embodiment, the aerosol-generating sections 3a and 3b are different sizes and therefore contain different masses of aerosol-generating material. The first aerosol-generating section 3a may have a lower mass than the second aerosol-generating section 3b. This arrangement can enable rapid aerosol generation and sustained aerosol delivery over a session, as the smaller mass of the first aerosol-generating section 3a can generate aerosol more quickly than the second aerosol-generating section 3b. The second aerosol-generating section 3b can heat more slowly than the first aerosol-generating section 3a and therefore generate aerosol over a longer period of time after the aerosol generation from the first aerosol-generating section 3b has been exhausted. In other embodiments, the aerosol-generating sections may contain the same mass of aerosol-generating material.

[0091] 4c, article 1b includes three aerosol-generation sections: first aerosol-generation section 3c, second aerosol-generation section 3d, and third aerosol-generation section 3e. A first fluid-permeable susceptor 4b separates first and second aerosol-generation sections 3c and 3d. A second fluid-permeable susceptor 4c separates second and third aerosol-generation sections 3d and 3e.

[0092] 5 is a perspective view of a fluid-permeable susceptor plug 4. The susceptor plug 4 includes a body 15 made from a susceptor material. The body 15 is cylindrical and can be made from any material that can be heated by a varying magnetic field, such as metal or carbon. In some embodiments, the body 15 is made from stainless steel or carbon fiber. In the illustrated embodiment, the body is made from aluminum. The fluid-permeable susceptor plug 4 includes an upstream end 2a and a downstream end 2b. In other embodiments, the body 15 can be disk-shaped.

[0093] The fluid-permeable susceptor plug 4 is permeable to a fluid, which may be a liquid, a gas, or a gas / liquid mixture, which may be an aerosol. In some embodiments, the fluid is air or a mixture of air and aerosol, which may be generated by an aerosol-generating material when heated by the susceptor. The fluid can travel through the body 15 between the upstream end 222a and the downstream end 222b.

[0094] 6 is a perspective view of a susceptor plug 4′ having an open end 21 a at the upstream end 2 a of the susceptor plug 4′ and an open end at the downstream end 2 b, with a plurality of channels 16 extending between the upstream end 2 a and the downstream end 2 b of the body 15′. The channels 16 allow fluids, such as air and / or aerosols, to pass between the upstream end 222 c and the downstream end 222 d via the channels 16 through the body 15′. Any number of channels 16 may be provided. The channels may be formed by perforating the body 15′.

[0095] In some embodiments, the susceptor plug is porous. For example, the susceptor plug may be made from an inherently porous susceptor material, such as a web of metal fibers (e.g., a plug of compressed wire wool, where the wire is metal). In some embodiments, the susceptor plug is porous and includes a first material made from a non-susceptor material and a second, non-porous material that is a susceptor material.

[0096] FIG. 6a is a perspective view of a fluid-permeable susceptor plug 4'' comprising a body 15'' formed from a first material and a second material, with the body 15'' having a plurality of discrete portions 18 made from the susceptor material and distributed throughout the first material of the body 15''. The discrete portions may be at least partially embedded in the first material. The susceptor material may be in the form of, for example, beads, flakes, particles, pieces, rods, tubes, or loops. The discrete portions 18 may be uniformly distributed throughout the material of the body 15''.

[0097] The first material is a material that may not be heatable by penetration by a varying magnetic field. This material may be a material that can withstand the temperatures to which the article will be subjected during use. For example, the material may be ceramic, glass, or plastic (e.g., a thermoplastic such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK)). The susceptor material is in intimate contact with the material that may not be heatable by penetration by a varying magnetic field. For example, the susceptor material may be at least partially embedded in the material that may not be heatable by penetration by a varying magnetic field.

[0098] In alternative embodiments, the second material may be in the form of a single piece of susceptor material (e.g., a chunk, rod, loop, particle, granule, or filament). For example, the second material may be in the form of a single continuous rod embedded in the first material and extending at least partially between the proximal and distal ends of the porous plug.

[0099] Figure 6b is a perspective view of a susceptor plug 4''' comprising a body 4''' made from a first material and a second material 19 made from metal threads in the form of continuous loops embedded in the first material 15'''. The first material is porous and arranged to allow fluid to pass from the upstream end 2g to the downstream end 2h.

[0100] The susceptor plug may be manufactured by any suitable means.

[0101] The susceptor plug can be made by machining or otherwise forming a body of material containing a material heatable by penetration by a varying magnetic field to have the desired dimensions of the susceptor plug, and then drilling channels in the body to provide passageways through which fluid can pass.

[0102] The susceptor plug may be formed from a body of metal or non-metallic material, for example, copper (including copper alloys), brass, aluminum, iron, steel (including stainless steel), tungsten, chromium, nickel (including nickel alloys), cobalt, carbon fiber, graphite, silicon, platinum, silver, or gold, or a mixture of any of these.

[0103] In another example, a susceptor plug may be fabricated by mixing a material such as a thermoplastic resin (e.g., PEEK) with a susceptor material in its molten state, and then placing the susceptor plug in a mold of desired dimensions to form a solid susceptor plug. Channels can then be formed in the solid susceptor plug by drilling to form a fluid-permeable susceptor plug.

[0104] In another example, the susceptor plug may be made by sintering a susceptor material (eg, a metal powder) into the desired shape of the susceptor plug.

[0105] In another example, the susceptor plug may be made by sintering a mixture including a non-susceptor material, such as ceramic powder, and a susceptor material to form a ceramic susceptor plug. The ceramic powder may be pressed or molded into the final shape of the susceptor plug before the powder is sintered. In one example, an appropriate amount of susceptor material may be added to a portion of the ceramic powder and mixed. The mixture may then be formed and sintered. The sintering process allows the susceptor plug to be porous and fluid-permeable.

[0106] Referring again to Figure 2, aerosol-generating section 3 contains the aerosol-generating material.

[0107] An aerosol-forming material is a material that can generate an aerosol when heated, irradiated, or energized in any other manner, for example. The aerosol-forming material may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or semi-solid, such as a gel, and may or may not contain an active agent and / or flavoring agent.

[0108] The aerosol-generating section 3 may include multiple aerosol-generating materials. The aerosol-generating materials may be the same or different from one another. For example, an aerosol-generating composition may include a first aerosol-generating material and a second aerosol-generating material. Additional (e.g., third, fourth, fifth, or more) aerosol-generating materials may also be included in the composition.

[0109] At least one of the aerosol-generating materials may include a binder (which may be a gelling agent) and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, an active substance and / or a bulking agent may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, may also be present, and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent.

[0110] In some embodiments, the binder includes or is a gelling agent. The binder can include one or more compounds selected from the group including alginate, pectin, starch (and derivatives), cellulose (and derivatives), gums, silica or silicone compounds, clay, polyvinyl alcohol, and combinations thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the binder includes one or more of alginate, pectin, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, pullulan, xanthan gum, guar gum, carrageenan, agarose, acacia gum, fumed silica, PDMS, sodium silicate, kaolin, and polyvinyl alcohol. In some embodiments, the binder includes a hydrocolloid. In some cases, the binder includes alginate and / or pectin and may be combined with a solidifying agent (such as a calcium source) during formation of the aerosol-generating material. In some cases, the aerosol-generating material may include calcium-crosslinked alginate and / or calcium-crosslinked pectin. The binder may comprise one or more compounds selected from cellulosic binders, non-cellulosic binders, guar gum, acacia gum and mixtures thereof.

[0111] In some embodiments, the cellulosic binder is selected from the group consisting of hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate (CA), cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), and combinations thereof.

[0112] In some embodiments, the binder comprises (or is) one or more of hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), carboxymethyl cellulose, guar gum, or acacia gum.

[0113] In some embodiments, the binder comprises (or is) one or more non-cellulosic binders, including, but not limited to, agar, xanthan gum, gum arabic, guar gum, locust bean gum, pectin, carrageenan, starch, alginate, and combinations thereof. In preferred embodiments, the non-cellulosic binder is alginate or agar.

[0114] In some examples, the aerosol-forming material includes a binder in an amount of about 5-40% or 15-40% by weight of the aerosol-forming material. That is, the aerosol-forming material includes a binder in an amount of about 5-40% or 15-40% by weight of the aerosol-forming material, based on the dry weight of the aerosol-forming material. In some examples, the aerosol-forming material includes a binder in an amount of about 20-40% or about 15-35% by weight of the aerosol-forming material.

[0115] In some examples, the alginate is present in the binder in an amount of about 5-40% or 15-40% by weight of the aerosol-forming material. That is, the aerosol-forming material contains alginate in an amount of about 5-40% or 15-40% by weight, based on the dry weight of the aerosol-forming material. In some examples, the aerosol-forming material contains alginate in an amount of about 20-40% or 15-35% by weight of the aerosol-forming material.

[0116] In some examples, the pectin is included in the binder in an amount of about 3-15% by weight of the aerosol-forming material. That is, the aerosol-forming material comprises pectin in an amount of about 3-15% by weight based on the dry weight of the aerosol-forming material. In some examples, the aerosol-forming material comprises pectin in an amount of about 5-10% by weight of the aerosol-forming material.

[0117] In some examples, the guar gum is included in the binder in an amount of about 3-40% by weight of the aerosol-forming material. That is, the aerosol-forming material contains guar gum in an amount of about 3-40% by weight based on the dry weight of the aerosol-forming material. In some examples, the aerosol-forming material contains guar gum in an amount of about 5-10% by weight of the aerosol-forming material. In some examples, the aerosol-forming material contains guar gum in an amount of about 15-40% by weight, or about 20-40% by weight, or about 15-35% by weight of the aerosol-forming material.

[0118] In some embodiments, the alginate is present in an amount of at least about 50% by weight of the binder. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material includes alginate and pectin, and the ratio of alginate to pectin is 1:1 to 10:1. The ratio of alginate to pectin is typically greater than 1:1, i.e., the alginate is present in an amount greater than the amount of pectin. In some embodiments, the ratio of alginate to pectin is about 2:1 to 8:1, or about 3:1 to 6:1, or about 4:1.

[0119] The aerosol-forming material can be formed by forming a slurry and then drying the slurry to form a solid. By including a binder in the slurry, the aerosol-forming material is formed from a dried gel. It has been found that including a binder in the aerosol-forming material stabilizes flavor compounds, such as menthol, within the gel matrix, allowing for a higher flavor loading than non-gel compositions to be achieved. The flavor (e.g., menthol) is stabilized at a high concentration, and the product has a good shelf life.

[0120] In some embodiments, the binder comprises alginate, and the binder is present in the aerosol-forming material in an amount of 10-30%, 20-35%, or 25-30% by weight of the slurry / aerosol-forming material (calculated on a dry weight basis). In some embodiments, the alginate is the only binder present in the aerosol-forming material. In other embodiments, the binder comprises alginate and at least one additional binder, such as pectin.

[0121] The aerosol-forming material may include an aerosol-forming agent. An "aerosol-forming agent" (also referred to herein as an aerosol-forming agent material) is an agent that facilitates the generation of an aerosol. An aerosol-forming agent can facilitate the generation of an aerosol by promoting the initial vaporization and / or condensation of a gas into an inhalable solid and / or liquid aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming agent can improve the delivery of flavor from the aerosol-forming material. Generally, any suitable aerosol-forming agent or agent, including those described herein, may be included in the aerosol-forming materials of the present invention. Other suitable aerosol-forming agents include, but are not limited to, polyols such as 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 myristic acid, including ethyl myristate and isopropyl myristate, and aliphatic carboxylic acid esters such as methyl stearate, dimethyl dodecanedioate, and dimethyl tetradecanedioate.

[0122] The aerosol-forming agent may be present in the aerosol-generating material in an amount of up to about 80% by weight, e.g., about 0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 3%, 5%, 7%, or 10%, to about 80%, 75%, 70%, 65%, 60%, 55%, 50%, 45%, 40%, 35%, 30%, or 25% by weight. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material comprises about 40-80%, 40-75%, 50-70%, or 55-65% by weight of the aerosol-forming agent.

[0123] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming agent is glycerol, propylene glycol, or a mixture of glycerol and propylene glycol. Glycerol may be present in an amount of 10-20% by weight of the tobacco material, such as 13-16% by weight of the composition, or about 14% or 15% by weight of the composition. Propylene glycol, when present, may be present in an amount of 0.1-0.3% by weight of the composition.

[0124] The aerosol-forming material may act as a plasticizer. In some cases, the aerosol-forming material includes one or more compounds selected from erythritol, propylene glycol, glycerol, triacetin, sorbitol, and xylitol. In some cases, the aerosol-forming material includes, consists essentially of, or consists of glycerol. It has been established that if the plasticizer content is too high, the aerosol-forming material may absorb water, resulting in a material that does not provide a satisfactory consumption experience during use. It has been established that if the plasticizer content is too low, the aerosol-forming material may become brittle and easily break. The plasticizer content specified herein provides the aerosol-forming material with flexibility, allowing the sheet to be wound onto a bobbin, which is useful for producing consumable products or allowing the sheet to be transported before being shredded.

[0125] The aerosol-forming agent can enhance the mouthfeel and generally the organoleptic properties of the aerosol generated by the aerosol-forming material when heated and inhaled by a user, particularly when the aerosol-forming material contains a relatively large amount (e.g., >40% by weight) of the aerosol-forming agent. The ability of the aerosol-forming material to retain a large amount of the aerosol-forming agent can reduce the need to package other components of the aerosol-forming material, such as expanded plant material, with a large amount of the aerosol-forming agent. This can improve manufacturing efficiency.

[0126] The aerosol-forming material may include a filler. The filler is generally a non-tobacco component, i.e., a component that does not contain tobacco-derived components. The filler component may be a non-tobacco fiber, such as wood fiber or pulp or wheat fiber. The filler component may be an inorganic material, such as chalk, perlite, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, colloidal silica, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate, or magnesium carbonate. The filler component may also be a non-tobacco cast material or a non-tobacco flowable material. The filler component may be present in an amount of 0 to 20% by weight of the tobacco material or in an amount of 1 to 10% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, no filler component is present.

[0127] In some cases, the aerosol-generating material comprises 5-50 wt%, 10-40 wt%, or 15-30 wt% filler. In some such cases, the aerosol-generating material comprises at least 1 wt% filler, e.g., at least 5 wt%, at least 10 wt%, at least 20 wt%, at least 30 wt%, at least 40 wt%, or at least 50 wt% filler. In exemplary embodiments, the aerosol-generating material comprises 5-25 wt% fiber-containing filler. Suitably, the filler consists of fibers or is in the form of fibers.

[0128] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material comprises less than 60% by weight of filler, e.g., between 1% and 60% by weight, or between 5% and 50% by weight, or between 5% and 30% by weight, or between 10% and 20% by weight.

[0129] In other embodiments, the aerosol-forming material contains less than 20% by weight of filler, suitably less than 10% by weight or less than 5% by weight.

[0130] The filler may include one or more organic filler materials, such as wood pulp, cellulose and cellulose derivatives (such as methylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)). Inorganic fillers, such as calcium carbonate or chalk, can be used. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material does not include calcium carbonate, such as chalk.

[0131] Preferably, the filler is fibrous. For example, the filler may be a fibrous organic filler material, such as wood pulp, hemp fiber, cellulose, or a cellulose derivative (e.g., methylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)). Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that including a fibrous filler in an aerosol-generating material can increase the tensile strength of the material. Furthermore, including a fibrous filler has been found to improve handling of the aerosol-generating material during manufacturing. In particular, the resulting aerosol-generating material has been found to be less "sticky" and, as a result, easier to shred during manufacturing. Therefore, including a fibrous filler can increase manufacturing efficiency and reduce the likelihood of machine stoppages during shredding. Including a fibrous filler in an aerosol-generating material also means that the aerosol-generating material is less likely to clump together (e.g., clump) after being shredded. When shredded aerosol-generating material is included in a consumable product, reducing clumping optimizes the distribution of the shredded aerosol-generating material in the consumable product. Thus, each consumable is likely to contain a similar amount of chopped aerosol-generating material, which can improve the uniformity of flavor loading within a batch of consumables and / or within a given consumable.

[0132] The aerosol-generating material can be prepared by forming a slurry containing components of the aerosol-generating material or its precursor, forming a layer of the slurry, solidifying the slurry to form a gel, and drying to form the aerosol-generating material. Optionally, drying the slurry in the step includes applying a desiccant to the slurry. In some embodiments, the solidifying agent is sprayed onto the slurry, such as on top of the slurry.

[0133] In some embodiments, the solidifying agent comprises or consists of calcium acetate, calcium formate, calcium carbonate, calcium bicarbonate, calcium chloride, calcium lactate, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the solidifying agent comprises or consists of calcium formate and / or calcium lactate. In certain embodiments, the solidifying agent comprises or consists of calcium formate. Typically, the use of calcium formate as a solidifying agent has been found to result in aerosol-generating materials with greater tensile strength and greater resistance to elongation.

[0134] The total amount of solidifying agent, such as a calcium source, may be 0.5 to 5% by weight (calculated on a dry weight basis). Suitably, the total amount may be from about 1%, 2.5%, or 4% by weight to about 4.8% or 4.5% by weight. It has been found that adding too little solidifying agent does not stabilize the aerosol-forming material components and may result in an aerosol-forming material in which these components detach from the aerosol-forming material. It has been found that adding too much solidifying agent results in an aerosol-forming material that is very sticky and therefore difficult to handle.

[0135] If the aerosol-forming material does not contain tobacco, a larger amount of solidifying agent may need to be applied. Thus, in some cases, the total amount of solidifying agent may be 0.5 to 12% by weight, for example 5 to 10% by weight, calculated on a dry weight basis. Suitably, the total amount may be from about 5%, 6%, or 7% by weight, up to about 12% or 10% by weight. In this case, the aerosol-forming material will generally be tobacco-free.

[0136] The process includes forming a layer of the slurry. This typically involves spraying, casting, or extruding the slurry. In an example, the slurry layer is formed by electrospraying the slurry. In an example, the slurry layer is formed by casting the slurry.

[0137] In some instances, all of the process steps occur at least partially simultaneously (e.g., during electrospraying). In some instances, the process steps occur sequentially.

[0138] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material comprises the substance to be delivered, which may include one or more active ingredients, one or more flavorings, one or more aerosol-former materials, and / or one or more other functional materials.

[0139] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active agent.

[0140] As used herein, an active substance may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may be selected from, for example, a nutraceutical, a nootropic, or a psychoactive. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6, B12, or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or components, derivatives (including, but not limited to, the corresponding acid forms of these materials, if appropriate), or combinations thereof. The active substance may include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco, cannabis, or another plant.

[0141] In some embodiments, the active agent comprises nicotine, hi some embodiments, the active agent comprises caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

[0142] As described herein, the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more plants or their components, derivatives, or extracts. As used herein, the term "botanical" includes any material derived from a plant, including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husks, shells, etc. Alternatively, the material may comprise synthetically derived active compounds naturally occurring in plants. The material may be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, chips, strips, sheets, etc. Examples of plants include tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice, matcha, yerba mate, orange peel, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, cloves, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed, basil, bay leaf, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, and shiso (beefsteak plant). plant), curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, coriander (cilantro), bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle (myrtle), blackcurrant, valerian, green pepper (pimento), mace, damiento, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive (chive), caraway (carvi), verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng (ginseng), theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab, or any combination thereof.The mint may be selected from the following mint varieties: Mentha arventis, Mentha cv, Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata cv, Mentha piperita cv, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Mentha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata cv and Mentha suaveolens.

[0143] In some embodiments, the active agent comprises or is derived from one or more plants or components, derivatives or extracts thereof, and the plant is tobacco material.

[0144] In some embodiments, the plant material is tobacco. Thus, in some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material comprises tobacco.

[0145] As used herein, the term "tobacco material" refers to material derived from a plant of the Nicotiana species. The selection of plants of the Nicotiana species is not limited, and the type of tobacco used may vary. The term "tobacco material" may include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. Tobacco materials may include one or more of shredded tobacco, tobacco fiber, cut tobacco, extruded tobacco, leaf tobacco, tobacco stems, reconstituted tobacco, and / or tobacco extract. As used herein, "leaf tobacco" refers to cut leaf tobacco.

[0146] In some embodiments, the tobacco material is selected from flue-cured or Virginia, Burley, sun-cured, Maryland, dark-burning, dark-air-cured, light-air-cured, India-type air-cured, Red Russian, and Rustica tobaccos, as well as mixtures thereof, and various other rare or specialty tobaccos, green tobaccos, or cured products. Tobacco materials produced by any other type of tobacco processing that can modify the tobacco's flavor, such as fermented tobacco or genetic modification or breeding techniques, are also within the scope of this disclosure. For example, it is contemplated that tobacco plants can be genetically engineered or bred to increase or decrease the production of a component, characteristic, or attribute.

[0147] In some embodiments, the tobacco material is sun-cured tobacco selected from Indian Kurnool and Oriental tobaccos, including Izmir, Basma, Samsun, Katerini, Prelip, Komotini, Xanthi, and Yambol tobaccos. In some embodiments, the tobacco material is dark-air-cured tobacco selected from Passanda, Cubano, Jatin, and Besuki tobaccos. In some embodiments, the tobacco material is light-air-cured tobacco selected from North Wisconsin and Galpao tobaccos.

[0148] In some embodiments, the tobacco material is selected from Brazil tobacco, including Mata Fina and Bahia tobacco. In some embodiments, the tobacco material is selected from Criollo, Piloto Cubano, Olor, Green River, Isabela DAC, White Pata, Eluru, Jatim, Madura, Kasturi, Connecticut Seed, Broadleaf, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Italian Dry Air Cured, Paraguay Dry Air Cured, and Wansucker tobacco.

[0149] For the preparation of smoking / vaporizing or smokeless tobacco products, Nicotiana species plants can be subjected to a curing process. Certain types of tobacco can be subjected to alternative types of curing processes, such as flame curing or sun curing. Preferably, but not necessarily, the cured harvested tobacco is aged.

[0150] Tobacco may be harvested at different stages of growth, for example, when the plant reaches a level of maturity and the lower leaves are ready for harvest while the upper leaves are still growing.

[0151] In some embodiments, at least a portion of a plant of a Nicotiana species (e.g., at least a portion of the tobacco material) is used in an immature form, i.e., in some embodiments, the plant or at least a portion of the plant is harvested before reaching a stage normally considered ripe or mature.

[0152] In some embodiments, at least a portion of a plant of a Nicotiana species (e.g., at least a portion of the tobacco material) is used in a mature form. That is, in some embodiments, the plant, or at least a portion of the plant, is harvested when the plant (or plant portion) reaches a point traditionally considered to be ripe, overripe, or mature, which can be achieved by using tobacco harvesting techniques traditionally used by farmers. Both Oriental and Burley tobacco plants can be harvested. Also, Virginia tobacco leaves can be harvested or primed depending on their position on the stem.

[0153] Nicotiana species may be selected for the content of various compounds present in the plant. For example, plants may be selected based on the fact that they produce relatively large amounts of one or more compounds (i.e., volatile compounds of interest) that are desired to be isolated. In certain embodiments, Nicotiana species plants are specially cultivated for their abundant leaf surface compounds. Tobacco plants may be grown in greenhouses, growth chambers, or outdoor fields, or may be grown hydroponically.

[0154] Various parts or portions of the Nicotiana species plant can be utilized. In some embodiments, the whole plant or substantially the whole plant is harvested and used as is. As used herein, the term "substantially the whole plant" means that at least 90% of the plant, such as at least 95% of the plant, for example at least 99% of the plant, is harvested. Alternatively, in some embodiments, various parts or pieces of the plant are harvested or separated for further use after harvesting. In some embodiments, the tobacco material is selected from the leaves, stems, stalks, and various combinations of these parts of the plant. Thus, the tobacco material of the present disclosure may comprise the whole Nicotiana species plant or any part of the plant.

[0155] The tobacco material may comprise or consist of reconstituted tobacco, tobacco leaf pulp, paper reconstituted tobacco, extruded tobacco, band-cast reconstituted tobacco, or a combination of reconstituted tobacco and another form of tobacco such as tobacco leaf pulp or granules.

[0156] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material is substantially free of plant material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0157] In some embodiments, the active agent comprises or is derived from one or more plants or components, derivatives or extracts thereof, wherein the plants are selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, and hemp.

[0158] In some embodiments, the active agent comprises or is derived from one or more plants or components, derivatives or extracts thereof, and the plants are selected from rooibos and fennel.

[0159] In some embodiments, the substance delivered comprises a fragrance.

[0160] As used herein, the terms "flavoring" and "flavoring agent" refer to materials that, where local regulations permit, may be used to impart a desired taste, aroma, or other somatic sensation to products intended for adult consumers. They include naturally occurring flavoring materials, plants, plant extracts, synthetically derived materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, osmanthus leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, mint, aniseed (aniseed), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, etc.). Lemon, lime, tropical fruits, papaya, rhubarb, grapes, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose Oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cinnamon bark (cassia), caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, green chili pepper, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, yerba mate, orange peel, rose, tea such as green or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderberry Laurel, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, shiso, curcuma, coriander, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, pimento, mace, damiento, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, caraway, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitter receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium,The compositions may contain other additives such as saccharides (e.g., aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), as well as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath fresheners. They may be imitation, synthetic, or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquids such as oils, solids such as powders, or gases.

[0161] In some embodiments, the flavoring agent comprises menthol, spearmint, and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent comprises cucumber, blueberry, citrus, and / or red berry flavor components. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent comprises flavor components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent comprises flavor components extracted from cannabis.

[0162] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may contain up to about 80%, 70%, 60%, 55%, 50%, or 45% by weight of flavoring agent. In some cases, the aerosol-generating material may contain at least about 0.1%, 1%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 35%, or 40% by weight of flavoring agent (all calculated on a dry weight basis). For example, the aerosol-generating material may contain 1-80%, 10-80%, 20-70%, 30-60%, 35-55%, or 30-45% by weight of flavoring agent. In exemplary embodiments, the aerosol-generating material contains 35-50% by weight of flavoring agent. In some cases, the flavoring agent includes, consists essentially of, or consists of menthol.

[0163] In some embodiments, the flavoring agent may include a sensory elicitor intended to achieve somatic sensations, usually chemically induced and perceived by stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or instead of the scent or taste nerves, and these may include agents that provide heating, cooling, tingling, or numbing effects. Suitable heat-effecting agents may be, but are not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and suitable cooling agents may be, but are not limited to, eucoliptol, WS-3.

[0164] The aerosol-generating section may include an aerosol-generating material in the form of an "amorphous solid." The aerosol-generating material may be a "monolithic solid." In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may be a dry gel.

[0165] The aerosol-generating section may include an aerosol-generating material in the form of an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may be formed by combining a binder, such as a gelling agent, with a solvent, such as water, an aerosol-forming agent, and one or more other ingredients, such as an active agent, to form a slurry, and then heating the slurry to volatilize at least a portion of the solvent to form the aerosol-generating film. The slurry may be heated to remove at least about 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%, or 90% by weight of the solvent. The aerosol-generating film may be a continuous or discontinuous film, such as an arrangement of individual portions of film on a substrate. The aerosol-generating film may be substantially free of tobacco.

[0166] The aerosol-generating material may include or be a sheet that can optionally be chopped to form chopped sheets. The sheet of aerosolizable material may be cut lengthwise and / or widthwise, for example, in a cross-cut type chopping process, to define the cut length of the strands or strips of aerosolizable material in addition to the cut width.

[0167] The aerosol-generating section may include any combination of the above aerosol-generating materials. For example, the aerosol-generating composition may include a blend of aerosol-generating materials, at least one of which includes a binder and an aerosol-forming agent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating section includes a (e.g., first) aerosol-generating material that includes a binder and an aerosol-forming agent, and a (e.g., second) different aerosol-generating material. For example, the second aerosol-generating material may be a plant material such as tobacco germplasm.

[0168] The aerosol-generating material may comprise 1 to 60% by weight of gelling agent, 0.1 to 70% by weight of aerosol former material, 5 to 50% of filler in the form of fibers, and 0.1 to 80% by weight of flavoring agent and / or active substance.

[0169] The aerosol-forming material may comprise 10-40% by weight of gelling agent, 10-70% by weight of aerosol former material, 20-40% by weight of a bulking agent, and optionally 10-50% by weight of a flavoring agent.

[0170] In one embodiment, the aerosol-forming material comprises alginate in an amount of 32.8% by weight, glycerol in an amount of 19.2% by weight, and menthol in an amount of 48% by weight.

[0171] In one embodiment, the aerosol-forming material comprises alginate in an amount of 26.2% by weight, glycerol in an amount of 15.4% by weight, menthol in an amount of 38.4% by weight, and fiber (derived from wood pulp) in an amount of 20% by weight.

[0172] In one embodiment, the aerosol-forming material comprises alginate in an amount of 32% by weight, pectin in an amount of 8% by weight, and glycerol in an amount of 60% by weight.

[0173] In one embodiment, the aerosol-forming material comprises alginate in an amount of 24% by weight, pectin in an amount of 6% by weight, cellulose fiber in an amount of 10% by weight, and glycerol in an amount of 60% by weight.

[0174] In one embodiment, the aerosol-forming material comprises carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) in an amount of about 7% by weight, cellulose fibers (derived from wood pulp) in an amount of about 43% by weight, and glycerol in an amount of about 50% by weight.

[0175] The articles disclosed herein are suitable for use in non-flammable aerosol delivery devices.

[0176] FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of an example of a non-burning aerosol delivery device 20 having a proximal end 20a and a distal end 20b.

[0177] Generally, device 20 can be used to cause an article (not shown) including a fluid-permeable susceptor plug and an aerosol-generating material, such as an article described herein, to generate an aerosol that is inhaled by a user of device 20. The device 20 and the article together form a system.

[0178] The apparatus 20 includes a magnetic field generator including a coil 21 configured to generate a varying magnetic field that generates heat in a susceptor plug within the article, which in turn heats the generated aerosol to form the aerosol.

[0179] The device 20 comprises a housing 22 that surrounds and houses the various components of the device 20. The device 20 has an opening 23 at one end through which the item 1 can be inserted. During use, the item 1 may be fully or partially inserted into the heating assembly.

[0180] Device 20 may also include a user-operable control element 28, such as a button or switch, that, when pressed, operates device 20. For example, a user may turn device 20 on by operating switch 28.

[0181] The device 20 may also include an electrical component, such as a socket / port 29, that can accept a cable for charging the power source 26 of the device 20. For example, the socket 29 may be a charging port, such as a USB charging port.

[0182] During use, a user inserts item 1 into opening 23, operates user control 28 to initiate heating of the aerosol-generating material, and inhales the aerosol generated within the device, causing the aerosol to flow through device 20 along a flow path toward proximal end 20a of device 20.

[0183] The other end of the device furthest from opening 23 may be known as distal end 20b of device 20, as it is the end farthest from the user's mouth during use. When a user inhales the aerosol generated within the device, the aerosol flows out of the distal end of device 20.

[0184] Power source 26 may be, for example, a battery, such as a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, lithium batteries (such as lithium-ion batteries), nickel batteries (such as nickel-cadmium batteries), and alkaline batteries. The battery is electrically coupled to the magnetic field generator to provide power to heat the aerosol-generating material as needed under the control of a controller (not shown).

[0185] The device further includes at least one electronics module 27. The electronics module 27 may include, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB 27 may support at least one controller, such as a processor and memory. The PCB 27 may also include one or more electrical tracks for electrically connecting various electronic components of the device 20 to one another. For example, battery terminals (not shown) may be electrically connected to the PCB 27 to distribute power throughout the device 20. The socket 29 may also be electrically coupled to a battery via the electrical tracks.

[0186] The apparatus 20 includes a magnetic field generator with a coil 21 configured to inductively heat a fluid-permeable susceptor plug within the article.

[0187] Coil 17 is an inductor coil. The inductor coil is made from a conductive material. In this example, the inductor coil is made from litz wire / cable that is helically wound to provide a helical inductor coil. Litz wire includes multiple individual wires that are individually insulated and twisted together to form a single wire. Litz wire is designed to reduce skin effect losses in the conductor. In the exemplary device 20, the inductor coil is made from copper, and the litz wire has a rectangular cross-section. In other examples, the litz wire may have a cross-section of other shapes, such as circular.

[0188] The inductor coil 21 is configured to generate a first varying magnetic field for heating a susceptor of the article. The inductor coil 21 can be connected to the PCB 27.

[0189] The apparatus includes an inductor coil support tube 30. The coil support tube 30 is defined by an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface of the coil support tube supports the inductor coil 21. The inner surface defines a cavity into which the item 1 can be inserted. The tube 30 is preferably made of a material that is not heatable by penetration by a varying magnetic field. This is to prevent the inductor from heating the tube during use and to reduce power consumption.

[0190] FIG. 8 shows a schematic diagram of an apparatus 20′ including two magnetic field generators, a first inductor coil 21a and a second inductor coil 21b. The first inductor coil 21a is configured to generate a first varying magnetic field to heat a first susceptor plug in an article for use with a non-burning aerosol-providing apparatus, and the second inductor coil 21b is configured to generate a second varying magnetic field to heat a second susceptor plug in the article. In this example, the first inductor coil 21a is adjacent to the second inductor coil 21b in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the apparatus 20′ (i.e., the first and second inductor coils 21a, 21b do not overlap). The first and second inductor coils 21a, 21b can be connected to a PCB 27′. The first and second coils are supported by a coil support tube 30′.

[0191] It will be appreciated that the first and second inductor coils 21a, 21b may have at least one characteristic that differs from one another in some examples. For example, the first inductor coil 21a may have at least one characteristic that differs from the second inductor coil 21b. More specifically, in one example, the first inductor coil 21a may have a different inductance value than the second inductor coil 21b. The first and second inductor coils 21a, 21b may be different lengths. Thus, the first inductor coil 21a may include a different number of turns than the second inductor coil 21b (assuming the spacing between individual turns is substantially the same). In yet another example, the first inductor coil 21a may be made of a different material than the second inductor coil 21b. In some examples, the first and second inductor coils 21a, 21b may be substantially identical.

[0192] In this example, the first inductor coil 21a and the second inductor coil 21b are wound in opposite directions. This can be useful when the inductor coils are active at different times. For example, the first inductor coil 21a may initially operate to heat a first section / portion of the article 1, and then the second inductor coil 21b may operate to heat a second section / portion of the article. Winding the coils in opposite directions can help reduce current induced in inactive coils when used with certain types of control circuits. In FIG. 8, the first inductor coil 21a is a right-handed spiral, and the second inductor coil 21b is a left-handed spiral. However, in other embodiments, the inductor coils 21a and 21b may be wound in the same direction, or the first inductor coil 21a may be a left-handed spiral and the second inductor coil 21b may be a right-handed spiral.

[0193] In use, the articles described herein can be inserted into a non-combustible aerosol delivery device, such as devices 20 and 20′ described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. At least a portion of the mouthpiece 2, 2′ of the article 1, 1′ protrudes from the non-combustible aerosol delivery device 20, 20′ and can be placed in the mouth of a user.

[0194] 9, the magnetic field generator includes a single coil 21. The magnetic field generator is configured to inductively heat a fluid-permeable susceptor plug 4. An aerosol is generated by inductively heating aerosol-generating sections 3 a, 3 b containing an aerosol-generating material in the porous plug 4. The aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating material passes through a mouthpiece 2 into the user's mouth.

[0195] The outer surface of article 1 may be sized so that the outer surface of article 1 abuts the inner surface of coil support tube 30. This ensures that the fluid permeable susceptor plug is closer to coil 21 and therefore most efficient for heating.

[0196] FIG. 10 shows an article 1″ comprising first and second fluid-permeable susceptor plugs 4a, 4b and aerosol-generation sections 3c, 3d, 3e. The article 1′ is received within a coil support tube 30′ of an apparatus 20′. The magnetic field generator comprises two coils 21a, 21b. The fluid-permeable susceptor plugs are positioned such that they are substantially aligned with the coils 21a, 21b when the article 1′ is received within the coil support tube 30′. This allows the fluid-permeable susceptor plugs to be heated for a different time and / or to a different temperature than the coils 21a, 21b.

[0197] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in the understanding and teaching of the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as a representative sample of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on the equivalents of the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of any suitable combination of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. Furthermore, the present disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future. [Item of invention] [Item 1] An article for use with a non-flammable aerosol dispenser, the article comprising at least one fluid-permeable susceptor plug. [Item 2] Item 10. The article of item 1, in the form of a rod having a distal end and a mouth end opposite the distal end. [Item 3] 3. The article of claim 1 or 2, comprising an aerosol-generating section comprising an aerosol-generating material. [Item 4] 4. The article of claim 3, wherein the fluid-permeable susceptor plug is adjacent to the aerosol-forming material. [Item 5] 5. The article of item 3 or 4, comprising two or more aerosol-generating sections, each section containing an aerosol-generating material. [Item 6] Item 6. The article of item 5, wherein the fluid-permeable susceptor plug is adjacent to at least two of the two or more sections. [Item 7] 7. The article of item 5 or 6, wherein the sections of aerosol-generating material are separated by one or more susceptor plugs. [Item 8] 8. The article of any one of items 3 to 7, wherein the aerosol-generating section and the porous plug are surrounded by a wrapper. [Item 9] 9. The article of any one of items 2 to 8, wherein the susceptor plug is positioned to allow passage of gas from an environment external to the article through the susceptor plug from the distal end to the mouth end during use. [Item 10] 10. The article of any one of items 2-9, wherein the susceptor plug is positioned at the distal end of the rod such that, during use, air flows through the susceptor plug before contacting at least one of the one or more aerosol-forming materials. [Item 11] 10. The article of any one of items 5 to 9, wherein the susceptor plug is positioned in the aerosol-generation section such that, during use, air flows through at least one of the sections of aerosol-generating material before flowing through the susceptor plug. [Item 12] 12. The article of any one of items 5-9 or 11, comprising a first section of aerosol-generating material and a second section of aerosol-generating material, the susceptor plug being positioned within the article such that, during use, the first section of aerosol-generating material generates an aerosol when heated, and the aerosol flows through the susceptor plug before flowing through the second section of aerosol-generating material. [Item 13] 13. The article of any one of items 5 to 12, wherein the susceptor plug has a cross-sectional shape substantially identical to a cross-sectional shape of one or more of the one or more aerosol-generation sections. [Item 14] Item 10. The article of item 1, wherein the susceptor plug is porous. [Item 15] 15. The article of any one of items 1 to 14, wherein the susceptor plug comprises a material heatable by penetration by a fluctuating magnetic field in an amount of up to 100% by weight. [Item 16] 15. The article of claim 14, wherein the material heatable by penetration by a varying magnetic field is a metal or a non-metal. [Item 17] 17. The article of claim 15 or 16, wherein the material heatable by penetration by a varying magnetic field is in the form of beads, flakes, particles, pieces, rods, tubes or loops. [Item 18] 18. The article of any one of items 1 to 17, wherein the susceptor plug comprises a fibrous material. [Item 19] 20. The article of claim 19, wherein the susceptor plug comprises a material that is not heatable by penetration by a varying magnetic field. [Item 20] 19. The article of any one of items 15 to 18, wherein the material heatable by penetration by a fluctuating magnetic field is at least partially embedded in the material not heatable by penetration by a fluctuating magnetic field. [Item 21] 21. The article according to item 19 or 20, wherein the material that is not heatable by penetration by a fluctuating magnetic field is selected from the group consisting of ceramics, plastics, plant materials, glasses and minerals. [Item 22] 22. The article of any one of items 3 to 21, wherein the aerosol-forming material comprises plant material. [Item 23] 23. The article of any one of items 3 to 22, wherein the aerosol-forming material comprises reconstituted tobacco and / or leaf tobacco. [Item 24] 24. A fluid-permeable susceptor plug for use in the article according to any one of items 1 to 23. [Item 25] 24. An apparatus for use with an article according to any one of claims 1 to 23, comprising a magnetic field generator configured to generate a varying magnetic field. [Item 26] A system comprising the article according to any one of items 1 to 23 and the device according to item 25. [Item 27] 24. Use of a non-flammable aerosol provider for generating an aerosol and the article according to any one of items 1 to 23.

Claims

1. 1. An article for use with a non-flammable aerosol dispenser, comprising: at least one fluid-permeable susceptor plug; the article having a distal end and a mouth end opposite the distal end; The article, wherein the susceptor plug is positioned at the distal end such that, during use, air flows through the susceptor plug before contacting at least one of the one or more aerosol-forming materials.

2. The article of claim 1 , comprising an aerosol-generating section comprising an aerosol-generating material.

3. The article of claim 2 , wherein the fluid-permeable susceptor plug is adjacent to the aerosol-forming material.

4. The article of claim 2 , comprising two or more aerosol-generating sections, each section containing an aerosol-generating material.

5. The article of claim 4 , wherein the fluid-permeable susceptor plug is adjacent to at least two of the two or more sections.

6. The article of claim 4 , wherein the sections of aerosol-generating material are separated by one or more susceptor plugs.

7. The article of claim 2 , wherein the aerosol-generation section and the susceptor plug are enclosed by a wrapper.

8. 10. The article of claim 1, wherein the susceptor plug is positioned to allow passage of gas from an environment external to the article through the susceptor plug from the distal end to the mouth end during use.

9. The article of claim 4 , wherein the susceptor plug has a cross-sectional shape that is substantially the same as a cross-sectional shape of one or more of the one or more aerosol-generation sections.

10. The article of claim 1 , wherein the susceptor plug is porous.

11. The article of claim 1 , wherein the susceptor plug comprises a material heatable by penetration by a varying magnetic field in an amount of up to 100% by weight.

12. 12. The article of claim 11, wherein the material heatable by penetration by a varying magnetic field is a metal or a non-metal.

13. 12. The article of claim 11, wherein the material heatable by penetration by a varying magnetic field is in the form of beads, flakes, particles, pieces, rods, tubes, or loops.

14. The article of claim 1 , wherein the susceptor plug comprises a fibrous material.

15. The article of claim 8 , wherein the susceptor plug comprises a material that is not heatable by penetration by a varying magnetic field.

16. 12. The article of claim 11, wherein the material heatable by penetration by a varying magnetic field is at least partially embedded in the material not heatable by penetration by a varying magnetic field.

17. 16. The article of claim 15, wherein the material that is not heatable by penetration by a varying magnetic field is selected from the group consisting of ceramics, plastics, plant materials, glasses, and minerals.

18. The article of claim 2 , wherein the aerosol-forming material comprises a plant material.

19. The article of claim 2 , wherein the aerosol-forming material comprises reconstituted tobacco and / or leaf tobacco.

20. 10. A fluid-permeable susceptor plug for use in the article of claim 1, the fluid-permeable susceptor plug configured to heat air flowing through the fluid-permeable susceptor plug.

21. 10. An apparatus for use with the article of claim 1, comprising a magnetic field generator configured to generate a varying magnetic field.

22. A system comprising the article of claim 1 and the device of claim 21.

23. A method for generating an aerosol from the article of claim 1, comprising: applying a magnetic field to the article to heat air flowing into the article through the fluid-permeable susceptor plug; A method comprising:

Images