Generation of inhalable media

Abstract

To provide a composition for use in generating an inhalable medium, an aerosol generating article, an aerosol generating device and a kit.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to a composition 14 for use in generating an inhalable medium, the composition comprising an extruded material, wherein the extruded material comprises a flavourant and is free of tobacco-derived components.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to, but is not limited to, compositions for use in generating inhalable media, methods for preparing the compositions, aerosol-generating articles, aerosol-generating assemblies, aerosol-generating devices and kits, all of which incorporate the compositions. [Background technology]

[0002] Smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigars burn tobacco to produce smoke during use. Alternatives to these types of smoking articles exist that release compounds without combustion to form an inhalable medium.

[0003] One example of such a product is a heating device that releases a compound by heating a solid aerosolizable material without burning it, i.e., a non-combustion heating product. The solid aerosolizable material may include tobacco material. Heating typically volatilizes at least one component of the material, which forms an inhalable aerosol. These products are sometimes referred to as non-combustion heating devices, tobacco heating devices, or tobacco heating products. A variety of different configurations for volatilizing at least one component of a solid aerosolizable material are known.

[0004] Another example is a tobacco heating product hybrid device, also known as an e-cigarette / hybrid device. Hybrid devices contain a liquid that is vaporized by heating to produce an inhalable vapor or aerosol. This liquid may contain flavorings and / or aerosol-generating substances, such as glycerin and, optionally, nicotine. The vapor or aerosol passes through the material within the device, entraining one or more components of the substrate and creating an inhalable medium. The substrate may be, for example, tobacco, a non-tobacco product, or a mixture, such as a blended mix with or without nicotine. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In some embodiments described herein, the invention is used to generate an inhalable medium, providing a composition comprising an extruded material, the extruded material comprising a flavorant and no tobacco-derived components.

[0006] The compositions of the present invention may be used to generate an inhalable medium, or may be used to impart components of the inhalable medium to an existing aerosol or vapor (i.e., the aerosol or vapor may entrain flavorants and / or other components of the composition). That is, the compositions of the present invention may be used alone to generate an inhalable medium, or may be used in conjunction with a supplemental source of aerosol-generating agent.

[0007] The present invention also provides an aerosol-generating article, the generating article comprising a composition, the composition comprising an extruded material, the extruded material comprising a flavorant and free of tobacco-derived components; The generating article is configured to generate an inhalable medium when the composition is heated without burning. The present invention also provides an aerosol-generating assembly including the generating article and a heater configured to heat but not burn the composition.

[0008] References throughout this specification to heating a composition include heating the composition directly or indirectly, an example of indirect heating being heating as a result of passing a heated vapor / aerosol through or near the composition.

[0009] The present invention also provides an aerosol generating device for generating a respirable medium, the device comprising: a container for holding a liquid; a heater for volatilizing the liquid held in the container; a chamber containing a solid composition; an exit, The solid composition comprises an extruded material, the extruded material comprising a flavorant and being free of tobacco-derived components, and the device is configured such that, in use, an inhalable medium exits through the outlet, the medium comprising (i) a liquid to be vaporized in the form of a vapor and / or aerosol, and (ii) one or more components of the composition held in the chamber.

[0010] The present invention also provides a method for preparing a composition, comprising: the composition comprises an extruded material, the extruded material comprising a flavorant and being free of tobacco-derived compositions; The method includes forming a mixture including a flavoring agent, extruding the mixture, and drying the mixture to form an extruded material.

[0011] The present invention also provides (i) a liquid pod containing a volatile liquid; (ii) a solid composition pod containing a composition comprising an extruded material that includes a flavorant and is free of tobacco-derived components; The liquid and solid composition pods are configured for use in a device used to generate an inhalable medium, such that, upon use, the device generates an inhalable medium comprising (i) a liquid that is vaporized in the form of a vapor and / or aerosol, and (ii) one or more components of the composition held in a chamber.

[0012] To the extent they are not inconsistent, features described with respect to one aspect of the invention are expressly disclosed in combination with any and all other aspects. For example, features described with respect to a composition, generated article, aggregate device, method, or kit are expressly disclosed in combination with each of the other compositions, articles, aggregate devices, methods, and kits.

[0013] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Examples of embodiments according to the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of an example of a device for generating a suction medium; [Figure 2] 10 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of another example of a suction medium generator; FIG. [Figure 3] 10 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of another example of a suction medium generator; FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of an example of a cartridge having a liquid reservoir and an integrated reservoir for a solid material; [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of an example of a cartridge having a liquid reservoir and a removable reservoir for a solid material. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] As used herein, the terms "flavoring agent," "flavoring agent," and "flavoring agent" refer to ingredients permitted by local regulations that can be used to impart a taste or aroma desired by adult consumers to a product. Such ingredients include extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, Japanese peppermint, aniseed, cinnamon, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, Scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey extract, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine). These additives include, but are not limited to, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, pimento, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, and peppermint oil from any species of the genus Mentha (e.g., ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, pimento, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, and peppermint oil from any species of Mentha), flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, mannitol, and the like), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, and breath fresheners. These materials may be imitation, synthetic, or natural ingredients, or blends thereof. These materials may be in any suitable form, such as, for example, oils, liquids, or powders.

[0017] In some cases, the flavoring agent may be a botanical flavoring agent, i.e., the flavoring agent may be a plant-derived flavoring agent. In some cases, the botanical flavoring agent may be included in a solid extruded material, i.e., in these cases, the botanical flavoring agent is not in the form of a liquid extract. In some cases, the flavoring agent may be selected from cardamom pod, cinnamon stick, lavender, sage, lemon myrtle, clove, eucalyptus, and ginger.

[0018] In some cases, the extruded material comprises from 40 wt% to about 90 wt% of flavoring, calculated on the total weight of the extruded material.

[0019] The extruded material optionally includes one or more of a wetting agent, a binder, and a bulking agent.

[0020] Optionally, the extruded material comprises about 5 wt% to about 35 wt% of a humectant, calculated based on the total weight of the extruded material. Optionally, the humectant may comprise water. Optionally, the humectant may comprise an aerosol-generating agent. As used herein, an "aerosol-generating agent" is a compound or mixture that facilitates the generation of an aerosol. An aerosol-generating agent may 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. Generally, any suitable aerosol-generating agent or agents may be included in the aerosol-generating agents of the present invention. Suitable aerosol generating agents include, but are not limited to, polyols such as sorbitol, glycerin, and glycols such as propylene glycol or triethylene glycol; non-polyols such as monohydric alcohols; high-boiling hydrocarbons; acids such as lactic acid; glycerin derivatives; esters such as diacetin, triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate or myristates including ethyl myristate and isopropyl myristate; and aliphatic carboxylic acid esters such as methyl stearate, dimethyl dodecanedioate, and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. Optionally, the humectant may be selected from glycerin, water, and propylene glycol. Optionally, the humectant may include another flavoring. For example, the humectant may include rose water.

[0021] Optionally, the extruded material contains up to 10 wt% of a binder, calculated based on the total weight of the extruded material. Optionally, the binder includes one or more of alginate, celluloses or modified celluloses, starches or modified starches, and natural gum. Suitable binders include, but are not limited to, carrageenan, alginates containing any suitable cation, such as sodium alginate, calcium alginate, and potassium alginate, celluloses or modified celluloses, such as hydroxypropyl cellulose and carboxymethyl cellulose, starch or modified starch, pectin salts containing any suitable cation, such as sodium pectate, xanthan gum, guar gum, locust bean gum, and any other suitable natural gum. Optionally, the binder may include carboxymethyl cellulose, starch, locust bean gum, guar gum, or carrageenan gum.

[0022] In some cases, the extruded material may contain one or more bulking agents. If included, the bulking agents are inert (i.e., do not contribute to any component of the aerosol) and serve to reduce flavors carried in the inhalable medium. Suitable bulking agents include calcium carbonate (i.e., chalk), perlite, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, colloidal silica, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate, magnesium carbonate, and suitable inorganic adsorbents such as molecular sieves. In some cases, the extruded material does not contain a bulking agent.

[0023] Optionally, the extruded material may include one or more activators. If included, the activators serve to increase the volatility of the flavoring agent. Suitable activators may include bases, such as sodium bicarbonate, and acids.

[0024] Optionally, the extruded material is in the form of particles, and the composition includes a plurality of such particles. Optionally, the particles have an average particle size in the range of about 0.4 mm to about 3.5 mm. Preferably, the particles have an average particle size in the range of about 0.7 mm to about 2.0 mm. (As used herein, "average particle size" refers to (This refers to the size of the smallest particle size.)

[0025] In some cases, the particles are approximately cylindrical in shape with dimensions of about 1.3 mm. The particles may be formed using a circular die hole (1.3 mm diameter) and a face cutter (a spinning blade that cuts the extrudate to a specific length as it exits the die). The speed of the face cutter controls the particle size. In some cases, the speed of the face cutter may be set to produce a cylinder approximately 1.3 mm long. Over time, the particles may expand, and the cylindrical shape may be lost due to crushing during processing / handling.

[0026] In some cases the extruded material is about 0.4 g cm -3 ~about 1.5gcm -3 The density is in the range of

[0027] The extruded material does not contain tobacco-derived components. In some cases, the compositions of the present invention do not contain tobacco-derived components. In some other cases, the compositions of the present invention additionally contain tobacco-derived components. For example, the compositions of the present invention may contain a second extruded material that contains tobacco. In some cases where there are two extruded materials, the two materials are in a granular form that is mixed to form the composition. In some cases, the two extruded materials have similar densities (e.g., ±0.2 gcm) to minimize segregation of the mixed particles. -3 , preferably ±0.1 gcm -3 ). In other cases where there are two extruded materials, the two materials may have different densities to effect separation of the two bases. This results in a layered structure, which is useful, for example, when it is desired to place one component upstream of the other. In some cases, the particles may be stacked, with one of the two extruded materials being deposited in the vessel before the other of the two extruded materials. In yet other cases, the two extruded materials are provided in separate chambers, which are arranged in series in a flow path.

[0028] The tobacco-derived components may optionally be provided by any suitable tobacco material. The tobacco-derived components may include nicotine. As used herein, "tobacco material" refers to any material containing tobacco or a derivative thereof. The term "tobacco material" may include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. The tobacco material may include one or more of powder tobacco, tobacco fiber, cut tobacco, extruded tobacco, tobacco stem, reconstituted tobacco, agglomerated tobacco, spheronized tobacco, and / or tobacco extract. Such tobacco material may be extruded to form a second extruded composition.

[0029] The tobacco used to make the tobacco material may be any suitable tobacco, such as single grades or blends including Virginia and / or Burley and / or Oriental, shredded litre or whole leaf, or other processed tobacco materials such as tobacco particle "fine powder" or dust, expanded tobacco, petioles, expanded petioles, and cut and rolled petioles. The tobacco material may be powdered tobacco or reconstituted tobacco material. Reconstituted tobacco material may include tobacco fiber and may be formed by casting, a Fourdrinier-based papermaking process with subsequent addition of tobacco extract.

[0030] In some cases, the extruded material is tobacco-free, i.e., the material is tobacco-derived and synthetic. In some cases, the extruded material is nicotine-free.

[0031] In some cases, the extruded material may be porous to allow the aerosol or vapor to pass through the material, thus allowing the components of the composition to be efficiently entrained in the aerosol / vapor during use.

[0032] The present invention also provides an aerosol-generating article, the generating article comprising a composition, the composition comprising an extruded material, the extruded material comprising a flavorant and no tobacco-derived components. The aerosol-generating article of the present invention may optionally be configured to generate an inhalable medium when the composition is heated without being burned. The aerosol-generating article of the present invention may optionally be configured to pass heated vapor and / or aerosol through the composition, thereby entraining the vapor and / or aerosol with at least the flavorant.

[0033] In some cases, the generator may be configured for use in an aerosol delivery device. In some cases, the generator may be configured for use with a non-combustion heating device. In such devices, the composition is heated without being burned. Heating may be from an electrical resistance heater, induction heater, or the like, or may be from a combustible heat source or a chemical heat source that undergoes an exothermic reaction to generate heat upon use.

[0034] The generating article may optionally be configured for use with a hybrid device, etc. In some cases, the generating article is a cartridge for use with an inhalable medium generator, the cartridge including a vaporizable liquid in a reservoir and a composition in a separate chamber, the composition including an extruded material, the extruded material including a flavorant and no tobacco-derived components.

[0035] The generator may optionally be configured for use in other types of aerosol delivery devices, such as e-cigarettes or inhalers.

[0036] The present invention also provides an aerosol-generating assembly comprising the above-described generating article and a heater configured to heat the composition without combustion. The assembly may be a non-combustion heating device. The assembly may be a hybrid device.

[0037] The present invention also provides an aerosol generating device for generating a respirable medium, the device comprising: a container for holding a liquid; a heater for volatilizing the liquid held in the container; a chamber containing a solid composition; an exit, the solid composition comprises an extruded material, the extruded material comprising a flavorant and being free of tobacco-derived components; The device is configured such that, in use, a respirable medium exits through the outlet, the medium comprising (i) a liquid to be vaporized in the form of a vapor and / or aerosol, and (ii) one or more components of a composition held in the chamber.

[0038] The device of the present invention includes a container for holding a volatile liquid. Optionally, the device of the present invention includes a container for holding a volatile liquid. Suitable liquids include those conventionally used in e-cigarettes. Optionally, the volatile liquid may include nicotine and / or tobacco extract and / or flavorings and / or an aerosol-generating agent such as propylene glycol and / or glycerin. Liquids typically evaporate at temperatures between about 150°C and 250°C.

[0039] In use, devices according to some embodiments of the present invention may be configured such that liquid vaporized by the heater passes through the chamber in the form of a vapor and / or an aerosol, thereby entraining one or more components from the composition and creating an inhalable medium that exits through the outlet.

[0040] In other instances, the fluid flow path from the liquid container may be combined with a separate fluid flow path extending from the composition to form the aspirable medium, in other words, in some devices the volatilized liquid does not pass through the chamber holding the composition.

[0041] In some cases, the device of the present invention includes a means for heating the composition to volatilize components of the composition and form a first aerosol and / or vapor. A liquid may be volatilized to form a second vapor and / or aerosol, which combines with the first aerosol and / or vapor to form the inhalable medium. In some cases, a single heater may heat both the liquid and the composition. In some cases, the device of the present invention may be configured such that the heater only heats the liquid composition directly, with the composition being heated by the warmth carried in the vapor / aerosol formed from the volatilized liquid (which in turn volatilizes components of the composition entrained in the vapor / aerosol stream).

[0042] In one embodiment, the device of the present invention includes a cooler or cooling region downstream of the heater and upstream of the chamber, which cools the vaporized liquid to form an aerosol of droplets that, during use, passes through the composition in the chamber. The cooler may be configured to actually act as a heat exchanger, recovering heat from the vapor. The recovered heat may be used, for example, to preheat the composition and / or to assist in heating the liquid.

[0043] In some embodiments, the device of the present invention includes a second heater for heating the composition within the chamber, thereby allowing the composition to be heated by the heater, which facilitates release of compounds from the composition, and optionally allows for the use of lower temperatures in the heated liquid.

[0044] In some embodiments, the devices of the present invention are battery operated.

[0045] In some embodiments, the or each heater is an electrical resistance heater.

[0046] In some embodiments, the liquid container is removable. The liquid container may be in the form of a pot (which in some embodiments may be, for example, a ring) and / or cotton wool. The entire container containing the liquid may in fact be a disposable item that is replaced in its entirety after use. Alternatively, the user may remove the liquid container from the device, replace or top up the used liquid, and then return the container to the device.

[0047] In some cases, the fluid container may not be removable from the device, and in such embodiments, the user may simply replace the used fluid or top up the container as needed after use.

[0048] In some cases, the liquid container and chamber are an integral unit. In some cases, the integral unit is a cartridge that is removable from the device.

[0049] In some cases, the chamber is removable from the device. The chamber may be in the form of, for example, a cartridge that contains the tobacco composition prior to use. The entire container containing the composition may actually be a disposable item that is replaced in its entirety after use. Alternatively, the device may be configured so that a user can remove the chamber from the device, replace the used material in the chamber, and then replace the chamber back into the device.

[0050] Examples of inhalable medium generators according to some embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Referring to Figure 1, an example of an inhalable medium generator 1 is shown. In general, the device 1 volatilizes a liquid to form a vapor or aerosol that passes through a material to produce an inhalable medium containing one or more components derived from the material.

[0051] In this regard, it is first worth noting that a vapor is generally a substance in the gas phase below its critical temperature, meaning that, for example, a vapor can be condensed to a liquid by increasing its pressure without decreasing its temperature. An aerosol, on the other hand, is generally a colloid of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in air or another gas. A "colloid" is a substance in which microscopically dispersed, insoluble particles are suspended throughout another substance.

[0052] Referring again to FIG. 1 , device 1 in this example has a generally hollow, cylindrical outer housing 2. Housing 2 has an open end 3. A tubular mouthpiece 4 is provided at open end 3 in this example. Mouthpiece 4 in this example is removable from housing 2 by the user. An O-ring or other sealing member 5 helps seal mouthpiece 4 within housing 2. At or towards the other end 6 of housing 2 is a battery 7 for powering various components of device 1, as described further below. Battery 7 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. A controller 8 is also provided in housing 2 for controlling the operation of various components of device 1, as described further below.

[0053] The housing 2 has a reservoir 9 for holding or containing the liquid 10. A variety of different configurations may be used for the reservoir 9. In the example of FIG. 1, the reservoir 9 is in the form of an annular chamber 9 disposed in the housing 2 between the open end 3 and the other end 6. In this particular example, the housing 2 comprises two portions: a first portion 2a located toward the open end and a second portion 2b located toward the other end 6. The first and second portions 2a, 2b of the housing 2 may be connected to one another by a thread, a bayonet fit, or the like. In use, the user can separate the first and second portions 2a, 2b of the housing 2 to refill or replace the liquid 10 as needed. Alternatively, the mouthpiece 4 may be removed to provide access to the reservoir. However, other configurations are of course possible. For example, the liquid 10 may be provided in a separate annular pot-like container that is entirely removable from the housing 2. Such a separate container may be disposable, allowing the user to replace the liquid 10 by inserting a new container containing the liquid 10 into the housing 2. Alternatively, such a container may be reusable. In such a case, the user may refill or replace the liquid 10 in the container while it is removed from the housing 2 and then return the refilled container to the housing. Of course, the housing 2 need not be made of two parts and may have other configurations that allow it to be accessed by the user, for example to allow for in-situ refilling.

[0054] Heater 11 is located approximately in the center of housing 2, i.e., in this example, centrally along the length and width of the housing. In this example, heater 11 is powered by battery 7 and is therefore electrically connected to battery 7. Heater 11 may be an electrical resistance heater, including, for example, a nichrome resistance heater, a ceramic heater, etc. Heater 11 may be, for example, a wire that may be in the form of a coil, a plate (which may be a multi-layer plate made of two or more different materials, one or more of which may be conductive and one or more of which may be non-conductive), a mesh (which may be woven or non-woven and have a similar multi-layer structure), a film heater, etc. Other heating devices, such as non-electrical heating devices, may also be used.

[0055] Heater 11 is provided to vaporize liquid 10. In the illustrated example, an annular wick 12 surrounds and is in thermal contact with heater 11. The outermost surface of annular wick 12 contacts liquid 10 contained in liquid container 9. Wick 12 is typically an absorbent material that acts to draw liquid 10 from liquid container 9 by capillary action. Wick 12 is preferably nonwoven and may be made of, for example, cotton or wool, or a synthetic material including, for example, polyester, nylon, viscose, polypropylene, etc. This will be explained in more detail below, but it should be noted here that in use, liquid 10 drawn by wick 12 is heated by heater 11. Liquid 10 may be vaporized to produce an aerosol of droplets, or heated sufficiently to produce a vapor. The resulting aerosol or vapor exits wick 12 and travels toward mouthpiece 4, as indicated by arrow A, by the user's drawing on mouthpiece 4. The heater 11 and wick 12 may be provided as a single, effectively integrated item, sometimes referred to as an "atomizer," so that heating and wicking are effectively accomplished in a single unit.

[0056] Housing 2 further includes chamber 13 for holding or containing composition 14 within device 1. Composition 14 includes an extruded material that itself includes a flavorant and is free of tobacco-derived components. In some cases, the flavorant is a solid botanical flavorant. The composition may also include a second extruded material that optionally includes tobacco material. In some cases, the composition may include multiple particles that may be a mixture of two extruded materials, each of which is in the form of a particle.

[0057] During use, the user can access the chamber 13 to replace or replenish the composition 14 through the open end 3 of the housing 2 by removing the mouthpiece 4 and / or separating the two sections 2a, 2b of the housing 2. A variety of different shapes may be used for the chamber 13. For example, the chamber 13 may be a tube that is completely open at both ends and contains the composition 14. As another example, the chamber 13 may be a tube with one or more end walls, which may have perforations through which vapor or aerosol can pass. The chamber 13 remains within the housing 2, and the user removes and replaces the composition 14. Alternatively, the chamber 13 containing the composition 14 may be a separate item that is inserted and removed entirely from the housing 2 during use. This type of removable chamber may be disposable, allowing the user to replace the composition 14 by inserting a new chamber 13 containing fresh composition 14 into the housing 2. Alternatively, the chamber 13 may be reusable. In such cases, chamber 13 may be removed from housing 2 and composition 14 therein may be replaced, resulting in a refilled chamber 13 in housing 2. In yet another example, chamber 13 may include a clip located within housing 2 to hold composition 14 in place. In some examples, composition 14 may simply be a slip fit within chamber 13. As yet another example, container 9 for containing liquid 10 may itself be configured to support or carry composition 14. For example, container 9 may have one or more clips, tubes, or the like for receiving composition 14 and holding it in place. Such a dual-function container 9 / chamber or receptacle 13 for both containing liquid 10 and receiving composition 14 may be in the form of a cartridge or the like, a disposable item, or a reusable item in which liquid 10 and composition 14 are replaced or replenished by the user as needed. In some cases, a user may only need to occasionally replenish or replace enough composition 14 to provide enough liquid 10 for several uses.Once the liquid 10 is consumed, the user discards the dual-purpose container 9 / receptacle 13 and uses a new one. Similarly, sufficient composition 14 may be provided for several uses, requiring the user to occasionally top up or replace the liquid 10. Once the composition 14 is consumed, the user discards the dual-purpose container 9 / receptacle 13 and uses a new one. Specific examples of dual-purpose containers 9 / receptacles are described below.

[0058] Composition 14 is located within housing 2 downstream of where aerosol or vapor is produced from liquid 10, and upstream of open end 3 of housing 2 and mouthpiece 4. In this particular example, composition 14 is effectively provided in the same portion or chamber of housing 2 as wick 12. The aerosol or vapor produced from liquid 10 exits wick 12 and travels toward composition 14 by the drawing action of the user on mouthpiece 4, as shown by arrow A. In certain embodiments, composition 14 is porous, allowing the aerosol or vapor to pass through composition 14 and then through open end 3 of housing 2 and mouthpiece 4.

[0059] In some embodiments, composition 14 and / or its chamber 13 are configured such that there are no air gaps between composition 14 / chamber 13 and the interior of housing 2, allowing aerosol or vapor to flow throughout composition 14.

[0060] Preferably, the liquid 10 is one that is vaporizable at a reasonable temperature, preferably in the range of 100-300°C, more preferably about 150-250°C, to help reduce power consumption of the device 1. Suitable materials are conventionally used in e-cigarette devices, such as propylene glycol and glycerol (also known as glycerin).

[0061] Composition 14 imparts flavor to the aerosol or vapor produced from liquid 10 as the aerosol or vapor passes through composition 14. As the aerosol or vapor passes through or over composition 14, the heated aerosol or vapor entrains organic and other compounds or components with organoleptic properties from composition 14, thereby imparting flavor to the aerosol or vapor as it travels to mouthpiece 4.

[0062] Device 1 may provide nicotine for a user. The nicotine may be provided in liquid 10, obtained from tobacco composition 14, or a combination thereof. Flavorings may be added to liquid 10 as well.

[0063] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the only heat source for heating composition 14 in apparatus 1 required to generate organic and other compounds or components from composition 14 is the hot aerosol or vapor produced from heating liquid 10.

[0064] Referring to Figure 2, another example of an apparatus for generating inhalable medium is shown. In the following description and in Figure 2, parts and features that are the same as or similar to corresponding parts and features in the example described with reference to Figure 1 have the same reference numerals, but with the addition of 200. For the sake of brevity, the description of these parts and features will not be repeated here in their entirety. It will be appreciated that the configurations and substitutions discussed above with respect to the example of Figure 1 are also applicable to the example of Figure 2. Again, in general, the apparatus 201 of Figure 2 heats a liquid to form a vapor or aerosol, which is passed through a tobacco composition 214 to produce an inhalable medium containing one or more components derived from the tobacco composition 214.

[0065] Device 201 in this example has a generally hollow, cylindrical outer housing 202 with an open end 203 and a tubular mouthpiece 204. Mouthpiece 204 in this example is user removable from housing 202, and an O-ring or other sealing member 205 helps seal mouthpiece 204 within housing 202. A battery 207 for powering the various components of device 201 and a controller 208 are located at or toward the other end 206 of housing 202. Housing 202 in this example is made up of two sections, a first section 202a at open end 203 and a second section 202b at the other end 206.

[0066] The housing 202 has a container 209 for holding or containing the liquid 210. The container 209 may be of any of the types described in connection with the example of FIG. 1 . A heater 211 is provided approximately in the center (longitudinal and transverse directions) of the housing 202 to volatilize the liquid 210. In this example, the heater 211 is powered by the battery 207 and is therefore electrically connected to the battery 207. The heater 211 may be an electrical resistance heater, a ceramic heater, or the like. The heater 211 may be, for example, a coiled wire, a plate (which may be a multi-layer plate made of two or more different materials, one or more of which may be conductive and one or more of which may be non-conductive), a mesh (which may be woven or non-woven and have a similar multi-layer structure), a film heater, or the like. Other heating devices, such as induction heating devices or non-electrical heating devices, may also be used. An annular wick 212 surrounds the heater 211 and is in thermal contact with the heater 211. The outermost surface of the annular wick 212 is in contact with the liquid 210 in the liquid container 209. Liquid 210 is heated and may be heated sufficiently to form an aerosol of droplets or to form a vapor. The aerosol or vapor so formed exits wick 212 and travels toward mouthpiece 204 as indicated by arrow A due to the user's inhalation on mouthpiece 204. Heater 211 and wick 212 may be provided as a single, effectively integrated item, with heating and wicking effectively occurring in a single unit.

[0067] Housing 202 further includes chamber 213 for holding or containing composition 214 of device 201. Composition 214 can be any of the types described in connection with FIG. 1. Chamber 213 can be any of the types described in connection with FIG. 1. Composition 214 is disposed within housing 202 downstream of the location where aerosol or vapor is produced from liquid 210 and upstream of open end 203 and mouthpiece 204 of housing 202. In this particular example, composition 214 is effectively located in the same portion or chamber of housing 202 as wick 212. The aerosol or vapor produced from liquid 210 exits wick 212 and travels toward composition 214 by the drawing action of the user on mouthpiece 204, as shown by arrow A. In certain embodiments, composition 214 is porous, allowing the aerosol or vapor to pass through composition 214 and then through open end 203 and mouthpiece 204 of housing 202.

[0068] In some embodiments, composition 214 and / or its chamber 213 are configured such that there is no gap between composition 214 / chamber 213 and the interior of housing 202, allowing the aerosol or vapor to flow throughout composition 214. As the aerosol or vapor passes through or over composition 214, the heated aerosol or vapor entrains organic and other compounds or components with organoleptic properties from composition 214, thereby imparting flavor to the aerosol or vapor as it travels to mouthpiece 204.

[0069] The container 209 for containing the liquid 210 may itself be configured to support or carry the composition 214. For example, the container 209 may have one or more clips, tubes, or the like for receiving and holding the composition 214 in place. Such a dual-function container 209 / chamber or receptacle 213 for both containing the liquid 210 and receiving the composition 214 may be in the form of a cartridge or the like, a disposable item, or a reusable item in which the liquid 210 and composition 214 are replaced or replenished by the user as needed. In some cases, the user only needs to occasionally replenish or replace enough composition 214 for the liquid 210 to provide for several uses. Once the liquid 210 is consumed, the user discards the dual-function container 209 / receptacle 213 and uses a new one. Similarly, it may be the case that enough composition 214 is provided for several uses, requiring the user to occasionally replenish or replace the liquid 210. Once the composition 214 is consumed, the user discards the dual-purpose container 209 / receptacle 213 and uses a new one.

[0070] In the example of the device 201 of FIG. 2 , a second heater 215, such as an oven heater, is provided in thermal contact with the composition 214 to preheat the composition and / or provide additional heating to the composition 214 during use of the device 201. This promotes release of components from the composition 214 as vapor or aerosol passes through the composition 214 during use. Less liquid 210 is heated to achieve the desired heating of the composition 214. The second heater 215 may be, for example, an electric resistance heater powered by a battery 207, a ceramic heater, or the like. The second heater 215 may be, for example, a wire that may be coiled, a plate (which may be a multi-layer plate made of two or more different materials, one or more of which may be conductive and one or more of which may be non-conductive), a mesh (which may be woven or non-woven and have a similar multi-layer structure), a film heater, or the like. The second heater 215 may be, for example, an induction heater powered by a battery 207. The composition 214 may include a material susceptible to induction heating. Other heating devices may also be used for the second heater 215, such as non-electrical heating devices.

[0071] In the example of device 201 of Figure 2, heater 215 for heating composition 214 is located external to composition 214 and heats composition 214 by heat conduction from outside composition 214. In this example, heater 215 is generally cylindrical. Heater 215 may actually be an integral part of device 201 and may be located as part of housing 202. Alternatively, heater 215 may be integrated with chamber 213 that holds or contains composition 214. In this example, if chamber 213 is disposable, heater 215 is replaced when a new chamber 213 with fresh material is loaded into device 201 by the user.

[0072] Referring now to Figure 3, another example of an apparatus for generating inhalable medium is shown. In the following description and in Figure 3, parts and features that are the same as or similar to corresponding parts and features in the example described with reference to Figure 1 have the same reference numerals, but with the addition of 300. For the sake of brevity, the description of these parts and features will not be repeated here in their entirety. It will be appreciated that the configurations and alternatives discussed above with respect to the examples of Figures 1 and 2 are also applicable to the example of Figure 3. Again, in general, the apparatus 301 of Figure 3 heats a liquid to form a vapor or aerosol, which is passed through a composition 314 to produce an inhalable medium containing one or more components derived from the composition 314.

[0073] This example device 301 also has a generally hollow cylindrical outer housing 302 with an open end 303 and a tubular mouthpiece 304. An O-ring or other sealing member 305 helps seal the mouthpiece 304 within the housing 302. Various parts of the device 301 are A battery 307 for powering the device and a controller 308 are located at or near the other end 306 of the housing 302. The housing 302 in this example is made up of two sections, a first section 302a at the open end 303 and a second section 302b at the other end 306.

[0074] The housing 302 has a reservoir 309 for holding or containing a liquid 310. The reservoir 309 may be of any of the types described above with respect to the examples of FIGS. 1 and 2. A heater 311 is provided approximately centrally within the housing 302 for vaporizing the liquid 310. The heater 311 may be of any of the types described above. In this example, the heater 311 is powered by, and thus electrically connected to, a battery 307. An annular wick 312 surrounds and is in thermal contact with the heater 311. The outermost surface of the annular wick 312 is in contact with the liquid 310 within the liquid reservoir 309. The liquid 310 is heated and may be heated sufficiently to form an aerosol of droplets or to form a vapor. The aerosol or vapor thus formed exits the wick 312 and travels toward the mouthpiece 304, as indicated by arrow A, by the user's drawing on the mouthpiece 304. The heater 311 and wick 312 may be provided as a single, effectively integrated item, so that heating and wicking are effectively accomplished in a single unit.

[0075] Housing 302 further includes a chamber 313 that holds or contains composition 314 within device 301. Composition 314 can be of any of the types described above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2. Chamber 313 can be of any of the types described above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2. (In the example of FIG. 3, chamber 313 is in the shape of a tube having end wall 316, which has perforations 317 through which vapor or aerosol can pass, as mentioned above as an option.) Composition 314 is disposed within housing 302 downstream of the location where aerosol or vapor is produced from liquid 310 and upstream of open end 303 and mouthpiece 304 of housing 302. Again, in this particular example, composition 314 is effectively provided in the same portion or chamber of housing 302 as wick 312. The aerosol or vapor produced from liquid 310 exits wick 312 and travels toward composition 314 by the action of the user drawing on mouthpiece 304, as shown by arrow A. In certain embodiments, composition 314 is porous, allowing the aerosol or vapor to pass through composition 314 and then through open end 303 of housing 302 and mouthpiece 304 .

[0076] In some embodiments, the composition 314 and / or its chamber 313 are configured such that there is no gap between the composition 314 / chamber 313 and the interior of the housing 302, allowing the aerosol or vapor to flow throughout the composition 314. As the aerosol or vapor passes through or over the composition 314, the heated aerosol or vapor entrains organic and other compounds or components with organoleptic properties from the composition 314, thereby imparting flavor to the aerosol or vapor as it travels to the mouthpiece 304. The container 309 for containing the liquid 310 may itself be configured to support or carry the composition 314. For example, the container 309 may have one or more clips, tubes, or the like for receiving and holding the composition 314 in place. Such a dual-function container 309 / chamber or receptacle 313 for both containing the liquid 310 and receiving the composition 314 may be in the form of a cartridge or the like, and may be a disposable item, or may be reusable, with the liquid 310 and composition 314 being replaced or replenished by the user as needed. In some cases, the user only needs to occasionally top off or replace the composition 314 so that enough liquid 310 is provided for several uses. Once the liquid 310 is consumed, the user discards the dual-function container 309 / receptacle 313 and uses a new one. Similarly, it may be that enough composition 314 is provided for several uses, so that the user only needs to occasionally top off or replace the liquid 310. Once the composition 314 is consumed, the user discards the dual-function container 309 / receptacle 313 and uses a new one.

[0077] 3, a secondary heater 318 is again provided in thermal contact with composition 314 to heat composition 314 and promote the release of components from composition 314 as vapor or aerosol passes through composition 314 during use. Secondary heater 318 may be, for example, an electric resistance heater powered by battery 307, a ceramic heater, or the like. Other heating devices, such as non-electrical heating devices, may also be used for secondary heater 318.

[0078] In the example of device 301 of FIG. 3 , heater 318 is located within composition 314 to heat composition 314 by heat conduction from within composition 314. In this example, heater 318 is generally in the form of a cylindrical rod located along the central longitudinal axis of composition 314. In other configurations, heater 318 may be a wire, which may be coiled, a plate (which may be a multi-layer plate made of two or more different materials, one or more of which may be conductive and one or more of which may be non-conductive), a mesh (which may be woven or non-woven, or a similar multi-layer structure), a film heater, or the like. In this case, composition 314 is generally tubular or has an internal opening for receiving heater 318. Heater 318 may actually be an integral part of device 301 or may be provided as part of housing 302. In this example, composition 314 surrounds secondary heater 318 when loaded into device 301 (e.g., chamber 313 containing composition 314 is loaded into device 301). Alternatively, the heater 318 may be integral with the chamber 313 that holds or contains the composition 314. In this alternative, if the chamber 313 is disposable, the heater 318 is replaced when a new chamber 313 with fresh material is loaded into the device 301 by the user.

[0079] In another example, multiple internal heaters 318 may be provided to more efficiently heat the composition 314. In another example, the composition 314 may be heated by one or more external heaters (such as second heater 215 in the example of FIG. 2) and one or more internal heaters (such as second heater 318 in the example of FIG. 3).

[0080] 4, there is shown a schematic longitudinal cross-section of an example cartridge 600 having a liquid reservoir 601 for containing a liquid 602 and a receptacle or container 603 for a composition 604. In this example, the liquid reservoir 601 and the composition reservoir 603 are provided as a single, integral member, either by being initially formed integrally therewith or by being initially formed of two pieces that are subsequently substantially permanently assembled. The cartridge 600 is configured such that when the liquid 602 is vaporized to form an aerosol of droplets or heated sufficiently to form a vapor, at least a portion, and preferably all or substantially all, of the aerosol or vapor passes through the composition 604 to capture flavor from the composition 604.

[0081] In the example of FIG. 4 , the liquid reservoir 601 is located approximately in the center of the cartridge 600. The liquid reservoir 601 in the illustrated example is frusto-conical in shape, but may be a different shape, such as conical or cylindrical. The liquid reservoir 601 is surrounded by an outer shell 605, which defines an annular channel 606 around the length of the liquid reservoir 601 and extends from one end of the liquid reservoir 601 to the other. The outer shell 605 extends beyond a first end wall 607 of the liquid reservoir 601 and defines a chamber 608 beyond the first end wall 607 of the liquid reservoir 601. In the illustrated example, the chamber 608 and the annular channel 606 both contain a composition 604 and thus can both be considered to provide a reservoir 603 for the composition 604. In other examples, the composition 604 may be located only in the chamber 608, which therefore defines a reservoir 603 for the composition 604, and the annular channel 606 is empty. Chamber 608 is closed by end wall 609, spaced from end wall 607 of liquid container 601. End wall 609 may be part of outer shell 605 or may be a separate plastic or rubber cap, or the like. In yet another example, annular channel 606 contains composition 604 and chamber 608 is free of material; however, it should be understood that chamber 608 may be omitted, with channel 606 effectively terminating at end wall 609. Channel 606 and / or chamber 608 may be completely filled with composition 604 or may contain only a portion or block of composition 604. End wall 609 may be porous and / or have one or more through-holes 610 that allow aerosol or vapor to exit cartridge 600 for inhalation by a user. Liquid container 601 and solid container 603 may each be formed of a hard, watertight, and airtight material, such as metal, a suitable plastic, or the like.

[0082] The example cartridge 600 shown in Figure 4 includes a heater 611 and a wick 612 in thermal contact with the heater 611. In this example, the heater 611 and wick 612 are provided as a single unit, sometimes referred to as an "atomizer." In this case, if the cartridge 600 includes an atomizer, such a cartridge may also be referred to as an "atomizer." The orientation of the heater 611 is shown in a simplified manner; for example, the heater 611 may have a coil with its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge 600, rather than parallel to it as shown in Figure 4.

[0083] The wick 612 is in contact with the liquid 602. This may be achieved, for example, by inserting the wick 612 into a through-hole (not shown) in the second end wall 613 of the liquid container 601. Alternatively or additionally, the second end wall 613 may be a porous member (as shown diagrammatically by dashed lines in FIG. 4 ) that allows liquid to pass through the liquid container, and the wick 612 may be in contact with the porous second end wall 613. The second end wall 613 may be in the form of a porous ceramic disc, for example. Such a porous second end wall 613 serves to control the flow of liquid into the wick 612. The wick 612 is typically absorbent and acts to draw the liquid 602 from the liquid container 601 by capillary action. The wick 612 is preferably non-woven and may be made of, for example, cotton or wool, or a synthetic material including, for example, polyester, nylon, viscose, polypropylene, etc.

[0084] In use, cartridge 600 is connected by a user to the battery section of the device (not shown) to power heater 611. When atomizer heater 611 is powered (which may be triggered, for example, by operating a button on the device or by a puff detector on the device, as known per se), liquid 602 drawn from liquid reservoir 601 by wick 612 is heated by heater 611, volatilizing or vaporizing the liquid. When the user draws on the device's mouthpiece, vapor or aerosol travels through annular channel 606 around the outside of the length of liquid reservoir 601 and into chamber 608, as shown by arrow A. The vapor or aerosol picks up flavor from composition 604. The vapor or aerosol can then exit cartridge 600 through end wall 609, as shown by arrow B. Optionally, one-way valve 614 may be provided to allow vapor or aerosol only to exit the cartridge and not backflow into heater 611 or the device's overall electronics.

[0085] Referring now to Figure 5, there is shown a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of another example of a cartridge 700 having a liquid reservoir 701 containing a liquid 702 and a reservoir 703 defining a chamber 708 for containing a composition 704. In the following description and in Figure 5, parts and features that are the same as or similar to corresponding parts and features in the example described with reference to Figure 4 have the same reference numerals but increased by 100. For the sake of brevity, the description of these parts and features as a whole will not be repeated here.

[0086] In this example, the cartridge 700 has a liquid container 701 and a composition container 70 3 isProvided as separate components, they are removably connected to one another during use. The liquid container 701 and the composition container 703 may be, for example, clipped or removably secured to one another, or, for example, the composition container 703 may simply rest on or have a tight friction fit with the liquid container 701. The cartridge 700 is configured such that when the liquid 702 is volatilized to form an aerosol of droplets or heated sufficiently to form a vapor, at least a portion, and preferably all or substantially all, of the aerosol or vapor passes through the composition 704 to capture flavor from the composition.

[0087] In this example, liquid container 701 is surrounded by an outer shell 705, which defines an annular flow passage 706 around the exterior length of liquid container 701 and extends from one end of liquid container 701 to the other. Outer shell 705 extends beyond a first end wall 707 of liquid container 701 and terminates in an end wall 709, which may be a separate plastic or rubber cap or the like. End wall 709 may be porous and / or have one or more through holes 710 to allow aerosol or vapor to exit annular flow passage 706. A one-way valve 714 may be provided inside end wall 709 to allow the vapor or aerosol to only exit annular flow passage 706 at the end remote from heater 711 and wick 712 and prevent backflow into heater 711 or the electronics of the device as a whole. In use, the composition container 703 is positioned across the end wall 709 so that vapor or aerosol exiting the end wall 709 travels into the material container. The composition container 703 has an exit opening and / or porous end wall 715 to allow the aerosol or vapor to exit the cartridge for inhalation by the user.

[0088] In use, the cartridge 700 is connected by a user to the battery section of the device (not shown) to power the heater 711. When the atomizer heater 711 is powered (which may be triggered, for example, by operating a button on the device or by a puff detector on the device, as known per se), the liquid 702 drawn from the liquid reservoir 701 through the end wall 713 by the wick 712 is heated by the heater 711, causing the liquid to volatilize or vaporize. When the user draws on the mouthpiece of the device, vapor or aerosol travels, as indicated by arrow A, into the annular channel 706 around the outside of the length of the liquid reservoir 701 toward the end wall 709 of the outer shell 705. The vapor or aerosol then travels through the end wall 709 (through a one-way valve, if present) to the composition reservoir 703, where it captures flavor from the composition 704. The vapor or aerosol can then exit the cartridge 700 through the end wall 715 of the composition reservoir, as indicated by arrow B.

[0089] The examples shown in Figures 4 and 5 are particularly suitable for use in so-called modular or "electronically operated (e-go)" products where the cartomizer is fitted to the battery section (not shown), typically by a thread, bayonet fit, etc. The cartomizer as a whole is typically discarded after use and a new replacement cartomizer is used. Alternatively, the user can occasionally refill the liquid and / or replace the solid material as needed.

[0090] The examples shown in Figures 4 and 5 are readily adapted for use with other types of hybrid devices known per se. For example, there are so-called "e-cigarette" or "cigarette-like" devices, which are generally small and have a shape and appearance similar to a conventional cigarette. In such devices, the liquid reservoir typically includes some kind of filler material, such as cotton, to hold the liquid. The cartridges or cartomizers of such conventional devices are typically entirely disposable, but in embodiments of the present invention, they can be refilled with liquid and / or replaced with solid materials. Another example is so-called tank devices or personal vaporizers, which typically have a large liquid reservoir for holding a relatively large amount of liquid and offer advanced user-adjustable features in many aspects of the device.

[0091] As an alternative to any of the above-described atomizer devices, the atomizer (i.e., heater and wick) for the liquid may be provided separately from the liquid and material container, or the atomizer may be provided as part of the battery section of the overall device, for example, a cartridge into which the user can removably insert the cartridge during use.

[0092] In any of the examples described in connection with Figures 4 and 5, a heater for the composition may be provided to "preheat" the composition. This heater may be provided as part of the cartridge or as part of the battery section of the device into which the cartridge is fitted during use.

[0093] For the avoidance of doubt, when used herein, "comprises" means the invention or a feature of the invention. When used in the definition of "comprises," the invention or feature may be replaced by "comprises." Also disclosed are embodiments that can be defined using "consists essentially of" or "consists of."

[0094] The above-described embodiments should be understood as illustrative examples of the present invention. Further embodiments of the present invention are contemplated. It should be understood that any feature described with respect to any one embodiment may be used alone or in combination with other features described, and may be used in combination with one or more features of any of the other embodiments or in any combination with any of the other embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims.

[0095] The various embodiments described herein are provided merely to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are merely representative examples and are not intended to be comprehensive or exclusive. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting the disclosure to the exact scope of the claims or to the equivalents of the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilized or modified without departing from the scope and / or spirit of the present disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, or other combinations. The present disclosure also encompasses other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. 1. A composition comprising an extruded material for use in generating an inhalable medium, wherein the extruded material comprises non-tobacco solid plant material and is free of tobacco material, and further wherein the extruded material comprises from 40 wt % to about 90 wt % of the non-tobacco solid plant material, calculated on the total weight of the extruded material.

2. 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the non-tobacco solid plant material is selected from cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, lavender, sage, lemon myrtle, cloves, eucalyptus, and ginger.

3. 3. The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the extruded material comprises nicotine.

4. 4. The composition of claim 1, further comprising one or more of a wetting agent, a binder, and a bulking agent.

5. 5. The composition of claim 4, wherein the wetting agent comprises an aerosol generating agent.

6. 6. The composition of claim 5, wherein the aerosol generating agent is one or more selected from the group consisting of polyols such as sorbitol, glycerin, and glycols such as propylene glycol or triethylene glycol, non-polyols such as monohydric alcohols, high-boiling hydrocarbons, acids such as lactic acid, glycerin derivatives, esters such as diacetin, triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate or myristates including ethyl myristate and isopropyl myristate, and aliphatic carboxylic acid esters such as methyl stearate, dimethyl dodecanedioate, and dimethyl tetradecanedioate.

7. 5. The composition of claim 4, wherein the binder comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of alginates, celluloses or modified celluloses, starches or modified starches, and natural gums.

8. 8. The composition of claim 1, further comprising one or more activators.

9. 9. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the extruded material is in the form of particles and the composition comprises a plurality of these particles.

10. 10. The composition of claim 9, wherein the average particle size of the particles is in the range of about 0.4 mm to about 3.5 mm.

11. The extruded material was approximately 0.4 g cm －３ ~Approx. 1.5gcm －３ 11. The composition of claim 1, having a density in the range of:

12. 12. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the composition additionally comprises tobacco material.

13. The composition of claim 12, wherein the tobacco material is provided in a second extruded material, the two extruded materials being in the form of mixed granules.

14. 14. An aerosol-generating article comprising the composition of any one of claims 1 to 13, the article being configured to generate an inhalable medium when the composition is heated without combustion.

15. The aerosol-generating product of claim 14, characterized in that the generating product is a cartridge for use in a device for generating an inhalable medium, the cartridge containing a liquid that can be evaporated in a container and a composition described in any one of claims 1 to 13 in a separate chamber.

16. 16. An aerosol-generating assembly for generating an inhalable medium comprising the generating article of claim 14 or 15 and a heat source configured to heat but not burn the composition of any one of claims 1 to 13.

17. a container for holding a liquid; a heater for volatilizing the liquid held in the container; A chamber containing the composition of any one of claims 1 to 13; an outlet; The device is configured such that in use, a respirable medium exits through the outlet, the medium comprising (i) a liquid to be vaporized in the form of a vapor and / or aerosol, and (ii) one or more components of a composition held in the chamber.

18. 18. The device of claim 17, wherein in use, the liquid vaporized by the heater passes through the chamber in the form of at least one of a vapor and an aerosol, thereby entraining one or more components from the composition and producing an inhalable medium which exits through the outlet.

19. 14. A method for preparing a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising forming a mixture including a flavoring agent, extruding the mixture, and drying the mixture to form an extruded material.

20. (i) a liquid pod containing a volatile liquid; (ii) a solid composition pod containing the composition of any one of claims 1 to 13, A kit in which the liquid and tobacco composition pod is configured for use in a device used to generate an inhalable medium, the device being such that, upon use, an inhalable medium is generated, the medium comprising (i) a liquid vaporized from the liquid pod in the form of a vapor and / or aerosol, and (ii) one or more components of a composition described in any one of claims 1 to 13.

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