Articles for use with devices for heating aerosolizable materials

The article for use with a heating device addresses inefficiencies in heat-not-burn products by allowing aerosol-generating material to displace relative to the heating element, ensuring consistent compound release and improved user experience.

JP7796226B2Active Publication Date: 2026-01-08NICOVENTURES TRADING LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024531517
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2021-12-20
Filing Date
2022-12-20
Publication Date
2026-01-08
Estimated Expiration
2042-12-20

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing smoking alternatives, such as heat-not-burn products, face challenges in efficiently releasing volatile compounds from aerosol-generating materials without combustion, particularly in maintaining a consistent release rate and user experience.

Method used

An article for use with a heating device that includes a cavity containing aerosol-generating material, allowing the material to be displaced relative to a heating element, with a configuration that includes multiple pieces of tobacco material occupying a significant volume of the cavity and using occlusion members to manage airflow and aerosol release.

Benefits of technology

The solution provides a consistent and efficient release of volatile compounds, enhancing user experience through dynamic interaction with the heating element, ensuring a reliable aerosol generation.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

An article for use with a device for heating an aerosol-generating material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material to generate an inhalable aerosol. In an example, the article includes a first section defining a cavity containing the aerosol-generating material, the aerosol-generating material partially filling the cavity. The article is configured to receive a heating element of the device within the cavity. The aerosol-generating material is disposed to be displaceable within the cavity relative to the heating element. In another example, the article includes a first section containing the aerosol-generating material, the aerosol-generating material comprising a plurality of pieces of material including tobacco. The article includes a first plug defining a first end of the first section, the first plug including tobacco. Also disclosed is a system comprising the article described above and a heating device disposed to heat the aerosol-generating material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material. The heating device includes at least one heater element for heating the aerosol-generating material of the article during use.
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an article for use with a device for heating an aerosol-forming material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-forming material.

[0002] Articles such as cigarettes and cigars burn tobacco to produce tobacco smoke during use. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles by creating products that release compounds without combustion. Examples of such products are so-called "heat-not-burn" products, also known as tobacco heating products or tobacco heating devices, which release compounds by heating, rather than burning, an aerosolizable material. This material can be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, or combinations such as blended mixes, which may or may not contain nicotine. Overview

[0003] According to the present disclosure, an article is provided for use with a device for heating an aerosol-generating material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material to generate an inhalable aerosol, the article including a first section defining a cavity containing the aerosol-generating material, the aerosol-generating material partially filling the cavity, the article configured to receive a heating element of the device in the cavity, and the aerosol-generating material positioned so as to be displaceable within the cavity relative to the heating element.

[0004] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is disposed within the cavity such that movement of the article causes displacement of the aerosol-generating material within the cavity to reposition the aerosol-generating material relative to the heating element.

[0005] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material comprises a plurality of individual pieces of tobacco material.

[0006] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material comprises a plurality of beads or pellets.

[0007] In some embodiments, the beads or pellets are tobacco beads or pellets.

[0008] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material occupies between about 80% and 95% of the volume of the cavity.

[0009] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material occupies between about 88% and 92% of the volume of the cavity.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first section includes a first occlusion member defining a first end of the cavity, preferably the first occlusion member is a first plug.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first occlusion member comprises an aerosol-forming material, preferably a tobacco material.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first section includes a second occlusion member defining a second end of the cavity, preferably the second occlusion member is a second plug.

[0013] In some embodiments, the second occlusion member comprises an aerosol-forming material, preferably a tobacco material.

[0014] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material in the cavity is a first aerosol-generating material, and the article further comprises a second aerosol-generating material. The first and / or second closure members can comprise the second aerosol-generating material.

[0015] In some embodiments, the density of one of the first and second aerosol-generating materials is at least about 25% higher than the density of the other of the first and second aerosol-generating materials, however, in other embodiments, the first and second aerosol-generating materials are the same.

[0016] In some embodiments, one of the first and second aerosol-forming materials has a density of from about 0.1 g / cm 3 to about 1 g / cm 3 .

[0017] In some embodiments, the other of the first and second aerosol-forming materials has a density of from about 0.4 g / cm 3 to about 2 g / cm 3 .

[0018] In some embodiments, heating the article provides a relatively constant release of volatile compounds into the inhalable medium.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first aerosol-forming material comprises extruded tobacco.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first aerosol-forming material comprises beads.

[0021] In some embodiments, the second aerosol-forming material comprises one or more tobacco materials selected from the group consisting of laminar tobacco and reconstituted tobacco materials.

[0022] In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second aerosol-forming materials comprises a combination of lamina and reconstituted tobacco material, hi some embodiments, the lamina and reconstituted tobacco material are present in the aerosol-forming material in a weight ratio of 1:4 to 4:1.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first and second aerosol-forming materials have the same level of a volatile compound, which in some embodiments is nicotine.

[0024] In some embodiments, the emission of volatile compounds from the first and second aerosol-forming materials is at the same rate when the materials reach a given temperature.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first and second aerosol-forming materials are present in the article in a weight ratio of 1:10 to 10:1.

[0026] In some embodiments, the first closure member is positioned to allow a heating element of the device to extend through the first closure member and into the cavity when the article is inserted into the device.

[0027] In some embodiments, the article further comprises a tube filter section.

[0028] In some embodiments, the article further comprises a cooling section, and preferably the cooling section comprises an aerosol-forming material.

[0029] In some embodiments, the article further comprises a filter section, preferably at the mouth end of the article.

[0030] In some embodiments, the filter section comprises an aerosol modifying agent, preferably a flavoring agent.

[0031] In some embodiments, the article includes an aerosol modifier-releasing component, preferably the aerosol modifier-releasing component is a capsule.

[0032] According to the present disclosure, there is provided an article for use in an apparatus for heating an aerosol-forming material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-forming material to generate an inhalable aerosol, the article comprising: The article includes a first section containing an aerosol-generating material, the aerosol-generating material including a plurality of pieces of material including tobacco, and a first plug defining a first end of the first section, the first plug including tobacco.

[0033] In some embodiments, the tobacco of the first plug comprises reconstituted tobacco.

[0034] In some embodiments, the article includes a second plug defining a second end of the first section, the second plug comprising tobacco, preferably reconstituted tobacco.

[0035] In some embodiments, the plurality of tobacco-containing pieces of material comprise tobacco beads or pellets.

[0036] In some embodiments, the first section defines a cavity containing the aerosol-forming material, the aerosol-forming material occupying between about 80% and 95% of the volume of the cavity.

[0037] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material occupies between about 88% and 92% of the volume of the cavity.

[0038] In some embodiments, the article is configured to receive a heating element of the device in a first section, and the plurality of pieces of material comprising tobacco are displaceable within the first section so as to be repositionable relative to the heating element.

[0039] The present disclosure also provides a system comprising a heating device arranged to heat an aerosol-generating material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material, and an article as disclosed herein for use with the heating device, wherein the heating device comprises at least one heater element for heating the aerosol-generating material of the article during use.

[0040] In some embodiments, the heater element is disposed within the housing.

[0041] In some embodiments, the housing comprises a first opening through which an item can be inserted into the heating device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0042] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an example article for use with a device for heating an aerosol-forming material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-forming material. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view of the article of FIG. 1. [Figure 3]3 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an example of an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material using the article of FIGS. 1 and 2 inserted into the apparatus. Detailed Description

[0043] As used herein, the term "delivery system" is intended to encompass a system that delivers at least one substance to a user; Combustion aerosol delivery systems, such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco for pipes or for hand-rolled or handmade cigarettes, whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes, or other smoking materials; a non-combustion aerosol delivery system that releases compounds from an aerosol-forming material without burning the aerosol-forming material, such as an electronic cigarette, tobacco heating product, or mixing system for generating an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-forming materials; an aerosol-free delivery system that orally, nasally, transdermally, or otherwise delivers to a user at least one substance, which may or may not contain nicotine, including, but not limited to, oral products such as lozenges, gums, patches, articles containing inhalable powders, and oral tobacco, including snus and moist snuff, without forming an aerosol; Includes.

[0044] According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol delivery system is one in which the aerosol-generating components of the aerosol delivery system (or components thereof) are not combusted or burned to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0045] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol delivery system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol delivery system.

[0046] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0047] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0048] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is a mixing system for generating an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-forming materials, and one or more of the aerosol-forming materials can be heated. Each of the aerosol-forming materials can be, for example, in solid, liquid, or gel form, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the mixing system includes a liquid or gel aerosol-forming material and a solid aerosol-forming material. The solid aerosol-forming material can include a plant-derived material, such as tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0049] Typically, a non-combustible aerosol delivery system can include a non-combustible aerosol delivery device and a consumable item for use with the non-combustible aerosol delivery device.

[0050] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables, sometimes referred to as articles throughout this disclosure, that include aerosol-generating materials and are configured for use with non-combustible aerosol delivery devices.

[0051] As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are relative terms defined with reference to the direction in which mainstream aerosol is drawn through an article or device in use. References to the "distal end" refer to the upstream end of the device, while the "proximal end" refers to the downstream end of the device.

[0052] In some embodiments, a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, e.g., a non-combustion aerosol delivery device of a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, can include a power source and a controller. The power source can be, for example, an electrical power source or a heat source. In some embodiments, the heat source includes a carbon substrate that can be excited to dissipate power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or a heat transfer material in proximity to the heat source.

[0053] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system includes an area for receiving a consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0054] In some embodiments, consumables for use with non-combustible aerosol delivery devices may include an aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage region, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol-generating region, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0055] The consumable product includes a substance to be delivered. The substance to be delivered is an aerosol-generating material. Optionally, the substance 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.

[0056] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered includes an active substance. 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 dietary supplement, a nootropic, or a psychoactive substance. The active substance may be naturally derived or synthetically derived. The active substance may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6, B12, or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or components, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco, cannabis, or another botanical substance. In some embodiments, the active substance includes nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance includes caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

[0057] As described herein, the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanical substances, or components, derivatives, or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "botanical substance" includes any material derived from a plant, including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fiber, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husks, shells, etc. Alternatively, the material may comprise synthetically derived active compounds naturally occurring in the botanical substance. The material may be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, ground particles, granules, pellets, fragments, strips, sheets, etc. Examples of botanical substances 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, and lavender. , lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, shiso, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, bell pepper, mace, damiana, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, kavi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab, or any combination thereof.The mint may be selected from the following mint varieties: common mint (Mentha arvensis), grapefruit mint (Mentha cv), Egyptian mint (Mentha niliaca), peppermint (Mentha piperita), lime mint (Mentha piperita citrata cv), chocolate mint (Mentha piperita cv), curly mint (Mentha spicata crispa), wild mint (Mentha cardifolia), horse mint (Mentha longifolia), pineapple mint (Mentha suaveolens variegata), pennyroyal mint (Mentha pulegium), English spearmint (Mentha spicata cv), and apple mint (Mentha suaveolens).

[0058] In some embodiments, the active agent comprises or is derived from one or more botanical substances or components, derivatives, or extracts thereof, and the botanical substance is tobacco.

[0059] In some embodiments, the active agent comprises or is derived from one or more botanical substances or components, derivatives, or extracts thereof, and the botanical substances are selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, and hemp.

[0060] In some embodiments, the active agent comprises or is derived from one or more botanical substances or components, derivatives, or extracts thereof, and the botanical substances are selected from rooibos and fennel.

[0061] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a fragrance.

[0062] As used herein, the terms "flavor" and "flavoring" refer to materials that may be used, where local regulations permit, to create a desired taste, aroma, or other somatosensory sensation in products intended for adult consumers.These ingredients may be naturally derived flavoring materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically derived materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, magnolia, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, etc.). Fruits: papaya, rhubarb, grapes, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberries, mulberries, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel quid, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang Orchids, sage, fennel, wasabi, pimenta, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, mint oil of any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, yerba mate, orange peel, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, shiso, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, black currant, valerian, pimento, mace, damiento, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, caraway, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), 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, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath fresheners.The materials may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients, or mixtures thereof. The materials may be in any suitable form, for example, a liquid such as an oil, a solid such as a powder, or a gas.

[0063] In some embodiments, the flavoring includes menthol, spearmint, and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavoring includes cucumber, blueberry, citrus, and / or red berry flavoring ingredients. In some embodiments, the flavoring includes eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavoring includes flavoring ingredients extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavoring includes flavoring ingredients extracted from cannabis.

[0064] In some embodiments, the flavoring agent may include a sensory elicitor intended to achieve a somatosensory sensation typically perceived chemically induced by stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve) in addition to or instead of the scent or taste nerves, and may include agents that provide a heating, cooling, tingling, or anesthetic effect. A suitable heating agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and a suitable cooling agent may be, but is not limited to, eucalyptol WS-3.

[0065] The aerosol-generating material may include or be an "amorphous solid." In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material includes an aerosol-generating film that is an amorphous solid. The amorphous solid may be a "monolithic solid." The amorphous solid may be substantially non-fibrous. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can retain some fluid, such as a liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may comprise, for example, about 50%, 60%, or 70% by weight of the amorphous solid to about 90%, 95%, or 100% by weight of the amorphous solid. The aerosol-generating material may also be referred to as an aerosolizable material.

[0066] An aerosol-forming material is a material capable of generating an aerosol when activated, for example, by heating, irradiation, or in any other manner. The aerosol-forming material can be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings. The aerosol-forming material is incorporated into an article for use in an aerosol generating system.

[0067] As used herein, the term "tobacco material" refers to any material containing tobacco or its derivatives or substitutes. The tobacco material can take any suitable form. 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 ground tobacco, tobacco fiber, cut tobacco, extruded tobacco, tobacco stems, tobacco lamina, reconstituted tobacco, and / or tobacco extract.

[0068] A consumable is an item containing or consisting of an aerosol-generating material that is intended to be consumed, in part or in whole, by a user during use. A consumable may include one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. A consumable may also include an aerosol generator, particularly a heating element, that generates heat during use to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol. A heater may include a material that can be heated by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0069] The aerosol-forming materials may include one or more active agents and / or flavorings, one or more aerosol former materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0070] The aerosolizable material may be present on a substrate, which may be or include, for example, paper, card, corrugated board, cardboard, recycled aerosolizable material, plastic material, ceramic material, composite material, glass, metal, or alloy.

[0071] The aerosol former material can include one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol former material can include one or more of glycerin, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, mesoerythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixtures, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0072] The one or more other functional ingredients may include one or more of a pH adjuster, a colorant, a preservative, a binder, a filler, a stabilizer, and / or an antioxidant.

[0073] A consumable is an item containing or consisting of an aerosol-generating material that is intended to be consumed, in part or in whole, by a user during use. A consumable may include one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. A consumable may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that generates heat during use to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol. The heater may include, for example, a combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0074] The susceptor is a material that can be heated by the penetration of a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be a conductive material, such that the penetration of the varying magnetic field into the conductive material results in induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material, such that the penetration of the varying magnetic field into the magnetic material results in magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both conductive and magnetic, such that the susceptor can be heated by both heating mechanisms. A device configured to generate a varying magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

[0075] Aerosol modifiers are substances typically located downstream of the aerosol-generation region and configured to modify the generated aerosol, for example by altering the taste, flavor, acidity, or other characteristics of the aerosol. The aerosol modifier may be provided within an aerosol modifier-releasing component operable to selectively release the aerosol modifier.

[0076] The aerosol modifier may be, for example, an additive or an adsorbent. The aerosol modifier may include, for example, one or more of a flavoring, a coloring, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol modifier may be, for example, a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol modifier may be in the form of a powder, a string, or a granule. The aerosol modifier may not have a filter material.

[0077] An aerosol generator is a device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol material to thermal energy, releasing one or more volatile substances from the aerosol-generating material to form the aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0078] The filament tow materials described herein can include cellulose acetate fiber tows. The filament tows can also be formed using other materials used to form fibers, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(1-4 butanediol succinate) (PBS), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), starch-based materials, cotton, aliphatic polyester materials, and polysaccharide polymers, or combinations thereof. The filament tows can be plasticized with a suitable plasticizer for the tow, such as triacetin if the material is cellulose acetate tow, or the tows can be unplasticized. The tow can have any suitable specifications, such as other cross sections such as "Y" or "X", fibers having a single fineness value of 2.5 to 15, e.g., 8.0 to 11.0, and a total fineness value of 5,000 to 50,000, e.g., 10,000 to 40,000.

[0079] In the figures described herein, like reference numerals are used to describe equivalent features, items or components.

[0080] 1-3, there is shown an example of an article 1 (see particularly FIGS. 1 and 2) for use in an aerosol delivery system that includes an aerosol delivery device. In this example, the aerosol delivery device is an apparatus 100 (shown in FIG. 3) for non-combustion heating of a non-liquid aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material.

[0081] In this example, article 1 takes the form of a substantially cylindrical rod including four sections arranged in coaxial alignment: first section 3 containing first aerosol-generating material 5 (in this example, non-liquid aerosolizable material 5), tube filter section 7, cooling section 9, and end filter section 11.

[0082] Article 1 includes a distal end 13 and a proximal end 15. First section 3 is located toward distal end 13 of article 1, and end filter section 11 is located toward proximal end 15. In this example, tube filter section 7 is located between and abuts first section 3 and cooling section 9. In this example, cooling section 9 is located between and abuts tube filter section 7 and end filter section 11.

[0083] In other examples, there may be separation between any of the abutting sections shown in the example of FIG. 1, and there may be more or fewer sections.

[0084] 1, article 1 further comprises a cover or outer housing 17 that surrounds or encases the four sections. Outer housing 17 can comprise any suitable material, for example, plastic and paper, and can include one or more layers.

[0085] The proximal end 15 of the article 1 is, in this example, the mouth end of the article 1 that a user inserts into their mouth during use.

[0086] 1, first section 3 defines a cavity 19 that contains a first aerosol-generating material (herein referred to as "aerosolizable material 5"). Article 1 is configured to receive a heating element 102 of device 100 within cavity 19 when article 1 is inserted into device 100, as shown in FIG.

[0087] As described in more detail below, in use, a user operates device 100 such that heating element 102 received within cavity 19 heats aerosolizable material 5 to volatilize at least one component of aerosolizable material 5 and generate an aerosol. When a user inhales on proximal end 15, an aerosol stream flows through article 1 and is inhaled by the user, as shown by arrow A in FIG. 1 .

[0088] Aerosolizable material 5 only partially fills cavity 19 and is positioned so as to be displaceable within cavity 19 relative to heating element 102 .

[0089] In the examples of Figures 1-3, the aerosolizable material 5 is positioned such that, for example, when the device 100 and article 1 are raised toward a user's mouth, or when the article 1 is tapped, impacted, or otherwise moved, the movement of the article 1 causes displacement of the aerosolizable material 5 within the cavity 19, thereby repositioning the aerosolizable material 5 relative to the heating element 102.

[0090] In this way, repeated movement of the article 1 results in repeated changes in the aerosolizable material 5 in contact with or in close proximity to the heating element 102, thereby providing an improved user experience compared to an arrangement in which the aerosolizable material is static relative to the heating element into which it is inserted.

[0091] Aerosolizable material 5 may include tobacco, may consist substantially entirely of tobacco, may include tobacco and aerosolizable materials other than tobacco, may include aerosolizable materials other than tobacco, or may be tobacco-free. Aerosolizable material 5 may include an aerosol-forming agent, such as glycerol.

[0092] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the aerosolizable material 5 can include multiple individual pieces of material, such as tobacco pieces, which can move relative to the heating element 102, for example, when the article 1 is moved.

[0093] The plurality of individual pieces of material may comprise a plurality of beads or pellets, such as tobacco beads or pellets. Providing the plurality of individual pieces of material in the form of beads or pellets results in particularly efficient redistribution of the aerosolizable material 5 about the heating element when the article 1 is moved. Each bead or pellet may, for example, be substantially spherical in shape and have a diameter in the range of 0.5 to 3 mm, preferably in the range of 1 to 2 mm.

[0094] In some examples, the volume occupied by aerosolizable material 5 is within the range of 80% to 95% of the volume of cavity 19. This range is believed to provide a good user experience because there is enough free space within cavity 19 to ensure good redistribution of aerosolizable material 5 about heating element 102 as it is displaced, and there is enough aerosolizable material 5 within cavity 19 to generate a sufficient amount of aerosol. Optimal results are achieved when the volume occupied by aerosolizable material 5 is within the range of 88% to 92% of the volume of cavity 19.

[0095] 1 and 2, the first section 3 may include a first occlusion member 21 located at the distal end 13 of the article 1 that defines a first end of the cavity 19. In this example, the first occlusion member 21 is a first end plug 21. The first section 3 may also include a second occlusion member 23 that defines a second end of the cavity 19. In this example, the second occlusion member 23 is a second end plug 23.

[0096] The first occlusion member 21 comprises a first body of material 21 optionally surrounded by a first wrapper (not shown). The first wrapper may comprise, for example, paper or cardboard.

[0097] The second closure member 23 comprises a second body of material 23 optionally surrounded by a second wrapper (not shown), which may comprise, for example, paper or cardboard.

[0098] The first and / or second occlusion members 21, 23 may be generally cylindrical, however, it should be appreciated that one or both occlusion members 21, 23 may have a different shape.

[0099] The article 1 may have an axial length of at least 10 mm, preferably at least 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 or 23 mm.

[0100] The article 1 may have an axial length of at most 36 mm, preferably at most 34, 32, 30, 28, 26, 24 or 23 mm.

[0101] The article 1 may have an axial length in the range of 10 to 36 mm, preferably in the range of 14 to 32 mm, in the range of 20 to 26 mm, or in the range of 22 to 24 mm.

[0102] First occlusion member 21 may have an axial length of at least 3 mm, preferably at least 4, 5, 6 or 7 mm.

[0103] The first occlusion member 21 may have an axial length of at most 20 mm, preferably at most 15, 12, 10, or 8 mm.

[0104] The first occlusion member 21 may have an axial length in the range of 3 to 20 mm, preferably in the range of 4 to 15 mm, 5 to 12 mm, or 7 to 10 mm.

[0105] Second occlusion member 23 may have an axial length of at least 3 mm, preferably at least 4, 5, 6 or 7 mm.

[0106] The second occlusion member 23 may have an axial length of at most 20 mm, preferably at most 15, 12, 10 or 8 mm.

[0107] The second occlusion member 23 may have an axial length in the range of 3 to 20 mm, preferably in the range of 4 to 15 mm, 5 to 12 mm, or 7 to 10 mm.

[0108] The first and second occlusion members 21, 23 may be axially spaced apart by a distance of at least 4mm, preferably at least 5 or 6mm.

[0109] The first and second occlusion members 21, 23 may be axially spaced apart by a distance of at most 22 mm, preferably at most 20, 18, 16, 14 or 12 mm.

[0110] The first and second closure members 21, 23 may be axially spaced apart by a distance in the range of 4 to 22 mm, preferably in the range of 6 to 12 mm.

[0111] First end plug 21 and second end plug 23 fit closely within housing 17 and serve to retain aerosolizable material 5 within cavity 19 .

[0112] In some examples, first end plug 21 is permeable to allow air to flow into cavity 19 when a user inhales on proximal mouth end 15 of article 1. Optionally, article 1 may include one or more ventilation holes (not shown) that allow air to flow within article 1.

[0113] The second end plug 23 is permeable to allow the flow of aerosol out of the cavity 19, axially along the article 1, and out through the proximal mouth end 15 of the article 1 as shown by arrow A in FIG. 1.

[0114] In some examples, one or both of first end plug 21 and second end plug 23 include a second aerosol-forming material. For example, one or both of first end plug 21 and second end plug 23 may include tobacco, such as reconstituted tobacco.

[0115] In some embodiments, the total weight of aerosol-forming material in the article is in the range of 150 to 350 mg, preferably in the range of 200 to 300 mg, 220 to 280 mg, or 230 to 260 mg.

[0116] In some embodiments, the first and / or second occlusion members 21, 23 contain aerosol-generating material in the range of 7 mg / mm to 13 mg / mm of occlusion member length, preferably 8 to 12, 9 to 11.5, 9 to 11, or 9.5 to 10.5 mg / mm of occlusion member length.

[0117] In some embodiments, cavity 19 contains aerosol-generating material 5 in the range of 7 mg / mm to 13 mg per mm of cavity 19 length, preferably in the range of 8 to 12, 9 to 11.5, 9 to 11, or 9.5 to 10.5 mg per mm of cavity 19 length.

[0118] In this embodiment, first occlusion 21 includes an aerosol-generating material and second occlusion 23 includes an aerosol-generating material. In this example, first occlusion 21 is a plug of aerosol-generating material and second occlusion 23 is a plug of aerosol-generating material. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, one or both of first and second occlusions 21, 23 do not include an aerosol-generating material.

[0119] The advantage of the first and / or second closure 21, 23 containing an aerosol-generating material is that the first and / or second closure 21, 23 can prevent the aerosol-generating material 5 from falling out of the cavity 19 and the first and / or second closure 21, 23 can also generate aerosol, thereby saving space and material compared to a configuration in which a separate closure and additional aerosol-generating region are provided. Additionally, the aerosol-generating material in the first and / or second closure 21, 23 can be provided with one or more properties that are different from the aerosol-generating material 5 in the cavity 19.

[0120] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material of the first and / or second closure members 21, 23 can include, consist of, or consist essentially of tobacco material. As explained above, the term "tobacco material" refers to any material containing tobacco or its derivatives or substitutes. The tobacco material can take any suitable form. 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 ground tobacco, tobacco fiber, cut tobacco, extruded tobacco, tobacco stems, tobacco lamina, reconstituted tobacco, and / or tobacco extract.

[0121] In some embodiments, the first and / or second occlusion members 21, 23 may further or alternatively include one or more aerosol-forming materials. For example, the first and / or second occlusion members 21, 23 may further or alternatively include one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. The aerosol-forming materials may include one or more of glycerin, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, mesoerythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixtures, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate. The aerosol-forming material may be glycerol or propylene glycol.

[0122] The aerosol-forming material 5 in the cavity 19 or in the first and / or second closure members 21, 23 may include a plant-derived material such as tobacco material. The aerosol-forming material may be a sheet or shredded sheet of aerosolizable material including a plant-derived material such as tobacco material.

[0123] The plant-derived material may be a particulate or granular material. In some embodiments, the plant-derived material is a powder. Alternatively, or in addition, the plant-derived material may comprise flakes, strands, or tobacco fibers. For example, when tobacco material is provided, the tobacco material may comprise tobacco particles, granules, fibers, flakes, and / or strands. In some embodiments, the tobacco material consists of particles or granules of tobacco material.

[0124] The tobacco material within cavity 19 or of first and / or second closure members 21, 23 may include tobacco obtained from any part of the tobacco plant. In some embodiments, the tobacco material includes tobacco leaf.

[0125] The sheet or shredded sheet can contain from 5% to about 90% tobacco by weight.

[0126] In some embodiments, one or more or all of the aerosol-generating materials 5 within the cavity 19 and the first and / or second closure members 21, 23 comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of tobacco material.

[0127] The aerosol-forming material may be mixed with or otherwise added to the aerosol-forming material 5 in the cavity 19 and / or the aerosol-forming material 5 of the first and / or second closure members 21, 23. The aerosol-forming material includes one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. The aerosol-forming material may include one or more of glycerin, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, mesoerythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixtures, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate. The aerosol-forming material may be glycerol or propylene glycol.

[0128] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material 5 in cavity 19 and / or the aerosol-forming material of first and / or second closure members 21, 23 comprises a sheet or shredded sheet of aerosolizable material containing an aerosol-forming agent material. Optionally, the aerosol-forming agent material is provided in an amount of up to about 50% by weight of the sheet or shredded sheet on a dry weight basis. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming agent material is provided in an amount of about 5% to about 40% by weight of the sheet or shredded sheet on a dry weight basis, about 10% to about 30% by weight of the sheet or shredded sheet on a dry weight basis, or about 10% to about 20% by weight of the sheet or shredded sheet on a dry weight basis.

[0129] The aerosol-generating material 5 in the cavity 19 and / or the aerosol-generating material of the first and / or second closure members 21, 23 can include a filter. In some embodiments, the sheet or shredded sheet includes a filter. The filler is generally non-tobacco, i.e., does not contain tobacco-derived materials. The filler may include one or more inorganic filler materials, such as calcium carbonate, perlite, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, colloidal silica, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate, magnesium carbonate, and suitable inorganic adsorbents, such as molecular sieves. The filler may also be non-tobacco fibers, such as wood fiber or pulp or wheat fiber. The filler may be a cellulose-containing material, or the material may include a cellulose derivative. The filler component may also be a non-tobacco cast material or a non-tobacco extruded material.

[0130] The aerosol-generating material 5 in the cavity 19 and / or the aerosol-generating material of the first and / or second closure members 21, 23 may include an aerosol modifier, such as any of the flavorings described herein. In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating material 5 in the cavity 19 and / or the aerosol-generating material of the first and / or second closure members 21, 23 includes menthol. When the aerosol-generating material 5 in the cavity 19 and / or the aerosol-generating material of the first and / or second closure members 21, 23 are incorporated into an article 1 for use in an aerosol delivery system, the article may be referred to as a menthol-impregnated article 1. The aerosol-generating material 5 in the cavity 19 and / or the aerosol-generating material of the first and / or second closure members 21, 23 may include 0.5 mg to 20 mg of menthol, 0.7 mg to 20 mg of menthol, 1 mg to 18 mg, or 8 mg to 16 mg of menthol.

[0131] In some embodiments, article 1 includes an aerosol-forming component, including an aerosol-forming material, which may include aerosol-forming material 5 within cavity 19 and / or the aerosol-forming material of first and / or second closure members 21, 23.

[0132] An aerosol-generating material is a material capable of generating an aerosol when activated, for example, by heating, irradiation, or in any other manner. The aerosol-generating material (e.g., the aerosol-generating material 5 in cavity 19 and / or the aerosol-generating material of first and / or second closure members 21, 23) may be, for example, a solid, liquid, or semi-solid (such as a gel) that may or may not contain an active substance and / or flavoring.

[0133] The aerosol-generating material (e.g., the aerosol-generating material 5 in the cavity 19 and / or the aerosol-generating material of the first and / or second closure members 21, 23) may include a binder and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, an active substance and / or a filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, may also be present, and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material (e.g., the aerosol-generating material 5 in the cavity 19 and / or the aerosol-generating material of the first and / or second closure members 21, 23) is substantially free of plant material. Notably, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material (e.g., the aerosol-generating material 5 in the cavity 19 and / or the aerosol-generating material of the first and / or second closure members 21, 23) is substantially free of tobacco.

[0134] The aerosol-generating material (e.g., the aerosol-generating material 5 in the cavity 19 and / or the aerosol-generating material of the first and / or second closure members 21, 23) may include or be an "amorphous solid." The amorphous solid may be a "monolithic solid." In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can retain some fluid, such as a liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may include, for example, about 50%, 60%, or 70% by weight of amorphous solid to about 90%, 95%, or 100% by weight of amorphous solid. The amorphous solid may be substantially non-fibrous.

[0135] The aerosol-generating material (e.g., the aerosol-generating material 5 in the cavity 19 and / or the aerosol-generating material of the first and / or second closure members 21, 23) may include or be 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 some of the solvent and form the aerosol-generating film. The slurry may be heated to remove at least about 60 wt%, 70 wt%, 80 wt%, 85 wt%, or 90 wt% of the solvent. The aerosol-generating film may be a continuous film or a discontinuous film, e.g., a construction of separate portions of film on a substrate. The aerosol-generating film may be substantially free of tobacco.

[0136] The aerosol-generating film may comprise or be a sheet, which may optionally be shredded to form shredded sheets.

[0137] The aerosol-generating material (e.g., the aerosol-generating material 5 in the cavity 19 and / or the aerosol-generating material of the first and / or second closure members 21, 23) may include one or more active substances and / or fragrances, one or more aerosol former materials, and, optionally, one or more other functional materials.

[0138] In each of the embodiments of Article 1 described herein, the article may include such an aerosol-forming material or may include such an aerosol-forming composition.

[0139] The aerosol-forming material 5 in the cavity 19 and / or the aerosol-forming material of the first and / or second closure members 21, 23 can include reconstituted tobacco paper. Alternatively, or in addition, the composition can include any of the tobacco forms described herein. The aerosol-forming material 5 in the cavity 19 and / or the aerosol-forming material of the first and / or second closure members 21, 23 can include a sheet or shredded sheet containing tobacco material that includes between 10% and 90% tobacco by weight, with the aerosol-former material being provided in a sheet or shredded sheet amounting to up to about 20% by weight, and the remainder of the tobacco material including reconstituted tobacco paper.

[0140] When the aerosol-forming material 5 in the cavity 19 and / or the aerosol-forming material of the first and / or second closure members 21, 23 comprises an amorphous solid material, the amorphous solid material may be a dry gel containing menthol.

[0141] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material 5 in the cavity 19 and / or the aerosol-generating material of the first and / or second closure members 21, 23 comprises extruded aerosol-generating material that is then cut into pellet beads.

[0142] In this example, the first aerosol-generating material 5 (i.e., provided in cavity 19) includes tobacco beads, the aerosol-generating material of first closure member 21 includes tobacco lamina and / or a plug of shredded reconstituted tobacco, and the aerosol-generating material of second closure member 23 includes tobacco lamina and / or a plug of shredded reconstituted tobacco.

[0143] In the above embodiments, the first and / or second closure members 21, 23 comprise a plug of aerosol-forming material, such as a plug of tobacco fiber, or strips of reconstituted tobacco, or a sheet of reconstituted tobacco collected within a plug. In one embodiment, the body of material of the first and / or second closure members 21, 23 is formed from a crimped sheet of aerosol-forming material (e.g., reconstituted tobacco). Apparatus and methods for producing crimped webs for use in the aerosol product article 1 are known in the art and generally involve feeding a web or sheet between pairs of interleaved rollers that apply a plurality of parallel, equidistant, longitudinally extending crimp corrugations to the web or sheet. Once crimped, the sheet or web is collected to form a continuous rod.

[0144] In some embodiments, the body of material of the first and / or second closure members 21, 23 is formed from a sheet of material with the aerosol-generating material added during casting of the sheet. For example, the sheet material may be cast from a slurry, and the aerosol-generating material (e.g., fibers, granules, pellets, beads, or fines, including tobacco fibers, granules, pellets, beads, or fines, and / or other plant materials) is added to the slurry during casting. In other embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is added to the sheet material as it is formed. For example, the aerosol-generating material (e.g., fibers, granules, pellets, beads, or fines, including tobacco fibers, granules, pellets, beads, or fines, and / or other plant materials) is adhered to the sheet material with an adhesive or applied to the sheet material and then retained within the sheet material when collected in the plug. In some embodiments, the sheet material comprises a paper or gel sheet, and the aerosol-generating material is incorporated into or applied to the sheet.

[0145] It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the first and / or second closure members 21, 23 do not include an aerosol-generating material. For example, in one alternative embodiment, the first and / or second closure members 21, 23 include paper that is formed into the plug (e.g., crimped or cut into strips and formed into the plug) without the aerosol-generating material being applied to or incorporated into the sheet material of the plug.

[0146] 3, in some examples, when article 1 is inserted into apparatus 100, heating element 102 pierces first end plug 21 and extends partially into cavity 19. In the example shown in FIG. 3, heating element 102 extends approximately 75% into cavity 19. Heating element 102 may take the form of, for example, an elongated blade or spike to facilitate piercing first end plug 21.

[0147] In instances where first end plug 21 contains a flavoring material, heating element 102 directly heats the flavoring material of first end plug 21, volatilizing one or more components of that flavoring material, which then become part of the aerosol stream. In instances where second end plug 23 contains a flavoring material, the aerosol stream passing through second end plug 23 may entrain one or more components of the flavoring material of second end plug 23 therein.

[0148] In some examples, the tube filter section 7 is a hollow tube within the housing 17 that provides a cooling and filtering chamber for cooling the heated aerosol stream generated from the aerosolizable material 3 as it flows axially through the article 1.

[0149] In some examples, the cooling section 9 includes: In some embodiments, the article further comprises a cooling section 9, also referred to as a cooling element. In some embodiments, the cooling section 9 is positioned such that, in use, the cooling section is downstream of the tube filter section 7.

[0150] In some embodiments, cooling section 9 includes an aerosol-forming material, preferably in the form of a plug. In some embodiments, cooling section 9 includes a flavoring.

[0151] In some embodiments, the cooling section 9 includes a sheet material that is collected to form a body of material.

[0152] In some embodiments, the cooling section 9 comprises an aerosol-forming material. In some embodiments, the cooling section comprises an amorphous solid.

[0153] In one embodiment (not shown), the cooling section 9 includes a hollow channel having an inner diameter of about 1 mm to about 4 mm, e.g., about 2 mm to about 4 mm. The hollow channel can have an inner diameter of about 3 mm. The hollow channel extends along the entire length of the cooling section 9. The cooling section 9 can include a single hollow channel. In alternative embodiments, the cooling section 9 can include multiple channels, e.g., two, three, or four channels. The single hollow channel can be substantially cylindrical, although other channel shapes / cross-sections can be used in alternative embodiments. The hollow channel can provide space in which aerosol drawn into the cooling section 9 can expand and cool. The cooling section 9 can be configured to limit the cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow channel(s) and limit the displacement of tobacco into the cooling section 9 during use. The cooling section 9 can have a radial wall thickness. The wall thickness of the cooling section 9 for a given outer diameter of the cooling section 9 defines the inner diameter of the chamber enclosed by the walls of the cooling section 9. The cooling section 9 may have a wall thickness of at least about 1.5 mm and up to about 2 mm. In this example, the cooling section 9 has a wall thickness of about 2 mm.

[0154] In some embodiments, cooling section 9 is formed from filament tow. Other configurations may be used, such as multiple paper layers wound in parallel and butt-sewn to form cooling section 9, or spirally wound paper layers, cardboard tubes, tubes formed from a papier-mâché mold process, molded or extruded plastic tubes, or the like. Cooling section 9 is manufactured to be sufficiently rigid to withstand axial compressive forces and bending moments that may occur during manufacturing and use of article 1.

[0155] The wall material of the cooling section 9 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 9. 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.

[0156] In some embodiments, the cooling section 9 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 9 and the heated volatile components exiting the second downstream end of the cooling section 9. The cooling section 9 can be configured to provide a temperature difference of at least 60° C., or at least 80° C., or at least 100° C. between the heated volatile components entering the first upstream end of the cooling section 9 and the heated volatile components exiting the second downstream end of the cooling section 9. This temperature difference across the length of the cooling section 9 protects the end filter segment 11 from the high temperatures of the aerosol-generating material 5 when heated.

[0157] End filter segment 11 can comprise any filter material sufficient to remove one or more volatilized compounds from the aerosol stream. In one example, end filter segment 11 is made from a monoacetate material, such as cellulose acetate. End filter segment 11 provides cooling and irritation reduction from heated volatilized components without reducing the amount of heated volatilized components to a level that is unsatisfactory for the user.

[0158] In one example, the end filter segment 11 is made of 8Y15 grade filter tow material, which provides a filtering effect on the aerosol flow while reducing the size of condensed aerosol droplets resulting from the heated volatilized material, thereby significantly reducing the irritation and throat impact of the heated volatilized material.

[0159] The presence of the end filter segment 11 provides an insulating effect by providing additional cooling to the aerosol stream exiting the cooling section 9. This additional cooling effect reduces the contact temperature of the user's lips on the surface of the end filter segment 11.

[0160] In some embodiments, the end filter segment 11 includes an aerosol modifier. The aerosol modifier is a substance typically disposed downstream of the aerosol-generation region and configured to modify the generated aerosol by, for example, altering the aerosol's flavor, flavoring, acidity, or another characteristic. The aerosol modifier may be provided within an aerosol modifier-releasing component operable to selectively release the aerosol modifier. The aerosol modifier may be, for example, an additive or an adsorbent. The aerosol modifier may include, for example, one or more of a flavoring agent, a colorant, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol modifier may be, for example, a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol modifier may be in powder, strand, or granular form. The aerosol modifier may not include a filter material.

[0161] In this example, the end filter segment includes one or more aerosol modifier-releasing components 25 that include an aerosol modifier. The aerosol modifier-releasing components 25 are capsules, but in other embodiments, they may be threads or beads. The one or more aerosol modifier-releasing components 25 may also be fragrance components. In some examples, the one or more fragrance components 25 comprise one or more flavored breakable capsules or other fragrance carriers within the filter material, e.g., the cellulose acetate tow of the end filter segment 11. In other examples, the one or more fragrance components are in the form of a flavored liquid injected directly into the end filter segment 11.

[0162] In one example, the end filter segment 11 has a length of 6 mm to 10 mm, and more preferably a length of 8 mm.

[0163] It should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, one or more of the tube filter section 7, the cooling section 9, and / or the end filter segment 11 may be omitted. In one such embodiment, the tube filter section 7, the cooling section 9, and the end filter segment 11 are all omitted, such that the first and second closure members 21, 23 form the first and second ends of the article 1.

[0164] 3 , device 100 comprises a housing 104 including a proximal end 104a and a distal end 104b. Device 100 is hand-held by a user when device 100 is in use. Housing 104 includes a heating zone 106, e.g., a heating chamber 106, in which heating element 102 is mounted. Housing 104 includes an opening 108 at proximal end 104a through which article 1 can be removably inserted into housing 104 such that heating element 102 extends through first end plug 21 and into cavity 19. Proximal end 15 of article 1 extends outside of housing 104 such that proximal end 15 can be inserted into a user's mouth during use.

[0165] The housing 104, in this example, further includes control circuitry 110 and a power supply 112 toward the rear of the device 100. In this example, the heating element 102, control circuitry 110, and power supply 112 are laterally adjacent (i.e., adjacent when viewed from the end), with the control circuitry 110 typically located between the heater element 102 and the power supply 112, although other configurations are possible.

[0166] Control circuitry 110 may include a controller, such as a microprocessor device, constructed and arranged to control the heating of aerosolizable material 5 within article 1 as discussed above.

[0167] Device 100 has a control input 114 on the exterior of housing 104 that allows a user to turn device 100 on and off and operate control circuitry 110 to control the operation of device 100 .

[0168] Power source 112 may be a battery, such as a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, lithium ion batteries, nickel batteries (such as nickel-cadmium batteries), alkaline batteries, etc. Battery 112 is electrically connected to heater 102 and provides power under the control of control circuitry 110 as needed to heat aerosolizable material 5 in article 1, as discussed above.

[0169] In each of the example articles described above (including the articles shown in FIGS. 1-3 ), the article may include aerosol-generating materials with different densities. For example, the aerosol-generating material 5 in the cavity 19 may be referred to as a first aerosol-generating material, and the article may further include a second aerosol-generating material. The second aerosol-generating material may also be provided in the cavity 19 (e.g., in the form of beads or pellets). In another embodiment, the first and / or second closure members 21, 23 may include a second aerosol-generating material. In one such embodiment, both the first and second closure members 21, 23 include the second aerosol-generating material. In yet a further embodiment, one of the first and second closure members 21, 23 includes the second aerosol-generating material, and the other of the first and second closure members includes a third aerosol-generating material (optionally having the same or a different density as one or both of the first and second aerosol-generating materials).

[0170] The first and second aerosol-generating materials may have different densities. Otherwise, the aerosol-generating materials of the article may be the same or different. In other embodiments, the densities of the first and second aerosol-generating materials may be the same.

[0171] It has been found that providing first and second aerosol-generating materials with different densities means that when both materials are subjected to the same heat, the higher-density material heats slower and therefore releases a volatile compound (e.g., nicotine) at a slower rate than the lower-density material. In some embodiments, the first aerosol-generating material has a higher density than the second aerosol-generating material, such that when both materials are subjected to the same heat, the first aerosol-generating material heats slower and releases a volatile compound (e.g., nicotine) at a slower rate than the second aerosol-generating material. (However, in other embodiments, the opposite may be true, such as when the second aerosol-generating material has a higher density than the first aerosol-generating material.) Thus, combining aerosol-generating materials with different densities results in a more consistent, long-lasting release of the volatile compound. In some embodiments, aerosol-generating materials of varying densities are optionally combined with separate heating of these materials at different times and / or at different temperatures, thereby enabling, for example, a more tailored release of volatile compounds over the consumption period of the article. Alternatively, it may be desirable to provide a faster or greater release of volatile material toward the beginning of consumption of the article to give the user a greater initial impact of use. The ability to control aerosol generation and volatile compound release can be particularly advantageous, as the article can be made relatively small while still achieving a particularly desirable release of volatile compounds over the consumption period.

[0172] In some embodiments, one of the first and second aerosol-generating materials has a density that is at least about 25% higher, optionally at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, or 75% higher, than the density of the other of the first and second aerosol-generating materials. One of the first and second aerosol-generating materials may have a density that is no more than about 200% higher, optionally no more than about 150%, 125%, 100%, or 75% higher, than the density of the other of the first and second aerosol-generating materials. In some embodiments, one of the first and second aerosol-generating materials has a density that is between about 25% and about 75% higher than the density of the other of the first and second aerosol-generating materials.

[0173] In some embodiments, one of the first and second aerosol-generating materials has a density of at least about 0.4 g / cm, optionally at least about 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, or 2 g / cm or more. One of the first and second aerosol-generating materials has a density of about 2 g / cm or less, optionally at most about 1.9, 1.8, 1.7, 1.6, 1.5, 1.4, 1.3, 1.2, 1.1, 1, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, or 0.5 g / cm or less. In some embodiments, the density of one of the first and second aerosol-generating materials is between about 0.4 and 1.99 g / cm or more.

[0174] In some embodiments, the other of the first and second aerosol-generating materials has a density of at least about 0.1 g / cm, optionally at least about 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, or 0.9 g / cm or more. The other of the first and second aerosol-generating materials may have a density of about 1 g / cm or less, optionally at most about 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, or 0.2 g / cm. In some embodiments, the density of the other of the first and second aerosol-generating materials is about 0.1 to 0.9 g / cm or more.

[0175] In some embodiments, the first and second aerosol-generating materials contain the same ingredients, and therefore, upon heating, they will emit very similar aerosols, potentially with the same content of actives and / or flavorings, etc. Their different densities allow aerosols to be generated from the two materials at different rates and / or at different times during heating.

[0176] In other embodiments, the first and second aerosol-generating materials comprise different components (which may have the same or different densities). Thus, upon heating, they will emit different aerosols, potentially with different compositions of actives and / or flavors, etc. These different densities allow different aerosols to be generated from the two materials at different rates and / or at different times during heating, potentially providing aerosols that vary over a period of use.

[0177] In some embodiments, the first aerosol-forming material and the second aerosol-forming material each comprise tobacco. Tobacco will contain volatile components, including nicotine, aroma, and flavorings. The tobacco may be any type of tobacco and any part of the tobacco plant, including tobacco leaf, lamina, stem, petiole, veins, scraps, and shorts, or a mixture of two or more thereof. Suitable tobacco materials include the following types: Virginia or flue-cured tobacco, burley tobacco, oriental tobacco, or a blend of tobacco materials optionally including those listed herein. The tobacco may be expanded, e.g., dry ice expanded tobacco (DIET), or processed by any other means. In some embodiments, the tobacco material may be reconstituted tobacco material. The tobacco may be pre-processed or raw, e.g., solid stem (SS); shredded dried stem (SDS); steam-treated stem (STS); or any combination thereof. The tobacco material may be fermented, cured, uncured, toasted, or otherwise pretreated.

[0178] The first and second aerosol-generating materials may comprise different tobaccos. Alternatively, the tobacco may be the same but provided in different forms, such that one of the first and second aerosol-generating materials has a higher density than the other of the first and second aerosol-generating materials.

[0179] In some embodiments, the first aerosol-generating material has at least one (additional) characteristic that differs from the second aerosol-generating material. The different characteristic may be one or more of the following: shape, size, water content, amount (by weight), one or more materials, or the ratio of materials that make up the first and second aerosol-generating materials (including the formulation of the aerosol-generating materials when each is made from two or more materials). In some embodiments, the first and second aerosol-generating materials have no different characteristics other than their different densities. In other embodiments, the densities of the first and second aerosol-generating materials are the same.

[0180] In some embodiments, the second aerosol-generating material includes one or more tobaccos in the form of cut rags. This tobacco material may be lamina or reconstituted tobacco material. In some embodiments, the second aerosol-generating material is a blend containing both lamina and reconstituted tobacco. For example, the ratio of lamina to reconstituted tobacco may be about 1:4 to about 4:1.

[0181] In some embodiments, the first aerosol-generating material has a higher density than the second aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, this denser, first aerosol-generating material may comprise particles or take the form of beads or one or more sheets (e.g., beads 5 within cavity 19). Each bead or sheet may be formed from an agglomeration of smaller particles. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the second aerosol-generating material may be denser than the first aerosol-generating material, for example, in the form of beads or one or more sheets. In some embodiments, both the first and second aerosol-generating materials may take the form of beads or one or more sheets, and optionally, one of the first and second aerosol-generating materials may be processed to have a higher density than the other of the first and second aerosol-generating materials.

[0182] As used herein, the term "bead" is meant to include beads, pellets, or other small discrete units that have been formed, molded, compressed, or otherwise fashioned into a desired shape. Beads may have a smooth, regular outline (e.g., spherical, cylindrical, oval) and / or may have an irregular outline.

[0183] In some embodiments, the beads have a diameter (e.g., as measured by sieving) of at least about 0.5 mm, optionally at least about 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, or 3 mm. The beads may have a diameter (e.g., as measured by sieving) of about 5 mm or less, optionally about 4.5, 4, 3.5, 3, 2.5, 2, or 1.5 mm or less. In some embodiments, the diameter of each bead may range from about 0.5 mm to about 3 mm, or from about 1 mm to about 2 mm. Bead size may refer to an average size, such as a number or volume average size.

[0184] In some embodiments, the desired density of the aerosol-generating material is achieved or controlled through the method of making the material and / or the way the material is processed. Processes that involve agglomeration, particularly agglomeration through the application of some compressive force, tend to increase the density of the material.

[0185] Thus, in some embodiments, the first and / or second aerosol-forming materials comprise particles of the material to be agglomerated.

[0186] In the case of sheet material, the sheet may be formed from particles of material that are bonded and optionally compressed to form a sheet having the desired dimensions and density.

[0187] In some embodiments, the beads or pellets can be formed using a so-called marumarising process.

[0188] In some embodiments, the agglomeration is by pelletizing. Pelletizing is an agglomeration process that converts fine particles of material, optionally with excipients, into free-flowing units called pellets. Depending on the type of equipment and process selected, pellet formation and growth may occur in several ways. These pellets may be formed by agitation, where particles are rotated and tumbled in the presence of a suitable amount of liquid, thereby forming agglomerates. Balling may involve the use of a device to generate pellets, such as a pan, disk, drum, or mixer. Compression pelletizing is a form of pressure agglomeration, where particles are forced together by mechanical force, optionally with the aid of a process. The compression force means that the formed pellets have a higher density compared to the starting material.

[0189] In some embodiments, the agglomeration is by extrusion. In some embodiments, the pellets formed by pelletization may be extruded to form a higher density extrudate.

[0190] The extruded particles can have a size selected to produce a denser aerosol-generating material (e.g., a denser first or second aerosol-generating material), which will have an effect on heat transfer within the material and the release of volatile components.

[0191] Extrusion involves feeding a composition (also called a precursor composition) through a die to produce an extrudate. The process subjects the composition to pressure combined with shear forces.

[0192] Extrusion may be carried out using one of the main classes of extruders: screw, sieve and basket, roll, ram, and pin barrel extruders. Single-screw or twin-screw extruders may be used. Forming tobacco beads by extrusion has the advantage that the process combines compression, mixing, conditioning, homogenization, and shaping of the composition.

[0193] In some embodiments, during extrusion, a free-flowing composition including particles, such as tobacco particles, is subjected to elevated pressure and temperature and forced through an orifice, such as a forming nozzle or die, to form an extrudate, which in some embodiments has a rod-like form and may be cut into segments of a desired length.

[0194] In some embodiments, the composition is subjected to a temperature of about 40° C. to about 150° C., or about 80° C. to about 130° C., or about 60° C. to about 95° C. in the extruder. In some embodiments, including those using dual extrusion, the precursor composition is subjected to a temperature of about 70° C. to about 95° C. in the extruder. In some embodiments, including those using single extrusion, the precursor composition is subjected to a temperature of about 60° C. to about 80° C. in the extruder.

[0195] The composition may be subjected to pressures ranging from about 2 bar to about 100 bar, or from about 5 bar to about 60 bar (just before the die or nozzle), depending on the die or nozzle design used. The higher the pressure, the greater the likelihood of denser protrusions. Thus, the extrusion process may be adjusted to provide an extruded aerosol-generating material having a desired density.

[0196] In some embodiments in which tobacco particles are extruded, due to the relatively high density of the extrudate and the relatively open surfaces of the tobacco particles therein, tobacco beads formed from the extrudate exhibit good heat and mass transfer, which has a positive impact on the release of tobacco components, such as flavors and nicotine.

[0197] In some embodiments, extrusion may be a generally dry process, and the composition comprises dry or substantially dry aerosol-forming particles. The composition may optionally comprise other particulate materials, including, for example, bases, diluents, solid aerosol-forming agents, solid flavor modifiers, etc.

[0198] In some embodiments, a liquid may be added to the composition before or during the extrusion process. For example, water may be added as a processing aid to aid in the dissolution or solubilization of the components of the composition, or to aid in binding or cohesion. Alternatively or additionally, a wetting agent may be added to the composition.

[0199] In some embodiments, the liquid may be an aerosol former material, such as glycerol or others discussed herein. When a liquid is added to the composition in this manner, the liquid is not only applied to the surface, but also penetrates the extrudate as a result of the extruder pressure combined with the intense mixing due to the high shear forces. When the liquid is an aerosol former material, this can result in high availability of the aerosol former material in the resulting beads to promote evaporation of volatile components.

[0200] In some embodiments, the amount of aerosol former material embedded in the extruded beads may be up to about 30% by weight, or even up to about 40% by weight. Originally, such a large amount of aerosol former material can make the composition difficult to handle. However, this is less of a problem if the aerosol former material permeates the particles as a result of extrusion. It may be desirable to include the aerosol former material in an amount such as at least about 10% by weight or at least about 20% by weight, where the beads will generate an aerosol in addition to releasing volatile components. A smaller amount of aerosol former material, such as up to about 5% by weight, may be sufficient, where the primary function of the beads is to release volatile components carried by the beads into an existing aerosol or airflow.

[0201] In some embodiments, the agglomerates do not include a binder or binding additive. For example, extruded beads may not require a binder to maintain structural integrity. In other embodiments, the agglomerates include a binder or binding additive. The binding additive may be selected to aid in the formation of the agglomerate structure by helping the particles adhere to each other and to other components within the composition. Suitable binding additives include, for example, thermoreversible gelling agents such as gelatin, starch, polysaccharides, pectin, alginate, wood pulp, cellulose, and cellulose derivatives, e.g., carboxymethylcellulose.

[0202] In some embodiments, processing by extrusion is sufficient to provide a higher density of the first or second aerosol-generating material, if desired, however, in other embodiments, the extrudate may be further processed to increase the density of the first or second aerosol-generating material.

[0203] For example, in some embodiments, the extruded aerosol-generating material is subjected to spheronization. In spheronization, the extruded cylindrical particles are broken into uniform lengths and gradually deformed into spherical shapes due to plastic deformation. If the extrudate is first broken into uniform lengths, spheres of uniform diameter are produced by the spheronization step.

[0204] According to one particular example of an embodiment discussed herein, a sample of a first aerosol-generating material was generated as follows (although it should be noted that in some embodiments, a sample used for a second aerosol-generating material may instead be generated as follows): In some embodiments, the sample of the first aerosol-generating material may be used as the aerosol-generating material 5 in the cavity 19 of any of the embodiments of the article described herein.

[0205] Three sample recipes, with and without binder, are shown in Table 1, with amounts given on a percent wet weight basis (WWB).

[0206] [Table 1]

[0207] The tobacco was ground to produce fine particles, taking care not to overheat the tobacco. The ground tobacco particles were sieved to select those having a desired particle size, for example, less than 250 μm, less than 100 μm, or less than 60 μm.

[0208] Next, all of the dry (non-liquid) ingredients of the formula were combined and mixed or blended in a mixer. In this particular example, the mixture was mixed for 1 minute at a speed of 75 RPM. This was to ensure that the dry ingredients were evenly dispersed within the mixture.

[0209] Next, half of the glycerol and half of the water were added to the dry mix and mixed. Specifically, the mix was mixed for an additional minute at 75 RPM. The remaining glycerol and water were then added and mixed again for 1 minute at 75 RPM. Mixing was then continued until the mix had a crumbly consistency that could be squeezed out into clumps to ensure a uniform mix was achieved. In this particular example, the additional mixing lasted 3 minutes.

[0210] The mixture was then extruded using a Caleva Multilab. The extruder was operated at approximately 1500 rpm, producing spaghetti-like extrudate lengths.

[0211] The extrudate was broken into pieces of variable length as it exited the extruder. These pieces were then spheronized. Spheronization was carried out until spherical beads were formed. In this case, the extrudate was first spheronized in a Caleva Multilab operating at 2500 RPM for 1 minute, and then the beads were checked for defects. Spheronization was then continued for an additional 1-2 minutes. This spheronization step broke the extruded tobacco into individual pieces and formed dense spherical beads.

[0212] In the final step, the spheronized beads were dried in an oven at 65°C for 30 minutes. After each drying period, the beads were weighed and drying was stopped when the desired moisture weight loss was reached. Typically, such drying takes about 1 hour.

[0213] In some embodiments, the other of the first and / or second aerosol-generating materials is in the form of discrete particles or agglomerates of particles. These particles may share various characteristics, such as particle size, with the (denser) one of the first and second aerosol-generating materials, but have a lower density. As explained above, there are various ways to adjust the density of the aerosol-generating material, such as by formulating and / or processing the material into particles, beads, or pellets.

[0214] In some embodiments, the lower-density first and second aerosol-generating materials comprise a combination of 60% reconstituted tobacco and 40% laminar tobacco, with a density ranging from about 0.1 to about 0.9 g / cm³. The higher-density first and second aerosol-generating materials comprise about 30 to about 90% tobacco, with a density ranging from about 0.4 to about 1.99 g / cm³. The amount of aerosol-forming material in the first and / or second aerosol-generating materials may be about 8 to about 15%. The first and / or second aerosol-generating materials comprise predominantly spherical beads with particle sizes ranging from about 0.5 to about 3 mm. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material in the article comprises about 50% by weight of the first aerosol-generating material and about 50% by weight of the second aerosol-generating material. Thus, for example, an article containing 260 mg of aerosol-generating material may contain 130 mg of the first aerosol-generating material and 130 mg of the second aerosol-generating material.

[0215] In some embodiments in which the aerosol-forming material comprises tobacco, the tobacco is present in an amount of from about 10% to about 90% by weight of the aerosol-forming material.

[0216] In some embodiments, tobacco may be present in an amount of at least about 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34%, or at least about 35% tobacco, based on the weight of the aerosol-forming material.

[0217] In some embodiments, tobacco may be present in an amount of about 90%, 89%, 88%, 87%, 86%, 85%, 84%, 83%, 82%, 81%, 80%, 75%, 70%, 65%, 60%, 55%, 50%, 45%, or about 40% or less tobacco, based on the weight of the aerosol-forming material.

[0218] The tobacco described herein may contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the nicotine content may be 0.5-2% by weight of the tobacco, e.g., 0.5-1.75% by weight, 0.8-1.2% by weight of the tobacco, or about 0.8 to about 1.75% by weight of the tobacco. In some embodiments, the nicotine content may be 0.8-1% by weight of the tobacco.

[0219] In some embodiments, the first and second aerosol-forming materials have the same nicotine content.

[0220] In some embodiments, the first and second aerosol-generating materials include one or more volatile components, hi some embodiments, the first and second aerosol-generating materials have the same volatile component content.

[0221] In some embodiments, the first and / or second aerosol-generating material comprises tobacco. For example, the first and / or second aerosol-generating material comprises about 80 to about 350 mg of tobacco. In some specific embodiments, the aerosol-generating material in the article or consumable has a weight of 260 mg, which includes a combination of 130 mg of the second aerosol-generating material, e.g., a blend of lamina and reconstituted tobacco, and 130 mg of the first aerosol-generating material, e.g., high-density tobacco beads.

[0222] In some embodiments, the article includes regions of aerosol-generating material, each region containing equal amounts of tobacco. In alternative embodiments, the regions may contain different amounts of tobacco. For a total tobacco amount of about 80 to about 350 mg, one region of aerosol-generating material may contain about 20 to about 330 mg, or about 50 to about 300 mg, or about 40 to about 125 mg of tobacco, and another region of aerosol-generating material may contain about 20 to about 330 mg, or about 30 to about 300 mg, or about 40 to about 125 mg of tobacco.

[0223] To address various challenges and advance the art, the entire present disclosure illustrates, by way of illustration and example, various embodiments by which the claimed invention may be practiced and which provide an improved article for use with a device for heating smoking material to volatilize at least one component of the smoking material. The advantages and features of the present disclosure are merely a representative sample of embodiments and are not intended to be exhaustive and / or exclusive. They are presented solely for the purpose of aiding in the understanding and teaching of the claimed and otherwise disclosed features. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of the present disclosure should not be construed as limitations on the present disclosure, as defined by the claims, or limitations on the equivalents of the claims, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modified without departing from the scope and / or spirit of the present disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably include, consist of, or essentially consist of various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. The present disclosure may also include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. 1. An article for use with a device for heating an aerosol-forming material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-forming material to generate an inhalable aerosol, the article comprising: An article comprising: a first section defining a cavity containing an aerosol-generating material, the aerosol-generating material partially filling the cavity; the article configured to receive a heating element of the device in the cavity; and the aerosol-generating material positioned within the cavity so as to be displaceable relative to the heating element.

2. 10. The article of claim 1, wherein the aerosol-forming material is disposed within the cavity such that movement of the article causes displacement of the aerosol-forming material within the cavity to reposition the aerosol-forming material relative to the heating element.

3. The article of claim 1 , wherein the aerosol-forming material comprises a plurality of individual pieces of aerosol-forming material.

4. The article described in claim 3, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises individual pieces of tobacco material.

5. The article of claim 3 , wherein the aerosol-forming material comprises a plurality of beads or pellets.

6. The article of claim 1 , wherein the aerosol-forming material occupies between about 80% and 95% of the volume of the cavity.

7. 7. The article of claim 6, wherein the aerosol-forming material occupies between about 88% and 92% of the volume of the cavity.

8. The article of claim 1 , wherein the first section includes a first closure member defining a first end of the cavity.

9. The article described in claim 8, wherein the first occlusion member is a first plug.

10. The article of claim 8 , wherein the first occlusion member comprises an aerosol-forming material.

11. The article described in claim 10, wherein the first occlusion member comprises tobacco material.

12. The article of claim 8 , wherein the first section includes a second closure member defining a second end of the cavity.

13. The article of claim 12, wherein the second closure member is a second plug.

14. The article of claim 12 , wherein the second occlusion member comprises an aerosol-forming material.

15. The article of claim 14, wherein the second occlusion member comprises tobacco material.

16. 9. The article of claim 8, wherein the first closure member is positioned to allow the heating element of the device to extend through the first closure member and into the cavity when the article is inserted into the device.

17. The article of claim 1 , wherein the article further comprises a tube filter section.

18. The article of claim 1 , wherein the article further comprises a cooling section.

19. The article described in claim 18, wherein the cooling section includes an aerosol-generating material.

20. The article of claim 1 further comprising a filter section.

21. An article as described in claim 20, wherein the filter section is at the mouth end of the article.

22. 21. The article of claim 20, wherein the filter section comprises an aerosol modifying agent.

23. The article of claim 22, wherein the aerosol modifier comprises a flavoring.

24. 23. The article of claim 22, comprising an aerosol modifier-releasing component comprising the aerosol modifier.

25. The article of claim 24, wherein the aerosol modifier-releasing component is a capsule.

26. 10. A system comprising: a heating device positioned to heat an aerosol-forming material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-forming material; and the article of claim 1 for use with the heating device, The heating device is The system includes at least one heater element for heating the aerosol-forming material of the article during use.

27. 27. The system of claim 26, wherein the housing comprises a first opening through which the item can be inserted into the heating device.

Citation Information

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