Aerosol generating items

Abstract

An aerosol generating article (100) for use with an aerosol generating device (6000) is provided. The aerosol generating article (100) includes a first plug (200), a second plug (400), and an aerosol generating material plug (300) comprising an aerosol generating material (345). The first plug (200) is located upstream of the aerosol generating material plug (300), and the second plug (400) is located downstream of the aerosol generating material plug (300). The thickness of the aerosol generating article (100) is less than 50% of the length of the aerosol generating article (100), and the thickness of the aerosol generating article (100) is less than 50% of the width of the aerosol generating article (100).

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol generating material. The present disclosure also relates to an aerosol generating device for receiving an aerosol generating article. Background Technology

[0002] Conventional aerosol generating articles may resemble conventional cigarettes. For example, such aerosol generating articles may be substantially cylindrical and may include other components such as an aerosol generating material, a mouthpiece filter element, and a cooling element, all arranged together in the form of a rod and wrapped in cigarette paper. The dimensions of conventional aerosol generating articles are often similar to the dimensions of conventional cigarettes.

[0003] However, a significant portion of the aerosol generating material within these cylindrical aerosol generating articles may not be heated sufficiently to form an aerosol during use. This is undesirable because the insufficiently heated portion of the aerosol generating material contributes to the manufacturing and transportation costs of the aerosol generating article but does not contribute to the aerosol delivered to the end consumer. This may occur regardless of how the aerosol generating material is heated—for example, whether a resistive or inductive heater is used—and regardless of whether the aerosol generating material is heated from the inside or the outside.

[0004] The object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating article, wherein a larger portion of the aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article is heated sufficiently to form an aerosol during use. Additionally, the object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating article that can be manufactured relatively efficiently and at a low cost.

[0005] An aerosol generating article for use with an aerosol generating device is provided. The aerosol generating article may include a first plug. The aerosol generating article may include a second plug. The aerosol generating article may include an aerosol generating material plug comprising an aerosol generating material. The first plug may be located upstream of the aerosol generating material plug. The second plug may be located downstream of the aerosol generating material plug. The thickness of the aerosol generating article may be less than 50% of the length of the aerosol generating article. The thickness of the aerosol generating article may be less than 50% of the width of the aerosol generating article.

[0006] According to the present disclosure, an aerosol generating article for use with an aerosol generating device is provided. The aerosol generating article comprises an aerosol generating material plug comprising a first plug, a second plug, and an aerosol generating material. The first plug is located upstream of the aerosol generating material plug, and the second plug is located downstream of the aerosol generating material plug. The thickness of the aerosol generating article is less than 50% of the length of the aerosol generating article, and the thickness of the aerosol generating article is less than 50% of the width of the aerosol generating article.

[0007] Advantageously, the aerosol generating article is assembled from pre-formed plugs (e.g., a first plug, a second plug, and an aerosol generating material plug), so that each plug is manufactured individually and subsequently combined into a number of different combinations to form a number of different aerosol generating articles that provide different smoking experiences. This also allows the aerosol generating article to be manufactured with minimal modification to the traditional cigarette manufacturing process of combining a number of elements to form a cigarette.

[0008] Advantageously, the first plug and the second plug are positioned upstream and downstream, respectively, of the aerosol generating material plug to protect the end of the aerosol generating material plug. For example, the first plug and the second plug can prevent unintended ignition of the end of the aerosol generating material plug.

[0009] An aerosol generating article having a thickness of less than 50% of its length and width can generally provide a flat and thin aerosol generating article. Preferably, this allows for a small temperature gradient across the thickness of the aerosol generating article and the aerosol generating substrate plug during heating, thereby allowing a larger proportion of the aerosol generating substrate plug to be heated to the aerosol release temperature while minimizing the risk of the hottest part of the aerosol generating substrate plug closest to the heating element burning. Advantageously, this can also reduce the time required to heat the aerosol generating substrate plug sufficiently to release the aerosol. Such an article has a large base area relative to the volume of the article. Advantageously, a larger base area can provide a larger surface area for heating by a planar heater of the aerosol generating device.

[0010] The aerosol generating article may be a planar aerosol generating article having a length extending in the x-direction, a width extending in the y-direction, and a thickness extending in the z-direction.

[0011] An aerosol-generating article may comprise a substantially flat upper surface defined by a length extending in the x-direction and a width extending in the y-direction, and a substantially flat lower surface defined by a length extending in the x-direction and a width extending in the y-direction. The substantially flat upper surface and the substantially flat lower surface may be spaced perpendicularly apart from each other by a thickness defined in the z-direction. The substantially flat upper surface and the substantially flat lower surface may be parallel to each other.

[0012] An aerosol generating article may have an airflow path extending through the aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article may have an airflow path defined through the aerosol generating article in the x / y plane from one side of the aerosol generating article to the other side of the aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article preferably has a resistance to suction (RTD) of less than 20 mm H2O, for example, less than 10 mm H2O, in the direction of the airflow path. Preferably, the aerosol generating article has an RTD of less than 20 mm H2O, for example, less than 10 mm H2O, in at least one direction in the x / y plane of the aerosol generating article. Advantageously, an aerosol generating article having a low resistance airflow path may allow for excellent airflow control and may allow the aerosol to be extracted more efficiently from the aerosol generating article and delivered to the user.

[0013] Unless otherwise specified, resistance to suction (RTD) is measured in accordance with ISO 6565-2015. RTD refers to the pressure required to force air through the entire length of a component, such as in an aerosol-generating article. The terms "pressure drop" or "resistance to suction" with respect to a component or article may also refer to "resistance to suction." These terms generally refer to measurements performed under testing in accordance with ISO 6565-2015 at a temperature of approximately 22°C, a pressure of approximately 101 kPa (approx. 760 Torr), and a relative humidity of approximately 60%, at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 17.5 mm / s at the output or downstream end of the component.

[0014] An airflow channel may be defined substantially between the planar upper surface and the lower surface. The thickness of the aerosol generating article may be less than 5 mm, for example, 1.5 mm to 5 mm, for example, 1.5 mm to 4 mm, for example, 1.5 mm to 3 mm, for example, 1.5 mm to 2 mm. One or both of the substantially planar upper and lower surfaces may comprise an aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating article may comprise upper and lower layers, wherein the upper layer forms a substantially planar upper surface and the lower layer forms a substantially planar lower surface. At least one of the upper layer and the lower layer may comprise or be composed of an aerosol generating substrate.

[0015] The aerosol generating article may include a first planar layer, a second planar layer, and a wavy layer arranged between the first planar layer and the second planar layer. At least one of the first planar layer, the second planar layer, and the wavy layer may include or be composed of an aerosol generating substrate. The wavy layer may be an aerosol generating substrate plug.

[0016] The use of a corrugated structure within an aerosol-generating article makes it advantageous to produce an aerosol-generating article that has a very low RTD while remaining sufficiently rigid for user handling. Additionally, the use of the corrugated structure enables the production of low-density, low-RTD, aerosol-generating articles using high-speed manufacturing methods similar to those used in the production of corrugated cardboard.

[0017] The aerosol generating article may include a first planar outer surface, a second planar outer surface, a cavity, and a frame. The frame may be located between the first planar outer surface and the second planar outer surface. The frame may define the cavity at least partially. The aerosol generating article may include an air inlet, an air outlet, and an airflow passage extending between the air inlet and the air outlet through the cavity.

[0018] Preferably, the aerosol generating material plug can be positioned between the first planar outer surface and the second planar outer surface.

[0019] The frame may include a periphery wall surface that at least partially surrounds or encloses the cavity. The frame may include a periphery wall surface that completely surrounds or encloses the cavity. Advantageously, the frame can make the aerosol-generating article relatively thin while maintaining structural rigidity.

[0020] The aerosol generating article may include a first planar outer layer and a second planar outer layer, wherein the first planar outer layer forms a first planar outer surface and the second planar outer layer forms a second planar outer surface. Optionally, at least one of the first planar outer layer, the second planar outer layer, and the frame may include or be made of an aerosol generating substrate.

[0021] The aerosol generating device plug can be located within the cavity.

[0022] The wavy fold layer can be located within the cavity.

[0023] The frame can be a flat frame.

[0024] The frame may have a thickness of 50% to 95% of the thickness of the aerosol-generating article. The frame may have a thickness of 60% to 95% of the thickness of the aerosol-generating article. The frame may have a thickness of 70% to 95% of the thickness of the aerosol-generating article. The frame may have a thickness of 80% to 95% of the thickness of the aerosol-generating article.

[0025] The frame may have a thickness of 1 mm to 5.5 mm. The frame may have a thickness of 1 mm to 5 mm. Preferably, the frame may have a thickness of 1.5 mm to 5 mm.

[0026] The frame may be manufactured from or contain biodegradable materials. The frame may be manufactured entirely from biodegradable materials.

[0027] The frame may be manufactured from or contain a cellulose material. The cellulose material may contain a sheet of cellulose material. The cellulose material may contain cellulose fibers. The cellulose material may be paper, cardboard, or cardboard. The frame may be manufactured from or contain a plant material such as tobacco. The frame may be manufactured entirely from a cellulose material.

[0028] The frame may be a single component. Alternatively, the frame may include two or more layers. That is, the frame may have a stacked structure.

[0029] One or both of the aerosol generating material plug and the first plug and the second plug may be aligned axially in the longitudinal direction, for example, in the x-direction.

[0030] One or both of the first plug and the second plug may be located adjacent to the aerosol generating material plug. That is, no element may be located between the first plug and the aerosol generating material plug, or no element may be located between the second plug and the aerosol generating material plug.

[0031] One or both of the first plug and the second plug may be spaced apart from the aerosol generating material plug. One or both of the first plug and the second plug may be located adjacent to the aerosol generating material plug and spaced apart from the aerosol generating material plug. For example, the empty cavity may be located between the first plug and the aerosol generating material plug, and the empty cavity may be located between the second plug and the aerosol generating material plug. One or both of the first plug and the second plug may be spaced apart from the aerosol generating material plug by at least 2 mm. One or both of the first plug and the second plug may be spaced apart from the aerosol generating material plug by 5 mm or less.

[0032] One or both of the first plug and the second plug may be in contact with an aerosol generating material plug. The first plug may be in contact with the upstream end of the aerosol generating material plug. For example, the downstream end of the first plug may be in contact with the upstream end of the aerosol generating material plug. The second plug may be in contact with the downstream end of the aerosol generating material plug. For example, the upstream end of the second plug may be in contact with the downstream end of the aerosol generating material plug.

[0033] The first plug may be located at the extreme upstream end of the aerosol generating article. The first plug may define or form the upstream end wall surface of the aerosol generating article. The second plug may be located at the extreme downstream end of the aerosol generating article. The second plug may define or form the downstream end wall surface of the aerosol generating article.

[0034] The first plug may define an inlet for an aerosol-generating article. The first plug may include an upstream opening and a downstream opening. The upstream opening may form an inlet for an aerosol-generating article. Accordingly, the first plug may be referred to as an inlet plug or a forward plug.

[0035] The second plug may define an outlet for an aerosol-generating article. The second plug may include an upstream opening and a downstream opening. The downstream opening may define an outlet for an aerosol-generating article. Accordingly, the second plug may be referred to as an outlet plug or a mouth plug.

[0036] The upstream opening of one or both of the first plug and the second plug may be aligned with the radial center axis of the aerosol generating article. The downstream opening of one or both of the first plug and the second plug may be aligned with the radial center axis of the aerosol generating article. For example, the radial center axis of the aerosol generating article may extend through one or both of the upstream opening and the downstream opening. The upstream opening of one or both of the first plug and the second plug may have a radial center axis aligned with the radial center axis of the aerosol generating article. The downstream opening of one or both of the first plug and the second plug may have a radial center axis aligned with the radial center axis of the aerosol generating article.

[0037] One or both of the first plug and the second plug may include a chamber. The chamber of the first plug (if present) may be referred to as the first plug chamber. The chamber of the second plug (if present) may be referred to as the second plug chamber. The above or each chamber may be substantially empty.

[0038] The chamber may extend between the upstream opening and the downstream opening of each plug. One or both of the first plug and the second plug may include an airflow path extending between the upstream opening and the downstream opening through the chamber of each plug. For example, the first plug may include an airflow path extending between the upstream opening of the first plug and the downstream opening of the first plug through the first plug chamber. Similarly, the second plug may include an airflow path extending between the upstream opening of the second plug and the downstream opening of the second plug through the second plug chamber.

[0039] One or both of the first plug and the second plug may include a flavor-releasing element located within their respective chambers. For example, the first plug may include a flavor-releasing element located within the first plug chamber. As another example, the second plug may include a flavor-releasing element located within the second plug chamber.

[0040] The above or each flavor-releasing element may include one or more flavor agents, be impregnated with them, or be immersed therein. One or more flavor agents may include one or more essential oils such as eugenol, peppermint oil, and spearmint oil; one or both of menthol and eugenol; one or both of anethole and linalool; and one or more herbal materials. Suitable herbal materials include, but are not limited to, mints such as peppermint and spearmint, lemon balm, basil, cinnamon, lemon basil, chives, coriander, lavender, sage, tea, thyme, and caraway, and other herbal materials derived from herb leaves or herbal plants. One or more flavor agents may include tobacco materials. One or more flavor agents may include one or more of sorbitol and erythritol. A flavor-releasing element located within a first plug chamber may be different from a flavor-releasing element located within a second plug chamber.

[0041] The first plug chamber may have a width greater than the width of either or both of the upstream opening of the first plug and the downstream opening of the first plug. The first plug chamber may have a width of at least 80% or at least 90% of the width of the first plug. The first plug chamber may have a width of 1 mm to 7 mm. Preferably, the first plug chamber may have a width of 2 mm to 6 mm. More preferably, the first plug chamber may have a width of about 4 mm.

[0042] The second plug chamber may have a width greater than the width of either or both of the upstream opening of the second plug and the downstream opening of the second plug. The second plug chamber may have a width of at least 80% or at least 90% of the width of the second plug. The second plug chamber may have a width of 1 mm to 7 mm. The second plug chamber may have a width of 2 mm to 6 mm. More preferably, the second plug chamber may have a width of about 4 mm.

[0043] The first plug chamber may have a thickness greater than the thickness of either or both of the upstream opening of the first plug and the downstream opening of the first plug. The first plug chamber may have a thickness of at least 80% or at least 90% of the thickness of the first plug. The first plug chamber may have a thickness of 0.5 mm to 3 mm. Preferably, the first plug chamber may have a thickness of 0.5 mm to 2 mm. More preferably, the first plug chamber may have a thickness of about 1 mm.

[0044] The second plug chamber may have a thickness greater than the thickness of either or both of the upstream opening of the second plug and the downstream opening of the second plug. The second plug chamber may have a thickness of at least 80% or at least 90% of the thickness of the second plug. The second plug chamber may have a thickness of 0.5 mm to 3 mm. Preferably, the second plug chamber may have a thickness of 0.5 mm to 2 mm. More preferably, the second plug chamber may have a thickness of about 1 mm.

[0045] The first plug may include one or more wall surfaces extending between the upstream end of the first plug and the downstream end of the first plug. One or more wall surfaces may surround or at least partially surround the first plug chamber. One or more wall surfaces may have a thickness of 0.5 mm to 2 mm. Preferably, one or more wall surfaces may have a thickness of 0.5 mm to 1 mm.

[0046] The first plug may have an upstream end wall. The upstream end wall may define an upstream opening of the first plug. The first plug may have a downstream end wall. The downstream end wall may define a downstream opening of the first plug.

[0047] The second plug may include one or more wall surfaces extending between the upstream end of the second plug and the downstream end of the second plug. One or more wall surfaces may surround or at least partially surround the second plug chamber. One or more wall surfaces may have a thickness of 0.5 mm to 2 mm. Preferably, one or more wall surfaces may have a thickness of 0.5 mm to 1 mm.

[0048] The second plug may have an upstream end wall. The upstream end wall may define an upstream opening of the second plug. The second plug may have a downstream end wall. The downstream end wall may define a downstream opening of the second plug.

[0049] The first plug may include a first plug body. The first plug body may define a first plug chamber. A first flap may extend from the first plug body, and a second flap may extend from the first plug body. The first flap and the second flap may be placed over the downstream end of the first plug body to define a downstream opening. For example, the first flap may have a first notch, and the second flap may have a second notch. The first notch and the second notch of the first plug may collectively form the downstream opening of the first plug. The first flap and the second flap may form the downstream end wall surface of the first plug.

[0050] The second plug may include a second plug body. The second plug body may define a second plug chamber. A first flap may extend from the second plug body, and a second flap may extend from the second plug body. The first flap and the second flap may be placed over the upstream end of the second plug body to define an upstream opening. For example, the first flap may have a first notch, and the second flap may have a second notch. The first notch and the second notch of the second plug may collectively form the upstream opening of the second plug. The first flap and the second flap may form the upstream end wall surface of the second plug.

[0051] One or both of the first plug and the second plug may be hollow. One or both of the first plug and the second plug may include a lumen or bore extending from the upstream end to the downstream end of each plug. One or both of the first plug and the second plug may be in the form of a tube, such as a rectangular tube. One or both of the first plug and the second plug may include a folded sheet of material, preferably a sheet of cellulose material such as cardboard. The sheet of material may include one or more brittle lines. One or more brittle lines may include perforated brittle lines or crimped brittle lines. The sheet of material may be folded into a tube around one or more brittle lines.

[0052] Preferably, the sheet of material may include at least three brittle lines, wherein each of the at least three brittle lines forms an edge extending along the length of each plug. The free ends of the sheet of material may be joined together to form an edge extending further along the length of each plug.

[0053] One or both of the first plug and the second plug may be in the form of a spiral tube. For example, one or both of the first plug and the second plug may be manufactured from a sheet of material, preferably a sheet of cellulose material, which is wound into an overlapping spiral to form a tube.

[0054] One or both of the first plug and the second plug may be formed from two or more geometrically identical elements. Two or more geometrically identical elements may be joined together, for example, with an adhesive. For example, the first plug may include a first geometrically identical element and a second geometrically identical element, and each of the first geometrically identical element and the second geometrically identical element may have an "L" shape (e.g., an "L" cross-sectional shape) or be an "L" beam. Similarly, the second plug may include a first geometrically identical element and a second geometrically identical element, and each of the first geometrically identical element and the second geometrically identical element may have an "L" shape (e.g., an "L" cross-sectional shape) or be an "L" beam. Each of two or more geometrically identical elements may extend along the entire length of each plug. Each of two or more geometrically identical elements may extend along the entire thickness of each plug.

[0055] One or both of the first plug and the second plug may include a first length portion having a width and a second length portion having a width. The width of the first length portion may be greater than the width of the second length portion, and accordingly, at least one shoulder may be formed at a position between the first length portion and the second length portion. Preferably, the at least one shoulder includes a first shoulder on a first lateral side of each plug and a second shoulder on a second lateral side of each plug.

[0056] The first length portion of the first plug may be an upstream length portion, and the second length portion of the first plug may be a downstream length portion. The first length portion of the second plug may be a downstream length portion, and the second length portion of the second plug may be an upstream length portion.

[0057] One or both of the first plug and the second plug may have a laminated or layered structure. One or both of the first plug and the second plug may include two or more layers that are stacked or arranged in the thickness direction. One or both of the first plug and the second plug may include or be composed of a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The second layer may be located between the first layer and the second layer. An upstream opening of each plug may extend through the second layer. A downstream opening of each plug may extend through the second layer. The first layer, the second layer, and the third layer may be bonded together. Each layer may include or be formed from a sheet of material, preferably a sheet of cellulose material.

[0058] One or both of the first plug and the second plug may comprise a sheet of material that is fluted, crimped, pleated, corrugated, woven, or folded as an element defining a plurality of longitudinally extending channels. Preferably, the sheet of material is fluted or crimped. Such suitable sheet of material may comprise, be, or consist of paper, cardboard, a polymer such as polylactic acid, or any other cellulose-based, paper-based, or bioplastic-based material. The sheet of material may be paper or cardboard. A plurality of longitudinally extending channels may extend along the entire length of each plug. A plurality of longitudinally extending channels may extend from the upstream end of each plug to the downstream end of each plug. A plurality of longitudinally extending channels may be distributed uniformly or randomly across the cross-section of each plug.

[0059] One or both of the first plug and the second plug may substantially be tobacco-free or nicotine-free.

[0060] One or both of the first plug and the second plug may include a biodegradable material. One or both of the first plug and the second plug may include at least 80 weight percent of a biodegradable material. One or both of the first plug and the second plug may include at least 90 weight percent of a biodegradable material. One or both of the first plug and the second plug may include at least 95 weight percent of a biodegradable material.

[0061] One or both of the first plug and the second plug may comprise or be made of a cellulose material such as paper or cardboard. One or both of the first plug and the second plug may comprise at least 80 weight percent of a cellulose material such as paper or cardboard. One or both of the first plug and the second plug may comprise at least 90 weight percent of a cellulose material such as paper or cardboard. One or both of the first plug and the second plug may comprise at least 95 weight percent of a cellulose material such as paper or cardboard. One or both of the first plug and the second plug may comprise at least 99 weight percent of a cellulose material such as paper or cardboard.

[0062] One or both of the first plug and the second plug may be formed from a compressed material such as particulate matter, powder, or pellets. The compressed material may include one or both of sorbitol and erythritol. Advantageously, forming the plug from the compressed material may allow for the production of complex three-dimensional shapes particularly suitable for upstream and downstream plugs. Additionally, the compressed material may be adapted to decompose after a set period, thereby improving the environmental friendliness of the aerosol-generating article. Furthermore, this may also improve the user experience by allowing flavors or aromas to be embedded within the structure of the plug. Additionally, a bittering agent may be incorporated to reduce the risk of accidental ingestion.

[0063] One or both of the first plug and the second plug may be formed from molded pulp. One or both of the first plug and the second plug may be formed by extrusion, lamination, injection molding, or additive manufacturing.

[0064] The ratio between the length of the first plug and the length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.05 or greater. The ratio between the length of the first plug and the length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.10 or greater. The ratio between the length of the first plug and the length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.20 or greater. The ratio between the length of the first plug and the length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.30 or greater.

[0065] The ratio between the length of the first plug and the length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.40 or less. The ratio between the length of the first plug and the length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.30 or less. The ratio between the length of the first plug and the length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.20 or less. The ratio between the length of the first plug and the length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.10 or less. The ratio between the length of the first plug and the length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.05 or less.

[0066] The ratio between the length of the first plug and the length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.05 to 0.40. The ratio between the length of the first plug and the length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.05 to 0.30. The ratio between the length of the first plug and the length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.05 to 0.20. The ratio between the length of the first plug and the length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.10 to 0.20.

[0067] The ratio between the length of the first plug and the length of the aerosol generating material plug may be 0.15 or more. The ratio between the length of the first plug and the length of the aerosol generating material plug may be 0.20 or more. The ratio between the length of the first plug and the length of the aerosol generating material plug may be 0.30 or more.

[0068] The ratio between the length of the first plug and the length of the aerosol generating material plug may be 0.50 or less. The ratio between the length of the first plug and the length of the aerosol generating material plug may be 0.45 or less. The ratio between the length of the first plug and the length of the aerosol generating material plug may be 0.40 or less.

[0069] The ratio between the length of the first plug and the length of the aerosol generating material plug may be 0.15 to 0.50. The ratio between the length of the first plug and the length of the aerosol generating material plug may be 0.15 to 0.40. The ratio between the length of the first plug and the length of the aerosol generating material plug may be 0.15 to 0.30.

[0070] The ratio between the length of the second plug and the length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.05 or greater. The ratio between the length of the second plug and the length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.10 or greater. The ratio between the length of the second plug and the length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.20 or greater. The ratio between the length of the second plug and the length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.30 or greater.

[0071] The ratio between the length of the second plug and the length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.40 or less. The ratio between the length of the second plug and the length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.30 or less. The ratio between the length of the second plug and the length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.20 or less. The ratio between the length of the second plug and the length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.10 or less. The ratio between the length of the second plug and the length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.05 or less.

[0072] The ratio between the length of the second plug and the length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.05 to 0.40. The ratio between the length of the second plug and the length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.05 to 0.30. The ratio between the length of the second plug and the length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.05 to 0.20. The ratio between the length of the second plug and the length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.10 to 0.20.

[0073] The ratio between the length of the second plug and the length of the aerosol generating material plug may be 0.15 or more. The ratio between the length of the second plug and the length of the aerosol generating material plug may be 0.20 or more. The ratio between the length of the second plug and the length of the aerosol generating material plug may be 0.30 or more.

[0074] The ratio between the length of the second plug and the length of the aerosol generating material plug may be 0.50 or less. The ratio between the length of the second plug and the length of the aerosol generating material plug may be about 0.45 or less. The ratio between the length of the second plug and the length of the aerosol generating material plug may be about 0.40 or less.

[0075] The ratio between the length of the second plug and the length of the aerosol generating material plug may be 0.15 to 0.50. The ratio between the length of the second plug and the length of the aerosol generating material plug may be 0.15 to 0.40. The ratio between the length of the second plug and the length of the aerosol generating material plug may be 0.15 to 0.30.

[0076] The aerosol generating article may include an aerosol cooling plug located between the aerosol generating material plug and the second plug. The aerosol cooling plug may be a hollow element. The aerosol cooling plug may be a tubular element, such as a rectangular tubular element. The aerosol cooling plug may be adjacent to the aerosol generating material plug. The aerosol cooling plug may be in contact with the aerosol generating material plug. The aerosol cooling plug may be adjacent to the second plug. The aerosol cooling plug may be in contact with the second plug.

[0077] The aerosol generating article may include a flavor-releasing plug located between the first plug and the aerosol generating material plug. The aerosol generating article may include a flavor-releasing plug located between the second plug and the aerosol generating material plug.

[0078] The aerosol generating article may include at least one support member. Two or more plugs among the first plug, the second plug, and the aerosol generating material plug may be physically joined together by at least one support member. Two or more plugs may be directly bonded to at least one support member with an adhesive such as, for example, guar gum or polyvinyl alcohol.

[0079] The first plug, the second plug, and at least one support member may form a frame. The frame may define a cavity at least partially. An aerosol generating material plug may be located within the cavity.

[0080] Preferably, at least one support member may include a first support member and a second support member.

[0081] The first support member and the second support member may extend along opposing lateral sides of the aerosol generating article. That is, the first support member and the second support member may be spaced apart in the width direction of the aerosol generating article. The first support member and the second support member may extend along opposing lateral sides of the aerosol generating substrate plug. The first support member and the second support member may each extend along at least 80% of the length of the aerosol generating substrate plug. Preferably, the first support member and the second support member may each extend along 100% of the length of the aerosol generating substrate plug. The first support member and the second support member may extend along opposing lateral sides of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0082] The first support member may extend from the first plug to the second plug. The first support member may be coupled to the first plug and the second plug. The second support member may extend from the first plug to the second plug. The second support member may be coupled to the first plug and the second plug.

[0083] The first support member may extend from at least one shoulder, such as the first shoulder of the first plug, to at least one shoulder, such as the first shoulder of the second plug. The second support member may extend from at least one shoulder, such as the second shoulder of the first plug, to at least one shoulder, such as the second shoulder of the second plug. The downstream length portion of the first support member, the second support member, and the first plug may have a combined width equal to or smaller than the width of the upstream length portion of the first plug. The upstream length portion of the first support member, the second support member, and the second plug may have a combined width equal to or smaller than the width of the downstream length portion of the second plug.

[0084] At least one of the support members, or each of the support members, may be elongated. For example, at least one of the support members, or each of the support members, may have a length, a width, and a thickness. The length may be at least 2, 4, 8, or 10 times greater than the width or thickness.

[0085] At least one supporting member, or each supporting member, may be in the form of a rod, beam, or material strip. At least one supporting member, or each supporting member, may extend along at least 80% of the length of the aerosol-generating article. At least one supporting member, or each supporting member, may extend along at least 90% of the length of the aerosol-generating article. At least one supporting member, or each supporting member, may extend along 100% of the length of the aerosol-generating article.

[0086] At least one support member, or each of the above support members, may comprise a biodegradable material. At least one support member, or each of the above support members, may comprise at least 80 weight% of a biodegradable material. At least one support member, or each of the above support members, may comprise at least 90 weight% of a biodegradable material. At least one support member, or each of the above support members, may comprise at least 95 weight% of a biodegradable material.

[0087] At least one support member, or each support member, may comprise or be made of a tobacco material such as a homogenized tobacco material. At least one support member, or each support member, may comprise an aerosol-forming agent as described herein in relation to an aerosol-generating substrate. At least one support member, or each support member, may comprise one or more flavoring agents as described herein in relation to an aerosol-generating substrate.

[0088] At least one support member, or each support member, may comprise or be composed of a cellulose material such as paper or cardboard. At least one support member, or each support member, may comprise at least 80 weight percent of a cellulose material such as paper or cardboard. At least one support member, or each support member, may comprise at least 90 weight percent of a cellulose material such as paper or cardboard. At least one support member, or each support member, may comprise at least 95 weight percent of a cellulose material such as paper or cardboard. At least one support member, or each support member, may comprise at least 99 weight percent of a cellulose material such as paper or cardboard.

[0089] At least one of the support members, or each of the support members, may include or be composed of corrugated cardboard. Advantageously, the corrugated cardboard can provide thermal insulation. Thus, the aerosol generating article may lose less heat, which can improve aerosol generation efficiency. Additionally, this may cause the outer surface of the aerosol generating article to become colder, allowing the consumer to come into comfortable contact with the aerosol generating article.

[0090] At least one of the support members, or each of the above support members, may have a basis weight of 200 g / m2 or more. At least one of the support members, or each of the above support members, may have a basis weight of 300 g / m2 or more. At least one of the support members, or each of the above support members, may have a basis weight of 400 g / m2 or more. At least one of the support members, or each of the above support members, may include or be made of a cellulose material, preferably cardboard.

[0091] At least one support member or each of the above support members may be formed from a compressed material such as fine particulate material, powder, or pellet. At least one support member or each of the above support members may be formed from molded pulp. At least one support member or each of the above support members may be formed by extrusion, lamination, injection molding, or additive manufacturing.

[0092] The aerosol generating article may include a main airflow path extending from an upstream end of the aerosol generating article to a downstream end of the aerosol generating article. The main airflow path may extend through a first plug, an aerosol generating material, and a second plug.

[0093] The aerosol generating article may include at least one auxiliary airflow path extending from an upstream end of the aerosol generating article to a downstream end of the aerosol generating article. The at least one auxiliary airflow path may extend through a first plug, at least one support member (e.g., a first support member or a second support member), and a second plug.

[0094] At least one auxiliary airflow path may include a first auxiliary airflow path extending through a first plug, a first support member, and a second plug. At least one auxiliary airflow path may include a second auxiliary airflow path extending through a first plug, a second support member, and a second plug.

[0095] The main airflow path and at least one auxiliary airflow path may be parallel for at least a portion of the length of the aerosol generating article. Thus, the airflow paths may be separated and distinct airflow paths for at least a portion of the length of the aerosol generating article. For example, the main airflow path and at least one auxiliary airflow path may be parallel from the upstream end of the aerosol generating article to the downstream end of the aerosol generating material plug.

[0096] The main airflow path and at least one auxiliary airflow path may be merged downstream of the aerosol generating material plug. For example, the main airflow path and at least one auxiliary airflow path may be merged within the second plug.

[0097] The main airflow path and at least one auxiliary airflow path may be merged upstream of the second plug. For example, the main airflow path and at least one auxiliary airflow path may be merged within the aerosol cooling plug.

[0098] At least one of the support members, or each of the support members, may include a flavor-releasing element. The flavor-releasing element may be a thread or a yarn. The flavor-releasing element may be located within a secondary airflow path.

[0099] A flavor-releasing element may include one or more flavoring agents, be impregnated with them, or be immersed therein. One or more flavoring agents may include one or more essential oils such as eugenol, peppermint oil, and spearmint oil; one or both of menthol and eugenol; one or both of anethole and linalool; and one or more herbal materials. Suitable herbal materials include, but are not limited to, mints such as peppermint and spearmint, lemon balm, basil, cinnamon, lemon basil, chives, coriander, lavender, sage, tea, thyme, and caraway, and other herbal materials from herb leaves or herbal plants.

[0100] The aerosol generating material plug may include at least one support member. Preferably, the first support member and the second support member may extend along opposing lateral sides of the aerosol generating material. Advantageously, the first support member and the second support member may provide resistance to compression of one or both of the aerosol generating material plug and the aerosol generating article. This can ensure the integrity of the airflow path through the aerosol generating article and help avoid air leakage through the sides of the aerosol generating article or the aerosol generating material plug. Additionally, the support member may make shaping the aerosol generating material plug easier and more convenient, thereby ensuring better alignment of the first plug, the second plug, and the aerosol generating material plug. Furthermore, the support element may make the aerosol generating material plug particularly rigid for use in high-speed manufacturing processes by providing additional rigidity to the aerosol generating material plug.

[0101] Preferably, at least one of the support members, or each of the support members, may comprise one or more of a tobacco material, an aerosol forming agent, and a flavoring agent. Advantageously, the aerosol generating material plug may be configured to release volatile compounds during different periods of a smoking session. For example, the aerosol generating material may release volatile compounds during a first period of a smoking session, and at least one support member may release volatile compounds during a second period of a smoking session after the first period of a smoking session. This may provide an improved or unique user experience.

[0102] The aerosol generating material can be extended substantially to the entire length of the aerosol generating material plug.

[0103] The aerosol generating material may occupy at least 95% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the aerosol generating material plug. The aerosol generating material may occupy at least 95% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the aerosol generating material plug. The aerosol generating material may occupy at least 98% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the aerosol generating material plug.

[0104] The aerosol generating material may have a mass of 70% or more of the mass of the aerosol generating material plug. The aerosol generating material may have a mass of 80% or more of the mass of the aerosol generating material plug. The aerosol generating material may have a mass of 90% or more of the mass of the aerosol generating material plug. The aerosol generating material may have a mass of 95% or more of the mass of the aerosol generating material plug.

[0105] The aerosol generating device may have a mass of 50 mg or more. The aerosol generating device may have a mass of 80 mg or more. The aerosol generating device may have a mass of 110 mg or more. The aerosol generating device may have a mass of 150 mg or more. The aerosol generating device may have a mass of 170 mg or more. The aerosol generating device may have a mass of 180 mg or more. The aerosol generating device may have a mass of 200 mg or more. The aerosol generating device may have a mass of 230 mg or more. The aerosol generating device may have a mass of 250 mg or more. The aerosol generating device may have a mass of 300 mg or more. The aerosol generating device may have a mass of 400 mg or more.

[0106] The aerosol generating device may have a mass of 500 mg or less. The aerosol generating device may have a mass of 400 mg or less. The aerosol generating device may have a mass of 300 mg or less. The aerosol generating device may have a mass of 250 mg or less. The aerosol generating device may have a mass of 230 mg or less. The aerosol generating device may have a mass of 200 mg or less. The aerosol generating device may have a mass of 180 mg or less. The aerosol generating device may have a mass of 170 mg or less. The aerosol generating device may have a mass of 150 mg or less. The aerosol generating device may have a mass of 110 mg or less. The aerosol generating device may have a mass of 80 mg or less. The aerosol generating device may have a mass of 50 mg or less.

[0107] The aerosol generating material may have a mass of 50 mg to 500 mg. The aerosol generating material may have a mass of 80 mg to 500 mg. The aerosol generating material may have a mass of 80 mg to 400 mg. The aerosol generating material may have a mass of 80 mg to 300 mg. The aerosol generating material may have a mass of 80 mg to 250 mg. The aerosol generating material may have a mass of 80 mg to 200 mg. The aerosol generating material may have a mass of 80 mg to 150 mg. Preferably, the aerosol generating material may have a mass of 100 mg to 250 mg.

[0108] The aerosol generating material may have a bulk density of 0.05 mg / mm³ or more. The aerosol generating material may have a bulk density of 0.1 mg / mm³ or more. The aerosol generating material may have a bulk density of 0.15 mg / mm³ or more. The aerosol generating material may have a bulk density of 0.2 mg / mm³ or more. The aerosol generating material may have a bulk density of 0.3 mg / mm³ or more. The aerosol generating material may have a bulk density of 0.4 mg / mm³ or more.

[0109] The aerosol generating material may have a bulk density of 0.5 mg / mm³ or less. The aerosol generating material may have a bulk density of 0.4 mg / mm³ or less. The aerosol generating material may have a bulk density of 0.35 mg / mm³ or less. The aerosol generating material may have a bulk density of 0.3 mg / mm³ or less.

[0110] The aerosol generating material may have a bulk density of 0.05 mg / mm³ to 0.5 mg / mm³. The aerosol generating material may have a bulk density of 0.1 mg / mm³ to 0.4 mg / mm³. The aerosol generating material may have a bulk density of 0.1 to 0.3 mg / mm³. The aerosol generating material may have a bulk density of 0.2 to 0.3 mg / mm³.

[0111] The aerosol generating substrate may have a packing density of 0.3 or higher. The aerosol generating substrate may have a packing density of 0.4 or higher. The aerosol generating substrate may have a packing density of 0.5 or higher. The aerosol generating substrate may have a packing density of 0.6 or higher. The aerosol generating substrate may have a packing density of 0.7 or higher.

[0112] The aerosol generating substrate may have a packing density of 0.9 or less. The aerosol generating substrate may have a packing density of 0.8 or less. The aerosol generating substrate may have a packing density of 0.7 or less. The aerosol generating substrate may have a packing density of 0.6 or less. The aerosol generating substrate may have a packing density of 0.5 or less.

[0113] The aerosol generating substrate may have a packing density of 0.3 to 0.9. The aerosol generating substrate may have a packing density of 0.4 to 0.9. The aerosol generating substrate may have a packing density of 0.5 to 0.9. The aerosol generating substrate may have a packing density of 0.5 to 0.8. The aerosol generating substrate may have a packing density of 0.5 to 0.7.

[0114] The aerosol generating substrate may include one or more organic materials such as tobacco, mint, tea, and cloves. The aerosol generating substrate may include one or more of herb leaves, tobacco leaves, tobacco rib pieces, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco such as cast leaves, extruded tobacco, puffed tobacco, aerosol generating films, and gel compositions.

[0115] The aerosol generating material may include or be made of homogenized tobacco material, for example, reconstituted tobacco material or cast leaf tobacco material.

[0116] The aerosol generating material may be in the form of a crushed aerosol generating material. The crushed aerosol generating material may include: one or more strips and strands of the aerosol generating material, such as strips and strands of tobacco or homogenized tobacco material. The crushed aerosol generating material may be in the form of a crushed sheet of homogenized tobacco material.

[0117] The aerosol generating material may be a cut tobacco. The aerosol generating material may be a tobacco cut tobacco. The cut tobacco may include one or more of bright tobacco, dark tobacco, flavored tobacco, and filler tobacco. Examples of bright tobacco are Brazilian yellow tobacco, Indian yellow tobacco, Chinese yellow tobacco, American yellow tobacco such as Virginia tobacco, and Tanzanian yellow tobacco. Examples of flavored tobacco include Oriental Turkish tobacco, Greek Oriental tobacco, and semi-Oriental tobacco, as well as American Burley smoked tobacco such as Perique and Rustica. Examples of dark tobacco are fumigated Brazilian Gaufão, Burley Malawi or other African Burley, and sun-dried or air-dried Indonesian Kasturi. As used herein, the term “cut tobacco” is used to describe a blend of shredded plant material, such as tobacco plant material and homogenized plant material, which includes one or more of leaf blades, processed stems, and ribs.

[0118] The aerosol generating material may be in the form of a sheet of aerosol generating material. As used herein, the term “sheet” describes a laminated element in which the width and length are substantially greater than the thickness. The sheet of aerosol generating material may be a sheet of plant material. The sheet of aerosol generating material may be a sheet of tobacco material. The sheet of aerosol generating material may be a sheet of homogenized tobacco material, such as a cast leaf sheet.

[0119] The sheet of the aerosol generating material may have a basis weight of 100 g / m2 to 600 g / m2. The sheet of the aerosol generating material may have a basis weight of 100 g / m2 to 300 g / m2.

[0120] A sheet of aerosol-generating material may have a density of 0.3 g / cm³ or more. A sheet of aerosol-generating material may have a density of 0.4 g / cm³ or more. A sheet of aerosol-generating material may have a density of 0.5 g / cm³ or more. A sheet of aerosol-generating material may have a density of 0.6 g / cm³ or more. A sheet of aerosol-generating material may have a density of 0.7 g / cm³ or more. A sheet of aerosol-generating material may have a density of 0.8 g / cm³ or less.

[0121] A sheet of aerosol-generating material may have a density of 1.0 g / cm³ or less. A sheet of aerosol-generating material may have a density of 0.9 g / cm³ or less. A sheet of aerosol-generating material may have a density of 0.8 g / cm³ or less. A sheet of aerosol-generating material may have a density of 0.7 g / cm³ or less. A sheet of aerosol-generating material may have a density of 0.6 g / cm³ or less. A sheet of aerosol-generating material may have a density of 0.5 g / cm³ or less. A sheet of aerosol-generating material may have a density of 0.4 g / cm³ or less.

[0122] A sheet of aerosol-generating material may have a density of 0.3 g / cm³ to 1.3 g / cm³. A sheet of aerosol-generating material may have a density of 0.3 g / cm³ to 1.0 g / cm³. A sheet of aerosol-generating material may have a density of 0.4 g / cm³ to 1.0 g / cm³. A sheet of aerosol-generating material may have a density of 0.4 g / cm³ to 0.9 g / cm³. A sheet of aerosol-generating material may have a density of 0.5 g / cm³ to 0.9 g / cm³.

[0123] The sheet of aerosol generating material may be a corrugated sheet of aerosol generating material. That is, the sheet of aerosol generating material may be wavy, folded, or otherwise compressed or contracted substantially perpendicular to the transverse direction of the aerosol generating material plug.

[0124] The sheet of aerosol generating material may be a crimped sheet of aerosol generating material. The sheet of aerosol generating material may be a wavy sheet of aerosol generating material. The crimped sheet of aerosol generating material or the wavy sheet of aerosol generating material may include a plurality of parallel wavy folds. The plurality of parallel wavy folds may define or form a plurality of channels. The plurality of channels may be channels extending in a plurality of longitudinal directions. That is, the plurality of channels may extend in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating material plug.

[0125] The aerosol generating material may comprise a combined aggregate of strips, strands, or particles of tobacco material. The aerosol generating material may be in the form of a compressed plug of tobacco material, for example, a plug having a substantially circular cross-section in the initial state of the plug is compressed into a flatter cross-sectional profile in a subsequent state of the plug. The aerosol generating material may be in the form of strips, strands, or particles of tobacco material bonded together in a binder matrix.

[0126] The aerosol generating material may comprise one or more aerosol-forming agents. Suitable aerosol-forming agents are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, polyhydric alcohols such as propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerin; esters of polyhydric alcohols such as glycerol mono-, di-, or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. It may be particularly preferable that the aerosol-forming agent is one or both of glycerin and propylene glycol, or comprises them. The aerosol-forming agent may consist of glycerin or propylene glycol, or a combination of glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0127] The aerosol generating substrate may have an aerosol forming agent content of 1, 2, 5, 10, or 15 weight percent or more based on dry weight. The aerosol generating substrate may have an aerosol forming agent content of 15 weight percent or more based on dry weight, for example, exceeding 20 weight percent based on dry weight, or exceeding 25 weight percent based on dry weight, or exceeding 30 weight percent based on dry weight, or exceeding 40 weight percent based on dry weight, or exceeding 50 weight percent based on dry weight.

[0128] The aerosol generating material may have an aerosol forming agent content of 30% by weight or less, 25% by weight or less, or 20% by weight or less based on dry weight. That is, the aerosol generating material may have an aerosol forming agent content of 30% by weight or less, 25% by weight or less based on dry weight, or 20% by weight or less based on dry weight.

[0129] The aerosol generating material may have an aerosol forming agent content of 1% to 30% by weight based on dry weight, 1% to 25% by weight based on dry weight, or 1% to 20% by weight based on dry weight.

[0130] The aerosol generating material may comprise at least 50 weight% of an aerosol forming agent, at least 60 weight% of an aerosol forming agent, or at least 70 weight% of an aerosol forming agent.

[0131] The aerosol generating material may include 85% by weight or less of an aerosol forming agent, 80% by weight or less of an aerosol forming agent, or 75% by weight or less of an aerosol forming agent.

[0132] The aerosol generating material may include 50% to 85% by weight of an aerosol forming agent, 50% to 80% by weight of an aerosol forming agent, or 50% to 75% by weight of an aerosol forming agent.

[0133] The aerosol generating material may contain nicotine. The aerosol generating material may contain natural nicotine, synthetic nicotine, or a combination of natural and synthetic nicotine. Nicotine may exist in the form of a tobacco material or in the form of a nicotine extract.

[0134] The aerosol generating material may contain at least 0.5% by weight of nicotine, at least 1% by weight of nicotine, at least 1.5% by weight of nicotine, or at least 2% by weight of nicotine.

[0135] The aerosol generating device may substantially be tobacco-free or nicotine-free.

[0136] The aerosol generating material may include one or more cannabinoid compounds such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), tetrahydrocannabinol acid (THCA), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabidiol acid (CBDA), cannabinol (CBN), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabigerol monomethyl ether (CBGM), cannavivarin (CBV), cannavivarin (CBDV), tetrahydrocannavivarin (THCV), cannabicromin (CBC), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabichromevarin (CBCV), cannabigerovarin (CBGV), cannabielsoin (CBE), and cannabicitran (CBT). The cannabinoid compound may preferably be CBD or THC. The cannabinoid compound may particularly preferably be CBD.

[0137] The aerosol generating material may include one or more flavoring agents. One or more flavoring agents may include one or more essential oils such as eugenol, peppermint oil, and spearmint oil; one or both of menthol and eugenol; one or both of anethole and linalool; and one or more herbal materials. Suitable herbal materials include, but are not limited to, mints such as peppermint and spearmint, lemon balm, basil, cinnamon, lemon basil, chives, coriander, lavender, sage, tea, thyme, and caraway, and other herbal materials derived from herb leaves or herbal plants. One or more flavoring agents may include tobacco materials.

[0138] The aerosol generating material may include one or more plant components. For example, the aerosol generating material may include plant components such as clove, echinacea species, fennel, ginger, hawthorn berry, elderberry, monarda, mullein leaf, nettle, plantain, turmeric, yarrow, rooibos, star anise, thyme, anethum, chamomile, and compounds thereof in an amount of about 1 to 90%, for example, about 15 to 55%, preferably about 20 to 35%.

[0139] The aerosol generating material may have a moisture content of about 5 to 25%, preferably about 7 to 15%, in the final product state. For example, the aerosol generating material may be a homogenized tobacco material having a moisture content of about 5 to 25%, preferably about 7 to 15%, in the final product state.

[0140] The aerosol generating substrate may include a binder. For example, the aerosol generating substrate may include about 1 to 10%, preferably about 1 to 5%, of a binder such as either a common gum or pectin used in the food and beverage (F&B) industry. Preferred binders may be natural pectins such as fruit, e.g., citrus fruit or tobacco pectin; starches such as guar gum, ground locust bean gum, e.g., their hydroxyethyl and hydroxypropyl forms; modified or derived starch; alginate; methyl, ethyl, ethylhydroxymethyl and carboxymethyl, cellulose; dextran; and xanthan gum. A preferred binder is guar.

[0141] The aerosol generating substrate may include or be made of a solid aerosol forming material. The aerosol generating substrate may include a liquid aerosol forming material, for example, a liquid aerosol forming material retained within a porous matrix. The aerosol generating substrate may include a gel aerosol forming material.

[0142] The aerosol generating substrate plug may include a substrate wrapper. The substrate wrapper may surround the aerosol generating substrate. The substrate wrapper may surround at least one support member. Advantageously, at least one support member may facilitate surrounding the aerosol generating substrate with the substrate wrapper.

[0143] The substrate wrapper may include a first substrate wrapper forming an upper layer of the aerosol generating substrate plug and a second substrate wrapper forming a lower layer of the aerosol generating substrate plug.

[0144] The base wrapper may have a basis weight of 20g / m2 or more, 25g / m2 or more, 30g / m2 or more, 35g / m2 or more, 40g / m2 or more, 45g / m2 or more, 50g / m2 or more, 60g / m2 or more, or 70g / m2 or more.

[0145] The base wrapper may have a basis weight of 180 g / m2 or less, 160 g / m2 or less, 140 g / m2 or less, 120 g / m2 or less, or 100 g / m2 or less.

[0146] The base wrapper may have a basis weight of 20g / m2 to 200g / m2, 25g / m2 to 180g / m2, 30g / m2 to 160g / m2, 35g / m2 to 140g / m2, 40g / m2 to 120g / m2, 45g / m2 to 120g / m2, or 50g / m2 to 100g / m2.

[0147] The substrate wrapper may have a thickness of 10 μm to 300 μm, 10 μm to 200 μm, 10 μm to 150 μm, 10 μm to 100 μm, 10 μm to 75 μm, 10 μm to 50 μm, 10 μm to 40 μm, 15 μm to 40 μm, or 20 μm to 40 μm. The substrate wrapper may have a thickness of about 37 μm.

[0148] The substrate wrapper may have a length substantially equal to the length of the aerosol generating substrate. The substrate wrapper may have a length substantially equal to the length of the aerosol generating substrate plug.

[0149] The substrate wrapper may define or form at least 60% of the external surface area of ​​the aerosol-generating substrate plug. The substrate wrapper may define or form at least 70% of the external surface area of ​​the aerosol-generating substrate plug. The substrate wrapper may define or form at least 95% of the external surface area of ​​the aerosol-generating substrate plug. The substrate wrapper may define or form at least 98% of the external surface area of ​​the aerosol-generating substrate plug.

[0150] The substrate wrapper may define or form less than 95% of the external surface area of ​​the aerosol-generating substrate plug. The substrate wrapper may define or form less than 85% of the external surface area of ​​the aerosol-generating substrate plug. The substrate wrapper may define or form less than 75% of the external surface area of ​​the aerosol-generating substrate plug.

[0151] The substrate wrapper may form an open end tube, and the aerosol generating substrate may be located within the open end tube. The aerosol generating substrate may be exposed at one or both of the distal and proximal ends of the aerosol generating substrate plug. That is, the aerosol generating substrate may be exposed at one or both of the extreme upstream and extreme downstream ends of the aerosol generating substrate plug. Alternatively, the substrate wrapper may completely surround the aerosol generating substrate.

[0152] The substrate wrapper may include one or more flavoring agents. Advantageously, the substrate wrapper flavoring agent may be entrained or released into the air flowing through the aerosol-generating substrate plug. One or more flavoring agents may be any flavoring agents described herein in relation to the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0153] The substrate wrapper may include one or more aerosol-forming agents. The one or more aerosol-forming agents may be any aerosol-forming agents described herein in relation to the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0154] The base wrapper may include or be made of cellulose material. The base wrapper may include or be made of organic material or plant material such as tobacco, mint, tea, and cloves.

[0155] The substrate wrapper may include or be composed of a hygroscopic material. The hygroscopic material may include one or more materials selected from a list consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, silicone, or combinations thereof. For example, the substrate wrapper may include a surface treatment of the hygroscopic material. The hygroscopic material may be dispersed within the substrate wrapper.

[0156] The base wrapper may be a sheet of material. The base wrapper may include or be made of a sheet of cellulose material such as paper. The base wrapper may include or be made of a sheet of organic material or a sheet of plant material. The base wrapper may include or be made of a sheet of homogenized tobacco material.

[0157] The substrate wrapper may include one or more elements selected from a list consisting of ceramic fibers or particles, metal strips or particles, or a combination thereof.

[0158] The ratio between the length of the aerosol generating plug and the length of the aerosol generating article may be 0.4 or greater. The ratio between the length of the aerosol generating plug and the length of the aerosol generating article may be 0.5 or greater. The ratio between the length of the aerosol generating plug and the length of the aerosol generating article may be 0.6 or greater. The ratio between the length of the aerosol generating plug and the length of the aerosol generating article may be 0.7 or greater.

[0159] The ratio between the length of the aerosol generating plug and the length of the aerosol generating article may be 0.9 or less. The ratio between the length of the aerosol generating plug and the length of the aerosol generating article may be 0.8 or less. The ratio between the length of the aerosol generating plug and the length of the aerosol generating article may be 0.7 or less. The ratio between the length of the aerosol generating plug and the length of the aerosol generating article may be 0.6 or less.

[0160] The ratio between the length of the aerosol generating material plug and the length of the aerosol generating article may be 0.4 to 0.9. The ratio between the length of the aerosol generating material plug and the length of the aerosol generating article may be 0.5 to 0.9. The ratio between the length of the aerosol generating material plug and the length of the aerosol generating article may be 0.5 to 0.8. The ratio between the length of the aerosol generating material plug and the length of the aerosol generating article may be 0.6 to 0.8.

[0161] The aerosol generating plug may have a length of 6 mm or more. The aerosol generating plug may have a length of 10 mm or more. The aerosol generating plug may have a length of 14 mm or more. The aerosol generating plug may have a length of 18 mm or more. The aerosol generating plug may have a length of 22 mm or more. The aerosol generating plug may have a length of 26 mm or more. The aerosol generating plug may have a length of 30 mm or more.

[0162] The aerosol generating plug may have a length of 45 mm or less. The aerosol generating plug may have a length of 32 mm or less. The aerosol generating plug may have a length of 28 mm or less. The aerosol generating plug may have a length of 24 mm or less. The aerosol generating plug may have a length of 20 mm or less. The aerosol generating plug may have a length of 16 mm or less. The aerosol generating plug may have a length of 12 mm or less. The aerosol generating plug may have a length of 8 mm or less.

[0163] The aerosol generating material plug may have a length of 6 mm to 45 mm. The aerosol generating material plug may have a length of 10 mm to 30 mm. The aerosol generating material plug may have a length of 14 mm to 26 mm. The aerosol generating material plug may have a length of 14 mm to 22 mm. The aerosol generating material plug may have a length of 14 mm to 18 mm.

[0164] The aerosol generating material plug may have a width of 4 mm or more. The aerosol generating material plug may have a width of 5 mm or more. The aerosol generating material plug may have a width of 6 mm or more. The aerosol generating material plug may have a width of 7 mm or more. The aerosol generating material plug may have a width of 8 mm or more.

[0165] The aerosol generating material plug may have a width of 16 mm or less. The aerosol generating material plug may have a width of 14 mm or less. The aerosol generating material plug may have a width of 12 mm or less. The aerosol generating material plug may have a width of 11 mm or less. The aerosol generating material plug may have a width of 10 mm or less. The aerosol generating material plug may have a width of 9 mm or less. The aerosol generating material plug may have a width of 8 mm or less.

[0166] The aerosol generating material plug may have a width of 4 mm to 16 mm. The aerosol generating material plug may have a width of 6 mm to 10 mm.

[0167] The aerosol generating material plug may have a length of 6 mm to 45 mm, a width of 4 mm to 16 mm, and a thickness of 0.5 mm to 5.5 mm.

[0168] The aerosol generating material plug may have a length of 10 mm to 30 mm, a width of 6 mm to 10 mm, and a thickness of 2 mm to 6 mm.

[0169] The aerosol-generating article may include at least one outer wrapper.

[0170] At least one outer wrapper may define or form one or both of the substantially flat upper surface of the aerosol generating article and the substantially flat lower surface of the aerosol generating article.

[0171] At least one outer wrapper may completely surround or enclose the aerosol generating article. At least one outer wrapper may completely surround or enclose the aerosol generating article along 90% or more of the length of the aerosol generating article. Preferably, at least one outer wrapper may completely surround or enclose the aerosol generating article along 100% of the length of the aerosol generating article.

[0172] At least one outer wrapper may surround or encircle only the downstream portion of the first plug. At least one outer wrapper may surround or encircle at least 25% of the length of the first plug or at least 50% of the length of the first plug. At least one outer wrapper may surround or encircle 75% or less of the length of the first plug or 50% or less of the length of the first plug.

[0173] At least one outer wrapper may surround or encircle only the upstream portion of the second plug. At least one outer wrapper may surround or encircle at least 25% of the length of the second plug or at least 50% of the length of the second plug. At least one outer wrapper may surround or encircle 75% or less of the length of the second plug or at least 50% of the length of the second plug.

[0174] At least one outer wrapper may include a first outer wrapper and a second outer wrapper. The first outer wrapper may form a first outer layer of an aerosol-generating article, and the second outer wrapper may form a second outer layer of an aerosol-generating article. The first outer layer may be a first planar outer layer. The second outer layer may be a second planar outer layer.

[0175] At least one outer wrapper may be limited to defining or forming a substantially flat upper surface and a substantially flat lower surface of an aerosol generating article, such that a lateral portion of the aerosol generating article between the substantially flat upper surface and the substantially flat lower surface is not defined or formed by at least one outer wrapper.

[0176] Among at least one outer wrapper, each or any of the above outer wrappers may be hydrophobic. Among at least one outer wrapper, the above or any of the above outer wrappers may include a hydrophobic material.

[0177] At least one of the outer wrappers, each or any of the above outer wrappers may include a sheet of material such as a sheet of cellulose material.

[0178] At least one outer wrapper, each or any of the above outer wrappers may comprise a cellulose material or be manufactured therefrom. The cellulose material may be paper, cigarette paper, tobacco paper, cardboard, wood, fabric, natural fiber, or artificial fiber. Preferably, at least one of the above outer wrappers, each or any of the above outer wrappers, is cigarette paper.

[0179] At least one of the outer wrappers, each or any of the above outer wrappers may substantially be tobacco-free or substantially nicotine-free.

[0180] Among at least one outer wrapper, each or any of the above outer wrappers may have a thickness of 250 μm or more, 300 μm or more, 350 μm or more, 400 μm or more, or 450 μm or more.

[0181] Among at least one outer wrapper, each or any of the above outer wrappers may have a thickness of 550 μm or less, 500 μm or less, 450 μm or less, 400 μm or less, or 350 μm or less.

[0182] Among at least one outer wrapper, each or any of the above outer wrappers may have a thickness of 250 μm to 550 μm, 250 μm to 450 μm, or 300 μm to 450 μm.

[0183] At least one outer wrapper, each or any of the above outer wrappers, may have a length substantially equal to the length of the aerosol-generating article. At least one outer wrapper, each or any of the above outer wrappers, may have a width substantially equal to the width of the aerosol-generating article.

[0184] Any of the aspects of the present disclosure may have an aerosol generating article of 10 mm to 100 mm, or 10 mm to 50 mm, for example 10 mm to 40 mm, for example 12 mm to 30 mm, for example 14 mm to 26 mm, for example 16 mm to 24 mm, for example 18 mm to 22 mm, for example about 18 mm, or about 19 mm, or about 20 mm, or about 21 mm, or about 22 mm in length (e.g., in x-dimension).

[0185] The aerosol generating article may have a width (e.g., y-dimension) of 5 mm to 20 mm, e.g. 8 mm to 18 mm, e.g. 10 mm to 16 mm, e.g. 11 mm to 15 mm, e.g. 12 mm to 14 mm, e.g. about 13 mm.

[0186] The aerosol generating article may have a height (e.g., z-dimension) of 1 mm to 10 mm, e.g. 1.2 mm to 8 mm, e.g. 1.4 mm to 7 mm, e.g. 1.6 mm to 6 mm, e.g. 1.7 mm to 5 mm, e.g. about 1.7 mm, or about 4.5 mm, or about 2 mm, or about 3 mm, or about 4 mm.

[0187] When viewed in a planar view, any one of the aspects of the present disclosure may have a shape defining a polygon, a quadrilateral (e.g., a rectangle or a square), an ellipse, a circle, or a combination thereof. Where the aerosol generating article comprises substantially planar upper and lower surfaces, when viewed in a planar view, one or both of the upper and lower surfaces may have a shape defining a polygon, a quadrilateral (e.g., a rectangle or a square), an ellipse, a circle, or a combination thereof. When viewed in a planar view, the perimeter of the aerosol generating article may be formed by a plurality of straight sides, a plurality of curved sides, or a combination of straight sides and curved sides. Where the aerosol generating article comprises substantially planar upper and lower surfaces, when viewed in a planar view, the perimeter of one or both of the upper and lower surfaces may have a shape defining a polygon, a quadrilateral (e.g., a rectangle or a square), an ellipse, a circle, or a combination thereof.

[0188] According to the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device for receiving an aerosol generating article as disclosed herein or an aerosol generating substrate as disclosed herein may include a cavity dimensionally sized to receive at least a portion of the aerosol generating article or the aerosol generating substrate, a heater or heating means, a power source for supplying power to the heater or heating means, and a controller for controlling the power supply to the heater or heating means. The aerosol generating device is configured to heat an aerosol generating substrate, for example, an aerosol generating substrate that is a component part of an aerosol generating article, to form an aerosol, for example, an inhalable aerosol.

[0189] The aerosol generating device may preferably be configured to accommodate the entire aerosol generating article so that the aerosol generating article is entirely surrounded within the aerosol generating device.

[0190] The cavity may include an opening into which the distal end of an aerosol-generating article can be inserted. The cavity may have any suitable cross-sectional shape. For example, the cavity may have a rectangular cross section, for example, a rectangular cross section having opposing top and bottom sides that are longer than the left and right sides.

[0191] Preferably, at least one internal surface of the cavity is a heating surface configured to heat an aerosol generating article. The heating surface may include a heater, for example, a resistance heater or an infrared heater, or a susceptor configured to be heated by coupling with an inductor. The heating surface may include an inductor, and for example, the surface may include a coil disposed to generate a fluctuating electromagnetic field within the cavity space. The heating surface may be a surface permeable to the fluctuating electromagnetic field so that an inductor disposed outside the cavity can project the fluctuating electromagnetic field through the heating surface and couple with a susceptor disposed inside the cavity.

[0192] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating article" may refer to an article capable of generating or releasing aerosols.

[0193] As used herein, the term “aerosol generating substrate” may refer to a substrate capable of releasing an aerosol or a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating substrate may comprise an aerosol-forming material. The aerosol generating substrate may be adsorbed, coated, impregnated, or otherwise loaded onto a carrier or support. For convenience, the aerosol generating substrate may be part of an aerosol generating article or a smoking article.

[0194] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating device" may refer to a device for use with an aerosol generating article to enable the generation or release of an aerosol.

[0195] As used herein, the term 'aerosol generating system' refers to a combination of an aerosol generating device and one or more aerosol forming articles for use with the device. The aerosol generating system may include additional components, such as a charging unit for recharging an on-board electric power supply to an electrically operated or electric aerosol generating device.

[0196] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming agent" may refer to any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that facilitates the formation of an aerosol upon use. The aerosol may be a dense and stable aerosol. The aerosol may be substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at the operating temperature of the aerosol-generating substrate or aerosol-generating article.

[0197] As used herein with respect to the present invention, the term "nicotine" is used to describe nicotine, nicotine base, or nicotine salt.

[0198] As used herein with respect to the present invention, the terms "proximal," "distal," "upstream," and "downstream" are used to describe the relative positions of a component or a part of a component of an aerosol-generating article.

[0199] As used herein, the term "longitudinal" refers to a direction corresponding to the main longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article extending between the upstream and downstream ends of the aerosol generating article. During use, air may be drawn longitudinally through the aerosol generating article.

[0200] As used herein, the term “sheet” refers to a laminated element in which the width and length are substantially greater than the thickness. The width of the sheet is greater than 10 mm, and preferably greater than 20 mm or 30 mm. In certain embodiments, the sheet of material to be used to form an aerosol generating substrate as described herein may have a thickness of 10 μm to about 1000 μm, for example, 10 μm to about 300 μm.

[0201] As used herein, the term “homogenized tobacco material” comprises any tobacco material formed by the aggregation of fine particles of tobacco material. A sheet or web of homogenized tobacco material is formed by aggregating fine tobacco obtained by crushing or pulverizing one or both of tobacco leaf lamina and tobacco leaf stem. Additionally, the homogenized tobacco material may contain trace amounts of one or more of tobacco powder, tobacco fines, and other fine tobacco by-products formed during the processing, handling, and delivery of tobacco. A sheet of homogenized tobacco material may be manufactured by casting, extrusion, papermaking processes, or any other suitable process known in the art.

[0202] The term “cast leaf” is used herein to refer to a product produced by a casting process based on casting a slurry containing plant particles (e.g., clove particles, or a mixture of tobacco particles and clove particles) and a binder (e.g., guar gum) onto a supporting surface, such as a belt conveyor, drying the slurry, and removing the dried sheet from the supporting surface. Examples of casting or cast leaf processes are described, for instance, in US-A-5,724,998 for the manufacture of cast leaf tobacco. In a cast leaf process, particulate plant material is produced by pulverizing, grinding, or crushing a portion of a plant. Particles produced from one or more plants are mixed with a liquid component, typically water, to form a slurry. Other components within the slurry may include fibers, a binder, and an aerosol-forming agent. The particulate plant material may aggregate in the presence of a binder. The slurry is cast onto a supporting surface and dried into a sheet of homogenized plant material. Preferably, the homogenized plant material used in the article according to the present invention can be produced by casting. Such homogenized plant material may comprise aggregated particulate plant material.

[0203] As used herein, suction resistance is expressed as "mm H2O" or "mm WG" or "mm water level gauge" and is measured according to ISO 6565:2002.

[0204] As used herein, the term "bulk density" refers to the total weight of an aerosol generating material divided by the bulk volume of the aerosol generating material.

[0205] As used herein, the term "packing density" refers to the ratio of the total volume of components, such as solid and liquid components of the aerosol generating substrate, to the bulk volume of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0206] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-limiting, non-comprehensive list of embodiments is provided below. Any one or more features of these embodiments may be combined with any one or more features of other embodiments, embodiments, or aspects described herein.

[0207] Example 1. As an aerosol generating article for use with an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating article is:

[0208] 1st plug,

[0209] 2nd plug, and

[0210] It includes an aerosol generating material plug comprising an aerosol generating material, and

[0211] The first plug is located upstream of the aerosol generating material plug, and the second plug is located downstream of the aerosol generating material plug; and

[0212] An aerosol generating article, wherein the thickness of the aerosol generating article is less than 50% of the length of the aerosol generating article and the thickness of the aerosol generating article is less than 50% of the width of the aerosol generating article.

[0213] Example 2. In Example 1, the aerosol generating article comprises a substantially flat upper surface defined by a length extending in the x-direction and a width extending in the y-direction, and a substantially flat lower surface defined by a length extending in the x-direction and a width extending in the y-direction.

[0214] Example 3. An aerosol generating article in Example 1 or Example 2, wherein one or both of the first plug and the second plug are located adjacent to the aerosol generating substrate plug.

[0215] Example 4. An aerosol generating article in any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein one or both of the first plug and the second plug are in contact with the aerosol generating substrate plug.

[0216] Example 5. In any one of 1 to 4, the aerosol generating article, wherein the first plug is located at the far upstream end of the aerosol generating article.

[0217] Example 6. In any one of 1 to 5, the aerosol generating article, wherein the second plug is located at the far downstream end of the aerosol generating article.

[0218] Example 7. In any one of Examples 1 to 6, the aerosol generating article, wherein the first plug defines an inlet of the aerosol generating article.

[0219] Example 8. In any one of Examples 1 to 7, the aerosol generating article, wherein the second plug defines an outlet of the aerosol generating article.

[0220] Example 9. An aerosol generating article in any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the first plug comprises a first plug chamber.

[0221] Example 10. An aerosol generating article in Example 9, wherein the first plug chamber has a width of at least 80% or at least 90% of the width of the first plug, and the first plug chamber has a thickness of at least 80% or at least 90% of the thickness of the first plug.

[0222] Example 11. An aerosol generating article in Example 9 or 10, wherein the first plug comprises one or more wall surfaces extending between the upstream end of the first plug and the downstream end of the first plug, and the one or more wall surfaces surround or at least partially surround the first plug chamber.

[0223] Example 12. An aerosol generating article in any one of Examples 1 to 11, wherein the second plug comprises a second plug chamber.

[0224] Example 13. An aerosol generating article in Example 12, wherein the second plug chamber has a width of at least 80% or at least 90% of the width of the second plug, and the second plug chamber has a thickness of at least 80% or at least 90% of the thickness of the second plug.

[0225] Example 14. An aerosol generating article in Example 12 or 13, wherein the second plug comprises one or more wall surfaces extending between the upstream end of the second plug and the downstream end of the second plug, and the one or more wall surfaces surround or at least partially surround the second plug chamber.

[0226] Example 15. An aerosol generating article, wherein, when dependent on any one of Examples 9 to 11, in any one of the previous examples, the first plug comprises a flavor-releasing element located within the first plug chamber.

[0227] Example 16. An aerosol generating article that, when dependent on any one of Examples 12 to 14, wherein in any one of the previous Examples, the second plug comprises a flavor-releasing element located within the second plug chamber.

[0228] Example 17. An aerosol generating article in Example 13 or 14, wherein the flavor-releasing element comprises one or more flavor agents, or is impregnated therewith, or is immersed therein.

[0229] Example 18. In any one of the prior embodiments, the first plug comprises a first plug body, the first flap extends from the first plug body, and the second flap extends from the first plug body, and the first flap and the second flap are positioned over the downstream end of the first plug body to define a downstream opening of the first plug. an aerosol generating article.

[0230] Example 19. In any one of the prior embodiments, the second plug comprises a second plug body, the first flap extends from the second plug body, the second flap extends from the second plug body, and the first flap and the second flap are positioned over the upstream end of the second plug body to define an upstream opening of the second plug. an aerosol generating article.

[0231] Example 20. An aerosol generating article in any one of Examples 1 to 17, wherein one or both of the first plug and the second plug are in the form of a tube such as a rectangular tube.

[0232] Example 21. An aerosol generating article, wherein in any one of the prior embodiments, one or both of the first plug and the second plug are formed of two or more geometrically identical elements.

[0233] Example 22. In Example 21, an aerosol generating article wherein each of the two or more geometrically identical elements extends to the entire length and the entire thickness of each plug.

[0234] Example 23. An aerosol generating article in Example 21 or 22, wherein the first plug comprises a first geometrically identical element and a second geometrically identical element, wherein each of the first geometrically identical element and the second geometrically identical element has an "L" shape or is an "L" beam.

[0235] Example 24. An aerosol generating article in any one of Examples 21 to 23, wherein the second plug comprises a first geometrically identical element and a second geometrically identical element, wherein each of the first geometrically identical element and the second geometrically identical element has an "L" shape or is an "L" beam.

[0236] Example 25. An aerosol generating article, wherein in any one of the prior embodiments, one or both of the first plug and the second plug comprise a first length portion having a width and a second length portion having a width, wherein the width of the first length portion is greater than the width of the second length portion, thereby forming at least one shoulder at a position between the first length portion and the second length portion.

[0237] Example 26. An aerosol generating article in Example 25, wherein the first length portion of the first plug is an upstream length portion and the second length portion of the first plug is a downstream length portion.

[0238] Example 27. An aerosol generating article in Example 25 or 26, wherein the first length portion of the second plug is a downstream length portion and the second length portion of the second plug is an upstream length portion.

[0239] Example 28. In any one of the prior embodiments, the aerosol generating article, wherein one or both of the first plug and the second plug have a laminated or layered structure.

[0240] Example 29. An aerosol generating article, wherein in any one of the prior embodiments, one or both of the first plug and the second plug comprise a sheet of material that is fluted, crimped, pleated, corrugated, woven, or folded as an element defining a plurality of longitudinally extending channels.

[0241] Example 30. In any one of the prior embodiments, an aerosol generating article wherein one or both of the first plug and the second plug comprise at least 80 weight percent of a cellulose material such as paper or cardboard.

[0242] Example 31. In any one of the prior embodiments, an aerosol generating article in which one or both of the first plug and the second plug are formed from a compressed material such as particulate matter, powder or pellets.

[0243] Example 32. An aerosol generating article, wherein in any one of the prior embodiments, one or both of the first plug and the second plug are formed from molded pulp.

[0244] Example 33. An aerosol generating article, wherein in any one of the prior embodiments, the ratio between the length of the first plug and the length of the aerosol generating article is 0.30 or greater.

[0245] Example 34. An aerosol generating article, wherein in any one of the previous embodiments, the ratio between the length of the second plug and the length of the aerosol generating article is 0.30 or greater.

[0246] Example 35. An aerosol generating article comprising at least one support member including a first support member and a second support member in any one of the prior embodiments, wherein the first support member and the second support member extend along opposing lateral sides of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0247] Example 36. An aerosol generating article in Example 35, wherein the first support member extends from the first plug to the second plug and is coupled to the first plug and the second plug, and the second support member extends from the first plug to the second plug and is coupled to the first plug and the second plug.

[0248] Example 37. In Example 35 or 36, the first plug, the second plug, and the at least one support member form a frame that at least partially defines a cavity, and the aerosol generating material plug is located within the cavity, an aerosol generating article.

[0249] Example 38. An aerosol generating article in any one of Examples 35 to 37, wherein each of the at least one support member comprises corrugated cardboard.

[0250] Example 39. An aerosol generating article in any one of Examples 35 to 38, wherein the aerosol generating substrate plug comprises a substrate wrapper surrounding the aerosol generating substrate and the at least one support member.

[0251] Example 40. An aerosol generating article comprising at least one outer wrapper in any one of the prior embodiments.

[0252] Example 41. In Example 40, the at least one outer wrapper completely surrounds or surrounds the aerosol-generating article.

[0253] Example 42. In Example 40 or 41, the at least one outer wrapper completely surrounds or encloses the aerosol generating article along more than 90% of the length of the aerosol generating article.

[0254] Example 43. In Example 40, the at least one outer wrapper comprises a first outer wrapper and a second outer wrapper, wherein the first outer wrapper forms a first outer layer of the aerosol generating article and the second outer wrapper forms a second outer layer of the aerosol generating article. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0255] Now, embodiments will be further described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating article according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating article according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating article according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an aerosol generating article according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating article according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating article according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating material plug according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic side view of the aerosol generating device plug of FIG. 7; FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic plan view of the aerosol generating device plug of FIG. 7; FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic diagram of a wavy corrugated element as used in the aerosol generating material plug of FIG. 7; FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of an aerosol generating material plug according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of an aerosol generating material plug according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 13 illustrates a method for forming a first plug according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 14 illustrates a first plug according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 15 illustrates a method for forming a first plug according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 16 illustrates a first plug according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 17 illustrates a method for forming a first plug according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 18 illustrates a first plug according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 19 illustrates a first plug according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 20 illustrates a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the device is configured to engage with an aerosol generating article, for example, an aerosol generating article of any one of FIG. 1 to FIG. 6; FIG. 21 illustrates a schematic end view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 20; FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing an aerosol generating article (e.g., an aerosol generating article of any one of FIG. 1 to 6) that engages with the aerosol generating device of FIG. 20; and FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of FIG. 20 to FIG. 22, illustrating an aerosol generating article coupled with an aerosol generating device. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0256] FIG. 1 shows a side perspective view of an aerosol generating article (100) according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The aerosol generating article (100) has upper and lower surfaces (110, 120) that are flat or planar.

[0257] The aerosol generating article (100) has a length of 80 mm extending in the x dimension, a width of 15 mm extending in the y dimension, and a height of 3.6 mm extending in the z dimension (which may also be referred to as thickness).

[0258] The aerosol generating article (100) comprises an aerosol generating material plug (300) comprising an aerosol generating material (345), a first plug (200) located upstream of the aerosol generating material plug (300), and a second plug (400) located downstream of the aerosol generating material plug (300). The aerosol generating material plug (300), the first plug (200), and the second plug (400) are aligned axially in the longitudinal direction. The first plug (200) has a length of about 20 mm, a width of about 15 mm, and a height of about 3.6 mm (which may also be referred to as thickness). The second plug (400) has a length of about 20 mm, a width of about 15 mm, and a height of about 3.6 mm (which may also be referred to as thickness). The aerosol generating material plug (300) has a length of 40 mm, a width of 15 mm, and a thickness of 3.6 mm.

[0259] The airflow path (130) is defined through the aerosol generating article (100) between the upper surface and the lower surface (110, 120). The airflow path (130) extends between the opposing first and second ends (101, 102) of the aerosol generating article (100). The first end (101) may define the distal end of the aerosol generating article (100), and the second end (102) may define the proximal or mouse end of the aerosol generating article (100). The airflow path (130) may be guided toward the user's mouth so that the user can inhale the aerosol generated as a result of heating the aerosol generating material of the aerosol generating article (100).

[0260] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an aerosol generating article (100) according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. The aerosol generating article (100) according to the second embodiment is similar to the aerosol generating article (100) according to the first embodiment, except that the second embodiment includes a first outer wrapper (141) forming a first planar outer layer of the aerosol generating article (100) and a second outer wrapper (142) forming a second planar outer layer of the aerosol generating article (100). The first planar outer layer defines the upper surface (110), and the second planar outer layer (142) defines the lower surface (120). A first plug (200), an aerosol generating substrate plug (300), and a second plug (400) are positioned between the first outer wrapper (141) and the second outer wrapper (142). The first outer wrapper (141) and the second outer wrapper (142) are each cigarette paper.

[0261] The aerosol generating article (100) has a length of 80 mm extended in the x dimension, a width of 15 mm extended in the y dimension, and a height of 4.2 mm extended in the z dimension (which may also be referred to as thickness). Each of the first outer wrapper (141) and the second outer wrapper (142) has a thickness of 300 μm.

[0262] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an aerosol generating article (100) according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. The aerosol generating article (100) according to the third embodiment is similar to the aerosol generating article (100) of the first embodiment except that the third embodiment includes an outer wrapper (140) that surrounds the aerosol generating article (100) along the entire length of the aerosol generating article (100). The outer wrapper (140) defines an upper surface (110) and a lower surface (120) and surrounds each of a first plug (not shown), an aerosol generating substrate plug (not shown), and a second plug (400). The outer wrapper (140) is cigarette paper.

[0263] The aerosol generating article (100) has a length of 80 mm extended in the x dimension, a width of 15.6 mm extended in the y dimension, and a height of 4.2 mm extended in the z dimension (which may also be referred to as thickness). The outer wrapper (140) has a thickness of 300 μm.

[0264] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an aerosol generating article (100) according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. The aerosol generating article (100) according to the fourth embodiment includes a first support member (151) and a second support member (152). Each of the first support member (151) and the second support member (152) is a strip of corrugated cardboard.

[0265] The first support member (151) and the second support member (152) extend along the opposing lateral sides of the aerosol generating material plug (300). The first support member (151) extends from the first plug (200) to the second plug (400) and is bonded to the first plug (200) and the second plug (400) with adhesive. Similarly, the second support member (152) extends from the first plug (200) to the second plug (400) and is bonded to the first plug (200) and the second plug (400) with adhesive. The first plug (200), the second plug (400), and the support members (151, 152) form a frame that at least partially defines the cavity. The aerosol generating material plug (300) is located within the cavity and is bonded to the first support member (151) and the second support member (152). The aerosol generating article (100) may include a first outer wrapper (141) and a second outer wrapper (142) as in the second embodiment or an outer wrapper (140) as in the third embodiment. Accordingly, the aerosol generating material plug (300) may not be coupled to the first support member (151) and the second support member (152).

[0266] Each of the first support member (151) and the second support member (152) has the same thickness and length as the aerosol generating material plug (300). Each of the first support member (151) and the second support member (152) has a width of about 3.5 mm.

[0267] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an aerosol generating article (100) according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. The aerosol generating article (100) according to the fifth embodiment is similar to the aerosol generating article according to the fourth embodiment, except that the first support member (151) and the second support member (152) extend along the entire length of the aerosol generating article (100).

[0268] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an aerosol generating article (100) according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. The aerosol generating article (100) according to the sixth embodiment is similar to the aerosol generating article according to the fourth and fifth embodiments, except that a first support member (151) extends from the first shoulder (232) of the first plug (200) to the first shoulder of the second plug (400), and a second member (152) extends from the second shoulder (233) of the first plug (200) to the second shoulder of the second plug (400).

[0269] As can be seen in more detail in FIG. 19, the first plug (200) has an upstream length portion (230) having a first width and a downstream length portion (231) having a second width. The first width is greater than the second width, so that a first shoulder (232) is formed on the first lateral side of the first plug (200) and a second shoulder (233) is formed on the second lateral side of the first plug (200). Similarly, the second plug (400) has an upstream length portion having a first width and a downstream length portion having a second width. The second width is greater than the first width, so that a first shoulder is formed on the first lateral side of the second plug (400) and a second shoulder is formed on the second lateral side of the second plug (400).

[0270] The downstream length portion of the first support member (151), the second support member (152), and the first plug (200) has a combined width equal to the width of the upstream length portion of the first plug (200). The upstream length portion of the first support member (151), the second support member (152), and the second plug (400) has a combined width equal to the width of the downstream length portion of the second plug (400).

[0271] FIGS. 7, FIGS. 8, and FIGS. 9 respectively illustrate an end view, a side view, and a top view of an aerosol generating material plug (300) according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. An aerosol generating article (100) according to the first to sixth embodiments may include an aerosol generating material plug (300). The aerosol generating material plug (300) includes a planar upper layer (310), a planar lower layer (320), and an intermediate or separating layer (340) arranged between the upper layer (310) and the lower layer (320).

[0272] The flat upper layer (310) is formed from a paper sheet having a thickness of 300 μm. The flat lower layer (320) is formed from a paper sheet having a thickness of 300 μm. The middle layer (340) is a wavy element formed from a wavy sheet of an aerosol generating substrate (345). A suitable aerosol generating substrate may be a homogenized tobacco. Accordingly, the middle layer (340) may be formed from a wavy sheet of a homogenized tobacco material (345).

[0273] FIG. 10 illustrates a wavy sheet of an aerosol generating substrate (345). The wavy sheet has an amplitude (346) of 3 mm and a wavelength (347) of 3 mm. The sheet of the aerosol generating substrate (345) forming the intermediate layer (340) has a thickness of 150 μm.

[0274] The intersection points (351, 352) between the upper layer (310) and the middle layer (340) and between the lower layer (320) and the middle layer (340) contain an adhesive that bonds each layer.

[0275] The wavy folds of the intermediate layer (340) form a first set of longitudinally extending channels (361) bounded by the upper layer (310) and the intermediate layer (340), and a second set of longitudinally extending channels (362) bounded by the lower layer (320) and the intermediate layer (340). The first and second sets of longitudinally extending channels (361, 362) extend through the length of the aerosol generating substrate plug (300) between the proximal end (371) of the substrate (345) and the distal end (372) of the substrate (345). The longitudinally extending channels (361, 362) define an airflow path passing through the substrate (345). Thus, the airflow path passes through both sides of the sheet of the aerosol generating substrate (345). The porosity of the aerosol generating material plug (300) along the airflow path is in the 90% region. This provides a very low resistance to suction (RTD) of less than 5 mm H2O. In fact, the RTD is close to 0.

[0276] The aerosol generating material (345) may be a sheet of any suitable aerosol generating material.

[0277] During use of the aerosol generating article (100), the aerosol generating material (345) is heated to cause the aerosol generating material (345) to release volatile compounds, which are then entrained into the air drawn into the channels (361, 362) through the distal end (372). Then, the volatile compounds are cooled and condensed to form an aerosol that can be drawn from the channels (361, 362) of the aerosol generating article (100) through the proximal end (371).

[0278] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of an aerosol generating material plug (300) according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. An aerosol generating article (100) according to the first to sixth embodiments may include an aerosol generating material plug (300). The aerosol generating material plug (300) includes an aerosol generating material (345) and a material wrapper (380).

[0279] The aerosol generating material plug (300) comprises a substantially flat upper surface defined by a length extending in the x-direction and a width extending in the y-direction. The aerosol generating material plug (300) comprises a substantially flat lower surface defined by a length extending in the x-direction and a width extending in the y-direction. The substantially flat upper surface and the substantially flat lower surface are spaced apart from each other by a height defined in the z-direction. The substantially flat upper surface and the substantially flat lower surface are parallel to each other.

[0280] The aerosol generating material plug (300) has a rectangular shape, and the thickness of the aerosol generating material plug (300) is constant over the entire width of the aerosol generating material plug (300), thereby providing an aerosol generating material plug (300) having a substantially rectangular cross-section (in the y / z plane).

[0281] The substrate wrapper (380) is a sheet of cellulose material having a basis weight of about 40 g / m2 and a thickness of about 40 μm. The substrate wrapper (380) surrounds the aerosol generating substrate (345) and has a length substantially equal to the length of the aerosol generating substrate (345). The substrate wrapper (380) does not completely surround the aerosol generating substrate (345), but instead the aerosol generating substrate (345) is exposed at both the proximal end (371) and the distal end (372) of the aerosol generating substrate plug (300).

[0282] The aerosol generating material (345) is in the form of a tobacco stick, contains an aerosol forming agent, namely glycerin, and has an aerosol forming agent content of about 5% by weight based on dry weight. The aerosol generating material (345) extends from the proximal end (371) to the distal end (372) of the aerosol generating material plug (300), and thus extends along the entire length of the aerosol generating material plug (300).

[0283] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of an aerosol generating material plug (300) according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. An aerosol generating article (100) according to the first through sixth embodiments may include an aerosol generating material plug (300). The aerosol generating material plug (300) according to the third embodiment is similar to the aerosol generating material plug (300) according to the second embodiment, except that the third embodiment includes a first support member (151) and a second support member (152) that extend along the entire length of the aerosol generating material plug (300). A material wrapper (380) surrounds the aerosol generating material (345), the first support member (151), and the second support member (152).

[0284] FIGS. 13 and FIGS. 14 respectively illustrate a method for forming a first plug (200) according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure and a perspective view of the first plug (200) according to the first embodiment. An aerosol generating article (100) according to the first to fifth embodiments may include a first plug (200). The first plug (200) is in the form of a rectangular tube. The first plug (200) is formed from a sheet of cardboard (203) comprising a plurality of weak lines (204). The plurality of weak lines (204) are perforated weak lines. The sheet of cardboard (203) is folded into a tube around the plurality of weak lines (204), and each of the plurality of weak lines forms an edge extending in the longitudinal direction of the first plug (200). The free ends (205, 206) of the sheet of cardboard (203) are bonded together with an adhesive to form an additional edge extending in the longitudinal direction of the first plug (200). The first plug (200) has an upstream opening (not shown) and a downstream opening (202). The second plug (400) may have the same configuration.

[0285] FIGS. 15 and FIGS. 16 respectively illustrate a method for forming a first plug (200) according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure and a perspective view of the first plug (200) according to the second embodiment. An aerosol generating article (100) according to the first to fifth embodiments may include a first plug (200). The first plug (200) is formed from two geometrically identical elements (211, 212). In particular, the first plug (200) is formed from a first geometrically identical element (211) and a second geometrically identical element (212), and each of the first geometrically identical element (211) and the second geometrically identical element (212) has an "L" shape. The two geometrically identical elements (211, 212) are joined together, for example, with an adhesive. Two geometrically identical elements form the upstream opening (not shown) and downstream opening (202) of the first plug (200). The second plug (400) may have the same configuration.

[0286] FIGS. 17 and FIGS. 18 respectively illustrate a method for forming a first plug (200) according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure and a perspective view of the first plug (200) according to the third embodiment. An aerosol generating article (100) according to the first to fifth embodiments may include a first plug (200). The first plug (200) includes a first plug body (220) that defines a first plug chamber (221). A first flap (222) extends from the first plug body (220), and a second flap (223) extends from the first plug body (220). As shown in FIG. 18, the first flap (222) and the second flap (223) are movable to be placed over the downstream end of the first plug body (220) to define a downstream opening (202). In particular, the first flap (222) has a first notch (224), and the second flap (223) has a second notch (225) that collectively forms a downstream opening (202) of the first plug (200). The second plug (400) may have the same configuration.

[0287] FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of a first plug (200) according to a fourth embodiment. An aerosol generating article (100) according to a sixth embodiment may include the first plug (200) as described above. A second plug (400) may have the same configuration.

[0288] FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate an aerosol generating device (6000) configured for use with an aerosol generating article (600) comprising an aerosol generating substrate (640), such as an aerosol generating article according to the first to sixth embodiments. The device (6000) is an elongated aerosol generating device extending between a proximal end (6001) and a distal end (6002). The device (6000) includes a battery (6010), a controller (6020), and a heater (6030) located within a housing (6040). The controller (6020) controls the power supply from the battery (6010) to the heater (6030). A cavity (6050) is defined in the device (6000), and the cavity has an opening (6051) defined at the proximal end (6001) of the device. The opening (6051) is rectangular in shape and is dimensioned to accommodate a cross section of the aerosol generating article (600). The cavity (6050) includes an upper flat surface (6052) and a lower flat surface (6053). A heater (6030) is located within the lower flat surface (6053) to heat the lower surface of the aerosol generating article (600) inserted into the cavity (6050). An airflow path is configured so that air can flow from outside the device (6000) into the cavity (6050).

[0289] FIG. 22 illustrates the device (6000) of FIG. 20 engaging with an aerosol generating article (600). There is almost no tolerance between the outer surface of the aerosol generating article (600) and the inner surface of the cavity (6050). Therefore, there is a tight fit between the aerosol generating article (600) and the device (6000). Since the RTD of the aerosol generating article (600) is negligible, the RTD of the system formed by the combination of the aerosol generating article (600) and the aerosol generating device (6000) is controlled by an airflow path defined within the device. When a user inserts the aerosol generating article (600) into the cavity (6050), the device (6000) can be operated. A heater (6030) heats the lower surface of the aerosol generating article (600), and as a result, the aerosol generating substrate (640) of the aerosol generating article (600) is heated. The volatile components of the aerosol generating material (640) evaporate and condense into longitudinal airflow channels defined within the aerosol generating article (600) to form an aerosol. A user inhales the aerosol by inhaling the proximal end (601) of the aerosol generating article (600). Once the volatile components in the aerosol generating material (640) of the aerosol generating article (600) are depleted, the aerosol generating article is removed from the cavity (6050) of the device (6000) and disposed of. The aerosol generating article (600) may be any one of the previously described aerosol generating articles (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) or any other aerosol generating article of the present disclosure.

[0290] FIG. 22 illustrates a portion of an aerosol generating article (600) extending outside of an aerosol generating device (6000), but in other embodiments, the entire aerosol generating article may be completely enclosed within the aerosol generating device. As an example, FIG. 23 illustrates an alternative embodiment of FIG. 22, in which similar features are referred to by the same reference numeral but with the addition of a prime symbol '. In the alternative embodiment of FIG. 23, the entire aerosol generating article (600') is enclosed within the aerosol generating device (6000').

[0291] For the purposes of this description and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, etc., shall be understood in all cases to be modified by the term “about.” Additionally, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and include any intermediate ranges that may or may not be specifically listed herein. Accordingly, in this context, the number “A” is understood as 10% of “A” ± “A”. In this context, the number “A” may be considered to include numerical values ​​within the general standard error for measuring the characteristic modified by the number “A”. In some cases used in the appended claims, the number “A” may deviate by the percentage listed above, provided that the amount of deviation by “A” does not substantially affect the basic and novel feature(s) of the claimed invention. Additionally, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and include any intermediate ranges that may or may not be specifically listed herein. The terms “here” and “the” are used as synonyms throughout this specification.

Claims

Claim 1 An aerosol generating article for use with an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises: a first plug, a second plug, and an aerosol generating substrate plug comprising an aerosol generating substrate; wherein the first plug is located upstream of the aerosol generating substrate plug and the second plug is located downstream of the aerosol generating substrate plug; and wherein the thickness of the aerosol generating article is less than 50% of the length of the aerosol generating article and the thickness of the aerosol generating article is less than 50% of the width of the aerosol generating article. Claim 2 An aerosol generating article according to claim 1, wherein the first plug defines an inlet of the aerosol generating article and the second plug defines an outlet of the aerosol generating article. Claim 3 An aerosol generating article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second plug comprises a second plug chamber, the second plug chamber having a width of at least 80% or at least 90% of the width of the second plug, and the second plug chamber having a thickness of at least 80% or at least 90% of the thickness of the second plug. Claim 4 An aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein one or both of the first plug and the second plug are in the form of a tube such as a rectangular tube. Claim 5 An aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein one or both of the first plug and the second plug are formed of two or more geometrically identical elements. Claim 6 In paragraph 5, an aerosol generating article wherein each of the two or more geometrically identical elements extends to the entire length and the entire thickness of each of the respective plugs. Claim 7 An aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein one or both of the first plug and the second plug comprise a first length portion having a width and a second length portion having a width, wherein the width of the first length portion is greater than the width of the second length portion, thereby forming at least one shoulder at a position between the first length portion and the second length portion. Claim 8 An aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein one or both of the first plug and the second plug have a laminated or layered structure. Claim 9 An aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein one or both of the first plug and the second plug are formed from a compressed material such as fine particulate material, powder or pellet. Claim 10 An aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the ratio between the length of the first plug and the length of the aerosol generating article is 0.30 or more, and the ratio between the length of the second plug and the length of the aerosol generating article is 0.30 or more. Claim 11 An aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising at least one support member including a first support member and a second support member, wherein the first support member and the second support member extend along opposing lateral sides of the aerosol generating substrate. Claim 12 An aerosol generating article according to claim 11, wherein the first support member extends from the first plug to the second plug and is coupled to the first plug and the second plug, and the second support member extends from the first plug to the second plug and is coupled to the first plug and the second plug. Claim 13 An aerosol generating article according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the first plug, the second plug, and the at least one support member form a frame that at least partially defines a cavity, and the aerosol generating material plug is located within the cavity. Claim 14 An aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein each of the at least one support member comprises corrugated cardboard. Claim 15 An aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the aerosol generating material plug comprises a material wrapper surrounding the aerosol generating material and the at least one support member.

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