SUPPORT ELEMENT FOR INHALATION PRODUCT

Abstract

An inhaler article comprising: an outer tube body, the outer tube body comprising an upstream end, a downstream end, a central axis, an outer surface and an internal surface, wherein the internal surface defines a cavity inside the outer tube body, the outer tube body cavity having a diameter; a support member in the outer tube body cavity, the support member comprising an upstream face, a downstream face, a thickness and a center, the support member arranged to extend across the diameter of the cavity of the outer tube body, wherein the support member comprises at least two support member airways comprising apertures extending from the upstream face to the downstream face through the thickness of the support member; wherein none of the support member airways pass through the center of the support member.

Description

[0001] SUPPORT MEMBER FOR AN INHALER ARTICLE

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an inhaler article. An inhaler article is used to deliver dry powder to a user by entraining dry powder into an airflow through the inhaler article, so that the dry powder is inhaled by the user. The present disclosure relates to internal structures in an inhaler article to improve the delivery of dry particles to a user.

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an inhaler article having a support member structured to define airflow through the inhaler article. The present disclosure relates to a support member which improves the release of dry powder from a capsule contained in the inhaler article.

[0004] The present disclosure also relates to an inhaler article for use with a holder to form an inhaler system. The present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing the inhaler article.

[0005] Inhaler articles are used to deliver dry powder to the lungs of a user. Inhaler articles provide an airflow path. The airflow path through an inhaler article begins at an airflow inlet, travels through the inhaler article, and exits the inhaler article at a mouth end or downstream end where the air traveling in the airflow path is inhaled by a user. Inhaler articles may contain a capsule containing dry powder. The dry powder may comprise an active compound. The dry powder may comprise a pharmaceutically active compound. The dry powder may comprise a pharmaceutically active compound that is delivered to a user when the dry powder is released from the capsule, is entrained in the airflow traveling through the inhaler article and is inhaled by a user. To release the dry powder from the capsule and to introduce dry powder into an airflow so that the dry powder can be delivered to a user, the capsule may be pierced. The pierced capsule releases its dry powder contents into airflow as the air flows around and past the pierced capsule. The inhaler article is depleted when the contents of the capsule have been released into the airflow. Once the inhaler article is depleted, the inhaler article is discarded.

[0006] The dose of dry powder is limited by the contents of the capsule. The dose of dry powder is also limited by the degree to which the contents of the capsule can be released from the capsule and delivered to the user. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article structured to enable the release of the contents of the capsule.

[0007] Inhaler articles are manipulated before, during and after use. For example, inhaler articles may be subjected to longitudinal and radial pressures as they are manufactured, packaged, unpackaged, inserted into devices, activated, pierced, used and discarded. Inhaler articles are not always fully suitable to withstand this manipulation. For example, when inhaler articles are manufactured, multiple parts may be assembled to form the final inhaler articles. It would be desirable to provide inhaler articles structured to enable manufacture and assembly of the inhaler article without damaging or bending the parts.

[0008] When using the inhaler article, the capsule may be pierced. For example, when the capsule is pierced, a piercing element is pressed into the capsule. The piercing element may be pressed into the capsule from the upstream side of the capsule. When the piercing element is pressed into the upstream end of the capsule, the capsule may move in response to the pressure of the piercing element. The pressure may be transmitted to structures downstream of the capsule. This may cause the capsule and / or the downstream structures to deform. This may cause the pierced capsule to be pushed downstream in the inhaler article. This may cause the pierced capsule to be pushed out of the inhaler article. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article structured to reduce the deformation of the structures of the inhaler article. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article that is structured to prevent the capsule from being pushed out of the inhaler article. It would be desirable to prevent the pierced capsule from being pushed out of the inhaler article.

[0009] It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article having improved stability. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article providing sufficient rigidity to resist longitudinal force, such as the force provided by the piercing of the capsule. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article providing sufficient rigidity to resist radial force such as crushing forces against the sidewalls of the inhaler article which may occur during manufacturing, packaging or use. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article with sufficient stability to withstand compression forces exerted during one or more of manufacturing, packaging and use of the article. It would be desirable to provide an article having sufficient rigidity to resist deforming or crushing of the inhaler article when the capsule of the inhaler article is pierced. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article structured to provide enhanced rigidity. For example, if the inhaler article is bent or deformed or if the capsule or downstream structures are deformed, the ability of the capsule to move inside the inhaler article and release its contents to provide a dose of dry powder may be reduced. If the capsule cannot move inside the inhaler article, it may not fully release the dry powder contained in the capsule during use.

[0010] It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article structured to prevent the capsule from escaping from the inhaler article. If the capsule escapes from the inhaler article, it may be ingested. The capsule containing dry powder may be dangerous if ingested. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article that requires fewer manufacturing steps. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article that is cost-effective to manufacture. It would be desirable to provide an article that can reliably contain the capsule before, during and after use, to prevent escape of the capsule. It would be desirable to provide an article offering improved sustainability. It would be desirable to provide a biodegradable article. It would be desirable to provide a biodegradable support member. It would be desirable to provide a biodegradable wrapping paper. It would be desirable to provide a recyclable support member. It would be desirable to provide a biodegradable support member providing sufficient rigidity to the article during one or more of manufacturing, packaging and use of the article. It would be desirable to provide an article offering an improved user experience. It would be desirable to provide an article offering improved alignment of the capsule in the article.

[0011] It would also be desirable to provide an inhaler article having internal structures that allow the capsule to move with less contact points between the capsule and the internal structures of the inhaler article. Contact points create friction when the capsule moves. Contact points interfere with the movement of the capsule inside the inhaler article. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article having internal structures that minimize contact points with the capsule and allow the capsule to move and agitate more freely, thus releasing powder more freely.

[0012] It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article that is a tube which contains a support member downstream of a capsule containing dry powder so that the support member can prevent the capsule from being pushed downstream in the inhaler article when the capsule is pierced from the upstream end of the tubular inhaler article. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article that is a tube containing a support member downstream of a capsule to prevent the capsule from being pushed out of the tubular inhaler article when the capsule is pierced from the upstream end of the tubular inhaler article.

[0013] It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article having internal structures that improve the delivery of dry powder to the user. For example, it would be desirable to provide an inhaler article having an airflow path structured to control airspeed through the inhaler article to improve the agitation of the capsule in the inhaler article and therefore improve the emptying of the capsule, it would be desirable to provide an inhaler article having an airflow path structured to increase airspeed through the inhaler article to improve the agitation of the capsule in the inhaler article and therefore improve the emptying of the capsule.

[0014] It would be desirable to provide a support member that provides support member airways that allow airflow to pass from upstream of the support member where the capsule is located to downstream of the support member where the airflow outlet is located, so that the airflow may be inhaled by a user. This allows air to flow past the capsule, entraining particles of dry powder released from the capsule, through support member airways which have a smaller cross-section than the tubular inhaler article to accelerate the airflow and exit the inhaler article at an airflow outlet to be inhaled by a user. It would also be desirable to provide a support member that has an upstream face that is closed in a central area. This closed central area may provide a flat surface to contact the downstream end of the capsule. When the capsule contacts the flat surface of this central area, it provides a single contact point between the capsule and internal structures of the inhaler article. This closed central area provides less contact points between the capsule and the internal structures of the inhaler article compared to a support member having support member airways in the center of the support member, for example. For example, if support member airways are located where the capsule contacts the support member, the capsule may contact the edges of the support member airways, forming more contact points between the capsule and the upstream face of the support member. Contact points create friction when the capsule moves. Contact points interfere with the movement of the capsule inside the inhaler article. If the support member airways are located where the capsule contacts the support member, the capsule may block airflow through the support member airways. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article that doesn’t have support member airways in the center of the support member where the capsule may contact the support member. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article having internal structures that minimize contact points with the capsule and allow the capsule to move and agitate more freely, thus releasing dry powder more freely.

[0015] It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article containing a support member that provides rigidity and stability to the inhaler article. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article containing a support member to provide rigidity and stability in the longitudinal direction. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article containing a support member to provide rigidity and stability in radial direction. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article containing a support member to hold the capsule inside the cavity of the inhaler article. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article containing a support member to prevent the capsule from escaping from the inhaler article.

[0016] In a manufacturing environment, it can be difficult to predictably and reliably set a part within another part. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article structured to predictably and reliably assemble an inhaler article having a support member. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article structured so that the inhaler article can be predictably and reliably assembled, the inhaler article having a support member so that the placement of the support member is predictable and reliable. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article structured to be predictably and reliably assembled so that additional parts and manufacturing steps are not needed. For example, it would be desirable to assemble the parts without requiring adhesive. It would be desirable to assemble the parts without pins or fasteners. Alternatively, it would be desirable to assemble parts using adhesive where the structure of the inhaler article allows for placement of the adhesive in a location that is accessible during manufacture.

[0017] It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article containing a support member that is placed inside the inhaler article in a way that makes the manufacture of the inhaler article containing a support member easier and more predictable. Providing an inhaler article structured so that it is easier and more predictable to assemble the parts together and place the support member inside the cavity of the inhaler article would make manufacturing more efficient. In addition, providing an inhaler article structure so that it is easier and more predictable to assemble results in an inhaler article that is more rigid and more stable.

[0018] It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article that can be used as a work in progress (WIP) part. For example, it would be desirable to provide an inhaler article that is pre-assembled and ready for the next step in a manufacturing process. Pre-manufacturing a WIP part may reduce the overall number of manufacturing steps, reducing the cost of manufacture and improving the efficiency of manufacture.

[0019] It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article to prevent dry powder from escaping from the inhaler article before, during or after use. It would be desirable to design an inhaler article that is cheaper and easier and more efficient to assemble. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article that is cheaper and easier to manufacture. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article having an airflow path that maximizes the emptying of the contents of a dry powder containing capsule.

[0020] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an inhaler article comprising: an outer tube body, the outer tube body comprising an upstream end, a downstream end, a central axis, an outer surface and an internal surface, wherein the internal surface defines a cavity inside the outer tube body, the outer tube body cavity having a diameter; a support member in the outer tube body cavity, the support member comprising an upstream face, a downstream face, a thickness and a center, the support member arranged to extend across the diameter of the cavity of the outer tube body, wherein the support member comprises at least two support member airways comprising apertures extending from the upstream face to the downstream face through the thickness of the support member; wherein the upstream face of the support member comprises a closed central area. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the inhaler article is constructed from a single outer tube body. The outer tube body may be, for example, a tube. The outer tube body may be, for example, a paper wrapper. The outer tube may be, for example, wrapping paper. The outer tube body may be, for example, cardboard. A cardboard outer tube may be biodegradable. A cardboard outer tube may be stiffer than outer wrap paper traditionally used in the manufacture of aerosolgenerating articles. Because the outer tube body is a single tube body, not constructed from multiple tube bodies abutted against each other and then assembled together by, for example, wrapping multiple tube elements with a wrapping paper, this outer tube body provides a rigid inhaler article compared to an inhaler article assembled from multiple tube elements. The abutment where tube elements are assembled together may be less rigid, less strong, more prone to bending or crushing, compared to a single tube body. In addition, the use of a single outer tube body decreases manufacturing complexity in the assembly of multiple tubular parts to form a tube body of an inhaler article because it requires fewer parts. Reducing the number of parts reduces the number of manufacturing steps. On the other hand, in the manufacturing setting, when an element such as a support element is to be inserted into the tube body, the use of a single tube body may introduce different manufacturing complexity related to the placement of an internal element or affixing an internal element to the inside of single tube body.

[0021] Such an article may be pre-manufactured and used as WIP in additional manufacturing steps. For example, an article comprising an outer tube body having a support member in the outer tube body cavity may be a WIP part that can be pre-manufactured and stored until needed. During later manufacturing steps, a capsule may be inserted into the outer tube body having a support member. The capsule containing dry powder may have a shorter shelf life than the tube with the support member. Therefore, providing the inhaler article comprising the tube and the support memberwithout the capsule may allow for more flexible inventory control for an inhaler article containing a capsule.

[0022] A wrapper may be wrapped around the outer tube body. The wrapper may be tipping paper. Where an outer tube body is used, the wrapper is optional and can be used to decorate the inhaler article, or to provide bar codes, information, advertising, trademarks or other information to the consumer.

[0023] The support member, including the internal structure of the support member, may be made from biodegradable materials. The support member may be made by punching or cutting support member airways into the support member The support member, including the internal structure of the support member, may be the same material. For example, reducing the number of materials may reduce the number of manufacturing steps to produce the inhaler article.

[0024] The wrapping paper material may be, for example, paper having a weight from 20 gsm to 200 gsm. The wrapping paper may have a weight of from 25 to 100 gsm. The wrapping paper may have a weight of from 30 to 100 gsm. The wrapping paper may have a weight of from 40 to 100 gsm. The wrapping paper may have a weight of from 50 to 100 gsm. The wrapping paper may have a weight of from 25 to 150 gsm. The wrapping paper may have a weight of from 30 to 150 gsm. The wrapping paper may have a weight of from 50 to 150 gsm.

[0025] The outer tube body material may be cardboard having a weight from 40 gsm to 600 gsm. The front plug may be cardboard having a weight from 50 gsm to 600 gsm. The front plug may be cardboard having a weight from 60 gsm to 600 gsm. The front plug may be cardboard having a weight from 40 gsm to 500 gsm. The front plug may be cardboard having a weight from 50 gsm to 600 gsm. The front plug may be cardboard having a weight from 60 gsm to 600 gsm. The front plug may be cardboard having a weight from 40 gsm to 400 gsm. The front plug may be cardboard having a weight from 50 gsm to 400 gsm. The front plug may be cardboard having a weight from 60 gsm to 600 gsm.

[0026] The support member material may be, for example, bioplastic or cardboard having a weight from 200 gsm to 700 gsm. The support member material may be, for example, bioplastic or cardboard having a weight from 250 gsm to 700 gsm. The support member material may be, for example, bioplastic or cardboard having a weight from 300 gsm to 700 gsm. The support member material may be, for example, bioplastic or cardboard having a weight from 400 gsm to 700 gsm.

[0027] Advantageously, the support member provides structural rigidity by providing an internal structure extending across the diameter of the cavity of the outer tube body. The support member may have a disk shape where the disk has an upstream face, a downstream face, a thickness and a center. The support member may be cylindrical. The support member has a central axis that passes through the center of the support member. The support member upstream face may have a diameter. The support member downstream face may have a diameter. The upstream face diameter and the downstream face diameter may be the same. The upstream face of the support member may have a flat structure transverse to the central axis of the outer tube body. The support member may have a perimeter. The support member may be arranged transverse to the center axis of the outer tube body. The support member may be a disk arranged inside the outer tube body where the support member fits into the outer tube body so that the perimeter of the support member fits against the internal surface of the outer tube body. The support member may be made from biodegradable material.

[0028] The upstream face of the support member may have a closed central area. This closed central area does not have support member airways. The closed central area may provide a flat surface. A flat surface, which does not have support member airways, may provide an area that contacts the downstream end of the capsule. The closed central area may contact the downstream end of the capsule as the capsule is pierced. When the capsule is pierced, for example by a needle introduced into the upstream end of the capsule, this may push the capsule against the upstream face of the support member located downstream of the capsule. Where the upstream face of the support member has a closed central area, when the capsule is pierced the capsule is pressed against the closed central area of the upstream face of the support member. When air flows through the inhaler article, the air flows past the capsule. The flow of air past the capsule causes the capsule to shake or rotate or agitate. This capsule movement causes dry powder to be released from the capsule. To fully empty the capsule, it may be desirable to provide internal structures that reduce friction between the capsule and the internal structures of the inhaler article. When the upstream face of the support member has a closed central area, there are no support member airways located in the closed central area. This reduces friction between the capsule and the region where the capsule contacts the upstream face of the support member. When the closed central area of the upstream face of the support member is a flat structure, friction is reduced between the capsule and the region where the capsule contacts the upstream face of the support member.

[0029] It may be desirable to provide a closed central area of the upstream face of the support member that is a flat structure. It may be desirable that the upstream face of the support member is a flat structure that is transverse to the central axis of the outer tube body. The capsule contacts the upstream face of the support member and it is desirable to provide a structure that enables the capsule to move within the outer tube cavity as freely as possible. The capsule may rotate. The capsule may move along the longitudinal axis of the article. The capsule may move laterally within the cavity of the outer tube body. The ends of the capsule may be hemispheres. The end of the capsule that contacts the upstream face of the support member may be a hemisphere. The downstream end of the capsule may contact the upstream face of the support member. That hemisphere end contacts the upstream face of the support member at a point. However, because the capsule moves within the cavity of the outer tube body upstream of the support member, the point of contact between the downstream end of the capsule and the upstream face of the support member may move as the capsule moves. The movement of the capsule within the cavity of the outer tube body is limited by the size of the cavity of the outer tube body and the size of the capsule. The movement of the capsule is limited by difference between the diameter of the capsule and the inner diameter of the outer tube body cavity.

[0030] It may be desirable to provide an airflow to the capsule that induces swirling, spiral, vortex or rotating airflow to the capsule contained in the outer tube body. This swirling airflow agitates the capsule so that the capsule releases its dry powder contents into the airflow through the inhaler article.

[0031] This support member structure provides rigidity in the radial direction by providing support in the radial direction, at least where the support member is placed inside the outer tube body. In addition, this structure provides a block to airflow from the upstream end of the outer tube body to the downstream end of the outer tube body. The support member airways provide the only pathways for air to flow from the upstream side of the support member to the downstream side of the support member so that air flowing through the inhaler article must pass through these support member airways. The structure of these support member airways are the controls that control flow of air through the inhaler article. Advantageously, the at least two support member airways are smaller than the diameter of the cavity of the outer tube body. These restricted airways accelerate airflow. As air passes through the support member airways which air flow passages having smaller diameter, the airflow accelerates. Accelerated airflow may be more able to entrain dry powder released from the capsule and carry that dry powder toward the air outlet at the downstream end of the outer tube of the inhaler article.

[0032] Advantageously, the at least two support member airways are peripheral to the closed central area of the support member. The at least two support member airways are offset from the center of the support member. None of the support member airways pass through the center of the support member. The support member fits into the cavity of the outer tube body. The support member has a diameter. The center of the support member is the point at which diameters drawn from multiple points around the support member intersect. The center of the support member may be at the central axis of the outer tube body. The placement of the at least two support member airways peripheral to the closed central area of the support member ensures that air flowing through support member of the inhaler article must follow a circuitous or convoluted airflow pathway. It is desirable to provide an inhaler article that reduces leakage of dry powder. It is desirable to provide an inhaler article that reduces leakage of nicotine-containing powder from the upstream end or from the downstream end of the inhaler article. This leakage may occur when the inhaler article is not in use. This leakage occurs more readily when there is a relatively unrestricted or open airflow path. This leakage occurs more readily when there is a direct and open pathway between the capsule and the airflow outlet. If there is a direct and open pathway between the capsule and the airflow outlet, dry powder released from the capsule may fall out of the inhaler article when the inhaler article is not in use. By introducing a more convoluted airflow pathway, dry powder released from the capsule gets caught in the convoluted airflow pathway. Dry powder that is caught in the convoluted airflow pathway cannot fall out of the inhaler article. Instead, in order for dry powder to find its way to the airflow outlet, it must be pulled along through the convoluted airflow pathway in an airflow initiated by the user. Advantageously, a convoluted airflow path reduces leakage of dry powder from the inhaler article.

[0033] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the at least two support member airways may comprise spaces between the internal surface of the outer tube body and the support member. That is, the support airways may be partially defined by the internal surface of the outer tube body and partially defined by the perimeter of the support element. The at least two support member airways may comprise, in part, the internal surface of the outer tube body. The partial contour of a support member airway at the perimeter of the support element may be called a “flute”. Advantageously, this structure may create a convoluted airflow which may improve the delivery of dry particles to the user during use.

[0034] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the at least two support member airways are apertures extending from the upstream face to the downstream face of the support member. Advantageously, the support member airways allow air to pass from the area upstream of the support member to the area downstream of the support member. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, each of the at least two support member airways have a diameter, and the support member airway diameters are less than the diameter of the outer tube body cavity. These support member airways may form straight passageways from the upstream face to the downstream face of the support member along the longitudinal axis of the inhaler article. Or the support member airways may be straight passageways that are angled with respect to the central axis of the inhaler article. Or, the support member airways may form curved or angled passageways between the upstream face and the downstream face of the support member. The support member airways may form circuitous or convoluted passageways between the upstream face and the downstream face of the support member. When the at least two support member airways have a narrower diameter than the diameter of the outer tube body, as air flows into the inhaler article through an air inlet, passes around the capsule, then flows through the at least two support member airways having diameters less than the diameter of the outer tube cavity, the flowing air accelerates due to the Venturi effect (using Bernoulli’s principle”). The at least two support member airways accelerate airflow. This acceleration of airflow can help to extract dry powder from the area surrounding the capsule.

[0035] In addition, the airpath of air flowing into the inhaler article, around the capsule, through the at least two support member airways, and then downstream to the air outlet, is a convoluted airpath. Advantageously, a convoluted airpath may reduce leakage of dry powder from the inhalator article because particles may be captured in this convoluted airpath instead of falling out of the air outlet.

[0036] According to an aspect of the disclosure, one or more of the support airways may have filter material. One or more of the at least two support airways may contain filter material. This filter material may span the airway so that particles released from the capsule are filtered by the filtered material. The filter material may be mesh. Advantageously, the presence of filter material, which may be mesh, filters out unwanted larger dry particles and prevents particles that are too large from being delivered to a user. According to an aspect of the disclosure, more than two support airways are present. For example, at least four support member airways may be present. Or more support member airways may be present.

[0037] According to an aspect of the disclosure, a capsule may be in the cavity of the outer tube body. The capsule may be in the outer tube cavity upstream of the support element. The center of the support member is at the central axis of the outer tube body. When the capsule is contained in the cavity of the outer tube body, the capsule is upstream of the support member and the capsule is aligned along the central axis of the outer tube body. The capsule may be in the shape of a cylinder with two hemispherical ends. The capsule may be symmetrical. The capsule may have an upstream end and a downstream end. The upstream end and the downstream end of the capsule may be considered the radial ends of the capsule. The radial ends of the capsule may be the points of the capsule that are furthest apart from each other. The radial ends of the capsule may be along the central longitudinal axis of the capsule. Because the capsule is centered in the outer tube body and because the capsule may be symmetrical, the downstream radial end of the capsule may contact the upstream face of the support member in the center of the upstream face of the support member. When air flows through the inhaler article and passes the capsule, the flow of air agitates and rotates the capsule. The capsule moves in response to the flow of air. This movement of the capsule shakes the capsule’s contents out of the capsule. It would be desirable to provide a support member that enables the capsule to agitate and rotate as freely as possible as air flows past the capsule, to allow the capsule to empty its contents as freely as possible. One way to improve the rotation of the capsule and the emptying of the capsule is to reduce friction between the capsule and the structures that the capsule contacts as it rotates. Because the radial end of the capsule contacts the upstream face of the support member, reducing friction at that point improves the rotation of the capsule and emptying of the capsule. When the upstream face of the support member is flat, friction is reduced, providing the advantage of improved rotation of the capsule and improved emptying of the capsule. Support member airways require apertures in the upstream face of the support member. These apertures are not a flat, smooth surface. That is, the presence of an aperture introduces roughness to the upstream surface of the support element. This roughness may introduce friction between the upstream face of the support element. For example, a central aperture will have an aperture edge. A capsule, rotating and shaking in response to airflow through the inhaler article may contact the edge or circumference of the aperture. This contact between the capsule and the edge or circumference of the aperture may create friction and reduce the rotation or shaking of the capsule. That is, structure such as an aperture may increase friction between the capsule and the structure. Friction created by the support element acting against the capsule limits the rotation speed of the capsule. If the capsule contacts an area of the upstream face of the support member where there is roughness, the roughness may inhibit the movement or agitation of the capsule during air movement. Advantageously, the at least two support member airways are not located at the central axis. Advantageously, the at least two support member airways are not located at the center point of the upstream face of the support member. Keeping the center of the upstream face of the support member free of structures such as support member airways may reduce friction between the capsule and the upstream face of the support member and allows the capsule to move as freely as possible in this environment. Allowing the capsule to move more freely may allow the capsule to release its contents more efficiently. Therefore, a support member wherein none of the support member airways pass through the center of the support member is advantageous because that configuration reduces friction and may allow the capsule to rotate more freely and empty its contents more efficiently.

[0038] According to an aspect of the disclosure, a capsule is contained in the cavity of the outer tube body upstream of the support element. The capsule may be inserted into the outer tube body cavity upstream of the support member after the support member has been inserted into the outer tube body. The capsule may contain powder. The capsule may contain dry powder. Powder is dry when it can be released from a capsule and entrained into an airflow. The dry powder may comprise an active compound. The dry powder may comprise a pharmaceutically active compound. The dry powder may comprise nicotine. For example, the capsule may contain nicotine powder having a mean diameter particle size expressed as a volume-based particle size distribution having a D50 of the particle size distribution as measured by laser diffraction. For example, the capsule may contain nicotine powder have D50 mean diameter particle sizes of between 0.5 - 3 pm. The capsule may contain nicotine powder have D50 mean diameter particle sizes of between 0.5 pm to 2.5 pm. The capsule may contain nicotine powder have D50 mean diameter particle sizes of between 0.6 pm to 2.4 pm. The capsule may contain nicotine powder have D50 mean diameter particle sizes of between 0.7 pm to 2.3 pm. The capsule may contain nicotine powder have D50 mean diameter particle sizes of between 0.7 pm to 2.0 pm. The capsule may contain nicotine powder have D50 mean diameter particle sizes of between 0.7 pm to 1.8 pm. The capsule may contain nicotine powder have D50 mean diameter particle sizes of between 1 .3 pm + / - 0.5 pm.

[0039] The dry powder may comprise flavor particles or flavorants. For example, the capsule may contain flavorants having D50 mean diameter particle sizes as measured by laser diffraction of between 50 and 200 pm. The capsule may contain flavorants having D50 mean diameter particle sizes of between 100 and 150 pm. The capsule shell may be, for example, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC).

[0040] According to an aspect of the disclosure, the upstream end of the outer tube body is flanged. According to an aspect of the disclosure, the upstream end of the outer tube body is folded. A fold is formed by bending the upstream end of the outer tube body of the inhaler article. The fold may be an inward fold, toward the central axis of the outer tube body. Or, the upstream end of the outer tube body may be flanged. A flange is a closure or partial closure at the upstream end of the outer tube body made from multiple folds. A flanged end may have multiple folds in the form of a fan fold. This folded or flanged upstream end may be advantageous to contain the capsule inside the cavity of the outer tube body of the inhaler article. Advantageously, using an outer tube body made from stiff cardboard makes the manufacturing process more reliable by reducing the chance of damage during the folding or flanging process.

[0041] According to an aspect of the disclosure, the downstream end or mouth end of the inhaler article is curved. This curved downstream end provides a curved airflow exit. The curved downstream end may be a torus shape. When the user places the downstream end of the inhaler article into the mouth, this curved airflow exit may be more comfortable to the user. This curved airflow exit may allow the user to inhale dry powder released in the inhaler article while also controlling the pressure drop through the inhaler article. Advantageously, this curved end at the downstream end or mouth-end may prevent dry powder from leaking from the airflow exit. That is, as dry powder mixed with air flows through the inhaler article, air and dry powder that does not flow out of the air outlet to be inhaled by the user may be captured in the internal space of the curve.

[0042] According to an aspect of the disclosure, the outer tube body may provide an airflow inlet. The airflow inlet may be at the upstream end of the outer tube body. The airflow inlet may be an aperture through the outer tube body. There may be multiple airflow inlets. The airflow inlets may be a combination of airflow inlets at the upstream end of the outer tube body and airflow inlets through the outer tube body. According to an aspect of the disclosure, the inhaler article may provide an airflow outlet. The airflow outlet may be the downstream end of the outer tube body. The airflow outlet may be defined by the curved downstream end of the outer tube body, the airflow outlet being the center of the torus-shaped curved downstream end.

[0043] According to an aspect of the disclosure, the diameter of the support member is equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of the outer tube body cavity so that the support member fits into the cavity of the outer tube body in an interference fit. An interference fit means that the diameter of the support member is equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of the outer tube body so that the support member fits into the cavity and stays in place due to friction. According to an aspect of the disclosure, the support member is affixed to the internal surface of the outer tube body with adhesive. Examples of acceptable adhesives include PVA, gum Arabic, PU, epoxy, cyanoacrylate and polychloroprene, while other adhesives may be used. Advantageously, with the use of adhesive, the inhaler article may be more stable and rigid.

[0044] According to an aspect of the disclosure, the disclosure provides an inhaler article comprising an outer tube body, the outer tube body comprising an upstream end, a downstream end, a central axis, an outer surface and an internal surface, wherein the internal surface defines a cavity inside the outer tube body, the outer tube body cavity having a diameter; a support member in the outer tube body cavity, the support member comprising an upstream face, a downstream face, a thickness and a center, the support member arranged to extend across the diameter of the cavity of the outer tube body, wherein the support member comprises at least two support member airways comprising apertures extending from the upstream face to the downstream face and passing through the thickness of the support member; wherein none of the support member airways pass through the center of the support member; a capsule in the outer tube body cavity upstream of the support member; wherein the upstream end of the outer tube body is flanged; and wherein the downstream end of the outer tube body is curved. According to an aspect of the disclosure, the inhaler article provides an airflow path from an airflow inlet, around the capsule, through the at least two support member airways, to an airflow outlet. Advantageously, the inhaler article provides a convoluted airflow path as air passes through the at least two support member airways wherein none of the support member airways pass through the center of the support member.

[0045] According to an aspect of the disclosure, activation or piercing of the inhaler article may occur by using a separate piercing element. The piercing element may be a needle, for example. The user may introduce a needle into the upstream end of the capsule to release dry powder prior to using the inhaler article.

[0046] According to an aspect of the disclosure, the piercing element may be a component of a holder. The inhaler article may be inserted into a cavity of the holder, the piercing element may extend into the inhaler article to pierce the capsule, and the piercing element may withdraw from the inhaler article. The holder may have an air inlet aligned with the air inlet of the inhaler article. According to an aspect of the disclosure, the holder may have an airflow management system which provides spiral or angled airflow into the cavity of the inhaler article. This spiral or angled airflow may assist in moving the capsule inside the cavity of the inhaler article. The movement of the capsule in this spiral or angled airflow allows the dry powder contained in the capsule to shake loose. Advantageously, the presence of a spiral or angled airflow improves the emptying of dry powder from a capsule in an inhaler article.

[0047] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the at least two support member airways are apertures extending from the upstream face to the downstream face of the support member. Advantageously, the support member airways allow air to pass from the area upstream of the support member to the area downstream of the support member. The support member airways allow air to pass from the outer tube body cavity upstream of the support member to the outer tube body cavity downstream of the support member.

[0048] In addition, the airpath of air flowing into the inhaler article, around the capsule, through the at least two support member airways, and then downstream to the air outlet, is a convoluted airpath. Advantageously, a convoluted airpath may reduce leakage of dry powder from the inhalator article because particles may be captured in this convoluted airpath instead of falling out of the air outlet. According to an aspect of the disclosure, more than two support airways are present. For example, at least four support member airways may be present. Or more support member airways may be present.

[0049] According to an aspect of the disclosure, the support airways may have filter material. This filter material may span the airway so that particles released from the capsule are filtered by the filtered material. The filter material may be mesh. Advantageously, the presence of filter material, which may be mesh, filters out unwanted larger dry particles and prevents particles that are too large from being delivered to a user.

[0050] According to an aspect of the disclosure, a capsule is contained in the cavity of the outer tube body upstream of the support element. The capsule may be inserted into the upstream cavity after the support member has been inserted into the outer tube body. The capsule may contain dry powder. The dry powder may comprise an active agent. The dry powder may comprise an active compound. The dry powder may comprise nicotine. For example, the capsule may contain nicotine powder having mean diameter particle sizes of 1.3-2 pm. The dry powder may comprise flavor particles or flavorants. For example, the capsule may contain flavorants having a mean diameter particle size of from 50 to 200 pm and 100 to 150 pm. In embodiments, the dry powder is an active agent. In embodiments, the dry powder is nicotine. In embodiments, the dry powder includes flavorants. In embodiments, the dry powder has a range of particle sizes of from 50 to 200 pm in average diameter. In embodiments the dry powder has a range of particle sizes of from 100 to 150 pm in average diameter.

[0051] According to an aspect of the disclosure, a method of manufacturing the inhaler article is provided. For example, an outer tube body may be provided. The outer tube body may be a cardboard tube. A support member may be inserted into the outer tube body from the upstream end of the outer tube body. The support member may be inserted into the outer tube body from the downstream end of the outer tube body. Adhesive may be used to affix the support member to the internal surface of the outer tube body. A capsule may be inserted into the outer tube body upstream of the support member. The upstream end of the outer tube body may be folded after the capsule is inserted into the outer tube body. The upstream end of the outer tube body may be flanged after the capsule is inserted into the outer tube body. The downstream end of the outer tube body may be curved by folding the downstream end of the outer tube body. The downstream end of the outer tube body may be curved before or after the capsule is inserted into the upstream end of the outer tube body. Optionally, a wrapper may be wrapped about the outer tube body. For the purpose of the present disclosure, a longitudinal axis of a component may extend between the upstream end of the component and the downstream end of the component. A longitudinal axis of a component may extend between the distal end of the component and the proximal end of the component.

[0052] Skilled artisans will understand that the elements described in this disclosure have been described individually but may be combined. Skilled artisans will understand that the advantages described in this disclosure may be described in view of one element or a combination of elements, but these advantages may also apply to any element described and claimed herein.

[0053] For the purpose of the present disclosure including the appended claims, except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and so forth, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein. In this context, therefore, a number A is understood as A ± {10 %} of A. Within this context, a number A may be considered to include numerical values that are within general standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A, in some instances as used in the appended claims, may deviate by the percentages enumerated above provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein.

[0054] All scientific and technical terms used herein have meanings commonly used in the art unless otherwise specified. The definitions provided herein are to facilitate understanding of certain terms used frequently herein.

[0055] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” encompass embodiments having plural referents, unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0056] As used herein, “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and / or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. The term “and / or” means one or all of the listed elements or a combination of any two or more of the listed elements.

[0057] As used herein, “have”, “having”, “include”, “including”, “comprise”, “comprising” or the like are used in their open-ended sense, and generally mean “including, but not limited to”. It will be understood that “consisting essentially of”, “consisting of”, and the like are subsumed in “comprising,” and the like. The words “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments of the invention that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances. Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the disclosure, including the claims.

[0058] As used herein “peripheral” means outside. For example, that the support member airways are located “peripheral” to the closed central area of the support member means that the support member airways are between the outer periphery of the support member and the closed central area of the support member.

[0059] As used herein “plug” means an element of an inhaler article as described.

[0060] Any advantage described herein may result from or relate to any feature described or claimed herein. The invention is defined in the claims. However, below there is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0061] Example Ex1 : An inhaler article comprising: an outer tube body, the outer tube body comprising an upstream end, a downstream end, a central axis, an outer surface and an internal surface, wherein the internal surface defines a cavity inside the outer tube body, the outer tube body cavity having a diameter; a support member in the outer tube body cavity, the support member comprising an upstream face, a downstream face, a thickness and a center, the support member arranged to extend across the diameter of the cavity of the outer tube body, wherein the support member comprises at least two support member airways comprising apertures extending from the upstream face to the downstream face through the thickness of the support member; wherein the upstream face of the support member comprises a closed central area..

[0062] Example Ex2: The inhaler article of Example 1 , wherein the closed central area of the upstream face of the support member comprises a flat structure transverse to the central axis of the outer tube body.

[0063] Example Ex3: The inhaler article of any one of the preceding Examples, wherein at least two support member airways comprise, in part, the internal surface of the outer tube body.

[0064] Example Ex4: The inhaler article of any one of the preceding Examples wherein the at least two support member airways are located peripheral to the closed central area of the support member. Example Ex5: The inhaler article of any one of the preceding Examples, wherein the at least two support member airways are at an angle with respect to the central axis of the outer tube body. Example Ex6: The inhaler article of any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more of the at least two support member airways comprise filter material.

[0065] Example Ex7: The inhaler article of Example 6, wherein the filter material is mesh material.

[0066] Example Ex8: The inhaler article of any one of the preceding Examples, further comprising a capsule in the outer tube body cavity upstream of the support element.

[0067] Example Ex9: The inhaler article of Example 8, wherein the capsule comprises dry powder.

[0068] Example Ex10: The inhaler article of Example 8 or Example 9, wherein the dry powder comprises nicotine.

[0069] Example Ex11 : The inhaler article of any one of Examples 8 - 10, wherein the dry powder further comprises flavorants.

[0070] Example Ex12: The inhaler article of any one of the preceding Examples wherein the upstream end of the outer tube body is folded or flanged.

[0071] Example Ex1 : The inhaler article of any one of the preceding Examples wherein the downstream end of the outer tube body is curved.

[0072] Example Ex14: The inhaler article of any one of the preceding Examples wherein a diameter of the support member is equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of the outer tube body cavity so that the support member fits into the cavity of the outer tube body in an interference fit.

[0073] Example Ex15: The inhaler article of any one of the preceding Example wherein the support member is affixed to the internal surface of the outer tube body with adhesive.

[0074] Example Ex16: An inhaler article comprising: an outer tube body, the outer tube body comprising an upstream end, a downstream end, a central axis, an outer surface and an internal surface, wherein the internal surface defines a cavity inside the outer tube body, the outer tube body cavity having a diameter; a support member in the outer tube body cavity, the support member comprising an upstream face, a downstream face, a thickness and a center, the support member arranged to extend across the diameter of the cavity of the outer tube body, wherein the support member comprises at least two support member airways comprising apertures extending from the upstream face to the downstream face and passing through the thickness of the support member; wherein none of the support member airways pass through the center of the support member; a capsule in the outer tube body cavity upstream of the support member; wherein the upstream end of the outer tube body is flanged; and wherein the downstream end of the outer tube body is curved. Example Ex17. An inhaler article according to any one of the preceding Examples wherein the inhaler article provides an airflow path from an air inlet, around the capsule, through the at least two support member airways, to an airflow outlet.

[0075] Example Ex18: An inhaler article comprising: an outer tube body, the outer tube body comprising an upstream end, a downstream end, a central axis, an outer surface and an internal surface, wherein the internal surface defines a cavity inside the outer tube body, the outer tube body cavity having a diameter; a support member in the outer tube body cavity, the support member comprising an upstream face, a downstream face, a thickness and a center, the support member arranged to extend across the diameter of the cavity of the outer tube body, wherein the support member comprises at least two support member airways comprising apertures extending from the upstream face to the downstream face through the thickness of the support member; wherein none of the support member airways pass through the center of support member.

[0076] Examples will now be further described with reference to the figures in which:

[0077] Figure 1A shows a perspective view of an inhaler article according to the present disclosure. Figure 1 B shows a side perspective view of an inhaler article according to the present disclosure. Figure 1C shows a view of an embodiment of the upstream end of an inhaler article according to the present disclosure. Figure 1 D shows a view of an embodiment of the downstream end of an inhaler article according to the present disclosure.

[0078] Figure 2A, Figure 2B, Figure 2C, Figure 2E and Figure 2F are top views of embodiments of the support member. Figure 2D is a perspective view of an embodiment of the support member. Figure 2G is a view of the support member of Figure 2F placed into an outer tube body cavity.

[0079] Figure 3 is a transparent view of an embodiment of the inhaler article.

[0080] Figure 4 is a transparent view of an embodiment of the inhaler article.

[0081] Figure 5 is a transparent view of an embodiment of the inhaler article.

[0082] Figure 6 is a transparent view of an embodiment of the inhaler article containing a capsule.

[0083] Figure 7 is a transparent view of an embodiment of the inhaler article containing a capsule.

[0084] Figure 8 is a transparent view of an embodiment of the inhaler article containing a capsule illustrating the airflow path through the inhaler article.

[0085] Figure 9 is an illustration of a holder with an inhaler article inserted into the holder according to the present disclosure.

[0086] Figure 10 is an illustration of an embodiment of a spiral air inlet according to the present disclosure. Figure 11 is an illustration of an embodiment of an inhaler article showing ranges of diameters and lengths of elements of the inhaler article.

[0087] Figure 12 is an illustration of the inhaler article containing a capsule.

[0088] Figure 13A, Figure 13B and Figure 13C are top views of embodiments of the support member showing the upstream face of the support member.

[0089] Figure 1A is a perspective view of an inhaler article 10 according to the present disclosure. Figure 1A shows that the outer tube body 20 of the inhaler article 10 has an upstream end 21 , a downstream end 22, and a central axis 29. The optional outer wrapper 11 is also shown. Figure 1 B shows a side perspective view of an inhaler article 10 according to the present disclosure. Figure 1 B illustrates the upstream end 21 and the downstream end 22 of the outer tube body 20 of the inhaler article 10. Figure 1 B illustrates the central axis 29 of the inhaler article 10. The downstream end 22 is curved 25. The upstream end 21 is flanged 23. Figure 1 C shows a view of an embodiment of the upstream end 21 of an inhaler article 10 according to the present disclosure. The upstream end 21 of the inhaler article 10 may be flanged 23. A flange is a fold in the upstream end of the outer tube body. There may be multiple folds to form a flanged upstream end. Figure 1 D shows a view of an embodiment of the downstream end 22 of an inhaler article according to the present disclosure. The downstream end 22 is curved 25.

[0090] Figure 2A and Figure 2B are views of embodiments of the support member 50 of the inhaler article from the top down, or from the upstream face 51 of the support member 50. The view from the downstream face 52 (not shown in Figure 2A) would be the same. As shown in Figure 2A, the support member 50 has an upstream face 51 , a center 54, at least two support member airways 69. The support member airways 69 have a diameter 66. The support member 50 has a diameter 56. The support member 50 fits into the outer tube body cavity 25 of the outer tube 20. The upstream face 51 of the support member 50 has a closed central area 690. The support member airways 69 are not located in the closed central area 690 of the upstream face 50 of the support member 50. The closed central area may be flat to reduce friction between the upstream face 51 of the support member 50 and a capsule 300. Eight support member airways 69 are shown in Figure 2A and Figure 2B. However, any number of support member airways 69 may be present. In embodiments at least two support member airways 69 are present. It may be that it is desirable to provide more than one support member airway 69, or at least two support member airways 69 so that the support member airways 69 can be arrange symmetrically around the periphery of the support member 50. The support member airways 69 may be peripheral to the closed central area 690. It may be that it is desirable to provide support member airways 69 that are symmetrical to promote appropriate air flow through the inhaler article 10. The support member airways 69 are not located at the center 54 of the support member 50. The support member airways 69 are not located in the closed central area 690 that encompasses the center 54 of the upstream face 51 of the support member 50. Support member airways 69 are not located at the center 54 of the support member 50 to force air to flow in a convoluted airflow path (see 100 in Figure 6 or Figure 8, for example) through the inhaler article. That is, there is no airflow path that flows through the center of the support member 50 or through the center of the inhaler article 10. Instead, the airflow path 100 (see Figure 6 or Figure 8) must follow a convoluted airflow path. The diameter 66 of the support member airways 69 is smaller than the diameter 28 of the outer tube body 20 of the inhaler article 10.

[0091] Advantageously, this convoluted airflow path prevents leakage of dry powder 303 from the inhaler article. Dry powder 303 is released into the outer tube body cavity 24 upstream of the support member 50. The dry powder 303 is released from the capsule 300 after the capsule 300 has been pierced because the capsule 300 is agitated or shaken or rotated by air that flows past the capsule 300. This airflow shakes the dry powder 303 from the capsule 300. Further, the dry powder 303 becomes entrained in the airflow. The airflow follows an airflow path (see Figure 6 or Figure 8, for example). Air does not flow unless there is a pressure drop across the inhaler article. This pressure drop may occur when a user places the downstream end 22 of the inhaler article 10 in the mouth and inhales. Because of this pressure drop, air carrying entrained dry powder 303 moves through the inhaler article 10. Because the diameter of the support member airways 69 is smaller than the diameter 28 of the outer tube body 20, air carrying entrained dry powder 303 will not pass through these support member airways 69 in the absence of a pressure drop. Therefore, when the inhaler is not in use, dry powder 303 from the outer tube body cavity 25 upstream of the support member 50 will not leak from the inhaler article 10.

[0092] Advantageously, because the diameter of the support member airways 69 is smaller than the diameter 28 of the outer tube body 20, as air passes from the outer tube body 20 upstream of the support member through the support member airways 69, the airflow accelerates. This is due to the venturi effect (using Bernoulli’s principle). This acceleration of airflow can help to extract dry powder 303 from the area surrounding the capsule 300.

[0093] Figure 2C illustrates another embodiment of the support member 50. As shown in Figure 2C, the support member may comprise an array of a plurality of tubular elements 61 , 62. Some of the tubular elements are hollow tubular elements 61 . The tubular element in the center of the array of tubular elements is a closed tubular element 60. The closed tubular element 60 provides the closed central area 690 of the support member 50. The closed tubular element 60 provides a closed upstream face 51 of the support member 50. The upstream face 50 of the support member 50 provided by the closed tubular element 60 is a flat structure transverse to the central axis of the outer tube body 20. As discussed above, the advantages of the closed central area are realized. The hollow tubular elements 61 which form the support member airways 69 are peripheral to the closed central area 690.

[0094] Such an array of tubular elements array of a plurality of tubular elements 61 , 62 may provide sufficient rigidity to resist longitudinal force exerted on the outer tube body 20. Such an array of tubular elements array of a plurality of tubular elements 61, 62 may provide sufficient rigidity to resist radial force exerted on the outer tube body 20. Such an array of a plurality of tubular elements 61, 62 may provide the inhaler article 20 with sufficient stability to withstand compression forces exerted during one or more of manufacturing, packaging and use of the inhaler article 20. The support member may provide sufficient rigidity to the inhaler article 20 to resist deforming or crushing of the article when the capsule 300 is pierced. One or both of the article and the support member may be simple and cost-effective to manufacture. The article comprising the support member may offer improved sustainability. The article comprising the support member may be a biodegradable article. The support member may be a biodegradable support member. The support member may be a recyclable support member. The support member may be a biodegradable support member providing sufficient rigidity to the article during one or more of manufacturing, packaging and use of the article. The article comprising the support member may offer an improved user experience. The article comprising the support member 50 may offer improved alignment of the capsule 300 in the article.

[0095] This structure of a support member 50 may provide advantages. For example, this array of a plurality of tubular elements 61, 62 may provide improved stability of the inhaler article. This array of a plurality of tubular elements 61 , with the center tubular element 62 being a closed tubular element 62, may provide a rigid support member 50. Such an array of plurality of tubular elements 61, 62 may provide sufficient rigidity to resist longitudinal force exerted on the outer tube body 20. Such an array of tubular elements array of a plurality of tubular elements 61, 62 may provide sufficient rigidity to resist radial force exerted on the outer tube body 20. Such an array of tubular elements array of a plurality of tubular elements 61, 62 may provide the inhaler article 20 with sufficient stability to withstand compression forces exerted during one or more of manufacturing, packaging and use of the inhaler article 20. The support member may provide sufficient rigidity to the inhaler article 20 to resist deforming or crushing of the article when the capsule 300 is pierced. One or both of the article and the support member may be simple and cost-effective to manufacture. The article comprising the support member may offer improved sustainability. The article comprising the support member may be a biodegradable article. The support member may be a biodegradable support member. The support member may be a recyclable support member. The support member may be a biodegradable support member providing sufficient rigidity to the article during one or more of manufacturing, packaging and use of the article. The article comprising the support member may offer an improved user experience. The article comprising the support member 50 may offer improved alignment of the capsule 300 in the article.

[0096] Figure 2D is another illustration of an embodiment of the support member 50. The support member 50 has an upstream face 51 , a downstream face 52, a center 54 and a thickness 53. The support member airways 69 are apertures extending from the upstream face 51 to the downstream face 52 of the support member 50, passing through the thickness 53 of the support member 50. The upstream face 51 of the support member 50 has a closed central area 690 at the center 54 of the support member 50. That is, none of the support member airways 69 pass through the closed central area 690 of the support member. The support member airways 69 are peripheral to the closed central area 690 of the support member 50.

[0097] Figure 2E is another illustration of an embodiment of the support member 50. The upstream face 51 of the support member 50 is shown in Figure 2E. Support member airways 69 comprise filter material 68 which may be mesh material. One or more of the at least two support member airways 69 may contain filter material 68 which may be mesh material.

[0098] Figure 2F is another illustration of an embodiment of the support member 50. In this embodiment, the support member airways 69 are located at the perimeter 56 of the support member 50. The support member airways 69 are indentations in the perimeter 56 of the support member 50. This divot or indentation in the perimeter 56 of the support member 50 is called a flute 55. When the support member shown in Figure 2F is placed into the outer tube body cavity 25, as shown in Figure 2G, the flute 55 forms part of the support member airway 69 and the internal surface 26 of the outer tube body 20 forms part of the support member airway. Figure 2F illustrates the outer tube body 20 and the inner diameter 28 of the outer tube body 20 for comparison with the diameter of the support member airways 66. Figure 2F illustrates the closed central area 690 of the support member 50. The support member airways 69 are peripheral to the closed central area 690 of the support member 50. Figure 3 is a transparent view of an embodiment of the inhaler article 10. The outer tube body 20 is shown. The outer tube body has an upstream end 21 , a downstream end 22, an outer surface 27 and an internal surface 26 defining a cavity 24 inside the outer tube body 20. The support member 50 is in the outer tube body cavity 24. The outer tube body cavity 24 is upstream and downstream of the support member 50. The support member 50 has support member airways 69. The support member airways 69 are apertures extending from the upstream face 51 to the downstream face 52 of the support member 50 through the thickness 53 of the support member. The support member 50 has a center 54. The support member airways do not pass through the center 54 of the support member 50. As shown in Figure 3, the upstream face 51 of the support member is a flat structure transverse to the central axis 29 of the outer tube body 20. Also shown is the inner diameter 28 of the outer tube body 20. A wrapper 11 may be present or absent. The wrapper may be used to decorate the inhaler article, or to provide bar codes, information, advertising, trademarks or other information to the consumer. The embodiments of Figure 3, Figure 4 and Figure 5 do not contain a capsule. These inhaler articles may serve as works in progress or WIP. These inhaler articles without a capsule 300 may be useful to pre-manufacture so that they can be filled with a capsule according to business needs, allowing for management of the manufacture, supply, shelving and sale of inhaler articles containing capsules where the capsules may have a limited shelf life.

[0099] Figure 4 is a transparent view of an embodiment of the inhaler article 10. The outer tube body 20 is shown. A support member 50 is in the outer tube body cavity 24. The support member 50 shown in Figure 4 is like the support members shown in Figures 2E, 3F and 2G where the support member airways 69 are indentations in the perimeter 56 of the support member 50. This divot or indentation in the perimeter 56 of the support member 50 is called a flute 55. When the support member shown in Figure 2F is placed into the outer tube body cavity 24, as shown in Figure 2G and Figure 4, the flute 55 forms part of the support member airway 69 and the internal surface 26 of the outer tube body 20 forms part of the support member airway 69. Figure 2F illustrates the outer tube body 20 and the inner diameter 28 of the outer tube body 20 for comparison with the diameter of the support member airways 69. In addition, as shown in Figure 4, two of the support member airways 69 have filter material 68. A wrapper 11 may be present or absent. The wrapper may be used to decorate the inhaler article, or to provide bar codes, information, advertising, trademarks or other information to the consumer.

[0100] Figure 5 is a transparent view of an embodiment of the inhaler article 10. The embodiment shown in Figure 5 illustrates the support member embodiment of Figure 2C where the support member may comprise an array of a plurality of tubular elements 61, 62. As shown in Figure 5, the support member 50 has support member airways 69 which are the hollow tubular elements 61 . The closed tubular element 62 at the center 54 of the support member 50 is not a support member airway 69 because that tubular element is closed 62. The support member airways 69 are apertures extending from the upstream face 51 to the downstream face 52 of the support member 50 through the thickness 53 of the support member. The support member 50 has a center 54. The support member airways 69 do not pass through the center 54 of the support member 50 because the tubular element at the center of the support member is a closed tubular element 62.

[0101] Figure 6 is a transparent view of an embodiment of the inhaler article 10 containing a capsule 300. The outer tube body 20 is shown. The outer tube body has an upstream end 21 , a downstream end 22, an outer surface 27 and an internal surface 26 defining a cavity 24 inside the outer tube body. The support member 50 is in the outer tube body cavity 24. The outer tube body cavity 24 is upstream and downstream of the support member. The support member 50 has support member airways 69. The support member airways 69 are apertures extending from the upstream face 51 to the downstream face 52 of the support member 50 through the thickness 53 of the support member. The support member 50 has a center 54. The support member airways do not pass through the center 54 of the support member 50. As shown in Figure 3, the upstream face 51 of the support member is a flat structure transverse to the central axis 29 of the outer tube body 20. Also shown is the inner diameter 28 of the outer tube body 20.

[0102] The capsule 300 is shown contained in the outer tube body cavity 24 upstream of the support element. The capsule 300 contains dry powder 303. As shown in Figure 7, the radial center 301 of the capsule is aligned with the center 54 of the support element 50. The center 54 of the upstream face 51 of the support element 50 is a flat structure transverse to the central axis of the outer tube body 20. The capsule 300 may contain nicotine. The dry powder 303 may be nicotine powder. The capsule 300 may contain one or more flavorants. The capsule 300 may contain nicotine and one or more flavorants. The capsule may contain nicotine powder and powdered flavorant.

[0103] Air flows through the inhaler article in an airflow path 100. Embodiments of the airflow path 100 is shown in Figure 6 and Figure 8. Air enters the inhaler article 10 through an airflow inlet 200, flows through the outer tube body cavity 24, through the support member 50 via the support member airways 69 to the outer tube body cavity 24 downstream of the support member 50, and exits the inhaler article via the airflow outlet 201 at the downstream end 22 of the inhaler article. Once the capsule 300 is pierced, dry powder 303 is released from the capsule 300 and is entrained into the airflow path as the airflow path flows around the capsule 300. The capsule 300 may be pierced with a needle 101 introduced into the upstream end 21 of the inhaler article by the user. Or, the capsule 300 may be pierced when the inhaler article is introduced into a holder having a piercing mechanism as shown in Figure 9. Particles 303 entrained in the airflow path 100 flow through the support member airways 69 and pass through the outer tube body cavity 24 downstream of the support member 50 and then exit the inhaler article via the airflow outlet 201 to be inhaled by the user. Also shown in Figure 6 is a folded or flanged 23 upstream end 20. A fold is formed by bending the upstream end 21 of the outer tube body 20 of the inhaler article 10.

[0104] Figure 7 is a transparent view of an embodiment of the inhaler article 10 containing a capsule 300. As shown in Figure 7 the upstream end 21 of the inhaler article 10 is flanged 23. A flange is a closure or partial closure at the upstream end of the outer tube body made from multiple folds. In addition, the support member 50 as shown in Figure 7 is shown in Figures 2E, 2F and 2G. The support member airways of this embodiment of the support member 50 are formed partially from an indent or flute 55 in the support member 50 and partially from the internal surface 26 of the outer tube body 20. Figure 7 illustrates that one or more of the at least two support member airways 69 may contain filter material 68. This filter material may be mesh. Figure 7 also shows the curved 25 downstream end 22.

[0105] Figure 8 is a transparent view of an embodiment of the inhaler article containing a capsule illustrating the airflow path through the inhaler article 10. As shown in Figure 8, and also shown in Figure 2C, the support member may comprise an array of a plurality of tubular elements 61, 62. Some of the tubular elements are hollow tubular elements 61 . The tubular element in the center of the array of tubular elements is a closed tubular element 60. The closed tubular element 60 provides an upstream face 51 of the support member 50. The upstream face 50 of the support member 50 provided by the closed tubular element 60 is a flat structure transverse to the central axis of the outer tube body. In this way, as discussed above, the advantages of blocking the center 54 of the support member 50 are realized. In addition, this structure of a support member 50 may provide advantages. For example, this array of a plurality of tubular elements 61, 62 may provide improved stability of the inhaler article. This array of a plurality of tubular elements 61 , with the center tubular element 62 being a closed tubular element 62, may provide a rigid support member 50. Such an array of tubular elements array of a plurality of tubular elements 61 , 62 may provide sufficient rigidity to resist longitudinal force exerted on the outer tube body 20. Such an array of tubular elements array of a plurality of tubular elements 61, 62 may provide sufficient rigidity to resist radial force exerted on the outer tube body 20. Such an array of tubular elements array of a plurality of tubular elements 61, 62 may provide the inhaler article 20 with sufficient stability to withstand compression forces exerted during one or more of manufacturing, packaging and use of the inhaler article 20. The support member may provide sufficient rigidity to the inhaler article 20 to resist deforming or crushing of the article when the capsule 300 is pierced. One or both of the article and the support member may be simple and cost-effective to manufacture. The article comprising the support member may offer improved sustainability. The article comprising the support member may be a biodegradable article. The support member may be a biodegradable support member. The support member may be a recyclable support member. The support member may be a biodegradable support member providing sufficient rigidity to the article during one or more of manufacturing, packaging and use of the article. The article comprising the support member may offer an improved user experience. The article comprising the support member 50 may offer improved alignment of the capsule 300 in the article.

[0106] Figure 9 is an illustration of a holder with an inhaler article inserted into the holder according to the present disclosure. Figure 9 is an illustration of a holder 1200 with an inhaler article according to the present disclosure inserted into the holder 1200. In use, the capsule 300 inside the inhaler article is pierced. As shown in Figure 9, the inhaler article 10 may be inserted into a holder that has a piercing mechanism. This piercing mechanism may include a needle 101 , that can be pushed into the capsule by a lever 127 activated by the user. The needle 101 may automatically retract from the capsule by a spring 102. The holder may have a case 111 that defines a cavity 112 into which the inhaler article 10 is inserted. The holder 1200 may also have a spiral air inlet 205 which introduces air into the front plug cavity 24 which contains the capsule 300. Air introduced into the front plug cavity 24, especially air that moves in a spiral fashion, causes the capsule 300 contained therein to be agitated. This agitation releases dry powder from the pierced capsule 300.

[0107] Figure 10 is an illustration of an embodiment of a spiral air inlet 205 according to the present disclosure. The spiral air inlet 205 brings air into the holder 1200, spins the air in a spiral as shown by the arrow of Figure 10, and introduces this spirally flowing air into the front plug cavity 24 to agitate the capsule 300 and release dry powder 303.

[0108] Figure 11 is an illustration of an embodiment of the inhaler article 10 according to the present disclosure. Figure 11 provides measurements of features of the inhaler article 10. The parameters shown in Figure 11 are defined below in Table 1. Parameter Range (a) (mm) Range (b) (mm) Range (c) (mm)

[0109] L1 30 to 80 35 to 60 40 to 50

[0110] L2 15 to 40 18 to 35 20 to 30

[0111] L3 10 to 20 12 to 18 14 to 17

[0112] L4 3 to 10 5 to 9 6 to 8

[0113] L5 10 to 20 11 to 18 12 to 15

[0114] L6 5 to 45 10 to 35 15 to 25

[0115] L7 0 to 4 0 to 3 O to 2

[0116] D1 0 to 5 0 to 1 0

[0117] D2 4 to 12 5 to 10 6 to 8

[0118] D3 5 to 13 6 to 11 7 to 9

[0119] D4 3 to 10 4 to 8 5 to 7

[0120] D5 D2-1 D2-0.2 D2-0.1

[0121] D6 0.5 to 6 1 to 5 2 to 4

[0122] Figure 11 shows ranges of diameters and lengths of elements of the inhaler article. L1 is the length of the inhaler article 10 from the upstream end 21 to the downstream end 22. L2 is the length of the inhaler article 10 from the upstream end 21 to the upstream face 51 of the support member 50. L3 is the length of the capsule 300. The capsule 300 is oriented along the central axis 29 of the outer tube body 20. L4 is the thickness of the support member 50. L5 is the length of the outer tube body 20 from the downstream face of the support member 52 to the downstream end 22 of the outer tube body 20. L6 is the length of the wrapper 11. L7 is the depth of the curve 25 at the downstream end 22 of the outer tube body 20. D1 is the diameter of airflow inlet 200. D2 is the inner diameter 28 of the outer tube body 20. D3 is the outer diameter of the outer tube body 20. D4 is the diameter of the capsule 300. D5 is the outer diameter 66 of the support member 50. Three ranges of each of these measurements are provided in Table 1. Each of these measurements are shown in millimeters in Table 1 . As illustrated in Figure 6 and Table 1 , the diameter D5 of the support member is slightly less than the internal diameter D2 of the outer tube body 20, or the diameter D2 of the outer tube body cavity 24 so that the support member 50 can fit into the cavity 24 of the outer tube body 20 in an interference fit.

[0123] As shown in FIG. 11 , the capsule 300 is shown contained in the outer tube body cavity 24 upstream of the support element. The capsule 300 contains dry powder 303. The capsule 300 may contain nicotine. The dry powder 303 may comprise nicotine powder. The capsule 300 may contain one or more flavorants. The capsule 300 may contain nicotine and one or more flavorants. The capsule may contain nicotine powder and powdered flavorant.

[0124] When air moves through the inhaler article 10, the capsule 300 is agitated by the airflow. This agitation causes the capsule 300 to move inside the cavity 24 of the outer tube body 20. The capsule 300 may rotate in response to airflow, especially when exposed to spiral airflow. Spiral airflow may be introduced into the cavity 24 of the outer tube body 20 by a spiral air inlet 205 as shown in Figure 10, for example. This agitation empties the dry powder contents 303 of the capsule 300 so that the dry powder 303 can leave the capsule 300 to become entrained into the airflow through the inhaler article, to be delivered to the user. The capsule 300 may move longitudinally inside the cavity 24 of the outer tube body 20. For example, when the capsule 300 is pierced, this may move the capsule laterally inside the cavity of the outer tube body toward the upstream face 51 of the support member 50. The capsule may move laterally, or in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LAof the outer tube body 20, inside the cavity 24 of the outer tube body 20. If the capsule moves laterally, the distance the capsule 300 can move is constrained by the inner diameter D2 of the outer tube body 20. The distance the capsule 300 can move laterally, or in a direction perpendicularto the longitudinal axis of the outer tube body may be the difference between the inner diameter of the outer tube body D2 and the diameter of the capsule 300, D4. As shown in Figure 12, the radial end 301 of the capsule 300 may contact the upstream face 51 of the support member 50. The radial end 301 of the capsule 300 may contact the upstream face 51 of the support member at the very center of the 54 of the upstream face 51 of the support member 50. Because the capsule 300 may move laterally, the radial end 301 of the capsule may contact the upstream face 51 of the support member 50 in an area related to the difference between the diameter of the capsule D4 and the inner diameter of the outer tube body 20, D2. As shown in Figure 12, when the capsule 300 is centered in the cavity 24 of the outer tube body 20, there may be a distance “X” around the perimeter of the capsule that represents the difference between the inner diameter D2 of the outer tube body 20 and the diameter D4 of the capsule.

[0125] As shown in Figure 12, the area that the radial end 301 of the capsule 300 (or any point of the capsule) can contact on the upstream face 51 of the support member 50 is represented by the closed central area 690. The closed central area has a diameter 691. The diameter 691 of the closed central area 690 may be the difference between the inner diameter D2 of the outer tube body 20 and the diameter D4 of the capsule 300. The diameter 691 of the closed central area 690 may be the difference between the diameter D2 of the cavity 24 of the outer tube body 20 and the diameter D4 of the capsule 300. The diameter 691 of the closed central area 690 may be 2X. That is, the radial center 301 of the capsule can move laterally “X” distance in any direction and still contact the upstream face 51 of the support member. Keeping this area defined as a circle around the center 54 of the upstream face of the support member a closed central area 690, free of support member airways 69 or other structures that might create friction between the radial end 301 of the capsule 300 and the upstream face 51 o the support member 50 allows the capsule 300 to agitate more freely when airflow passes through the inhaler article. Where the closed central area 690 is a flat structure transverse to the longitudinal axis LA of the inhaler article, the capsule 300 can agitate more freely when airflow passes through the inhaler article 10. A flat structure means that the structure is free of structures that might create friction. Such structures include, for example, support member airways or other structures. A surface can have imperfections and still be considered flat. For example, paper or cardboard have inherent surface roughness which is still considered flat. The upstream surface 51 of the support member 50 may be transverse to the longitudinal axis LAof the inhaler article. When the upstream surface 51 of the support member is transverse to the longitudinal axis LAof the inhaler article, the angle between the face 51 and the longitudinal axis LAof the inhaler article is 90°. Or, the upstream face 51 of the support member may be at an angle less than or more than 90°. For example, the upstream face 51 of the support member 50 may be 75° to 105°. If the upstream face 51 of the support member 50 deviates from 90°, the point of contact between the capsule 300 and the upstream face 51 may deviate from the radial center 301 of the capsule 300. If the upstream face 51 of the support member 50 deviates from 90°, the closed central area 690 deviate from circular and may be, for example, oval.

[0126] Figure 13A, Figure 13B and Figure 13C are top views of embodiments of the support member showing the upstream face 51 of the support member 50. The upstream face 51 of the support member 50 has a closed central area 690. The support member airways 69 are not located in the closed central area 690 of the upstream face 50 of the support member 50. This allows the closed central area 690 to be a flat structure. The closed central area may be sufficiently flat to reduce friction between the upstream face 51 of the support member 50 and a capsule 300. As shown in Figure 7, when the capsule 300 is centered in the cavity 24 of the outer tube body 20, the radial center 301 of the capsule is aligned with the center 54 of the support element 50. That is, when the capsule 300 is centered in the cavity 24 of the outer tube body 20, the radial center 301 of the capsule contacts the upstream face 51 of the support member 50 at the closed central area 690. The center 54 of the upstream face 51 of the support element 50 is a flat structure transverse to the central axis of the outer tube body 20.

[0127] As shown in Figure 13A, Figure 13B and Figure 13C, the closed central area 690 may be any size. The closed central area 690 of Figure 13A is smaller than the closed central area 690 of Figure 13B and the closed central area 690 of Figure 13C. The size of the closed central area 690, the diameter 690 of the closed central area, may be different to reduce the friction between a capsule 300 and the upstream face 51 of the support member 50 when the diameter D4 of the capsule 300 is smaller or larger with respect to the diameter D2 of the cavity 24 of the outer tube body 20, or when the capsule 300 has a different geometry, for example. Or, the closed central area 690 may have a smaller or larger diameter 691 to accommodate manufacturing considerations. For example, the diameter 691 of the closed central area 690 may reflect the size of support member airways 69 created by punching holes into the support member to form the flutes 55 shown in Figures 13A, 13B and 13C. The closed central area 690 may be a flat structure. The flat structure may be sufficiently flat to reduce friction between the capsule 300 and the upstream face 51 of the support member 50 when the capsule moves in the cavity 24 of the outer tube body 20. The closed central area 690 may be a flat structure transverse to the longitudinal axis LAof the inhaler article 10. The closed central area 690 may be any size. The closed central area may have a diameter 691. When air moves through the inhaler article, the capsule is agitated by the airflow. The capsule moves inside the cavity 24 of the outer tube body 20. The capsule 300 may rotate when in response to airflow, especially when exposed to spiral airflow. Spiral airflow may be introduced into the cavity 24 of the outer tube body 20 by a spiral air inlet 205 as shown in Figure 10, for example. The capsule may move longitudinally inside the cavity 24 of the outer tube body 20. The capsule may move laterally, or in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the outer tube body, inside the cavity 24 of the outer tube body 20. If the capsule moves laterally, the distance the capsule 300 can move is constrained by the inner diameter D2 of the outer tube body 20. The distance the capsule 300 can move laterally, or in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the outer tube body may be the difference between the inner diameter of the outer tube body D2 and the diameter of the capsule 300, D4. As shown in Table 1 , D2, the inner diameter of the outer tube body 20 can be, for example, 4-12 mm. As shown in Table 1 , D2, the inner diameter of the outer tube body 20 can be, for example, 5-10 mm. As shown in Table 1 , D2, the inner diameter of the outer tube body 20 can be, for example, 6-8 mm. As shown in Table 1 , D4, the diameter of the capsule 300 can be, for example, 3-10mm. As shown in Table 1 , D4, the diameter of the capsule 300 can be, for example, 4-8 mm. As shown in Table 1 , D4, the diameter of the capsule 300 can be, for example, 5-7 mm. The diameter 691 of the closed central area 690 can be, for example, 0.5 mm - 5 mm. The diameter 691 of the closed central area 690 can be, for example, 1 mm - 5 mm. The diameter 691 of the closed central area 690 can be, for example, 1-3 mm. The diameter 691 of the closed central area 690 can be, for example, 2-3 mm. The diameter 691 of the closed central area 690 can be, for example, 2-4 mm The diameter 691 of the closed central area 690 can be, for example, 1-4 mm.

Claims

1. An inhalation product containing an outer tubular body comprising an upstream end, a downstream end, a central axis, an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining a cavity within the outer tubular body, the cavity of the outer tubular body having a diameter; a support element in the cavity of the outer tubular body, comprising an upstream surface, a downstream surface, a thickness and a center, wherein the support element extends along the diameter of the cavity of the outer tubular body, wherein the support element comprises at least two support element air ducts containing openings extending from an upstream surface to a downstream surface through the thickness of the support element, wherein the support element air ducts are partially formed by the inner surface of the outer tubular body of the inhalation product; wherein the surface of the support element located upstream of the flow contains a closed central region.

2. The article according to claim 1, in which the closed central region of the support element comprises a flat structure transverse to the central axis of the outer tubular body.

3. An article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least two air ducts of the support element partially comprise the inner surface of the outer tubular body.

4. An article according to any of the preceding claims, in which at least two air ducts of the support element are located peripherally relative to the closed central region of the support element.

5. An article according to any of the preceding claims, in which at least two air ducts of the support element are located at an angle relative to the central axis of the outer tubular body.

6. An article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein one or more of the at least two air ducts of the support element contain filter material.

7. The article according to claim 6, wherein the filter material is a mesh material.

8. An article according to any of the preceding paragraphs, further comprising a capsule in the cavity of the outer tubular body, located upstream of the support element.

9. The product according to claim 8, wherein the capsule contains nicotine.

10. An article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the upstream end of the outer tubular body is folded or flanged.

11. An article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the downstream end of the outer tubular body is curved.

12. An article according to any of the preceding paragraphs, in which the support element is located in the cavity of the outer tubular body by means of an interference fit.

13. An article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support member is attached to the inner surface of the outer tubular body by means of an adhesive.

14. An inhalation product containing an outer tubular body comprising an upstream end, a downstream end, a central axis, an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining a cavity within the outer tubular body, the cavity of the outer tubular body having a diameter; a support element in the cavity of the outer tubular body, comprising an upstream surface, a downstream surface, a thickness and a center, wherein the support element extends along the diameter of the cavity of the outer tubular body, wherein the support element comprises at least two support element air ducts containing openings extending from an upstream surface to a downstream surface and passing through the thickness of the support element, wherein the support element air ducts are partially formed by the inner surface of the outer tubular body of the inhalation product; wherein the surface of the support element located upstream of the flow contains a closed central region; a capsule in the cavity of the outer tubular body, located upstream of the flow relative to the support element; wherein the end of the outer tubular body located earlier along the flow path is flanged; the end of the outer tubular body located further downstream of the flow is curved.

15. The article according to claim 14, which forms an air flow path from the air inlet, around the capsule, through at least two air ducts of the support element, to the air flow outlet.