Vapour generating article

Abstract

A vapour generating article comprises a vapour generating component for generating a vapour, at least one activation element, and a plurality of activatable heat generating elements distributed within the vapour generating component. The article is arranged such that, in use, activation of the at least one activation element activates the heat generating elements and heats the vapour generating component to generate vapor.

Description

[0001] VAPOUR GENERATING ARTICLE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to a vapour generating article comprising components capable of heating at least a part of the article to generate an inhalable vapour.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Heat-not-burn or heated tobacco devices and articles generally rely on an electronic heating system to extract nicotine in vapour form from an article comprising a nicotine- containing material such as tobacco without burning it. Unlike e-cigarettes which heat liquids containing nicotine, heat-not-burn devices are usually used with articles comprising an aerosol substrate material, which may comprise tobacco. As the aerosol substrate material is heated, it produces a vapour which can be inhaled by the user. Although recent developments in heat-not-burn devices often include advances in battery technology, heating elements, and other components leading to more efficient and compact designs, they are still heavy and bulky due, in part, to the number of components required to operate the device.

[0006] Additionally, existing heat-not-burn devices can be cumbersome and inconvenient as they require the user to set up the device before it can be used. For example, to operate a heat-not-burn device, a user generally needs to insert a heat-not-burn stick into the chamber of the device. Depending on the device, this may require the user to partially deconstruct the device so that the heat-not-burn stick can be inserted, and again to remove the heat-not-burn stick or when cleaning the device. The user will also need to hold the heavy and bulky heat-not-burn device while inhaling. Such user experience is different to what traditional cigarette smokers are used to.

[0007] Attempts have been made to bring the heat-not-burn device experience closer to that of a traditional cigarette by introducing an electronic heater. However, using an electronic heater increases the weight and bulkiness of the device due, in part, because the electronic heater requires a power supply, such as a rechargeable battery, to operate. There accordingly exists a need for a heat-not-burn vapour generating articles that are less cumbersome and capable of providing a vapour that is consistent in its characteristics and provides an experience as close as possible to a traditional cigarette.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention seeks to provide a heat-not-burn type vapour generating articles that provide an experience as close as possible to a traditional cigarette and are simple to operate.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a vapour generating article. The vapour generating article comprises a vapour generating component for generating a vapour, at least one activation element in the form of a radio frequency (RF) tag, a film arranged for generating heat or a flammable element, and a plurality of activatable heat generating elements distributed within the vapour generating component; wherein the article is arranged such that, in use, activation of the at least one activation element activates the heat generating elements and heats the vapour generating component to generate vapor.

[0011] Optionally, the at least one activation element is a Zn based film or a Fe based film.

[0012] The RF tag may be arranged to be triggered by a user device.

[0013] Optionally, the plurality of heat generating elements comprise a plurality ofheat sensitive capsules. The plurality of heat sensitive capsules may be liposome capsules. Each one of the plurality of heat sensitive capsules may comprise one of MgFe composition, Fe, CaO, Zn, MgO2, water, NaOH, Al, KMnO4, or glycerin. There may be different groups of heat sensitive capsules that are arranged to activate at different temperatures. Preferably, each heat sensitive capsule, or group of heat sensitive capsules, contain a shell constructed from the same composition and is arranged to contain one compound to minimise or prevent disparate compounds from reacting unexpectedly. This provides a benefit in terms of being able to further control the heating process over time. Optionally, the at least one activation element further comprises a battery or an energy source. The vapor generating article may be arranged such that, in use, triggering the at least one activation element also triggers the battery or the energy source.

[0014] Optionally, the vapour generating component comprises a cellulose-based material. The vapour generating component may comprise a non-tobacco plant or botanical material.

[0015] Optionally, the vapour generating article comprises one or more cooling segments coaxially arranged along a longitudinal axis between at least one mouthpiece segment and the vapour generating component to cool vapour generated by the vapour generating component. The mouthpiece segment, the one or more cooling segments and the vapour generating component may be assembled together in end-to-end abutment along the longitudinal axis is surrounded by at least one wrapping material.

[0016] As will be appreciated from the above, the present invention provides an article which can provide vapour in an energy efficient way and such that the vapour is produced in a reliable and readily controllable way. The present invention achieves this without requiring a bulky electronic heater and can be operated in a simple manner. This means that once the user activates the article, vapour is produced in a controllable way without requiring further input from the user, which provides an experience as close as possible to a traditional cigarette.

[0017] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which figure 1 illustrates a vapour generating article according to the present invention in an open configuration.

[0019] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The following further describes specific embodiments of this application in detail with reference to accompanying drawing. Figures 1 illustrate a vapour generating article according to the present invention.

[0021] As shown in figure 1 , the vapour generating article 100 may be cylindrical in shape as to resemble a cigarette and enables a user to inhale vapours from a proximal end. Vapour is generated by a vapour generating component 101 positioned away from the proximal end of the article. Preferably, the vapour generating component 101 comprises cellulose-based material or natural solid material, such as tobacco or other plant (non-tobacco plant) -based or botanical material, in particulate, granulated or sheet form, such as pleated, gathered, crimped or shredded sheet material. The vapour generating component 101 may comprise nicotine, either natural as contained in natural or reconstituted tobacco material or synthetic nicotine, in particular in the form of nicotine salts added to the vapour generating component. The vapour generating component 101 includes an aerosol-source material. In some embodiments, the aerosol-source material can include glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1 , 3-butanediol, and a mixture thereof. In some embodiments, the vapour generating component 101 can be flavoured based on one, or a combination, of woody, nutty, fruity, zesty, menthol, mint, tea, coffee, malty flavours. It would be understood that the flavour of the vapour generating component 101 is not particularly limited and can be adjusted for a desired intensity and mouth feel. The vapour generating component 101 is wrapped by a wrapping material 105, such as a paper wrapper.

[0022] The vapour generating component 101 may be positioned at any point along the vapour generating article 100 but is preferably at the distal end of the vapour generating article 100. A plurality of activatable heat generating elements 102 are distributed within the vapour generating component 101 and may be activated by at least one activation element 103.

[0023] The vapour generating article 100 also includes at least one cooling segment 107. The cooling segment includes at least one tubular member. In embodiments, such as shown in figure 1 , the cooling segment comprises three tubular members. One or more of the cooling segments 107 may be coaxially arranged along a longitudinal axis between at least one mouthpiece segment and the vapour generating component and arranged such that vapor generated by the vapour generating component is cooled. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece segment, the one or more cooling segments and the vapour generating component may be assembled together in end-to-end abutment along the longitudinal axis by at least one wrapping material.

[0024] The cooling segment may be constructed from paper or cardboard formed into a cylindrical shape. In some embodiments, the cooling segment may comprise a hollow rod formed by hardening highly densely packed cellulose acetate fibers. Optionally, a plasticiser such as triacetin may be added.

[0025] When a user operates the vapour generating article 100, the vapour generating component 101 generates a vaporized aerosol which is cooled as it propagates along the vapour generating article 100, away from distal end of the vapour generating article 100 towards a mouthpiece segment 108. The mouthpiece segment 108 may be a filter segment formed of cellulose acetate fibers or other filtration material, such as paper or non-woven material. Alternatively, it may be formed of a cellulose acetate tube and may be wrapped by a wrapping material 109, such as a plug wrapper.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the vapour generating component 101 is wrapped by the wrapping material 105 and the mouthpiece segment 108 wrapped by the wrapping material 109. The wrapping material 105 and 109 may be the same, or different, material. Typically, the wrapping materials 105, 109 may be formed of paper wrappers used as filter plug wrappers, having a basis weight of about 20g / m2 to 50g / m2, preferably about 24 g / m2 to 30 g / m2.

[0027] The wrapping material 110 is preferably formed of standard cigarette paper. The vapour generating article 100, including the vapour generating component 101 and mouthpiece segment 108, are then wrapped by a wrapping material 110 to make the vapour generating article 100.

[0028] To operate the vapour generating article, the user simply needs to activate the activation element and, via a chain reaction, the at least one activation element then activates the heat generating elements to generate vapor.

[0029] In the embodiment shown in figure 1 , the activation element 103 is a radio frequency (RF) tag 104. The RF tag 104 can be attached or printed on the wrapping material printed circuit capable of creating a localised heat spot. The RF tag 104 may be printed using a metallic ink, such as silver or copper, or carbon-based inks. The printed RF tag 104 is disposable and allows safety controls to be implemented to ensure that the RF tag 104 is not accidentally activated. If required, the RF tag 104 may also include a portable energy source, such as a battery. The RF tag 104 may consist of an RF antenna 106 connected to a disposable circuit matching the impedance to maximise the energy transfer. Optionally, the RF tag 104 may also include a rectifier and / or load to turn the RF energy into heat.

[0030] In some embodiments, the activation element 103 may be a film configured to generate heat. This can be a metallic film, such as a Zn-based film proximate to the vapour generating component 101. In other embodiments, the activation element 103 can be a Fe-based film proximate to the vapour generating component 101. Peeling off the cover of the Zn-based film or Fe-based film generates heat which, in turn, activates the heat generating elements.

[0031] In this embodiment, the Zn-based film or Fe-based film is affixed to the outer surface of the wrapping material 110 positioned proximate to the vapour generating component 101. The user can activate the activation element 103 by peeling off the film sheet of the Zn-based film or Fe-based film so that the Zn or Fe is exposed to air, and is oxidised to produce heat.

[0032] Alternatively, the heat generating elements 102 may also be activated by using a flammable element as the activation element 103 to apply heat directly to the heat generating elements 102. The flammable element may be a lighter. In this embodiment, some of the heat generating elements 102 are arranged at the distal end such that the flame of the lighter heats the tip of the vapour generating article 100, in a manner similar to a conventional cigarette. Preferably, in such instance, the wrapping material 105 is constructed from a heat resistant material so that only the heat generating element 102 at the tip of the vapour generating article 100 is activatable by the flame. More specifically, the wrapping material 105 may be formed of metallized paper, such as formed of a laminate wrapper of a metal foil layer (eg. Aluminium foil) and a paper layer. In such embodiment, the wrapping material 110 may preferably not extend to the distal end of the aerosol generating article such that when a user heats the wrapping material 105 no combustion takes place at all. The wrapping material 105 is sufficiently resilient so that it is capable of keeping the RF tag in contact with the vapour generating component, and does not fall apart, while the vapour generating article is operated. That is, the wrapping material 105 must provide sufficient heat insulation to allow the energy released by the RF tag to create the necessary temperature for the vapour generating component to generate vapor. The wrapping material 105 should be capable of withstanding temperature between 100 degrees Celsius and 350 degrees Celsius.

[0033] The RF tag is arranged so that it can be triggered by an electromagnetic interrogation pulse from a reader device. The reader device may be a dedicate device for producing an electromagnetic interrogation pulse. The dedicated device may be an unobtrusive wearable device, or it may be a commonly used device, such as a mobile phone with Near Field Communication capabilities. When the RF tag is triggered, energy transferred from the reader device to the RF tag causes the RF tag to heat up. Once the RF tag heats up to a sufficient temperature, the heat from the RF tag activates the heat generating elements.

[0034] In some embodiments, the RF tag may include an energy source, such as a battery. The RF tag can include a programmable logic controller for controlling the battery such that triggering the RF tag also triggers the energy source to increase the heat generated for activating the heat generating elements.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the heat generating elements can be heat sensitive capsules. Each heat sensitive capsule can separately encapsulate a component or reactant for creating an exothermic reaction. Encapsulation allows for the reactants necessary to the exothermic chemical reaction to be kept separated while the heat sensitive capsules are embedded within the vapour generating component.

[0036] The encapsulation is sensitive to heat which means that heating up the heat sensitive capsules will open the shell to release the chemical component contained within. In some embodiments, the heat sensitive capsules are micelles consisting of an aggregate of surfactants amphipathic lipid molecules dispersed in a liquid forming a colloidal suspension. Preferably, the heat sensitive capsules are liposome capsules. In some embodiments, heat can be generated by at least one of the following chemical reactions: MgFe composition and water, Fe and oxygen, CaO and water, Zn and oxygen, MgO2 and water, NaOH and Al and water, or KMnO4 and glycerin. The heat sensitive capsules contains one of MgFe composition, Fe, CaO, Zn, MgO2, water, NaOH, Al, KMnO4, or glycerin.

[0037] For reactions requiring oxygen, when the heat sensitive capsule is activated, the chemical component contained within is exposed to air containing oxygen. For example, heat sensitive capsules containing Fe provides heat when, upon activation of the heat sensitive capsules, Fe is exposed to air containing oxygen.

[0038] For reactions requiring water, water can be provided in the vapour generating component. Alternatively, in some embodiments, water can also be contained in the heat sensitive capsules in a similar manner to the other chemical components. For example, heat sensitive capsules containing CaO provide heat when, upon activation of the heat sensitive capsules, CaO is exposed to the vapour generating component containing water.

[0039] Similarly, where a reaction requires two or more different chemical compounds, each chemical compound is contained within individual heat sensitive capsules. When the heat sensitive capsules are activated, the chemical compounds contained within are released into the environment where they react to produce heat. For example, heat sensitive capsules containing KMnO4 and heat sensitive capsules containing glycerin can be distributed within the vapour generating component. When the heat sensitive capsules are activated, KMnO4 and glycerin are both released resulting in a chemical reaction producing heat.

[0040] In some embodiments, the heat sensitive capsules are designed, and arranged within the vapour generating component, so that they activate at different temperatures to ensure that the vapour generating component is kept consistently heated for a prolong period. This may require different types of heat sensitive capsules. Each type of heat sensitive capsules may have a different shell configured to activate at a different temperature. For example, the vapour generating article may be initiated by activating the heat sensitive capsules with a lower activation temperature. As exothermic reactions are created from the activated heat sensitive capsules, this initiates a chain reaction increasing the heat generated to cause a second and subsequent group of heat sensitive capsules to activate.

[0041] In some embodiments, the heat sensitive capsules and activation element are arranged such that only some, or a specific group, of the heat sensitive capsules are initially activated. For example, the activation temperature of the heat sensitive capsules embedded close to the activation element will be lower compared to the heat sensitive capsules further away from the activation element.

[0042] The amount of heat energy generated by the chemical reaction is different depending on the kind of the reaction. A chemical reaction between MgFe composition and water can release approximately ~15kJ / g, and a chemical reaction between Fe and oxygen can release approximately ~30kJ / g, for example. Therefore, the heating rate of the vapour generating component can be controlled by selecting the chemical component contained within the heat sensitive capsules (in other words, the kind of the chemical reaction). The heating rate of the vapor generating component can also be controlled by selecting the combination of the material of the capsule shell. That is to say, the timing of when the heat sensitive capsules are activated can be controlled by selecting the appropriate material for the shell of the heat sensitive capsules, thereby deciding when the capsule is activated to release the chemical compound contained within. The amount of heat produced can be controlled by selecting the appropriate chemical compound contained within the individual heat sensitive capsules.

[0043] By controlling the heating rate of the vapour generating component, and the vapour produced, the vapour generating article can continuously operate for longer periods without requiring user intervention. That is, the heating does not stop in the middle of the smoking process.

[0044] By way of example, accordingly to an embodiment of the invention, a vapour generating component may require about 1000 joules of energy to be fully consumed. A chemical reaction between Fe + 02 (oxygen) can release approximately ~30kJ / g.

[0045] Thus, a vapour generating component containing about 500mg of tobacco (i.e. , one tobacco stick) will require about 30mg of Fe. It would be understood that the amount of energy required will depend on how much tobacco is contained in the vapour generating component. Preferably, the content of the heat generating elements makes up substantially between 5 wt% to 20 wt% relative to 100 wt% of the vapour generating component.

[0046] In some embodiments, the vapour generating article is a liquid-type inhaler. Preferably, the vapour generating article is a solid-type inhaler. In some embodiments, the vapour generating article may be a cylindrical shape as illustrated in figure 1

[0047] It is understood that the described embodiments and figures in this application are merely used as illustrative examples and are not used to limit the scope of embodiments of this application. Any feature described in relation to any one embodiment may be used alone, or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the embodiments, or any combination of any other of the embodiments. Many modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the accompanying claims, and as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A vapour generating article comprising: a vapour generating component for generating a vapour; at least one activation element provided by an RF tag, a film arranged for generating heat, or a flammable element; and a plurality of activatable heat generating elements distributed within the vapour generating component; wherein the article is arranged such that, in use, activation of the at least one activation element activates the heat generating elements and heats the vapour generating component to generate vapor.

2. The vapour generating article according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one activation element is a Zn based film or a Fe based film.

3. The vapour generating article according to claim 1, wherein the RF tag is arranged to be triggered by a user device.

4. The vapour generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of heat generating elements comprise a plurality of heat sensitive capsules.

5. The vapour generating article according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of heat sensitive capsules are liposome capsules.

6. The vapour generating article according to any one of claim 4 or 5, wherein each one of the plurality of heat sensitive capsules comprise one of MgFe composition, Fe, CaO, Zn, MgO2, water, NaOH, Al, KMnO4 or glycerin.

7. The vapour generating article according to any one of claims 4 to 6 wherein different groups of heat sensitive capsules are arranged to activate at different temperatures.

8. The vapour generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one activation element further comprises a battery or an energy source arranged such that, in use, triggering the at least one activation element also triggers the battery or the energy source.

9. The vapour generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vapour generating component comprises a cellulose-based material.

10. The vapour generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vapour generating component comprises tobacco.

11. The vapour generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vapour generating component comprises a non-tobacco plant or botanical material.

12. The vapour generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vapour generating article comprises one or more cooling segments coaxially arranged along a longitudinal axis between at least one mouthpiece segment and the vapour generating component to cool vapour generated by the vapour generating component.

13. The vapour generating article according to claim 12, wherein the mouthpiece segment, the one or more cooling segments and the vapour generating component are assembled together in end-to-end abutment along the longitudinal axis by at least one wrapping material.

Images