JP7703013B2 - Flavor Glycosides - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an article for use in a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, and to a non-combustion aerosol delivery system.

background

Smoking articles, such as cigarettes and cigars, burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. Non-combustion aerosol delivery systems provide an alternative to these combustion products and typically release compounds from an aerosol-forming material by heating without combustion to produce an inhalable aerosol or vapor.

One example of such a system is a heating device that releases compounds by heating but not burning a solid aerosolizable material, which in some examples may include tobacco material. The heating volatilizes at least one component of the material, typically forming an inhalable aerosol. These systems are sometimes referred to as heat not burn devices, tobacco heating devices, or tobacco heating products. A variety of different configurations are known for volatilizing at least one component of a solid aerosolizable material.

Non-combustion aerosol delivery systems are known to include fragrances. Derivatized fragrances, such as fragrance glycosides, are known to modify the fragrance release profile because the derivatized fragrance has a different volatilization temperature than the free fragrance.

overview

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article for use in a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, the article comprising an aerosol-generating segment, the aerosol-generating segment comprising a first flavoring glycoside, the aerosol-generating segment comprising at least two portions, the first flavoring glycoside having a different concentration in the two portions.

The second invention provides a non-combustion aerosol supply system comprising an aerosol generation segment, the aerosol generation segment containing a flavor glycoside, the aerosol generation segment comprising at least two portions, and the concentration of the flavor glycoside differs between the two portions.

Preferably, the second aspect provides a non-combustion aerosol delivery system comprising (i) an article according to the first aspect, and (ii) an aerosol delivery device that contains the article in use.

Features described herein in relation to one aspect of the invention are expressly disclosed herein in combination with the other aspect to the extent not inconsistent.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a cross-sectional view of an example of an article for use in a non-combustion aerosol delivery system. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the article of FIG. 1 . 1 is a cross-sectional elevation view of an example of an article for use in a non-combustion aerosol delivery system. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the article of FIG. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a non-combustion aerosol delivery system. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional elevation view of an example of a non-combustion aerosol delivery system. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a non-combustion aerosol delivery system.

Detailed Description

The inventors have found that free perfume (meaning non-derivatized, non-encapsulated perfume) typically volatilizes rapidly during use of non-combustion aerosol delivery systems, resulting in the perfume being consumed rapidly and may not be delivered uniformly during product use. Perfume migration in the product and/or perfume loss prior to consumption has also been observed by the inventors.

Fragrance glycosides have a higher volatilization temperature than the equivalent free fragrance. The glycosidic bond is broken by heating, and only then can the fragrance be released. The energy input required to break this bond is greater than that required for the volatilization of free fragrance. Thus, glycosides can be used to modify the fragrance release profile and to minimize fragrance migration or loss.

The inventors have now established that the perfume profile delivered by an article used in a non-combustion aerosol delivery system can be advantageously modified through a non-uniform distribution of perfume glycosides within the aerosol-generating segment of the article. In some instances, different sections/portions of the aerosol-generating segment are exposed to different heating profiles with the intention that the portions of the aerosol-generating material are not initially heated, thereby preserving the volatile components of these portions for consumption until later in the product's useful life. However, the inventors have established that heat bleed between portions can cause the volatilization of free perfume from the portions before the portions are directly heated; in contrast, the inventors have found that perfume glycosides only release perfume when directly heated (because glycosidic bonds must be broken to release perfume, and sufficient energy to break these bonds is not provided by heat bleeding between portions). Thus, a non-uniform distribution of glycosides can be used to further control the perfume profile of the aerosol generated from such an article.

The at least two portions of the aerosol generating segment are sometimes referred to herein as first and second aerosol generating portions. The designations "first" and "second" are for ease of reference to the individual portions and do not impose any limitations on the positioning of the portions within the segment, nor do they imply any order of heating during use (unless expressly stated otherwise).

In some examples, the concentration of the first flavoring glycoside in the second portion of the aerosol-generating segment is less than about 80%, preferably less than 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, or 10% of the concentration in the first portion. In some examples, the second portion of the at least two portions does not include the first flavoring glycoside. In such examples, the flavoring glycoside is entirely localized within the first portion of the aerosol-generating segment. Typically, this first portion can be configured to be second to be heated in a non-combustion aerosol delivery system. In some examples, the first portion can be closer to the mouth end of the article than the second portion. In some other examples, the first portion can be farther from the mouth end of the article than the second portion.

In some examples, the first flavor glycoside is a flavor glucoside. In some examples, the first flavor glycoside is biotechnologically produced, e.g., the first flavor glycoside is enzymatically produced. In some examples, the first flavor glycoside is a menthol glycoside.

In some examples, the aerosol-generating segment includes an aerosol-generating material and at least a portion of the first flavor glycoside on or in the aerosol-generating material. In some examples, the aerosol-generating segment includes an aerosol-generating material and a wrapper disposed about the aerosol-generating material and at least a portion of the first flavor glycoside on or in the wrapper. Preferably, the wrapper can include paper or a paper-backed foil, e.g., a paper-aluminum foil laminate. In some examples, the first flavor glycoside can be provided on or in both the wrapper and the aerosol-generating material.

In some examples, the aerosol-generating segment further comprises free flavor. In some such examples, only the first portion, or only the second portion, or both the first and second portions of the at least two portions comprise free flavor. In some examples, the concentration of free flavor in the two portions is substantially equal. In some examples, the free flavor is the same flavor as the glycosylated flavor in the first flavor glycoside. In one particular example, the free flavor is menthol and the first flavor glycoside is a menthol glycoside, e.g., menthol glucoside.

Thus, in one particular embodiment, only the second portion of the aerosol-generating segment contains free flavor and only the first portion contains flavor glycosides, which are glycosylated forms of free flavor. The second portion is heated first in use, and although there may be some heat bleeding between the portions, this is insufficient to liberate flavor from the flavor glycosides in the first portion, which do not volatilize at this stage. Thus, all flavor present in the first portion is retained in the first portion at this point. Subsequent heating of the first portion results in volatilization of the flavor liberated from the flavor glycosides. Thus, this configuration can provide sustained flavor delivery and improved puff profiles.

In another particular embodiment, both portions of the aerosol-generating segment contain free perfume, and only the first portion contains a first perfume glycoside, which is a glycosylated form of the free perfume. When the second portion is first heated in use, it volatilizes the free perfume from the second portion, and some heat bleeding between the portions may result in some volatilization of the free perfume from the first portion. The first perfume glycoside does not volatilize at this stage. When the first portion is subsequently heated, it results in volatilization of the residual free perfume and the perfume liberated from the perfume glycoside, and in some instances this may result in two modes of perfume delivery from the first portion, since there is a slight delivery delay for the perfume glycoside from when the glycosidic bond is broken. Thus, this configuration can provide sustained perfume delivery and an improved puff profile.

In yet another particular embodiment, both portions of the aerosol-generating segment contain free perfume, both portions contain a first perfume glycoside that is a glycosylated form of the free perfume, and the first portion contains a higher concentration of the first perfume glycoside than the second portion. The second portion is heated first in use, delivering two peaks in perfume delivery, the first peak corresponding substantially to the volatilization of the free perfume and the second peak corresponding to the perfume liberated from the perfume glycoside. In addition, some heat bleeding between the portions may result in some volatilization of the free perfume from the first portion. The perfume glycoside of the first portion does not volatilize at this stage. The first portion is subsequently heated, resulting in the volatilization of the residual free perfume and the perfume liberated from the perfume glycoside, again providing two peaks in perfume delivery. A higher concentration of perfume glycosides is present in the first portion than in the second portion, which compensates for the loss of free perfume from the first portion caused by heat bleeding. Thus, the total perfume delivery upon heating of each zone can be approximately equal. Thus, this configuration can provide sustained perfume delivery and improved puff profile.

In some examples, the aerosol-generating segment includes a second flavor glycoside that is different from the first flavor glycoside. In some such examples, only the first portion, or only the second portion, or both the first and second portions of the at least two portions include the second flavor glycoside.

In some examples, the aerosol-generating segment includes a solid aerosol-generating material. Suitably, in such examples, the aerosol-generating material may include one or more of a tobacco material, an aerosol-forming material, an active material, and a functional material.

In some instances, the article may have more than two portions, e.g., three, four, five, or six portions. The first flavor glycoside may be present in some or all of the portions, provided that the concentrations of flavor glycoside in the first and second portions are different.

In some examples, the first portion of the aerosol-generating segment may be closer to the mouth end of the article than the second portion. In some examples, the second portion of the aerosol-generating segment may be closer to the mouth end of the article than the first portion.

In some examples, the first and second portions may have essentially the same volume. In other examples, the first portion may have a larger volume than the second portion, and in still further examples, the first portion may have a smaller volume than the second portion.

In some examples, the aerosol product article may be rod-shaped, preferably cylindrical. In some examples, the aerosol generation segment may be rod-shaped, preferably cylindrical. In some examples, at least two portions may be axially arranged along the length of the aerosol product article/segment. For example, the portions may be in the form of coaxial cylinders arranged along the length of the aerosol product article/segment. In other examples, the portions may be prism sections arranged, for example, to form a cylinder together. For example, in examples where there are two portions, these may be semi-cylindrical and arranged with their respective planes in contact.

In some embodiments, an article for use with a non-combustion type aerosol delivery device may comprise, in addition to the aerosol generating segment, an aerosol generator (e.g., a heater), a housing, a filter, a cooling element, and/or a mouthpiece. One or more of these additional components may carry additional flavor glycosides. In particular, in some examples, the article (sometimes alternatively referred to herein as a consumable) may also comprise an aerosol generator, e.g., a heater that releases heat to cause the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol upon use. The heater may comprise, for example, a combustible material, a material that can be heated by electrical conduction, or a susceptor. The cooling element, if present, may be comprised in the mouthpiece and may act or function to cool the gaseous or aerosol components. In some examples, the cooling element may act to cool the gaseous components so that they condense to form an aerosol. The cooling element may also act to move the very hot portion of the device away from the user. If a filter is present, the filter may comprise any suitable filter known in the art, such as a cellulose acetate plug.

The article may further comprise vent holes. These may be provided in the sidewalls of the article. In some instances, the vent holes may be provided in the filter and/or cooling element. These holes allow cool air to be drawn into the article during use, where it can mix with the heated volatile components, thereby cooling the aerosol.

Ventilation facilitates the production of visible heated volatiles from the article when the article is heated in use. The heated volatiles are made visible by a process of cooling the heated volatiles such that supersaturation of the heated volatiles occurs. The heated volatiles then undergo droplet formation (also known as nucleation) and ultimately the size of the aerosol particles of the heated volatiles increases due to further condensation of the heated volatiles and by coalescence of the newly formed droplets from the heated volatiles.

In some instances, the ratio of cool air to the sum of heated volatiles and cool air (known as the ventilation ratio) is at least 15%. A ventilation ratio of 15% allows the heated volatiles to be visualized by the methods described above. The visibility of the heated volatiles allows the user to discern that volatiles are being produced, enhancing the sensory experience of the smoking experience.

In another example, the ventilation ratio is between 50% and 85% to further cool the heated volatile components. In some examples, the ventilation ratio may be at least 60% or 65%.

The non-combustion aerosol delivery system may include an aerosol generator, e.g., a heater. The heater is configured to heat the aerosol generation segment in use to form an aerosol, and the system provides different thermal profiles to a first portion and a second portion of the at least two portions. In some such examples, the system may be configured such that heating of the first portion of the aerosol generation segment begins after heating of the second portion. Preferably, the system comprises at least two heaters, the heaters arranged to respectively heat different portions of the aerosol generation segment.

According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustion" aerosol delivery system is one in which the component aerosol-generating material (or components thereof) of the aerosol delivery system is not combusted or burned to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user. In some embodiments, a non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. One example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

Typically, a non-combustion aerosol delivery system can include a non-combustion aerosol delivery device and items (sometimes referred to herein as consumables) used with the non-combustion aerosol delivery device.

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

In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system can include an area that contains a consumable, an aerosol generator (e.g., a heater), an aerosol generation region, a housing, a mouthpiece, and/or a filter.

The heater is configured to heat the aerosol generation segment without burning it. In some examples, the heater may heat the aerosol generation segment to between 120°C and 350°C in use without burning it. In some examples, the heater may heat the aerosol generation segment to between 140°C and 250°C in use without burning it.

As noted above, in some examples, the system may include at least two heaters. In some such examples, the heaters are configured to heat first and second portions of the aerosol generation segment, respectively. In some examples, the aerosol generation segment may include more than two portions, and the system may further include heaters positioned to directly heat one or more portions of the aerosol generation segment, respectively.

In some examples, the system may be configured such that at least one section of the aerosol-generation segment is exposed to a temperature of at least 180° C. or 200° C. for at least 50% of the heating time. In some examples, the aerosol-generation segment may be exposed to a thermal profile as disclosed in WO 2018/019855, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In some particular examples, a system is provided that is configured to heat at least two portions of an aerosol generation segment separately. By controlling the temperature of the first and second portions over time such that the temperature profiles of these portions are different, it is possible to control the pop profile of the aerosol during use. The heat provided to the two portions of the aerosol generation segment may be provided at different times or rates, and differential heating in this manner can enable both rapid aerosol generation and extended service life.

In one particular example, the system may be configured such that at the start of the consumption experience, a first heating element corresponding to a first portion of the aerosol-generating segment is immediately heated to a temperature of 240° C. The first heating element is maintained at 240° C. for 145 seconds and then reduced to 135° C. (where it is maintained for the remainder of the consumption experience). 75 seconds after the start of the consumption experience, a second heating element corresponding to a second portion of the aerosol-generating segment is heated to a temperature of 160° C. 135 seconds after the start of the consumption experience, the temperature of the second heating element is increased to 240° C. (where it is maintained for the remainder of the consumption experience). The consumption experience is sustained for 280 seconds, at which point both heaters are cooled to room temperature.

The heater may be a thin film electrical resistance heater in some examples. In other examples, the heater may be an induction heater, etc. (the susceptor may be in an article or device of the system). The heater may be a combustible heat source or a chemical heat source that undergoes an exothermic reaction to generate heat when in use. When more than one heater is present, each heater may be the same or different.

Typically, the or each heater is powered by a battery, which may be a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, lithium ion batteries, nickel batteries (e.g., nickel cadmium batteries), alkaline batteries, and the like. The battery is electrically coupled to the heater to provide power when needed to heat the aerosol-generating segment (to volatilize components of the aerosolizable material in the aerosol-generating segment without causing combustion of the aerosolizable material).

In one example, the heater is generally in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube having a hollow internal heating chamber into which the aerosol generation segment is inserted for heating in use. Different heater configurations are possible. For example, the heater may be formed as a single heater or may be in the form of multiple heaters aligned along the longitudinal axis of the heater. (For simplicity, references to a "heater" herein will be construed to include multiple heaters unless otherwise required by context.) The heater may be annular or tubular. The heater may be dimensioned such that when inserted, substantially the entirety of the aerosol generation segment is located within the heating element(s) of the heater, whereby substantially the entirety of the aerosol generation segment is heated in use. The heaters may be arranged to allow selected zones of the aerosol generation segment to be heated independently, e.g., one after the other (sequentially) or together (simultaneously), as desired.

The heater is surrounded by insulation along at least a portion of its length, which helps reduce heat passing from the heater to the exterior of the aerosol generation segment. This generally reduces heat loss and therefore helps keep the power requirements of the heater low. The insulation also helps keep the exterior of the aerosol generation assembly cool during operation of the heater.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a partial cutaway cross-sectional view and a perspective view of an example of an article 101 for use in a non-combustion aerosol delivery system are shown. The article 101 is adapted for use with a device having a power source and a heater. The article 101 of this embodiment is particularly suited for use with the device 51 shown in Figures 5-7, described below. In use, the article 101 can be removably inserted into the device at the insertion point 20 of the device 51 shown in Figure 5.

In one example, the article 101 is in the form of a generally cylindrical rod including an aerosol generation segment 103 and a filter assembly 105 in the form of a rod. The filter assembly 105 includes three segments: a cooling segment 107, a filter segment 109, and an oral end segment 111. The article 101 has a first end 113, also known as the oral end or proximal end, and a second end 115, also known as the distal end. The aerosol generation segment 103 is disposed at the distal end 115 of the article 101. In one example, the cooling segment 107 is disposed adjacent to the aerosol generation segment 103 between the aerosol generation segment 103 and the filter segment 109 such that the cooling segment 107 is in abutting relationship with the aerosol generation segment 103 and the filter segment 109. In another example, there may be separations between the aerosol generation segment 103 and the cooling segment 107 and between the aerosol generation segment 103 and the filter segment 109. The filter segment 109 is disposed between the cooling segment 107 and the mouth end segment 111. The mouth end segment 111 is disposed toward the proximal end 113 of the article 101 and is adjacent to the filter segment 109. In one example, the filter segment 109 is in an abutting relationship with the mouth end segment 111. In one embodiment, the overall length of the filter assembly 105 is between 37 mm and 45 mm, and more preferably, the overall length of the filter assembly 105 is 41 mm.

The aerosol-generating segment has two sections 103a, 103b. In one example, the first section 103a (closer to the proximal end 113 of the article 101) includes a first flavor glycoside, and the second section 103b (closer to the distal end 115 of the article 101) does not include the first flavor glycoside. In some examples, both sections may include the first flavor glycoside, provided that the concentration of the flavor glycoside in each section is different. In some examples, either or each of the sections 103a, 103b may include a free flavor corresponding to the flavor glycoside. In some examples, either or each of the sections 103a, 103b may include an aerosol-generating material, and the flavor and/or flavor glycoside may be carried on or in the aerosol-generating material. When used in the device illustrated in FIG. 5, the second section 103b may be heated before the first section 103a. In some examples, the two sections 103a, 103b of the aerosol-generation segment may be joined by an annular tipping paper (not shown) located substantially around the periphery of the outer periphery segment 103.

In one example, the aerosol generation segment 103 is 34 mm to 50 mm long, preferably 38 mm to 46 mm long, preferably 42 mm long.

In one example, the overall length of the item 101 is between 71 mm and 95 mm, preferably between 79 mm and 87 mm, and preferably 83 mm.

One axial end of the aerosol-generating segment 103 is visible at the distal end 115 of the article 101. However, in other embodiments, the distal end 115 of the article 101 may include an end member (not shown) that covers one axial end of the aerosol-generating segment 103. The end member may in some instances be part of the wrapper described herein.

The aerosol-generation segment 103 is joined to the filter assembly 105 by an annular tipping paper (not shown) that is disposed substantially around the filter assembly 105 so as to surround the filter assembly 105 and extends partially along the length of the aerosol-generation segment 103. In one example, the tipping paper is made from 58 GSM standard tipping base paper. In one example, the tipping paper has a length of 42 mm to 50 mm, preferably 46 mm.

In one example, the cooling segment 107 is an annular tube that is disposed around and defines a gap in the cooling segment. The gap provides a chamber through which heated volatile components generated from the aerosol generation segment 103 flow. The cooling segment 107 is hollow to provide a chamber for aerosol accumulation, but is rigid enough to withstand axial compressive forces and bending moments that may occur during manufacture and use of the article 101 during insertion into the device 51. In one example, the wall thickness of the cooling segment 107 is about 0.29 mm.

The cooling segment 107 provides a physical displacement between the aerosol generation segment 103 and the filter segment 109. The physical displacement provided by the cooling segment 107 provides a thermal gradient across the length of the cooling segment 107. In one example, the cooling segment 107 is configured to provide a temperature difference of at least 40 degrees Celsius between the heated volatile component entering the first end of the cooling segment 107 and the heated volatile component exiting the second end of the cooling segment 107. In one example, the cooling segment 107 is configured to provide a temperature difference of at least 60 degrees Celsius between the heated volatile component entering the first end of the cooling segment 107 and the heated volatile component exiting the second end of the cooling segment 107. This temperature difference across the length of the cooling element 107 protects the temperature-sensitive filter segment 109 from the high temperatures of the aerosol generation segment 103 when the aerosol generation segment 103 is heated by the device 51. If no physical displacement is provided between the filter segment 109 and the aerosol generation segment 103 and heating element of the device 51, the temperature-sensitive filter segment 109 may become damaged during use and may no longer effectively perform its required function.

In one example, the length of the cooling segment 107 is at least 15 mm. In one example, the length of the cooling segment 107 is between 20 mm and 30 mm, more specifically between 23 mm and 27 mm, more specifically between 25 mm and 27 mm, preferably 25 mm.

The cooling segment 107 is made of paper, meaning that it is constructed from a material that does not produce compounds of concern (e.g., toxic compounds) when adjacent to the heater of the device 51 in use. In one example, the cooling segment 107 is manufactured from a spirally wound paper tube that provides a hollow interior chamber but maintains mechanical rigidity. The spirally wound paper tube can meet the stringent dimensional accuracy requirements of high speed manufacturing processes for tube length, outer diameter, roundness, and straightness.

In another example, the cooling segment 107 is a recess made from stiff plug wrap or tipping paper. The stiff plug wrap or tipping paper is manufactured to be sufficiently stiff to withstand axial compressive forces and bending moments that may occur during manufacture and while the article 101 is in use during insertion into the device 51.

The filter segment 109 may be formed from any filter material sufficient to remove one or more volatile compounds from the heated volatile components from the aerosol generation segment. In one example, the filter segment 109 is made from a monoacetate material, such as cellulose acetate. The filter segment 109 provides cooling and reduced irritation of the heated volatile components without depleting the amount of the heated volatile components to an unsatisfactory level for the user.

In some embodiments, a capsule (not shown) may be provided within the filter segment 109. The capsule may be substantially centered within the filter segment 109, both radially and longitudinally. In other examples, the capsule may be off-center in one or more dimensions. In some examples, the capsule, if present, may contain a volatile component, such as a flavoring or an aerosol generating agent.

The density of the cellulose acetate tow material of the filter segment 109 controls the pressure drop across the filter segment 109, which in turn controls the resistance to suction of the article 101. Therefore, the selection of the material for the filter segment 109 is important in controlling the resistance to suction of the article 101. Furthermore, the filter segment performs a filtration function in the article 101.

In one example, the filter segment 109 is made of 8Y15 grade filter tow material, which provides a filtering effect on the heated volatilized material while reducing the size of the condensed aerosol droplets resulting from the heated volatilized material.

The presence of the filter segment 109 provides an insulating effect by further cooling the heated volatile components exiting the cooling segment 107. This additional cooling effect reduces the contact temperature of the user's lips against the surface of the filter segment 109.

In one example, the filter segment 109 has a length of 6 mm to 10 mm, preferably 8 mm.

The mouth end segment 111 is an annular tube that is disposed around and defines a cavity within the mouth end segment 111. The cavity provides a chamber for heated volatile components flowing from the filter segment 109. The mouth end segment 111 is hollow to provide a chamber for aerosol accumulation, but is rigid enough to withstand axial compressive forces and bending moments that may occur during use of the article during manufacture and insertion into the device 51. In one example, the wall thickness of the mouth end segment 111 is about 0.29 mm. In one example, the length of the mouth end segment 111 is between 6 mm and 10 mm, preferably 8 mm.

The mouth end segment 111 may be manufactured from a spiral wound paper tube that provides a hollow interior chamber but maintains significant mechanical rigidity. A spiral wound paper tube can meet the stringent dimensional accuracy requirements of high speed manufacturing processes for tube length, outer diameter, roundness and straightness.

The mouth end segment 111 serves the function of preventing liquid condensate that accumulates at the outlet of the filter segment 109 from coming into direct contact with the user.

It should be appreciated that in one example, the oral end segment 111 and the cooling segment 107 may be formed from a single tube, with the filter segment 109 disposed within the tube to separate the oral end segment 111 and the cooling segment 107.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4, a partial cutaway cross-sectional view and a perspective view of an example of an article 301 are shown. The reference numbers shown in Figures 3 and 4 correspond to the reference numbers shown in Figures 1 and 2, but are increased by 200.

In the example of article 301 shown in Figures 3 and 4, a ventilation area 317 is provided in article 301 to allow air to flow from the exterior of article 301 to the interior of article 301. In one example, ventilation area 317 takes the form of one or more ventilation holes 317 formed through an outer layer of article 301. The ventilation holes may be located in cooling segment 307 to aid in cooling article 301. In one example, ventilation area 317 comprises one or more rows of holes, preferably each row of holes located along the periphery of article 301 in a cross section substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of article 301.

In one example, there are 1-4 rows of vent holes to provide ventilation to the article 301. Each row of vent holes may have 12-36 vent holes 317. The diameter of the vent holes 317 may be, for example, 100-500 μm. In one example, the axial spacing between the rows of vent holes 317 is 0.25 mm-0.75 mm, preferably 0.5 mm.

In one example, the vent holes 317 have a uniform size. In another example, the vent holes 317 have a variety of sizes. The vent holes can be created using any suitable technique, such as one or more of a laser technique, mechanical drilling of the cooling segment 307, or pre-drilling of the cooling segment 307 before it is formed in the article 301. The vent holes 317 are positioned to effectively cool the article 301.

In one example, the row of ventilation holes 317 is located at least 11 mm from the proximal end 313 of the article, and preferably 17 mm to 20 mm from the proximal end 313 of the article 301. The ventilation holes 317 are located such that the user does not block the ventilation holes 317 when the article 301 is in use.

By providing a row of vent holes 17-20 mm from the proximal end 313 of the article 301, the vent holes 317 can be located on the outside of the device 51 when the article 301 is fully inserted into the device 51, as seen in Figures 6 and 7. By locating the vent holes on the outside of the device, unheated air can enter the article 301 from outside the device 51 through the vent holes to help cool the article 301.

The length of the cooling segment 307 is such that when the item 301 is fully inserted into the device 51, the cooling segment 307 is partially inserted into the device 51. This length of the cooling segment 307 provides a first function of providing a physical gap between the heating device of the device 51 and the heat-sensitive filter device 309, and a second function of allowing the vent 317 to be located within the cooling segment while also being located outside the device 51 when the item 301 is fully inserted into the device 51. As can be seen from Figures 7 and 8, most of the cooling element 307 is located within the device 51. However, there is a portion of the cooling element 307 that extends outside the device 51. The vent 317 is located in this portion of the cooling element 307 that extends outside the device 51.

Referring now to Figures 5-7 in more detail, an example of a device 51 is shown that is configured to heat an aerosol-generating segment to volatilize at least one component of said aerosol-generating segment, typically to form an inhalable aerosol. Device 51 is a heating device that releases a compound by heating, but not combusting, the aerosol-generating segment.

The first end 53 may be referred to herein as the oral or proximal end 53 of the device 51, and the second end 55 may be referred to herein as the distal end 55 of the device 51. The device 51 has an on/off button 57, allowing the entire device 51 to be activated/deactivated as desired by the user.

The device 51 includes a housing 59 for arranging and protecting the various internal components of the device 51. In the illustrated example, the housing 59 includes a unitary sleeve 11 that surrounds the outer edge of the device 51 and is capped with a top panel 17 that generally forms the "top" of the device 51 and a bottom panel 19 that generally forms the "bottom" of the device 51. In another example, the housing includes a front panel, a rear panel, and a pair of opposing side panels in addition to the top panel 17 and bottom panel 19.

The top panel 17 and/or bottom panel 19 may be removably secured to the unitary sleeve 11 to allow easy access to the interior of the device 51, or may be "permanently" secured to the unitary sleeve 11, for example to prevent a user from accessing the interior of the device 51. In one example, the panels 17 and 19 are made of a plastic material (including glass-filled nylon formed by injection molding, etc.) and the unitary sleeve 11 is made of aluminum, although other materials and other manufacturing processes may be used.

The top panel 17 of the device 51 has an opening 20 at the mouth end 53 of the device 51 through which a user can insert and remove an article 101, 301 containing an aerosol-generating segment into and from the device 51 during use.

The housing 59 has disposed therein or secured thereto the heating device 23, the control circuitry 25, and the power source 27. In this example, the heating device 23, the control circuitry 25, and the power source 27 are laterally adjacent (i.e., adjacent when viewed from one end), and the control circuitry 25 is generally located between the heating device 23 and the power source 27, although other arrangements are possible.

The control circuitry 25 may include a controller, such as a microprocessor device, configured and arranged to control the heating of the aerosol generating segment within the article 101, 301, as discussed further below.

The power source 27 may be, for example, a battery, which may be a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, lithium ion batteries, nickel batteries (e.g., nickel cadmium batteries), alkaline batteries, and the like. The battery 27 is electrically coupled to the heating device 23 to provide power under the control of the control circuitry 25 when necessary to heat the aerosol-generating segment in the article (to volatilize components of the aerosolizable material in the aerosol-generating segment without causing combustion of the aerosolizable material, as discussed above).

The advantage of placing the power source 27 laterally adjacent to the heating apparatus 23 is that a physically larger power source 25 can be used without making the overall device 51 excessively long. Of course, a physically larger power source 25 will generally have a higher capacity (i.e., total electrical energy it can deliver, often measured in ampere-hours or the like) and therefore may provide a longer battery life for the device 51.

In one example, the heating device 23 is generally in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube having a hollow internal heating chamber 29 into which the article 101, 301 comprising the aerosol generating segment is inserted for heating during use. Various configurations of the heating device 23 are possible. For example, the heating device 23 may comprise a single heating element or may be formed from multiple heating elements aligned along the longitudinal axis of the heating device 23. The or each heating element may be annular or tubular, or may be at least partially annular or at least partially tubular along its circumference. In one example, the or each heating element may be a thin film heater. In another example, the or each heating element may be made from a ceramic material. Examples of suitable ceramic materials include alumina and aluminum nitride ceramics, as well as silicon nitride ceramics, which may be layered and sintered. Other heating configurations are possible, including, for example, induction heating, infrared heating elements (which heat by radiating infrared radiation), resistive heating elements formed by resistive electrical windings, and the like.

The heating device 23 can be programmed to provide different thermal profiles to each portion 103a, 103b, 303a, 303b of the aerosol generation segment.

In one particular example, the heating device 23 is supported by a stainless steel support tube and includes a polyimide heating element. The heating device 23 is dimensioned such that when the article 101, 301 is inserted into the device 51, substantially the entire body of the article 101, 301, which is made up of the aerosol-generating segment 103, 303, is inserted into the heating device 23.

The, or each, heating element may be arranged to heat selected zones (areas) of the aerosol-generation segment independently, for example sequentially (over time as described above) or together (simultaneously), as desired.

The heating device 23 in this example is surrounded by insulation 31 along at least a portion of its length. The insulation 31 helps to reduce heat passing from the heating device 23 to the exterior of the device 51. This generally reduces heat loss and therefore helps to keep the power requirements of the heating device 23 low. The insulation 31 also helps to keep the exterior of the device 51 cool during operation of the heating device 23. In one example, the insulation 31 may be a double-walled sleeve that provides a low pressure area between the two walls of the sleeve. That is, the insulation 31 may be, for example, a "vacuum" tube, i.e., a tube that is at least partially evacuated to minimize heat transfer by conduction and/or convection. Other configurations for the insulation 31 are possible, including the use of an insulating material (including, for example, a suitable foam-type material) in addition to or instead of the double-walled sleeve.

The housing 59 may further include various internal support structures 37 for supporting all internal components as well as the heating device 23.

The device 51 further comprises a collar 33 extending around the opening 20 and projecting from the opening 20 into the interior of the housing 59, and a generally tubular chamber 35 disposed between the collar 33 and one end of the vacuum sleeve 31. The chamber 35 further comprises a cooling structure 35f, which in this example comprises a plurality of cooling fins 35f spaced along the outer surface of the chamber 35, each fin being disposed to surround the outer surface of the chamber 35. When the article 101, 301 is inserted into the device 51 over at least a portion of the length of the hollow chamber 35, there is a gap 36 between the hollow chamber 35 and the article 101, 301. The gap 36 surrounds the entire circumference of the article 101, 301 over at least a portion of the cooling segment 307.

The collar 33 includes a number of ridges 60 arranged around the periphery of the opening 20, which protrude into the opening 20. The ridges 60 occupy space within the opening 20 such that the opening distance of the opening 20 at the location of the ridges 60 is less than the opening distance of the opening 20 without the ridges 60. The ridges 60 are configured to engage with an article 101, 301 inserted into the device to help secure it within the device 51. The open spaces (not shown) defined by adjacent pairs of the ridges 60 and the articles 101, 301 form ventilation paths around the outer surfaces of the articles 101, 301. These ventilation paths allow hot steam escaping from the articles 101, 301 to exit the device 51, and allow cooling air to flow around the articles 101, 301 in the gap 36 to the device 51.

In operation, the article 101, 301 is removably inserted into the insertion site 20 of the device 51, as shown in Figures 5-7. With particular reference to Figure 6, in one example, the aerosol-generating segment 103, 303 (which is located at the distal end 115, 315 of the article 101, 301) is completely contained within the heating apparatus 23 of the device 51. The proximal end 113, 313 of the article 101, 301 extends from the device 51 and serves as a mouthpiece assembly for the user.

During operation, the heating device 23 heats the article 101, 301 to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material from the aerosol generating segment 103, 303.

The primary flow path for the heated volatiles from the aerosol-generation segment 103, 303 is axially through the article 101, 301, through the inner chamber of the cooling segment 107, 307, through the filter segment 109, 309, and through the mouth end segment 111, 313 to the user. In one example, the temperature of the heated volatiles generated from the aerosol-generation segment is 60°C to 250°C, which may be above an acceptable inhalation temperature for a user. The heated volatiles cool as they travel through the cooling segment 107, 307, and some of the volatiles condense on the inner surface of the cooling segment 107, 307.

In the example of article 301 shown in Figures 4 and 5, cool air can enter cooling segment 307 through vents 317 formed in cooling segment 307. This cool air mixes with the heated volatile components to further cool the heated volatile components.

DEFINITIONS As used herein, the terms "flavoring agent" and "flavoring agent" refer to materials that can be used to create a desired taste, aroma, or other somatic sensation in products for adult consumers, where local regulations permit. They can be naturally occurring flavoring materials, botanical materials, extracts of botanical materials, synthetically derived materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese peppermint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, Rhubarb, grapes, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberries, mulberries, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pineapple, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, cara Wei, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, bell pepper, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, mint oil from any species of mint, eucalyptus, star anise, cacao, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, yerba mate, orange peel, rose, tea (green tea, black tea, etc.), thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, shiso, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, black currant, valerian, pimento The compositions may include, for example, citrus, mace, damian, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, Calvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitter receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanical materials, or breath fresheners. They may be imitation, synthetic, or natural ingredients, or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid (such as an oil), solid (such as a powder), or gas.

In some embodiments, the flavoring includes menthol, spearmint, and/or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavoring includes cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruit, and/or red berry flavor components. In some embodiments, the flavoring includes eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavoring includes flavor components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavoring includes flavor components extracted from cannabis.

In some embodiments, the flavoring may include sensates aimed at achieving somatic sensations that are typically chemically induced and perceived by stimulating the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal) in addition to or instead of the olfactory or gustatory nerves, and these may include agents that provide a heating effect, a cooling effect, a tingling effect, or a numbing effect. A suitable heating agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and a suitable cooling agent may be, but is not limited to, eucolyptol, WS-3.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating material" refers to a material that can generate an aerosol when, for example, heated, irradiated, or otherwise energized. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of, for example, a solid, and may include one or more active substances and/or flavorings, a tobacco material, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

As used herein, the term "active agent" refers to a bioactive material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active agent may be selected from, for example, functional foods, nootropics, and psychoactive substances. The active agent may be naturally occurring or synthetically derived. The active agent may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or components, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active agent may include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco, cannabis, or other botanical substances. In some embodiments, the active agent includes nicotine. In some embodiments, the active agent includes caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

As provided herein, the active substance may include one or more components, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.

As provided herein, the active material may include or be derived from one or more botanical materials or components, derivatives, or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "botanical material" includes any material derived from a plant, including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husks, skins, and the like. Alternatively, the material may include active compounds naturally present in the botanical material or obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, fragments, strips, sheets, and the like. Examples of botanical substances are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cacao, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo leaf extract, hazel, hibiscus, bay leaf, licorice, matcha, yerba mate, orange peel, papaya, rose, sage, tea, e.g. green tea or black tea, thyme, cloves, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed, basil, bay leaf, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron ...thyme, cloves, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed, thyme, cloves, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed, thyme, cloves, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed, thyme, cloves, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed, thyme, cloves, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed, thyme, cloves, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed, thyme, cloves, cinnamon, In some embodiments, the active ingredient is an oil-based extract, such as laurel, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, shiso, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, pimento, mace, damiana, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, Calvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab, or any combination thereof. The mint may be any of the following mint varieties: Mentha arvensis, Grapefruit mint, Egyptian mint, Peppermint, Lime mint, Chocolate mint, Curly mint, Wild mint, Horse mint, Pineapple mint, Pennyroyal mint, and Common mint. pulegium), English spearmint (Mentha spicata c.v.) and apple mint (Mentha suaveolens).

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

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

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

As used herein, the term "tobacco material" refers to any material that includes tobacco or a derivative thereof. The term "tobacco material" may include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. Tobacco material may include one or more of ground tobacco, tobacco fiber, cut tobacco, extruded tobacco, tobacco stem, reconstituted tobacco, and/or tobacco extract.

The tobacco used to make the tobacco material may be any suitable tobacco, such as a single grade or blend, cut rag or whole leaf, including Virginia and/or Burley and/or Oriental. It may also be "fine" or dust of tobacco particles, expanded tobacco, stems, expanded stems, and other processed stem materials (such as rolled cut stems). The tobacco material may be ground tobacco or reconstituted tobacco material. The reconstituted tobacco material may include tobacco fibers and may be formed by casting, a Fourdrinier-type approach with back-addition of tobacco extract, or extrusion.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming material" refers to one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material can include one or more of glycerin, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

As used herein, the term "functional material" can refer to pH adjusters, colorants, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.

For the avoidance of doubt, where the term "comprising" is used in this specification in defining the invention or a feature of the invention, there are also disclosed embodiments in which the invention or feature can be defined using the terms "consisting essentially of" or "consisting of" instead of "comprising."

The above-described embodiments should be understood as illustrative of the present invention. It should be understood that any feature described in connection with 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 embodiment, or any combination of any other embodiments. Moreover, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be used without departing from the scope of the present invention, which is defined in the appended claims.

Claims (14)

1. An article for use in a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, the article comprising an aerosol-generating segment comprising an aerosol-generating material, the aerosol-generating segment comprising at least a first portion and a second portion, the aerosol-generating segment comprising a first flavoring glycoside , the second portion not comprising the first flavoring glycoside, and the aerosol-generating segment further comprising a free flavoring, the free flavoring being an underivatized, non-encapsulated flavoring . The article of claim 1 , wherein the first flavor glycoside is a flavor glucoside. The article of claim 1 or 2 , comprising at least a portion of the first flavoring glycoside on or in the aerosol-forming material. The article of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the aerosol-generating segment comprises an aerosol-generating material and a wrapping disposed about the aerosol-generating material, the wrapping comprising at least a portion of the first flavor glycoside on or in the wrapping. The article of claim 1 , comprising the free perfume in only the first portion, or only the second portion, or in both the first and second portions. The article of any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the free perfume is the same perfume as the glycosylated perfume in the first perfume glycoside. The article of any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the aerosol-generating segment comprises a second flavoring glycoside different from the first flavoring glycoside. The article of any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the aerosol-generating segment comprises a solid aerosol-generating material. The article of claim 8 , wherein the aerosol-forming material comprises one or more of a tobacco material, an aerosol-forming material, an active material, and a functional material. 1. A non-combustion aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol-generating material and an aerosol-generating segment including at least a first portion and a second portion, the aerosol-generating segment including a flavor glycoside, the second portion not including the flavor glycoside, and the aerosol-generating segment further including a free flavor, the free flavor being an underivatized, non-encapsulated flavor. 11. A non-combustion aerosol delivery system according to claim 10 , comprising: (i) an article according to any one of claims 1 to 9 ; and (ii) an aerosol delivery device that contains the article in use. 12. The system of claim 10 or 11 , comprising a heater configured to heat the aerosol generation segment in use to form an aerosol, resulting in different thermal profiles in the first and second portions. The system of claim 12 , configured such that heating of the first portion of the aerosol-generation segment begins after heating of the second portion. 14. The system of claim 12 or 13 , comprising at least two heaters, each positioned to heat a different portion of the aerosol-generation segment.

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