RU2847293C1 - Inhaler product and inhalation system - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: medicine.

SUBSTANCE: invention refers to medical equipment, namely to an inhaler product and an inhalation system. Article in the form of an inhaler comprises a cavity, a capsule integrated into the cavity, and a hollow tubular element arranged downstream relative to the capsule. Capsule contains dry powder. Hollow tubular member comprises a peripheral portion defining a hollow interior region of the hollow tubular member and a support member formed from a sheet and extending from first point on peripheral part through hollow inner area to second point on peripheral part. Inhalation system comprises a product in the form of an inhaler and a holder for the product in the form of an inhaler. Holder comprises a casing defining a casing cavity configured to enclose the inhaler product and a piercing element passing into the casing cavity and piercing a capsule of the inhaler product.

EFFECT: provision of sufficient rigidity to pierce the capsule located inside the product in the form of inhaler, and to prevent extrusion of the capsule from the product in the form of the inhaler when the capsule is pierced.

15 cl, 28 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to an article in the form of an inhaler containing a hollow tubular element.

Inhaler-style devices, such as dry powder inhalers, are not always fully capable of delivering dry powder particles to the lungs at inhalation or airflow rates that are within the range of inhalation or airflow rates experienced during normal smoking. Dry powder inhalers can be complex to operate or may contain moving parts. Dry powder inhalers are often designed to deliver a suitable dose of dry powder or capsule contents in a single puff.

Some dry powder inhalers have a dry powder storage component, such as a capsule. The capsule may be located inside the inhaler and activated by puncturing it with a separate piercing element. Once the capsule is activated, the user draws on the mouth end (downstream end or near end) of the inhaler to generate a flow of air through the inhaler, causing the capsule to rotate. Shaking the capsule inside the inhaler and the pressure of the air flow causes the dry powder to be released from the punctured capsule. The released dry powder is carried by the airflow into the user's mouth.

Some inhaler articles include a retaining segment located downstream of the capsule. The retaining or support segment is provided to retain the capsule within the inhaler. The retaining or support segment is provided to provide strength or structural integrity to the inhaler article. For example, the retaining or support segment may be sufficiently strong in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the inhaler article to prevent deformation of the retaining or support segment when the capsule is pressed against the retaining or support segment when the capsule is pierced by a separate piercing element. Alternatively, the retaining or support segment may be sufficiently strong in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the inhaler article to prevent crushing of the inhaler article during normal use. The retaining segment may be hollow or porous to allow dry powder to pass through it.

The upstream end (distal end) of the retaining segment of capsule-containing inhaler devices withstands significant longitudinal forces during capsule activation. During this activation process, a piercing element extends into the upstream end of the inhaler device to contact and pierce the capsule located within the device. Upon initial contact, the piercing element presses the capsule against the upstream end of the retaining (or support) segment, effectively piercing the capsule. Consequently, the downstream components of the inhaler device, particularly the retaining segment, must be relatively resistant to longitudinal deformation, particularly under compression.

Additionally, the user can hold the inhaler device in the area of the holding segment. To facilitate capsule activation, the user can apply significant lateral force to the inhaler device in the area of the holding segment. Therefore, the holding segment must also be relatively resistant to lateral deformation, particularly under compression.

A retaining segment with relatively low porosity may have sufficient strength to facilitate capsule activation. However, when the user draws on an inhaler containing such a retaining segment, the draw resistance of the inhaler is relatively high. As a result, the user may be unable to properly expend the capsule, and the doses inhaled by the user are relatively small.

It would be desirable to provide an inhaler product that is cost-effective and quick to manufacture and that operates effectively to provide a satisfactory inhaler experience for users. It would also be desirable to provide an inhaler product that is sufficiently rigid to ensure the piercing of a capsule located within the inhaler product and to prevent the capsule from being ejected from the inhaler product when the capsule is pierced. It would also be desirable to provide an inhaler product that is sufficiently rigid to resist deformation or crushing of the inhaler product when the capsule is pierced. It would also be desirable to provide an inhaler product that is sufficiently rigid to resist deformation or crushing during manipulation of the inhaler product.

The present invention relates to an inhaler article having a longitudinal axis between an upstream or mouthpiece end and a downstream end. The inhaler article may comprise a cavity. The inhaler article may comprise a capsule. The capsule may be positioned in the cavity. The capsule may contain dry powder. The upstream end may have a bent end for holding the capsule in the cavity at the upstream end. The inhaler article may comprise a hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may be positioned downstream of the capsule. The hollow tubular element may comprise a peripheral portion. The peripheral portion may define a hollow interior region of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may comprise a support element. The support element may hold the capsule in the cavity between the support element and the upstream end. The support element may be formed from a sheet. The supporting element may extend from a first point on the peripheral portion. The supporting element may extend through the hollow internal region. The supporting element may extend to a second point on the peripheral portion.

According to the present invention, an article in the form of an inhaler is provided. The article in the form of an inhaler comprises a cavity. The article in the form of an inhaler comprises a capsule. The capsule is located in the cavity. The capsule contains dry powder. The article in the form of an inhaler also comprises a hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element is located downstream of the capsule. The hollow tubular element comprises a peripheral portion. The peripheral portion defines a hollow internal region of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element also comprises a support element. The support element is formed from a sheet. The support element extends from a first point on the peripheral portion. The support element extends through the hollow internal region. The support element extends to a second point on the peripheral portion.

Unlike the inhaler articles known from the prior art, the inhaler article of the present invention comprises a hollow tubular element having a support element extending from a first point on its peripheral portion through its hollow interior to a second point on its peripheral portion. The support element serves to provide a support barrier for one or more components located upstream of the hollow tubular element. For example, the support element may serve to provide a support barrier for a capsule located in the cavity. This may help prevent or limit the downstream movement of one or more components located upstream of the hollow tubular element, such as a capsule. This may be particularly useful when a piercing element is used to pierce a capsule from the upstream end of the inhaler article. The support barrier may prevent the capsule from being ejected from the capsule cavity when the capsule is pierced from the upstream end of the inhaler article.

Furthermore, since the supporting element is formed from a sheet and extends from a first point on the periphery through the hollow interior to a second point in the hollow interior, the hollow tubular element can still retain an opening of a suitable size for the flow of one or both air and dry powder through the hollow tubular element, such as from a capsule. This means the hollow tubular element can have a sufficiently low draw resistance. This also means the hollow tubular element can have a sufficiently low filtration effect.

Additionally, forming the support element from a sheet can provide flexibility in the design of the support element and, in particular, in where the support element provides its support barrier. This is because the flexibility of the sheet can easily be shaped to provide a support barrier for one or more components located upstream of the hollow tubular element, such as a capsule. This is particularly important for an inhaler product having a capsule containing dry powder, which can be provided in a range of shapes, sizes, or both. Thus, flexibility in the design of the support element and where the support element provides its support barrier can mean that the support element can be designed to provide effective support for the inhaler product in which it is provided. Furthermore, the support element can be provided in a shape that can be efficiently manufactured.

In the context of this document, the term "hollow tubular element" is used to refer to a generally elongated element defining a lumen or flow passage along its longitudinal axis. In particular, the term "tubular" will be used hereinafter to refer to a tubular element having a tubular body with a substantially cylindrical cross-section and defining at least one flow passage that provides continuous fluid communication between an upstream end of the tubular body and a downstream end of the tubular body. However, it should be understood that alternative geometric shapes (e.g., alternative cross-sectional shapes) of the tubular body may be possible.

In the context of this document, the term "longitudinal" refers to the direction corresponding to the major longitudinal axis of the inhaler device, which continues between the upstream and downstream ends of the inhaler device.

The terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the relative positions of the elements of the holder, inhaler device, and inhalation systems, described in relation to the direction of the inhaled flow as it is drawn through the inhaler device, holder, and inhalation systems. "Downstream" is the mouth-applied end. "Upstream" is the end further from the mouth-applied end.

The term "longitudinal" refers to the direction corresponding to the major longitudinal axis of the inhaler device or inhalation system, extending between the upstream and downstream ends. During use, air is drawn through the inhaler device in the longitudinal direction from the upstream end to the downstream end. The term "transverse" refers to the direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Any reference to a "section" of the inhaler device or its component refers to the cross-section, unless otherwise specified. The term "length" refers to the dimension of a component of the inhaler device in the longitudinal direction. For example, it can be used to refer to the longitudinal dimension of a capsule or hollow tubular element. The term "tangential" refers to a direction that is at an angle to the stated direction. For example, a tangential angle is not parallel to the stated direction.

The terms "proximal" and "distal" are used to describe the relative positions of components or parts of components of an inhaler article, holder, or inhalation system. Holders or elements (such as a sleeve) forming a holder according to the present invention have a proximal end, which accommodates the inhaler article during use, and an opposite distal end, which may be a closed end or have an end located closer to the proximal end of the holder. Inhaler articles according to the present invention have a proximal end. In use, powder particles exit the proximal end of the inhaler article for delivery to the user. The inhaler has a distal end opposite the proximal end. The proximal end of an inhaler article may also be referred to as the mouth end or the downstream end. The distal end of a component may correspond to the upstream end of such a component.

Unless otherwise specified, the resistance to draw (RTD) of an inhaler component or device is measured in accordance with ISO 6565-2015. RTD refers to the pressure required to propel air through the entire length of the component. The terms "pressure drop" or "resistance to draw" of a component or device may also refer to "resistance to draw." Such terms generally refer to measurements in accordance with ISO 6565-2015, which are typically performed under test conditions at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 17.5 milliliters per second at the outlet or downstream end of the component being measured, a temperature of approximately 22 degrees Celsius, a pressure of approximately 101 kPa (approximately 760 Torr), and a relative humidity of approximately 60%.

In the context of this document, the term "sheet" means a plate-like element having a width and a length substantially greater than its thickness.

An inhaler-type device may comprise an upstream section. The upstream section may comprise a bent end. The inhaler-type device may comprise a downstream section located downstream of the upstream section. The downstream section may be spaced apart from the upstream section. The downstream section may comprise a hollow tubular element.

An inhaler device may comprise a cavity defined between an upstream section and a downstream section. The cavity may be configured to contain a capsule containing an inhalable material. The inhalable material may be a dry powder. The cavity may be configured to be in fluid communication with the exterior of the inhaler device.

The Young's modulus (or elastic modulus) of the filter segment material may be greater than approximately 10 MPa. Unless otherwise specified, the Young's modulus of the filter segment material is measured in accordance with ASTM E111-17. The Young's modulus (or elastic modulus) of the filter segment material may be greater than approximately 20 MPa. The Young's modulus (or elastic modulus) of the filter segment material may be greater than approximately 30 MPa. The Young's modulus (or elastic modulus) preferably refers to the Young's modulus of the component material along the longitudinal axis or direction of the component.

A capsule can be identified by having a specific puncture strength (in Newtons). Capsule puncture strength refers to the specific piercing or penetration force (in Newtons) required to be applied to the capsule by a piercing element or needle to pierce or activate the capsule. Methods for measuring capsule puncture strength are known to those skilled in the art. For example, capsule puncture strength can be measured in accordance with ASTM F1306-16. For example, the puncture strength of a sample capsule can be measured using a piercing element or a hemispherical probe with a diameter of 3.2 mm (8 gauge).

The capsule can be pierced by inserting a piercing element through the upstream end of the inhaler article and into the capsule. The piercing element can be solid. The piercing element can be hollow. The piercing element can be a needle. The piercing element can be from 27 gauge (outer diameter is 0.42 mm) to 4 gauge (outer diameter is 5 mm). The piercing element can have a diameter in the range of approximately 0.42 mm to approximately 0.9 mm. The piercing element can have a diameter in the range of approximately 0.6 mm to approximately 0.9 mm. The piercing element can have a diameter that can be in the range of approximately 0.6 mm to approximately 0.9 mm. The piercing element can have a diameter in the range of approximately 0.7 mm to approximately 0.9 mm. The piercing element can have a diameter in the range of approximately 0.75 mm to approximately 0.85 mm. The piercing element may have a diameter of approximately 0.8 mm. The piercing element may have a beveled piercing end. For example, the piercing element may have a single cutting plane or a beveled edge defining the cutting plane. The piercing element may have a cutting plane angle between the longitudinal axis of the piercing element and the single cutting plane. The cutting plane angle may range from approximately 25 degrees to approximately 35 degrees. Preferably, the cutting plane angle ranges from approximately 28 degrees to approximately 32 degrees. Preferably, the cutting plane angle is approximately 30 degrees. It has been found that a force of approximately 5 Newtons or less is required to activate or pierce the capsule contained in the inhaler article described herein for piercing elements having these diameters and these cutting plane angles.

The force applied to the upstream end of the capsule by the piercing element during capsule piercing is transferred to the hollow tubular element. When the piercing element is pressed against the capsule, this force is transferred to the hollow tubular element. Therefore, the hollow tubular element must be strong enough to remain intact when this force is applied. Additionally, the hollow tubular element must ensure that particles released from the capsule after piercing and entrained in the airflow through the inhaler device are delivered to the mouthpiece of the inhaler device, where they can be delivered to the user.

The hollow tubular element may be configured to withstand a force of at least approximately 50% of the capsule's puncture strength applied to the upstream end of the hollow tubular element without significant deformation. The hollow tubular element may be configured to substantially maintain its structure when a longitudinal force of at least approximately 200% of the capsule's puncture strength is applied to the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may be configured to withstand a force of up to approximately 200% of the capsule's puncture strength applied to the upstream end of the hollow tubular element in the longitudinal direction without significant deformation. The hollow tubular element may be configured to withstand a force of up to approximately 100% of the capsule's puncture strength applied to the upstream end of the hollow tubular element without significant deformation. The hollow tubular element can be configured to withstand a force of up to approximately 200% of the capsule's piercing strength, applied to the upstream end of the hollow tubular element, without significant deformation. The hollow tubular element can be configured to withstand a force of at least 50% of the capsule's piercing strength to approximately 100% of the capsule's piercing strength, applied to the upstream end of the hollow tubular element, without significant deformation. The hollow tubular element can be configured to withstand a force of at least 50% of the capsule's piercing strength to approximately 200% of the capsule's piercing strength, applied to the upstream end of the hollow tubular element, without significant deformation. The hollow tubular element can be configured to withstand a force of 50% to 200% of the force required to pierce the capsule with the piercing element. The hollow tubular member may be configured to withstand a force of from approximately 3 Newtons to approximately 10 Newtons.

The hollow tubular element may extend from the cavity to the downstream end of the inhaler-type device. In other words, the length of the downstream section of the inhaler-type device may be the same as the length of the hollow tubular element.

The length of the hollow tubular element may be greater than approximately 10 mm. The length of the hollow tubular element may be greater than approximately 15 mm. The length of the hollow tubular element may be greater than approximately 20 mm. The length of the hollow tubular element may be less than approximately 30 mm. The length of the hollow tubular element may range from approximately 10 mm to 30 mm. The length of the hollow tubular element may range from approximately 10 millimeters to approximately 20 millimeters.

Preferably, the length of the hollow tubular element is from approximately 15 mm to 20 mm. The length of the hollow tubular element may be approximately 17 mm.

The inhaler article may have an outer diameter in the range of about 6 mm to about 10 mm, or about 7 mm to about 10 mm, or about 7 mm to about 9 mm, or about 7 mm to about 8 mm, or about 7.2 mm. The inhaler article may have a length (along the longitudinal axis) in the range of about 40 mm to about 100 mm, or about 40 mm to about 80 mm, or about 40 mm to about 60 mm. Preferably, the length of the inhaler article is approximately 45 mm. Preferably, the length of the inhaler article is selected such that the mouthpiece end of the inhaler article protrudes from the holder of the inhalation system, which is described in more detail below.

The distal, forward, or upstream end of the inhaler device may have a folded end. The folded end may fold backward to open the capsule in the cavity before puncturing the capsule contained in the cavity. The folded end may fold backward when the inhaler device is inserted into a holder that has additional features to allow the distal end of the inhaler device to fold.

The inhaler device can be placed in a holder. A piercing element can be provided with the holder. The piercing element can be inserted into and removed from the capsule by engaging a spring in the holder. The piercing element, provided with the holder, can then be inserted into the inhaler device, piercing the capsule. The piercing element can then be pulled out of the inhaler device, leaving the pierced capsule in the inhaler device.

The inhaler device can be removed from the holder. The inhaler device can remain in the holder. Powder can then be removed from the capsule located in the inhaler device by drawing air through the inhaler device from an air inlet located at the upstream end of the inhaler device to the mouthpiece or downstream end of the inhaler device. When air is drawn through the inhaler device from the upstream end of the inhaler device to the downstream end of the inhaler device past the punctured capsule, particles are released from the capsule and are entrained in the airflow through the inhaler device, delivering the particles to the mouthpiece or downstream end of the inhaler device and to the user. The holder may provide a swirling airflow to the downstream end of the inhaler article to induce a rotating airflow around the capsule, allowing the capsule to rotate and improving the release of particles from the capsule into the capsule cavities. The holder may provide a swirling airflow to the downstream end of the inhaler article to induce a rotating airflow around the capsule, shaking the capsule and improving the release of particles from the capsule into the capsule cavities. The inhaler article may have an end plug to induce a rotating airflow around the capsule, shaking the capsule and improving the release of particles from the capsule into the capsule cavities. The inhaler article may have an end plug to induce a rotating airflow around the capsule, rotating the capsule and improving the release of particles from the capsule into the capsule cavities.

The body of the inhaler-shaped article or "inhaler article" may have any suitable shape. The body of the inhaler-shaped article or "inhaler article" may resemble a smoking article or a conventional cigarette in size and shape. The inhaler article may have a substantially uniform outer diameter along the length of the inhaler article. The inhaler article may have a substantially uniform inner diameter along the length of the inhaler article. The inhaler article may have any suitable cross-sectional shape. For example, the cross-section may be circular, elliptical, square, or rectangular. The inhaler article preferably has a circular cross-section, which may be uniform along the length of the inhaler article, forming an elongated cylindrical body.

The inhaler article may comprise a hollow tube extending from the upstream end of the inhaler article to the hollow tubular element, such that the end plug and the capsule may be located within the hollow tube. The hollow tube and the upstream end of the hollow tubular element may define a cavity. The downstream end of the hollow tube may adjoin the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tube may be formed from a polymeric or cellulose material, or any other suitable material. The inhaler article may be formed from a biodegradable material. Preferably, the inhaler article is formed from thin cardboard or cardboard. The hollow tube may be formed from a biodegradable material. Preferably, the hollow tube is formed from thin cardboard or cardboard. The hollow tube may have a uniform thickness along its length. The hollow tube may have a thickness ranging from approximately 1 mm to approximately 2 mm.

An inhaler-type device may comprise a filter wrapper surrounding a hollow tubular element of a downstream section. The inhaler-type device may comprise a wrapping material or a cover for the inhaler-type device surrounding the hollow tube and the downstream section. The wrapping material may be made of a biodegradable material. The wrapping material may be made of paper wrapping.

The hollow tube may comprise an upstream section comprising a bent end. The bent end may define a central channel. The central channel may comprise a first end defining an upstream boundary of the capsule cavity and a second, opposite end defining the distal end of the body of the inhaler device. The second, opposite end may define an open distal end of the body of the inhaler device. When the bent end is opened, the second, opposite end may define the open distal end of the body of the inhaler device. The central channel may extend along the longitudinal axis of the inhaler device and define an opening at the distal end of the inhaler device that is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the inhaler device.

The predominantly hollow tube may contain an open opening along its longitudinal axis and may not have a feature blocking or sealing the open distal end of the inhaler device to reduce the complexity of the inhaler device. The user may simply seal or seal the open distal end with a holder or the user's finger to direct the inhaled air flow essentially through the air inlet openings on the inhaler device once the capsule is punctured.

The air flow through the inhaler article preferably enters the inhaler article through the upstream end of the inhaler article through the air flow inlet channels or through the open distal end, and then along the longitudinal axis of the inhaler article through the capsule cavity and the hollow tubular element for exiting through the mouthpiece or downstream end of the inhaler article.

The central channel may have a uniform internal or open diameter extending from the capsule cavity to the open distal end or the upstream end of the inhaler article. The central channel may have a diameter that is at least approximately 50%, or at least approximately 70%, or at least approximately 75% of the diameter of the inhaler article. The central channel may have a diameter that is in the range of from approximately 50% to approximately 90% of the diameter of the capsule retained within the capsule cavity. The central channel may have a diameter in the range of from approximately 3 mm to approximately 6.5 mm, or from approximately 4 mm to approximately 6 mm, or from approximately 5 mm to approximately 6 mm, or approximately 5.5 mm. Alternatively, the central channel may have a diameter in the range of from approximately 0.5 mm to approximately 2 mm. This size of the central channel ensures that the capsule cannot fall out of the inhaler article through the central channel.

Preferably, the capsule is retained within the capsule cavity.

As discussed above, the end cap or holder can induce a rotating airflow or swirling airflow when air is drawn through the airflow inlet channels of the end cap or holder and through the capsule cavity. This swirling airflow, created by the airflow inlet channels of the end cap or holder, is advantageous for efficient capsule consumption after piercing the capsule. The swirling effect can advantageously shake or rotate the capsule to ensure uniform capture of a portion or fraction of the nicotine particles from the capsule over two or more, five or more, or ten or more inhalations or "puffs" by the user.

The inhalable material may contain nicotine. Preferably, the capsule contains pharmaceutically active particles. The pharmaceutically active particles may contain nicotine. The pharmaceutically active particles may have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of approximately 5 micrometers or less, or in the range of approximately 0.5 micrometers to approximately 4 micrometers, or in the range of approximately 1 micrometer to approximately 3 micrometers.

Preferably, the inhaler device effectively delivers nicotine particles to the lungs at inhalation or airflow rates that are within the inhalation or airflow range of typical smoking. The inhaler device or inhalation system described herein can deliver dry powder to the lungs at inhalation or airflow rates that are within the inhalation or airflow range of typical smoking. The user can take multiple inhalations or "puffs," with each "puff" delivering a small amount of dry powder contained within a capsule contained within the capsule cavity. The inhaler device can be shaped like a conventional cigarette and can mimic the process of typical smoking. The inhaler device can be simple to manufacture and convenient for the user to use.

Directing airflow through the capsule cavity of an inhaler device can cause the capsule contained therein to rotate during inhalation and consumption. The capsule may contain nicotine-containing particles (also referred to as "nicotine powder" or "nicotine particles") and, optionally, flavor-containing particles (also referred to as "flavor particles"). Rotation of the punctured capsule can cause the nicotine particles released from the punctured capsule to be suspended and aerosolized into the inhaled air moving through the inhaler device. The flavor particles may be larger than the nicotine particles and may facilitate the transport of nicotine particles to the user's lungs, while the flavor particles preferentially remain in the user's mouth or buccal cavity. Nicotine particles and optionally flavor particles may be delivered by the inhaler product at inhalation or airflow rates that are within the inhalation or airflow rates of normal smoking.

The term "nicotine" refers to nicotine and nicotine derivatives such as freebase nicotine, nicotine salts, etc.

The term "flavoring" or "flavoring agent" refers to organoleptic compounds, compositions, or materials that modify and are intended to modify the flavor or aroma characteristics of nicotine during its consumption or inhalation.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an inhalation system comprising an inhaler article as described herein and a holder for receiving the inhaler article. The holder comprises a housing defining a cavity in the housing adapted to receive the inhaler article. The holder comprises a piercing element adapted to extend into the cavity of the housing and to pierce the capsule of the inhaler article.

The holder may contain a piercing element extending into the cavity of the casing, configured to pierce the capsule of the product in the form of an inhaler.

A holder for an inhaler product may be combined with an inhaler product (described herein) containing a capsule to activate the inhaler product by puncturing the capsule, to reliably activate the capsule (by puncturing the capsule with the holder's piercing element) within the inhaler product, and to release particles contained within the capsule, and to enable the inhaler product to deliver the particles to the consumer. The holder is separate from the inhaler product, but the consumer may use both the inhaler product and the holder to consume the particles released within the inhaler product. Multiple inhaler products may be combined with the holder to form a system or kit. One holder may be used on 10 or more, or 25 or more, or 50 or more, or 100 or more inhaler products to activate (puncture or pierce) the capsule contained within each inhaler product and provide reliable activation and optionally a visual indication (marking) for each inhaler product of the activation of the inhaler product.

A holder for an inhaler-type article comprises a casing comprising a casing cavity for containing the inhaler-type article, and a sleeve configured to retain the inhaler-type article within the casing cavity. The sleeve comprises a sleeve cavity and is configured to move within the casing cavity along the casing's longitudinal axis. The sleeve comprises a first open end and a second opposite end. The first open end is configured to contain the distal end of the inhaler-type article. The second opposite end of the sleeve is configured to contact the distal end of the inhaler-type article. The second opposite end of the sleeve is configured to direct substantially all inhaled air to flow through the inhaler-type article through at least one air inlet opening extending in a direction that is not parallel to the central channel.

The holder may comprise a structure in the form of an opening for receiving the bent distal end of the inhaler article and for bending the bent end backwards so that the bent folding elements of the distal end of the inhaler article bend backwards into the inhaler article, opening the capsule in the capsule cavity for the interior of the holder.

Preferably, the piercing element is attached to the inner surface of the casing and extends from it. The piercing element may be configured to pass through the second opposite end of the sleeve and into the capsule cavity to pierce the capsule along the longitudinal axis of the casing. The piercing element may be a metal or rigid needle. The piercing element may form a single opening through the capsule contained within the capsule cavity. The piercing element may be configured to pass through the end plug or hollow tube of the inhaler device, or more specifically, its central channel, and into the capsule cavity.

The holder may further comprise a spring element configured to bias the sleeve toward the open proximal end of the casing and between relaxed and compressed positions. The spring element may be contained within a cavity of the casing (also referred to as a cavity for the inhaler article) of the holder and compressed as the movable sleeve and the inhaler article move toward the piercing element. The spring element may be located between the sleeve and the distal end of the casing and be in contact with the sleeve and the distal end of the casing. The spring element may be located between the distal end of the sleeve and the distal end of the casing. The spring element may be in contact with the distal end of the sleeve and the distal end of the casing. The spring element may be positioned around the piercing element. The spring element may be coaxial with the piercing element. The spring element may be a conical spring.

The spring element biases the inhaler device away from the piercing element. During use, the user inserts the inhaler device into the inhaler device cavity of the holder. The spring can be compressed, allowing the inhaler device to move toward the distal end of the inhaler device cavity. Eventually, the piercing element can penetrate the capsule located inside the inhaler device. The user can then release the inhaler device, allowing the spring to bias the inhaler device toward the proximal end of the inhaler device cavity and away from the piercing element. The user can then inhale at the proximal end of the inhaler device.

The sleeve may define a first air inlet zone comprising at least one air opening through the sleeve. The first air inlet zone is located near the near end of the sleeve. The first air inlet zone is configured to allow air to flow from the interior of the sleeve into an air flow channel formed between the sleeve and the inner surface of the casing. The sleeve may comprise a second air inlet zone comprising at least one air opening through the sleeve. The second air inlet zone is located near the far end of the sleeve. The second air inlet zone is configured to allow air to flow from the air flow channel into the interior of the sleeve.

The holder may comprise a marking element that extends into the cavity of the casing (or the inhaler-type article). The marking element may be configured to mark the surface of the inhaler-type article. The marking element may extend orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the holder or the inhaler-type article. The marking element may be configured to mechanically mark the outer surface of the inhaler-type article. For example, the marking element may be configured to scratch, incise, scrape, notch, fold, or bend the outer surface of the inhaler-type article. The marking element may have a sharp end configured to scratch the outer surface of the inhaler when placed within the cavity of the casing. The marking element may apply color to the outer surface of the inhaler-type article when placed within the cavity of the casing. The marking element may mark the outer surface of the inhaler device when the piercing element penetrates the capsule located inside the inhaler device. This indicates that the inhaler device has been activated and is ready for use by the user. This may also advantageously prevent the user from attempting to reuse an inhaler device that has already been activated.

The marking element may extend orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the holder or the inhaler-shaped article. The marking element may be formed from a rigid material designed to provide a visual indication that the marking element has been in contact with the outer surface of the inhaler. The marking element may be attached to the holder housing. The marking element may form a mounting pin, as described above.

The marking element may extend through at least a portion of the thickness of the holder. The marking element may extend through the sleeve. The marking element may extend into the housing cavity and into the sleeve. The marking element may extend beyond at least the sleeve by a marking distance so that the marking element is in contact with the outer surface of the inhaler when the inhaler-like article is inserted into the housing cavity. The marking element may be aligned and articulated with an elongated slot in the sleeve.

The inhaler device described herein may be combined with a piercing element or a holder containing a piercing element for delivering nicotine particles from a capsule to a user. The piercing element or piercing device (or holder) may be separate from or not form part of the inhaler device. A plurality of such inhaler devices may be combined with a piercing element or piercing device (or holder) to form a kit.

The method comprises inserting an inhaler article into a sleeve of a holder for an inhaler article, as described herein, until the distal end of the inhaler article contacts a second opposite end of the sleeve. The method comprises inserting the inhaler article into a sleeve of a holder for an inhaler article, as described herein, until the distal bent end of the inhaler article contacts the complementary elements of the holder with bending the folding elements of the bent end into the distal end of the inhaler article and into the interior of the distal end of the inhaler article. The inhaler article has a housing, wherein the housing extends along the longitudinal axis of the inhaler from the mouthpiece end to the distal end, the length of the housing, and a capsule located inside the housing of the inhaler article. Next, move the inhaler device and sleeve toward the piercing element until the piercing element punctures the capsule. Then, move the sleeve away from the piercing element until the piercing element is removed from the punctured capsule. Then, draw air into the second, opposite end of the holder sleeve to direct the inhaled air flow into the air inlet openings on the inhaler device, creating a rotating or swirling air flow through the cavity of the inhaler device. This swirling inhaled air flow is transferred to the capsule cavity while the inhaler device is positioned within the inhaler device holder. The swirling inhaled air flow rotates or shakes the capsule, releasing the particles contained within. The particles are captured in the air flow, and the user inhales the particles. This can be repeated several times until the particles contained in the capsule are used up. For example, the user can take several "puffs" while inhaling the particles contained in the capsule. The consumed inhaler can then be removed from the holder and discarded. A new inhaler can then be inserted into the holder and the process repeated.

The capsule may be sealed within the inhaler device prior to use. For transportation and storage, the inhaler device may be contained within a sealed or airtight container or pouch. The inhaler device may contain one or more peelable sealing layers to cover one or more air inlet channels at the distal end or an air outlet at the mouthpiece end of the inhaler device. This may ensure proper hygiene and freshness of the inhaler device or may prevent the capsule from drying out and becoming hard and brittle.

The capsule may rotate about its longitudinal or central axis when air is drawn through the inhaler article. The capsule may be formed from an airtight material that substantially retains particles within the capsule. The capsule may be configured to be pierced or punctured by a piercing element when the capsule is located within the capsule cavity. The piercing element may be separate from the inhaler article or integrated with it. The capsule may be formed from any suitable material. The capsule may be formed from a metal or polymeric material that serves to retain contaminants outside the capsule but may be pierced or punctured by the piercing element prior to consumption to allow the release of nicotine particles from the interior of the capsule. The capsule may be formed from a polymeric material. The polymeric material may be hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). The capsule may be of any suitable size. The capsule may be a size 1-4 capsule or a size 3 capsule, or a size 3 capsule.

The capsule may contain pharmaceutically active particles containing nicotine (also referred to as "nicotine powder" or "nicotine particles") and, optionally, particles containing a flavoring agent (also referred to as "flavoring particles"). The capsule may contain a predetermined number of nicotine particles and, optionally, flavoring particles. The capsule may contain a sufficient number of nicotine particles to provide at least 2 inhalations or "puffs," or at least about 5 inhalations or "puffs," or at least about 10 inhalations or "puffs." The capsule may contain a sufficient number of nicotine particles to provide from about 5 to about 50 inhalations or "puffs," or from about 10 to about 30 inhalations or "puffs." Each inhalation or "puff" can deliver from about 0.1 mg to about 3 mg of nicotine particles to the user's lungs, or from about 0.2 mg to about 2 mg of nicotine particles to the user's lungs, or about 1 mg of nicotine particles to the user's lungs.

The nicotine particles may have any suitable concentration of nicotine based on the particular formulation used. The nicotine particles may contain from at least about 1% by weight of nicotine up to about 30% by weight of nicotine, or from about 2% by weight to about 25% by weight of nicotine, or from about 3% by weight to about 20% by weight of nicotine, or from about 4% by weight to about 15% by weight of nicotine, or from about 5% by weight to about 13% by weight of nicotine. Preferably, each inhalation or "puff" can deliver from about 50 to about 150 micrograms of nicotine to the user's lungs.

The capsule may hold or contain at least about 5 mg of nicotine particles or at least about 10 mg of nicotine particles. The capsule may hold or contain less than about 900 mg of nicotine particles, or less than about 300 mg of nicotine particles, or less than 150 mg of nicotine particles. The capsule may hold or contain from about 5 mg to about 300 mg of nicotine particles or from about 10 mg to about 200 mg of nicotine particles.

When flavor particles are mixed or combined within a capsule with nicotine particles, the flavor particles may be present in an amount that ensures that the desired flavor is delivered to the user with each inhalation or "puff."

Nicotine particles can have any suitable size distribution for delivery upon inhalation, preferably to the user's lungs. A capsule may contain particles other than nicotine particles. Nicotine particles and other particles can form a powder system.

The capsule may hold or contain at least about 5 mg of dry powder (also referred to as a powder system) or at least about 10 mg of dry powder. The capsule may hold or contain less than about 900 mg of dry powder, or less than about 300 mg of dry powder, or less than about 150 mg of dry powder. The capsule may hold or contain from about 5 mg to about 300 mg of dry powder, or from about 10 mg to about 200 mg of dry powder, or from about 25 mg to about 100 mg of dry powder.

The dry powder or powder system may have at least about 40%, or at least about 60%, or at least about 80% by weight of the powder system contained in nicotine particles having a particle size of about 5 micrometers or less or in the range of about 1 micrometer to about 5 micrometers.

Nicotine-containing particles may have a mass-median aerodynamic diameter of approximately 5 micrometers or less, or in the range of approximately 0.5 micrometers to approximately 4 micrometers, or in the range of approximately 1 micrometer to approximately 3 micrometers, or in the range of approximately 1.5 micrometers to approximately 2.5 micrometers. The mass-median aerodynamic diameter is preferably measured using a cascade impactor.

The flavor-containing particles may have a mass-median aerodynamic diameter of approximately 20 micrometers or greater, or approximately 50 micrometers or greater, or in the range of approximately 50 to approximately 200 micrometers, or from approximately 50 to approximately 150 micrometers. The mass-median aerodynamic diameter is preferably measured using a cascade impactor.

The dry powder may have an average diameter of approximately 60 micrometers or less, or in the range of approximately 1 micrometer to approximately 40 micrometers, or in the range of approximately 1.5 micrometers to approximately 25 micrometers. The average diameter refers to the average diameter per unit mass and is preferably measured using laser diffraction, laser diffusion, or an electron microscope.

The nicotine in the nicotine powder system or particles may be pharmaceutically acceptable nicotine in free base form, a nicotine salt, or a nicotine salt hydrate. Suitable nicotine salts or nicotine salt hydrates include, for example, nicotine pyruvate, nicotine citrate, nicotine aspartate, nicotine lactate, nicotine bitartrate, nicotine salicylate, nicotine fumarate, nicotine monopyruvate, nicotine glutamate, or nicotine hydrochloride. The compound combined with nicotine to form the salt or salt hydrate can be selected based on its anticipated pharmacological effect.

The nicotine particles preferably comprise an amino acid. Preferably, the amino acid is leucine, such as L-leucine. By providing an amino acid, such as L-leucine, with the nicotine-containing particles, the adhesive forces of the nicotine-containing particles can be reduced, and the attraction between the nicotine particles can be reduced, thereby reducing the agglomeration of the nicotine particles. Similarly, the adhesive forces to the flavor-containing particles can also be reduced, thereby also reducing the agglomeration of the nicotine particles with the flavor particles. The powder system described herein can thus be a free-flowing material and have a stable relative particle size of each powder component, even when the nicotine particles and flavor particles are combined.

Preferably, the nicotine is a surface-modified nicotine salt, wherein the nicotine salt particle comprises a coated particle or composite particle. A preferred coating material or composite material may be L-leucine. One particularly suitable nicotine particle may be nicotine bitartrate with L-leucine.

The powder system may contain a plurality of flavor particles. The flavor particles may have any suitable size distribution for selective delivery to the user's oral or buccal cavity upon inhalation.

The powder system may contain at least about 40%, or at least about 60%, or at least about 80% by weight of a plurality of particles of the flavoring substance of the powder system contained in particles having a particle size of about 20 micrometers or more. The powder system may contain at least about 40%, or at least about 60%, or at least about 80% by weight of a plurality of particles of the flavoring substance of the powder system contained in particles having a particle size of about 50 micrometers or more. The powder system may contain at least about 40%, or at least about 60%, or at least about 80% by weight of a plurality of particles of the flavoring substance of the powder system contained in particles having a particle size in the range from about 50 micrometers to about 150 micrometers.

Flavor-containing particles may include a compound for reducing adhesion forces or surface energy and the resulting agglomeration. The flavor particle may be surface-modified with a compound for reducing adhesion to form a coated flavor particle. One preferred adhesion-reducing compound may be magnesium stearate. By providing an adhesion-reducing compound, such as magnesium stearate, to the flavor particle, in particular by coating the flavor particle, the adhesion forces of the flavor-containing particles can be reduced and the attraction between the flavor particles can be reduced, thereby reducing the agglomeration of the flavor particles. Thus, the agglomeration of the flavor particles with nicotine particles can also be reduced. The powder system described herein can thus have a stable relative particle size for the nicotine-containing particles and flavor-containing particles, even when the nicotine particles and flavor particles are combined. The powder system can preferably be free-flowing.

Conventional dry powder formulations contain carrier particles, which enhance fluidization of the active particles, as the active particles may be too small to be exposed solely to the airflow through the inhaler. A powder system may contain carrier particles. These carrier particles may be saccharides, such as lactose or mannitol, which can have a particle size greater than approximately 50 micrometers. Carrier particles can be used to improve dose uniformity by acting as a diluent or bulking agent in the formulation.

The powder system used with the nicotine powder delivery system described herein may be carrier-free or substantially free of a saccharide, such as lactose or mannitol. The absence of a carrier or the substantial absence of a saccharide, such as lactose or mannitol, may enable inhalation and delivery of nicotine to the user's lungs at inhalation or airflow rates similar to those experienced during typical smoking.

Nicotine particles and flavoring can be combined in a single capsule. As described above, both the nicotine particles and flavoring can have reduced adhesion forces, resulting in a stable particle composition in which the particle size of each component remains substantially unchanged upon combination. Alternatively, the powder system comprises nicotine particles contained within one capsule and flavoring particles contained within a second capsule.

The nicotine particles and the flavor particles may be combined in any suitable relative amount so that the flavor particles are perceived by the user during consumption together with the nicotine particles. Preferably, the nicotine particles and the flavor particles constitute at least about 90 wt.%, or at least about 95 wt.%, or at least about 99 wt.%, or 100 wt.% of the total weight of the powder system.

The inhaler and inhalation system may be less complex and have a simplified airflow path compared to conventional dry powder inhalers. The rotation of the capsule within the inhaler device primarily aerosolizes the nicotine particles or the powder system and may help maintain a free-flowing powder. Therefore, the inhaler device may eliminate the need for the higher inhalation flow rates typically used in conventional inhalers to deliver the nicotine particles described above deep into the lungs.

The inhaler product may utilize a flow rate of less than approximately 5 L/min, or less than approximately 3 L/min, or less than approximately 2 L/min, or approximately 1.6 L/min. Preferably, the flow rate may be in the range of approximately 1 L/min to approximately 3 L/min, or approximately 1.5 L/min to approximately 2.5 L/min. Preferably, the inhalation rate or flow rate may be close to the Health Canada smoking regimen value, which is approximately 1.6 L/min.

An inhalation system can be used by the user similar to smoking a regular cigarette or vaping an e-cigarette. Smoking or vaping can be characterized by two stages: the first stage, during which a small volume containing the entire required amount of nicotine is drawn into the mouth. This is followed by a second stage, during which this small volume, containing the desired amount of nicotine, is further diluted with fresh air and drawn deeper into the lungs. Both stages are controlled by the user. During the first stage of inhalation, the user can control the amount of nicotine to be inhaled. During the second stage, the user can control the volume to dilute the first volume, which is then drawn deeper into the lungs, maximizing the concentration of the active agent delivered to the surface of the respiratory epithelium. This smoking mechanism is sometimes referred to as "puff-inhale-exhale."

The dry powder used in conjunction with the dry powder inhaler of the present invention can eliminate or substantially reduce any exhalation of pharmaceutically active particles during the "exhalation" phase. Preferably, substantially all, or at least about 99%, or at least about 95%, or at least 90% of the pharmaceutically active particles have a particle size that ensures delivery to the lungs, but is not small enough to be exhaled during quiet breathing. The size of the pharmaceutically active particles can range from about 0.75 micrometers to about 5 micrometers, or from 0.8 micrometers to about 3 micrometers, or from 0.8 micrometers to about 2 micrometers.

As indicated above, the article in the form of an inhaler comprises a hollow tubular element, which comprises: a peripheral portion defining a hollow internal region of the hollow tubular element; and a support element formed from a sheet and extending from a first point on the peripheral portion through the hollow internal region to a second point on the peripheral portion.

The peripheral portion may be referred to as the peripheral portion of the material. The peripheral portion may be formed from a sheet. The peripheral portion and the supporting element may be formed as a single unit from the sheet. In other words, the peripheral portion and the supporting element may be formed from the same sheet. The peripheral portion and the supporting element may be formed from separate sheets.

The peripheral portion may comprise a tube. The peripheral portion may be formed from a tube. The tube may be separated from a sheet that forms a support element. The tube may be formed from a sheet that is the same as the sheet that forms the support element or different from it. For example, the peripheral portion may comprise a tube that is separated from the sheet that forms the support element; the first end of the sheet that forms the support element may be in contact with the tube up to a first point on the peripheral portion, where it deviates from the tube and into the hollow internal region; the second end of the sheet that forms the support element may be in contact with the tube up to a second point on the peripheral portion, where it deviates from the tube and into the hollow internal region; the portion of the sheet between the first point on the peripheral portion and the second point on the peripheral portion may form a support element that continues from the first point on the peripheral portion through the hollow internal region to the second point on the peripheral portion. In this case, the peripheral portion comprises a portion of the sheet extending from the first end of the sheet to the first point on the peripheral portion, and a portion of the sheet extending from the second point on the peripheral portion to the second end of the sheet.

If the peripheral portion contains a tube, the sheet forming the support member may be attached to the tube using adhesive at the points where the sheet is in contact with the tube.

The peripheral portion may form the outer surface of a hollow tubular element. If the peripheral portion is formed from a sheet, preferably the portion of the sheet forming the peripheral portion forms the outer surface of the hollow tubular element. Substantially the entire portion of the sheet forming the peripheral portion may form the outer surface of the hollow tubular element. The outer surface of the hollow tubular element may be curved.

The support element may extend along a portion of the length of the hollow tubular element. Preferably, the support element extends from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. This means that the support element may be located at the end of the hollow tubular element closest to the capsule. In this way, the support element may be better able to prevent or limit the movement of the capsule, for example, when the capsule is punctured. Preferably, the support element extends to the downstream end of the hollow tubular element. The support element may extend along a distance of from about 10 percent to about 100 percent of the length of the hollow tubular element, preferably along a distance of from about 25 percent to about 100 percent of the length of the hollow tubular element, more preferably along a distance of from about 50 percent to about 100 percent of the length of the hollow tubular element. Most preferably, the support element extends along substantially the entire length of the hollow tubular element. Thus, the support element may have a length equal to approximately the length of the hollow tubular element. This can provide the hollow tubular member with additional mechanical strength and rigidity along the entire length of the hollow tubular member.

The support element may extend from the peripheral portion along a first fold line of the sheet forming the support element, with the first fold line located at a first point on the peripheral portion. This advantageously simplifies the fabrication of the hollow tubular element and may provide a suitable support barrier for one or more components located upstream of the hollow tubular element, such as a capsule.

The sheet that forms the support element may also form part of the peripheral portion. For example, the portion of the sheet adjacent to the first fold line and located on the other side of the first fold line from the support element may form part of the peripheral portion. This portion of the sheet may be attached to the rest of the peripheral portion using adhesive. The use of adhesive may help increase the mechanical strength of the hollow tubular element in one or both of the longitudinal and transverse directions. This may thus help improve the ability of the hollow tubular element to provide a support barrier and its resistance to fracture or deformation. The portion of the sheet adjacent to the first fold line and located on the other side of the first fold line from the support element may form the entire peripheral portion.

The first fold line may extend along a portion of the length of the hollow tubular element. In this case, the support element also extends along a portion of the length of the hollow tubular element. Preferably, the first fold line extends from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. Preferably, the first fold line extends to the downstream end of the hollow tubular element. The first fold line may extend along approximately 10 percent or more of the length of the hollow tubular element, preferably along approximately 25 percent or more of the length of the hollow tubular element, more preferably along approximately 50 percent or more of the length of the hollow tubular element. Most preferably, the first fold line extends along substantially the entire length of the hollow tubular element.

The first fold line may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element. The first fold line may not be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element. The first fold line may be designed so that it is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element, resulting in the internal protrusion creating a swirling air flow structure within the hollow interior of the hollow tubular element.

If the sheet contains a fold line, the sheet may be deflected at an angle greater than approximately 45 degrees relative to the fold line, greater than approximately 60 degrees relative to the fold line, greater than approximately 75 degrees relative to the fold line, or greater than approximately 90 degrees relative to the fold line.

The fold line may be a folding line. The sheet may contain a creasing line aligned with the fold line to facilitate folding.

The first fold line can only be the fold line along which the supporting element departs from the peripheral part.

The support element may comprise a sheet end. The sheet end may be in contact with the peripheral portion at a second point on the peripheral portion. The sheet end may be attached to the peripheral portion at a second point on the peripheral portion using adhesive.

Preferably, the support element extends from the peripheral portion along the second fold line of the sheet, wherein the second fold line is located at the second point on the peripheral portion. This can provide the hollow tubular element with sufficient mechanical strength and rigidity in one or both of the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction to prevent or limit the movement of one or more components located upstream of the hollow tubular element, for example a capsule, without significant deformation of the hollow tubular element during use of the inhaler article, for example, during interaction of the inhaler article with a holder for receiving the inhaler article. The second fold line can extend along a portion of the length of the hollow tubular element. The second fold line can extend along approximately 10 percent or more of the length of the hollow tubular element, preferably along approximately 25 percent or more of the length of the hollow tubular element, more preferably along approximately 50 percent or more of the length of the hollow tubular element. Most preferably, the second fold line extends along substantially the entire length of the hollow tubular element.

Preferably, the first fold line and the second fold line extend along the length of the hollow tubular member by approximately the same amount.

The first fold line and the second fold line may be parallel to each other. The first fold line and the second fold line do not have to be parallel to each other.

Preferably, the first point on the peripheral portion and the second point on the peripheral portion have the same longitudinal position. That is, the first point on the peripheral portion and the second point on the peripheral portion are preferably located in the same cross-sectional plane.

The first point on the peripheral portion and the second point on the peripheral portion may be spaced apart from each other. The first point on the peripheral portion and the second point on the peripheral portion may be spaced apart by approximately 0.05 millimeters or more, preferably by approximately 0.3 millimeters or more, and more preferably by approximately 0.5 millimeters or more.

The first point on the peripheral portion and the second point on the peripheral portion may be spaced from each other by approximately 3 millimeters or less, preferably by approximately 2.5 millimeters or less, more preferably by approximately 2 millimeters or less.

The first point on the peripheral portion and the second point on the peripheral portion may be spaced from each other by a distance of from about 0.05 millimeters to about 3 millimeters, preferably from about 0.3 millimeters to about 2.5 millimeters, more preferably from about 0.5 millimeters to about 2 millimeters.

The first point on the peripheral portion and the second point on the peripheral portion may be spaced apart from each other along the circumference of the hollow tubular element by approximately 0.2 percent or more of the circumference of the hollow tubular element, preferably by approximately 2 percent or more of the circumference of the hollow tubular element, more preferably by approximately 3 percent or more of the circumference of the hollow tubular element.

The first point on the peripheral portion and the second point on the peripheral portion may be spaced apart from each other along the circumference of the hollow tubular element by approximately 12 percent or less of the circumference of the hollow tubular element, preferably by approximately 10 percent or less of the circumference of the hollow tubular element, more preferably by approximately 8 percent or less of the circumference of the hollow tubular element.

The first point on the peripheral portion and the second point on the peripheral portion may be spaced apart from each other along the circumference of the hollow tubular element by an amount from about 0.2 percent to about 12 percent of the circumference of the hollow tubular element, preferably from about 2 percent to about 10 percent of the circumference of the hollow tubular element, more preferably from about 3 percent to about 8 percent of the circumference of the hollow tubular element.

The first point on the peripheral portion and the second point on the peripheral portion may be spaced approximately halfway around the hollow tubular element's circumference. That is, the first point on the peripheral portion and the second point on the peripheral portion may be approximately diametrically opposite each other.

The first point on the peripheral portion and the second point on the peripheral portion may be spaced apart from each other around the circumference of the hollow tubular element by an amount from about 5 percent to about 50 percent of the circumference of the hollow tubular element, preferably from 10 percent to about 40 percent of the circumference of the hollow tubular element, more preferably from about 15 percent to about 30 percent of the circumference of the hollow tubular element.

The first point on the peripheral portion and the second point on the peripheral portion may be adjacent to each other. The first point on the peripheral portion and the second point on the peripheral portion may be separated by approximately zero millimeters. The first point on the peripheral portion and the second point on the peripheral portion may be in contact with each other. The first point on the peripheral portion and the second point on the peripheral portion may be attached to each other using adhesive. The use of adhesive can contribute to increasing the mechanical strength of the hollow tubular element in one or both of the longitudinal and transverse directions. Thus, this can contribute to improving the hollow tubular element's resistance to fracture or deformation.

The support element may be in contact with the peripheral portion at an additional point on the peripheral portion, distinct from the first point on the peripheral portion and distinct from the second point on the peripheral portion. If the support element is in contact with the peripheral portion, the support element may be attached to that point on the peripheral portion using adhesive.

The support element may comprise a tip, wherein the tip is located within the hollow internal region. The tip may be spaced from the peripheral portion. The tip may be spaced from the peripheral portion by a distance of approximately 0.6 millimeters or more, preferably approximately 1.5 millimeters or more, more preferably approximately 2 millimeters or more, or approximately 3 millimeters or more.

The tip may be spaced from the radial center of the hollow tubular element by a distance of approximately 0.2 millimeters or more, preferably approximately 0.5 millimeters or more, more preferably approximately 1 millimeter or more.

The tip may be spaced from the radial center of the hollow tubular member by a distance of approximately 3 millimeters or less, preferably approximately 2.5 millimeters or less, more preferably approximately 2 millimeters or less.

The tip may be spaced from the radial center of the hollow tubular element by a distance of from about 0.2 millimeters to about 3 millimeters, preferably from about 0.5 millimeters to about 2.5 millimeters, more preferably from about 1 millimeter to about 2 millimeters.

The tip may be spaced from the radial center of the hollow tubular element by approximately 1.5 millimeters.

The tip may be located at a point adjacent to a point on the peripheral portion. The tip may be in contact with the peripheral portion. The tip may be located at the radial center of the hollow tubular element.

The tip may be located at approximately equal distances from the first point on the peripheral part and the second point on the peripheral part.

In the context of this document, the term "radial center" is used to refer to the center of the cross-section of a hollow tubular member.

The tip may be pointed. For example, the support element may have a substantially triangular cross-section.

The tip may be rounded. For example, the support element may have a substantially parabolic cross-section.

The tip may be flat. For example, the support element may have a substantially trapezoidal cross-section.

The support element may comprise a third sheet fold line. That is, the sheet forming the support element may comprise a third sheet fold line between a first point on the peripheral portion and a second point on the peripheral portion. The support element may comprise a third sheet fold line between the first fold line and the second fold line. This may further enhance the strength of the hollow tubular element in one or both of the longitudinal and transverse directions, allowing the hollow tubular element to withstand greater forces applied to it in one or both of the longitudinal and transverse directions before significantly deforming. This may thus improve the ability of the hollow tubular element to prevent or limit the movement of one or more components located upstream of the hollow tubular element, such as a capsule.

The third fold line may be located at the periphery of the hollow tubular element or adjacent to it.

The third fold line can define the tip of the support element.

The third fold line can be positioned approximately equal distances from the first fold line and the second fold line. The third fold line can be positioned closer to the first fold line than the second fold line.

Preferably, there is approximately the same amount of sheet material between the first fold line and the third fold line as there is between the second fold line and the third fold line. There may be less sheet material between the first fold line and the third fold line than between the second fold line and the third fold line.

The surface of the support element along the longitudinal direction may be substantially flat. Thus, the cross-section of the hollow tubular element may comprise a straight line corresponding to the substantially flat surface of the support element along the longitudinal direction. The substantially flat surface may extend from a first point on the peripheral portion. The substantially flat surface may extend to a second point on the peripheral portion. The substantially flat surface may extend from the first point on the peripheral portion to a second point on the peripheral portion. If there is a first sheet fold line, the substantially flat surface may extend from the first fold line. If there is a second sheet fold line, the substantially flat surface may extend to the second fold line. If there are both a first sheet fold line and a second sheet fold line, the substantially flat surface may extend from the first fold line to the second fold line. If there are both a first sheet fold line and a third sheet fold line, the substantially flat surface may extend from the first fold line to the third fold line. If there is both a second sheet fold line and a third sheet fold line, a substantially flat surface may extend from the second fold line to the third fold line.

The support element may comprise a substantially straight portion, when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The substantially straight portion may extend from a first point on the peripheral portion, when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The substantially straight portion may extend to a second point on the peripheral portion, when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The substantially straight portion may extend from a first point on the peripheral portion to a second point on the peripheral portion, when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. In particular, if there is a first sheet fold line, the substantially straight portion may extend from the first sheet fold line, when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. If there is a second sheet fold line, the substantially straight portion may extend to the second fold line, when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. If both a first fold line and a second sheet fold line are present, a substantially flat surface may extend from the first fold line to the second fold line, as viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. If both a first fold line and a third sheet fold line are present, a substantially straight portion may extend from the first fold line to the third fold line, as viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. If both a second fold line and a third sheet fold line are present, a substantially straight portion may extend from the second fold line to the third fold line, as viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element.

If both a first fold line and a third fold line are present, the first fold line and the third fold line may define the first sidewall of the support element. That is, the first sidewall may extend from the first fold line to the third fold line, with no fold lines between them. The first sidewall may be substantially straight. The first sidewall may be curved.

The first side wall may be completely covered by the peripheral portion of the hollow tubular element and, therefore, does not form an outer surface of the hollow tubular element.

If both a second fold line and a third fold line are present, the second fold line and the third fold line may define the second sidewall of the support element. That is, the second sidewall may extend from the second fold line to the third fold line, with no fold lines between them. The second sidewall may be substantially straight, or the second sidewall may be curved.

The second side wall may be completely covered by the peripheral portion of the hollow tubular element and, therefore, does not form an outer surface of the hollow tubular element.

The first side wall of the support element may form the outer surface of the hollow tubular element. The second side wall of the support element may form the outer surface of the hollow tubular element. For example, the hollow tubular element may comprise a peripheral portion and a support element formed integrally from the same sheet; wherein substantially the entire peripheral portion and substantially the entire support element are formed from a single layer of the sheet (excluding a seam); wherein the support element extends from the peripheral portion along both a first fold line of the sheet and a second fold line of the sheet; wherein the support element comprises a third fold line located within the hollow inner region of the hollow tubular element, wherein the first fold line and the third fold line define a substantially straight first side wall of the support element, the second fold line and the third fold line define a substantially straight second side wall of the support element; and wherein the first side wall and the second side wall form an angle of, for example, 30 degrees relative to the third fold line. In this example, the first side wall forms the outer surface of the hollow tubular element, and the second side wall forms the outer surface of the hollow tubular element.

The outer surface of the hollow tubular element may be formed from a peripheral portion, a first side wall of the support element and a second side wall of the support element.

If the first side wall is substantially straight and the second side wall is substantially straight, the first side wall and the second side wall may define an angle between them of approximately 5 degrees or greater. That is, the angle between the first side wall and the second side wall may be approximately 5 degrees or greater. In other words, the angle relative to the third fold line may be approximately 5 degrees or greater. Preferably, the angle between the first side wall and the second side wall at the third fold line is approximately 10 degrees or greater, more preferably approximately 15 degrees or greater, and even more preferably approximately 20 degrees or greater.

If the first side wall is substantially straight and the second side wall is substantially straight, the angle between the first side wall and the second side wall may be approximately 50 degrees or less, preferably the angle between the first side wall and the second side wall at the third fold line is approximately 45 degrees or less, more preferably approximately 40 degrees or less, even more preferably approximately 35 degrees or less.

If the first side wall is substantially straight and the second side wall is substantially straight, the angle between the first side wall and the second side wall may be from about 5 degrees to about 50 degrees, preferably from about 10 degrees to about 45 degrees, more preferably from about 15 degrees to about 40 degrees, even more preferably from about 20 degrees to about 35 degrees.

The surface of the first side wall and the surface of the second side wall may be in contact with each other. The surface of the first side wall and the surface of the second side wall may be attached to each other using an adhesive. Substantially the entire outer surface of the first side wall and substantially the entire outer surface of the second side wall may be in contact with each other. Substantially the entire outer surface of the first side wall and substantially the entire outer surface of the second side wall may be attached to each other using an adhesive. The use of an adhesive may contribute to increasing the mechanical strength of the hollow tubular element in one or both of the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction. Thus, this may contribute to improving the resistance of the hollow tubular element to destruction or deformation and the ability of the hollow tubular element to prevent or limit the movement of one or more components located upstream of the hollow tubular element, for example, a capsule. If the first side wall is substantially straight and the second side wall is substantially straight, the angle formed between the first side wall and the second side wall may be approximately zero degrees.

The cross-section of the support element may comprise a curved portion. The support element may comprise a curved portion when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The support element may have a substantially s-shaped cross-section. The support element may be substantially s-shaped when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The support element may have a substantially omega-shaped cross-section. The support element may be substantially omega-shaped when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The support element may have a substantially c-shaped cross-section. The support element may be substantially c-shaped when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element.

The support element may have a wave-like profile when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The support element may comprise multiple peaks and valleys when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The support element may be substantially sinusoidal when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The support element may have a substantially triangular wave-like profile when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. For example, the support element may be substantially w-shaped when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element.

The hollow tubular element may comprise at least one longitudinal plane of symmetry. The hollow tubular element may be radially symmetrical. This may simplify assembly of the inhaler device, as the orientation of the hollow tubular element within the inhaler device may be less critical. Furthermore, this may also mean that the hollow tubular element is able to distribute loads more evenly, allowing it to withstand increased forces applied to it.

Preferably, the cross-sectional area of the hollow tubular element is substantially constant along its entire length. This may result in the draw resistance of the inhaler device also being constant along its entire length.

Preferably, the hollow tubular element has a substantially constant cross-section along its entire length. That is, the cross-section of the hollow tubular element does not vary substantially along its entire length. This may simplify the manufacture of the hollow tubular element. Alternatively, the cross-section of the hollow tubular element may vary along its length. For example, the support element may have a cross-section that varies along the length of the hollow tubular element. For example, the support element may not extend along the entire length of the hollow tubular element.

The support element may divide the hollow interior of the hollow tubular element into multiple channels. The number of channels may be selected based on the desired nucleation of aerosol particles and the desired draw resistance of the inhaler product. The support element may divide the cavity of the hollow tubular element into two channels. The support element may divide the cavity of the hollow tubular element into three channels. The support element may divide the cavity of the hollow tubular element into four channels. The support element may divide the cavity of the hollow tubular element into a number of channels ranging from two to four. The support element may divide the cavity of the hollow tubular element into at least three channels.

The support member may extend through the radial center of the hollow tubular member.

The support member may be spaced from the radial center of the hollow tubular member by a distance of approximately 5 percent or more of the radius of the hollow tubular member, preferably approximately 10 percent or more of the radius of the hollow tubular member, more preferably approximately 15 percent or more of the radius of the hollow tubular member.

The support element may be spaced from the radial center of the hollow tubular element at a distance of approximately 90 percent or less of the radius of the hollow tubular element, preferably approximately 80 percent or less of the radius of the hollow tubular element from the radial center of the hollow tubular element, more preferably approximately 70 percent or less of the radius of the hollow tubular element from the radial center of the hollow tubular element.

The support element may be spaced from the radial center of the hollow tubular element by a distance of from about 5 percent to about 90 percent of the radius of the hollow tubular element, preferably from about 10 percent to about 80 percent of the radius of the hollow tubular element, more preferably from about 15 percent to about 70 percent of the radius of the hollow tubular element.

The support element may be spaced from the radial center of the hollow tubular element by a distance of approximately 0.2 millimeters or more, preferably approximately 0.5 millimeters or more, more preferably approximately 1 millimeter or more from the radial center of the hollow tubular element.

The support element may be spaced from the radial center of the hollow tubular element by a distance of approximately 3 millimeters or less, preferably approximately 2.5 millimeters or less, more preferably approximately 2 millimeters or less, or approximately 1 millimeter or less.

The support element may be spaced from the radial center of the hollow tubular element by a distance of from about 0.2 millimeters to about 3 millimeters, preferably from about 0.5 millimeters to about 2.5 millimeters, more preferably from about 1 millimeter to about 2 millimeters or from about 0.5 millimeters to about 1 millimeter.

If the support member comprises a tip, the support member may have a depth of approximately 0.6 millimeters or more, preferably approximately 1 millimeter or more, more preferably approximately 1.5 millimeters or more.

If the support member comprises a tip, the support member may have a depth of approximately 3 millimeters or less, preferably approximately 2.7 millimeters or less, more preferably approximately 2.5 millimeters or less.

If the support element comprises a tip, the support element may have a depth of from about 0.6 millimeters to about 3 millimeters, preferably from about 1 millimeter to about 2.7 millimeters, more preferably from about 1.5 millimeters to about 2.5 millimeters. If the support element comprises a tip, the support element may have a depth of from about 2 millimeters to about 3 millimeters.

If the support element includes a tip, the support element may have a depth of approximately 2 millimeters. If the support element includes a tip, the support element may have a depth approximately equal to the inner radius of the hollow tubular element.

In the context of this document, the term "depth" means the distance between the first point on the peripheral portion and the tip of the support element.

The support element may be the only support element of the hollow tubular element. That is, the hollow tubular element may comprise a single support element. Alternatively, the support element may be the first support element, and the hollow tubular element may comprise one or more additional support elements. Each of the one or more additional support elements may be formed from a sheet. The one or more additional support elements may be formed from separate sheets. Preferably, the one or more additional support elements are formed from the same sheet as the first support element. Each of the one or more additional support elements may extend from a corresponding first point on the peripheral portion through the hollow internal region to a corresponding second point on the peripheral portion.

One or more additional support elements may extend from the peripheral portion along a corresponding first fold line of the sheet, wherein the corresponding first fold line is located at a corresponding first point on the peripheral portion. One or more additional support elements may extend from the peripheral portion along a corresponding second fold line of the sheet, wherein the corresponding second fold line is located at a corresponding second point on the peripheral portion.

The hollow tubular element may comprise two to six support elements. Preferably, the hollow tubular element comprises three support elements. Three support elements can improve the hollow tubular element's resistance to fracture or deformation and the hollow tubular element's ability to prevent or limit the movement of one or more components located upstream of the hollow tubular element, such as a capsule.

All of the support elements can be identical to each other. This can simplify the fabrication of the hollow tubular element. Alternatively, one support element can differ from another. For example, the first support element can be larger in size than the second support element.

Each of the supporting elements may have any combination of the features described above in relation to the supporting element, i.e. the first supporting element.

All of the supporting elements can be spaced approximately equally around the periphery of the hollow tubular element. This means that the distance between the first point on the periphery from which one supporting element extends and the first point on the periphery from which the next supporting element extends is approximately the same around the periphery of the hollow tubular element.

If the support elements are identical and equally spaced around the periphery of the hollow tubular element, the hollow tubular element can have radial symmetry. This can simplify assembly of the inhaler device, as the orientation of the hollow tubular element within the device may be less critical. Furthermore, this may also mean that the hollow tubular element can distribute loads more evenly to withstand increased forces applied to it.

The hollow tubular member preferably has an outer diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of the inhaler article.

The hollow tubular member may have an outer diameter of approximately 5 millimeters or greater, preferably approximately 6 millimeters or greater, more preferably approximately 7 millimeters or greater.

The hollow tubular member may have an outer diameter of approximately 12 millimeters or less, preferably approximately 10 millimeters or less, more preferably approximately 8 millimeters or less.

The hollow tubular element may have an outer diameter of from about 5 millimeters to about 12 millimeters, preferably from about 6 millimeters to about 10 millimeters, more preferably from about 7 millimeters to about 8 millimeters.

The hollow tubular element may have an outside diameter of approximately 7.2 millimeters.

The hollow tubular member may have an internal diameter of approximately 4.5 millimeters or greater, preferably approximately 5.5 millimeters or greater, more preferably approximately 6.5 millimeters or greater.

The hollow tubular member may have an internal diameter of approximately 11.5 millimeters or less, preferably approximately 9.5 millimeters or less, more preferably approximately 7.5 millimeters or less.

The hollow tubular element may have an internal diameter of from about 4.5 millimeters to about 11.5 millimeters, preferably from about 5.5 to about 9.5 millimeters, more preferably from about 6.5 millimeters to about 7.5 millimeters.

The hollow tubular element may have a total internal surface area of approximately 25 square millimeters per millimeter of length or more, preferably approximately 28 square millimeters per millimeter of length or more, more preferably approximately 30 square millimeters per millimeter of length or more, or approximately 35 square millimeters per millimeter of length or more.

The hollow tubular element may have a total internal surface area of approximately 70 square millimeters per millimeter of length or less, preferably approximately 60 square millimeters per millimeter of length or less, more preferably approximately 50 square millimeters per millimeter of length or less, or approximately 40 square millimeters per millimeter of length or less.

The hollow tubular element may have a total internal surface area of from about 25 square millimeters per millimeter of length to about 70 square millimeters per millimeter of length, preferably from about 28 square millimeters per millimeter of length to about 60 square millimeters per millimeter of length, more preferably from about 30 square millimeters per millimeter of length to about 50 square millimeters per millimeter of length or from about 30 square millimeters per millimeter of length to about 40 square millimeters per millimeter of length. The hollow tubular element may have a total internal surface area of from about 35 square millimeters per millimeter of length to about 70 square millimeters per millimeter of length, preferably from about 40 square millimeters per millimeter of length to about 70 square millimeters per millimeter of length, more preferably from about 50 square millimeters per millimeter of length to about 70 square millimeters per millimeter of length, or from about 60 square millimeters per millimeter of length to about 70 square millimeters per millimeter of length.

Preferably, the hollow tubular element provides a flow path for unrestricted flow. This means that the hollow tubular segment preferably provides a negligible resistance to draw (RTD). The term "negligible RTD" is used to describe an RTD of less than 1 mm H2O per 10 millimeters of the length of the hollow tubular element, preferably less than 0.4 mm H2O per 10 millimeters of the length of the hollow tubular element, and more preferably less than 0.1 mm H2O per 10 millimeters of the length of the hollow tubular element. Consequently, the flow path should be free of any components that could restrict the air flow in the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the flow path is substantially empty.

The hollow tubular member may have a porosity of approximately 90 percent or more in the longitudinal direction.

In the context of this document, the porosity of a hollow tubular element in the longitudinal direction is determined by the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the material forming the hollow tubular element and the internal cross-sectional area of the inhaler-shaped article in the position of the hollow tubular element.

The porosity in the longitudinal direction of the hollow tubular element can be advantageously selected to provide the desired overall draw resistance of the inhaler product.

The porosity in the longitudinal direction of the hollow tubular element may be substantially constant along the entire length of the hollow tubular element. For example, the cross-sectional area of the material forming the hollow tubular element may be substantially constant along the entire length of the hollow tubular element, and the inhaler article may also have a substantially constant internal cross-sectional area along the entire length of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may have a substantially constant cross-section along the entire length of the hollow tubular element, so that the cross-sectional area of the material forming the hollow tubular element is substantially constant along the entire length of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may also have a cross-section that varies along the length of the hollow tubular element, and a substantially constant cross-sectional area of the material forming the hollow tubular element along the entire length of the hollow tubular element.

The longitudinal porosity of a hollow tubular element may vary along its length. For example, this may occur when the hollow tubular element does not have a constant cross-section along its entire length, so that the cross-sectional area of the material forming the hollow tubular element varies along its length.

The sheet comprising one or both of the supporting element and the peripheral portion may be formed from paper, any other paper-based material, any other cellulose-based material, a bioplastic-based material, or metal. For example, the sheet may be formed from one or more of paper, thin cardboard, cardboard, reconstituted tobacco paper, cellophane, and aluminum.

Preferably, the sheet is formed from a biodegradable material.

More preferably, the sheet is formed from a paper-based material, such as paper, thin cardboard, or cardboard. The paper-based material may be bleached or unbleached. Paper-based materials may have one or more of the following properties: lightweight, inexpensive, and biodegradable. If one or both of the support element and the peripheral portion are formed from a paper sheet, the hollow tubular element is capable of preventing or limiting the movement of one or more components located upstream of the hollow tubular element, such as a capsule, while exhibiting sufficient mechanical strength and rigidity to withstand significant deformation during interaction of the inhaler article with a holder for receiving the inhaler article. The interaction may include inserting the inhaler article into the holder. The properties of the paper sheet material may be such that individual hollow tubular elements comprising a peripheral portion and a supporting element, where one or both of the peripheral portion and supporting element are formed from the paper sheet, can be cut from a continuous rod of the hollow tubular element. This may simplify the fabrication of the hollow tubular element.

The sheet that forms one or both of the peripheral portion and the supporting element may have a basis weight of approximately 15 grams per square meter or more, preferably approximately 25 grams per square meter or more, more preferably approximately 35 grams per square meter or more, or approximately 45 grams per square meter or more. A sheet with such a basis weight may prevent one or both of the formation of cracks and tears during one or both of the bending and folding of the sheet. Thus, the sheet can maintain its structural integrity when bending or folding to form the supporting element. This can improve the resistance of the hollow tubular element to destruction or deformation and the ability of the hollow tubular element to prevent or limit the movement of one or both of at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate and at least a portion of the current-collecting element.

The sheet forming one or both of the peripheral portion and the supporting element may have a basis weight of approximately 150 grams per square meter or less, preferably approximately 130 grams per square meter or less, more preferably approximately 110 grams per square meter or less, or approximately 80 grams per square meter or less, or approximately 50 grams per square meter or less. Providing a sheet with such a basis weight can advantageously ensure the desired porosity of the hollow tubular element in the longitudinal direction. This may be such that the hollow tubular element has the desired resistance to tightening. Furthermore, providing a sheet with such a basis weight can advantageously simplify the manufacture of the hollow tubular element, for example, by facilitating at least one of twisting, bending, and folding the sheet.

The sheet may have a basis weight of from about 15 grams per square meter to about 150 grams per square meter, from about 20 grams per square meter to about 130 grams per square meter, from about 60 grams per square meter to about 100 grams per square meter, from about 70 grams per square meter to about 80 grams per square meter.

Preferably, the sheet has a basis weight of between approximately 45 grams per square meter and approximately 110 grams per square meter. The sheet may have a basis weight of approximately 45 grams per square meter. The sheet may have a basis weight of approximately 60 grams per square meter. Preferably, the sheet has a basis weight of approximately 78 grams per square meter. Preferably, the sheet has a basis weight of 110 grams per square meter.

The sheet that forms one or both of the peripheral portion and the support element may have a thickness of approximately 15 micrometers or more, approximately 30 micrometers or more, approximately 45 micrometers or more, or approximately 100 micrometers or more. A sheet with such a thickness may prevent one or both of the formation of cracks and ruptures during one or both of the bending and folding of the sheet. Thus, the sheet can maintain its structural integrity when bending or folding to form the support element. This can improve the resistance of the hollow tubular element to fracture or deformation and the ability of the hollow tubular element to prevent or limit the movement of one or both of at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate and at least a portion of the current-collecting element.

The sheet forming one or both of the peripheral portion and the supporting element may have a thickness of approximately 150 micrometers or less, preferably approximately 140 micrometers or less, and more preferably approximately 130 micrometers or less. Providing a sheet with such a thickness can advantageously ensure the desired porosity of the hollow tubular element in the longitudinal direction. This can ensure that the hollow tubular element has the desired resistance to tightening. Furthermore, providing a sheet with such a basis weight can advantageously simplify the manufacture of the hollow tubular element, for example, by facilitating at least one of the following: twisting, bending, and folding of the sheet.

The sheet may have a thickness of from about 15 micrometers to about 150 micrometers, preferably from about 30 micrometers to about 140 micrometers, more preferably from about 100 micrometers to about 130 micrometers.

If the sheet forming one or both of the peripheral portion and the supporting element is an aluminum sheet, the sheet may have a thickness of approximately 10 micrometers to approximately 20 micrometers. An aluminum sheet of such a thickness can advantageously simplify the manufacture of the hollow tubular element, for example, by facilitating at least one of the sheet's twisting, bending, and folding. Additionally, an aluminum sheet of such a thickness can provide the hollow tubular element with sufficient strength and rigidity to prevent or limit the movement of one or more components located upstream of the hollow tubular element, such as a capsule, while preventing deformation of the hollow tubular element. Furthermore, an aluminum sheet with such a basis weight can advantageously provide the desired porosity of the hollow tubular element in the longitudinal direction.

Substantially the entire support element may be formed from a single sheet layer, which forms the support element. In this case, substantially the entire support element may have approximately the same thickness as the sheet. The support element may include a seam, which may be formed from overlapping sheet layers. The overlapping sheet layers forming the seam may be attached to one another using adhesive.

The peripheral portion of a hollow tubular element may be formed from a sheet. The peripheral portion may be formed from a single sheet layer. The peripheral portion may be formed from multiple overlapping sheet layers, such as multiple parallel-wound sheet layers or multiple spiral-wound sheet layers. If the peripheral portion contains a seam, the seam may be formed from overlapping sheet layers. For example, the majority of the peripheral portion may be formed from a single sheet layer, and the seam may be formed from two overlapping sheet layers.

If the peripheral portion is formed from a single layer of sheet, the peripheral portion has approximately the same thickness as the thickness of the sheet.

The peripheral part can be formed from multiple sheets. For example, the peripheral part can be formed from either the sheet that forms the supporting element or from an additional sheet.

The peripheral portion may be formed from a total of four or fewer layers of one or more sheets that form the peripheral portion. The peripheral portion may be formed from a total of four or fewer layers of sheets that form the peripheral portion combined.

The peripheral section may be formed from a different number of sheet layers than the additional peripheral section. For example, the peripheral section may be formed from a single sheet layer, and the additional peripheral section may be formed from two sheet layers. As another example, the peripheral section may be formed from two sheet layers, the additional peripheral section may be formed from three sheet layers, and the additional peripheral section may be formed from four sheet layers.

The peripheral portion may have a thickness of approximately 15 micrometers or greater, approximately 45 micrometers or greater, or approximately 100 micrometers or greater. Providing a peripheral portion with such a thickness can provide the hollow tubular element with sufficient strength and rigidity to prevent or limit movement of one or both of the first element and the current-collecting element, while preventing deformation of the hollow tubular element.

The peripheral portion may have a thickness of approximately 600 micrometers or less, approximately 500 micrometers or less, or approximately 400 micrometers or less. Providing a peripheral portion with such a thickness can advantageously ensure the desired longitudinal porosity of the hollow tubular element. This may ensure that the hollow tubular element has the desired tightening resistance. Furthermore, providing a peripheral portion with such a thickness may allow individual hollow tubular elements to be easily cut from a continuous rod of the hollow tubular element. This may simplify the manufacture of the hollow tubular element.

The peripheral portion may have a thickness of from about 15 micrometers to about 600 micrometers, from about 50 micrometers to about 500 micrometers, from about 100 micrometers to about 400 micrometers. Preferably, the peripheral portion has a thickness of from about 100 micrometers to about 130 micrometers.

The inventors of the present invention have discovered that a hollow tubular member having a hardness of at least about 90 percent can enable the hollow tubular member to prevent or limit movement of one or more components located upstream of the hollow tubular member, such as a capsule, while avoiding significant deformation during interaction of the inhaler article with the holder.

In the context of this document, the term "hardness" means resistance to deformation. Hardness is generally expressed as a percentage. Fig. 21 shows a hollow tubular element 50 before applying a load F and the same hollow tubular element 52 during application of the load F. The hollow tubular element 50 before applying the load F has an outside diameter D _S . The hollow tubular element 52 after applying a set load for a set period of time (but maintaining the load application) has a (reduced) outside diameter D _d . The indentation has the following form: d = D _S - D _d . With reference to Fig. 21, the hardness is defined as follows:

where D _S is the initial outside diameter (without indentation) of the hollow tubular element, and D _d is the outside diameter with indentation after applying a specified load for a specified period of time. The harder the hollow tubular element, the closer the hardness is to 100%.

As described in more detail below, to determine the hardness of a hollow tubular member, the hollow tubular members are aligned parallel in a plane, and the same portion of each hollow tubular member to be tested is subjected to a specified load for a specified period of time. This test is the DD60A test, and it is conducted using a well-known DD60A densimetric device (manufactured and marketed by Heinr. Borgwaldt Gmbh, Germany), equipped with a hollow tubular member measuring head and a hollow tubular member container.

The load is applied using two cylindrical load bars that extend across the entire diameter of all the hollow tubular members simultaneously. The standard test method for this measuring instrument calls for testing to create twenty points of contact between the hollow tubular members and the cylindrical load bars. In some cases, the hollow tubular member being tested may be long enough that only ten hollow tubular members are required to create twenty points of contact, with each hollow tubular member making contact with both load bars (because they are long enough to extend between the bars). In other cases, if the hollow tubular members are too short to achieve this, twenty hollow tubular members should be used to create twenty points of contact, with each hollow tubular member making contact with only one of the load bars, as discussed further below.

Two additional stationary cylindrical rods are positioned beneath the hollow tubular members to support the hollow tubular members and resist the load applied by each cylindrical rod. This arrangement is described in more detail below and is shown in Figs. 22-24.

Under the standard operating conditions for such equipment, a total load of 2 kg is applied for 20 seconds. After 20 seconds (and while the load continues to be applied to the hollow tubular members), the indentation of the cylindrical rods for applying the load is determined and then used to calculate the hardness according to the above equation. The temperature is maintained at about 22 degrees Celsius ± 2 degrees. The test described above is called the DD60A test. The DD60A test and the associated equipment are described in more detail below with respect to Figs. 22-24. The hardness of the hollow tubular member of the inhaler article may not differ significantly between the hollow tubular member of the inhaler article that has been consumed and the hollow tubular member of the unused inhaler article. However, the standard way to measure the hardness of a hollow tubular member is that the hollow tubular member is not part of the inhaler product that was consumed.

The hardness of the hollow tubular element may be at least approximately 90%. Preferably, the hardness of the hollow tubular element is at least approximately 92%. This provides even better resistance to displacement for one or more components located upstream of the hollow tubular element, such as a capsule. This also provides even better resistance to deformation for the hollow tubular element when the inhaler-type article interacts with the holder.

The advantage of a hollow tubular element with a low overall weight is that it can be assembled into an inhaler-like article using high-speed machines and processes. Specifically, the inventors of the present invention have discovered that a hollow tubular element with a total weight of approximately 150 milligrams or less can be advantageously assembled into an inhaler-like article using existing high-speed inhaler-like assembly machines.

The hollow tubular member may have a total weight of about 150 milligrams or less, preferably about 100 milligrams or less, more preferably about 70 milligrams or less.

The hollow tubular member may have a total weight of from about 15 milligrams to about 150 milligrams, preferably from about 20 milligrams to about 100 milligrams, from about 25 milligrams to about 70 milligrams.

The hollow tubular element may have a total weight of approximately 34 milligrams. The hollow tubular element may have a total weight of approximately 76 milligrams.

The hollow tubular element has an average weight of approximately 10 milligrams per millimeter of the hollow tubular element's length or less, preferably approximately 8 milligrams per millimeter of the hollow tubular element's length or less, and more preferably approximately 6 milligrams per millimeter of the hollow tubular element's length or less. Providing a hollow tubular element with such an average weight can advantageously enable the hollow tubular element to be assembled into an inhaler-type article using existing high-speed inhaler-type article assembly machines.

The hollow tubular element may have an average weight of from about 1 to about 10 milligrams per millimeter of length of the hollow tubular element, preferably from about 1.5 to about 8 milligrams per millimeter of length of the hollow tubular element, more preferably from about 2 to about 6 milligrams per millimeter of length of the hollow tubular element.

The hollow tubular member may have an average weight of approximately 4.25 milligrams per millimeter of length of the hollow tubular member.

For the purposes of this document, the average weight of a hollow tubular member is measured by dividing the total weight of the hollow tubular member by the length of the hollow tubular member.

A portion of the hollow tubular element may be surrounded by a wrapper. The entire hollow tubular element may be surrounded by a wrapper. The wrapper may be a paper wrapper.

Preferably, the hollow tubular element is connected to one or more adjacent components of the inhaler device via a wrapper. The wrapper may be a paper wrapper.

The hollow tubular element may contain adhesive.

For example, if the peripheral portion contains a tube, the sheet forming the support element can be attached to the tube using adhesive at the points where the sheet contacts the tube. Alternatively, a point on the peripheral portion can be attached to another point on the peripheral portion using adhesive. For example, a first point on the peripheral portion can be attached to a second point on the peripheral portion using adhesive.

As another example, if the sheet that forms the support element also forms part of the peripheral portion, the portion of the sheet that forms part of the peripheral portion can be attached to the rest of the peripheral portion using adhesive. As a further example, if the support element is in contact with the peripheral portion, the support element can be attached to the peripheral portion at the contact point using adhesive. For example, if the support element comprises the end of a sheet, the end of the sheet can be attached to the peripheral portion using adhesive. As a further example, a point on the support element can be attached to another point on the support element. For example, if the support element comprises a first side wall and a second side wall, the first side wall can be attached to the second side wall using adhesive. Furthermore, if the hollow tubular element comprises a seam formed from overlapping layers of the sheet, the overlapping layers of the sheet can be attached to each other using adhesive to form a seam.

The adhesive may comprise at least one of PVA, PVOH, and hot melt adhesive.

The adhesive may comprise a binder. Suitable binders include, but are not limited to: gums such as, for example, guar gum, xanthan gum, acacia, and locust bean gum; cellulosic binders such as, for example, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, and ethyl cellulose; polysaccharides such as, for example, starches, organic acids such as alginic acid, salts of conjugate bases with organic acids such as sodium alginate, agar, and pectins; and combinations thereof. Preferably, the binder comprises guar gum.

The present invention also relates to a method for forming a hollow tubular element for an inhaler product. The method may include providing equipment for forming the hollow tubular element. The equipment may comprise a device. The device may have an inner surface. The inner surface may define a channel of the device. The channel may extend from an upstream opening of the device. The channel may extend from a downstream opening of the device. The device may comprise an internal projection protruding into the channel. The method may also include providing a hollow tube. The method may further include allowing the hollow tube to pass into the channel through the upstream opening of the device. The method may further include allowing the tube to pass along the channel and into contact with the internal projection of the device, whereby the tube is bent by the internal projection to form a hollow tubular element having a support element.

According to the present invention, a method includes providing equipment for forming a hollow tubular element. The equipment comprises a device. The device has an inner surface defining a channel. The channel extends from an upstream opening of the device to a downstream opening of the device. The device comprises an internal projection projecting into the channel. The method also includes providing a hollow tube. The method further includes allowing the hollow tube to pass into the channel through the upstream opening of the device; allowing the tube to pass along the channel and into contact with the internal projection of the device; as a result, the tube is bent by the internal projection to form a hollow tubular element having a support element.

The method may also include allowing the hollow tubular element to pass from the channel through a downstream opening of the device.

A hollow tube can be formed from a sheet. The method can include forming the hollow tube from the sheet. Forming the hollow tube from the sheet can include forming a seam by overlapping a portion of the sheet at a first end of the sheet with a portion of the sheet at the opposite second end of the sheet. Forming the seam can include attaching the portion of the sheet at the first end of the sheet to the portion of the sheet at the second end of the sheet using adhesive. The seam can extend along the length of the hollow tube.

The diameter of the hollow tube can be approximately the same as the perimeter of the hollow tubular element.

The channel may have a substantially circular cross-section. The channel may have a substantially cylindrical cross-section. The channel may have a substantially truncated-conical cross-section.

The inner protrusion may have a substantially constant cross-section along its entire length. The inner protrusion may have a cross-section that varies along its length. For example, the inner protrusion may taper. For example, the inner protrusion may taper at the upstream end of the inner protrusion. The length of the inner protrusion may extend in the direction in which the hollow tube extends through the device.

The inner projection may have a substantially rectangular cross-section in one or both of the longitudinal and transverse directions. The inner projection may have a substantially triangular cross-section in one or both of the longitudinal and transverse directions.

Preferably, the inner projection has a triangular cross-section in the transverse direction. A triangular cross-section in the transverse direction can facilitate bending of the hollow tube to form a hollow tubular element and can prevent rupture through the hollow tube. The inner projection can be substantially pyramidal.

If the inner projection is substantially pyramidal, the inner projection may have a maximum cross-sectional area at the apex of the inner projection.

If the inner projection has a substantially triangular cross-section in the transverse direction, for example when the inner projection is substantially pyramidal, the inner projection may comprise a first edge. The first edge may be adjacent to a portion of the inner surface of the device that defines a channel. The inner projection may comprise a second edge. The second edge may be adjacent to a portion of the inner surface of the device that defines a channel. The second edge may extend from an upstream end of the inner projection. The inner projection may comprise a third edge. The third edge may be located within the channel. The third edge may extend from the upstream end of the inner projection. The third edge may extend to the apex of the inner projection. The third edge may define the tip of the inner projection.

The hollow tube may have a circumference approximately equal to the inner perimeter of the cross-section of the device at the apex of the inner projection.

The internal projection may be the first internal projection, and the device may comprise one or more additional internal projections. The device may comprise two to six internal projections. Preferably, the device comprises three internal projections. All internal projections may be identical. Alternatively, one internal projection may be different from the other internal projection. The internal projections may be equally spaced around the channel.

The internal shape of the device can be designed to achieve a sliding fit between the hollow tube and the internal surface of the device defining the channel. This can be particularly desirable at points where the hollow tube contacts one or more internal projections. This can facilitate bending the hollow tube into desired positions to form the hollow tubular element.

The device may comprise a first section. The first section of the device may comprise at least a portion of a channel of the device. The channel may have a substantially constant cross-section along the entire length of the first section of the device. For example, a portion of the channel extending through the first section of the device may be substantially cylindrical. The cross-section of the channel may vary along the length of the first section of the device. For example, the cross-sectional area of the channel at the upstream end of the first section of the device may be larger than the cross-sectional area of the channel at the downstream end of the first section of the device. Preferably, the portion of the channel extending through the first section of the device is substantially truncated-conical. When this is the case, the diameter of the channel of the device at the upstream end of the first section is preferably larger than the diameter of the channel of the device at the downstream end of the first section. The diameter of the channel of the device at a point along the first section, for example, at the upstream end of the first section, may be approximately the same as the diameter of the hollow tube. The diameter of the channel at a point along the first section, for example, at the downstream end of the first section, may be approximately the same as the diameter of the hollow tubular element. The diameter of the channel may be selected such that the outer surface of the hollow tube remains in contact with the inner surface of the device during the step of allowing the hollow tube to pass through the first section of the device, thereby facilitating the formation of the hollow tube into the hollow tubular element.

The internal projection may be part of the first section of the device. That is, the first section of the device may comprise an internal projection projecting into the channel. The internal projection may extend from an upstream end of the first section of the device to a downstream end of the first section of the device. Thus, the internal projection may extend along the entire length of the first section of the device. The internal projection may project into a portion of the channel that extends through the first section of the device. If the internal projection tapers, the internal projection may taper at the upstream end of the first section of the device. Furthermore, if the internal projection comprises a first edge, the first edge may extend from the upstream end of the first section of the device. If the internal projection comprises a section edge, the second edge may extend from the upstream end of the first section of the device. If the internal projection comprises a third edge, the third edge may extend from the upstream end of the first section of the device. The third edge may be located within the channel.

The first section of the device may extend from an upstream opening of the device to a downstream opening of the device. In this case, the first section of the device may be the only section of the device. That is, the device may contain only the first section of the device.

In addition to the first section, the device may contain one or more additional sections.

For example, the device may comprise a second section. The second section of the device may comprise at least a portion of the device's channel. The second section may extend from an upstream opening of the device. The second section may extend to the first section of the device. In other words, the second section may be adjacent to the first section of the device and may be located upstream of it.

The portion of the channel continuing through the second section may have a substantially circular cross-section. Preferably, the portion of the channel continuing through the second section has a substantially circular cross-section at the downstream end of the second section. When this is the case, the diameter of the channel at the downstream end of the second section is preferably approximately the same as the diameter of the channel at the upstream end of the first section.

The channel may have a larger cross-sectional area at the upstream end of the second section than at the downstream end of the second section. The portion of the channel continuing through the second section may be substantially truncated-conical.

The portion of the channel extending through the second section may have a substantially constant cross-section along the entire length of the second section. The portion of the channel extending through the second section may be substantially cylindrical.

The device may comprise a third section. The third section of the device may comprise at least a portion of the device's channel. The third section may extend from the downstream end of the first section of the device. The third section may extend to a downstream opening of the device. In other words, the third section may be adjacent to and downstream of the first section of the device.

The portion of the channel extending through the third section may have a substantially circular cross-section. Preferably, the portion of the channel extending through the third section has a substantially circular cross-section at the upstream end of the third section. When this is the case, the diameter of the channel at the upstream end of the third section is preferably approximately the same as the diameter of the channel at the downstream end of the first section.

The channel may have a larger cross-sectional area at the downstream end of the third section than at the upstream end of the third section. The portion of the channel continuing through the third section may be substantially truncated-conical.

The portion of the channel extending through the third section may have a substantially constant cross-section along the entire length of the third section. The portion of the channel extending through the third section may be substantially cylindrical.

A device may contain only a first section and a third section. A device may also contain a first section, a second section, and a third section. When this occurs, the first section may be located between the second section and the third section of the device.

The method includes providing passage of a hollow tube into the channel of the device through an opening of the device located upstream of the flow.

The method also includes allowing the hollow tube to pass along the channel and into contact with an internal projection of the device. If the device comprises a first section comprising an internal projection, the method may include allowing the hollow tube to pass along the channel and into contact with the internal projection at the upstream end of the first section of the device. The method may also include allowing the hollow tube to pass along the channel through the first section of the device such that the outer surface of the hollow tube is in contact with the inner surface of the first section of the device. The method may also include allowing the hollow tube to pass along the channel through the first section of the device such that the outer surface of the hollow tube is in contact with the internal projection. Due to the configuration of the first section of the device, allowing the hollow tube to pass along the first section of the device may result in deformation of the hollow tube and its conformity with the internal shape of the first section of the device. In particular, if the portion of the channel continuing through the first section has a substantially truncated-conical shape, the shape of the channel in the first section in combination with the presence of an internal projection in the first section can contribute to giving the hollow tube a shape having a reduced diameter and an internal curved projection that forms a support element. Therefore, providing passage of the hollow tube through the first section of the device can result in the hollow tube forming: a first fold line at a first edge of the internal projection, a second fold line at a second edge of the internal projection; and a third fold line at a third edge of the internal projection. Thus, providing passage of the hollow tube through the first section of the device can form a hollow tubular element formed from a sheet, wherein the hollow tubular element comprises: a peripheral portion defining a hollow internal region, and a support element; wherein the support element extends from the peripheral portion along both the first fold line of the sheet and the second fold line of the sheet; and wherein the support element comprises a third sheet fold line located inside the hollow internal region.

The method may include allowing the hollow tubular element to pass from the channel through a downstream opening of the device.

If the device comprises a second section extending from an upstream opening of the device to an upstream end of the first section of the device, the method includes allowing a hollow tube to pass through the second section of the device along a channel before allowing the hollow tube to pass through the first section of the device. Allowing the hollow tube to pass through the second section of the device may facilitate insertion of the hollow tube into the channel and contact with the internal projection.

If the device comprises a third section extending from the downstream end of the first section of the device to the downstream opening of the device, the method includes allowing the hollow tube to pass through the third section of the device along a channel after allowing the hollow tube to pass through the first section of the device. The method may include allowing the hollow tubular element to pass through the third section of the device and out of the channel through the downstream opening of the device. Allowing the hollow tubular element to pass through the third section of the device may also facilitate the exit of the hollow tubular element from the device. Allowing the hollow tubular element to pass through the third section of the device may facilitate maintaining the desired shape of the hollow tubular element after bending the hollow tubular element, for example, by helping to maintain the desired curvature of the hollow tubular element.

The method may include attaching a first sidewall of the support element to a second sidewall of the support element using an adhesive, wherein the first sidewall of the support element extends from a first fold line to a third fold line, and the second sidewall of the support element extends from the second fold line to the third fold line. The attaching step may be performed before the hollow tubular element exits the device. In this case, the attaching step may be performed while the hollow tubular element is being passed through the channel. The attaching step may be performed after the hollow tubular element exits the device.

The method may include wrapping a wrapper around a hollow tubular element. This wrapping step may be performed before the hollow tubular element exits the device. This wrapping step may be performed after the hollow tubular element exits the device.

The method may include attaching a wrapper to a hollow tubular element, for example, using adhesive. This step of attaching the wrapper to the hollow tubular element may be performed before the hollow tubular element exits the device. This step of attaching the wrapper to the hollow tubular element may be performed after the hollow tubular element exits the device.

Features described with respect to one example or embodiment may also be applied to other examples and embodiments.

The following is 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 or embodiment described herein.

EX1. An article in the form of an inhaler, comprising: a cavity; a capsule located in the cavity, wherein the capsule contains a dry powder; and a hollow tubular element located downstream of the capsule, wherein the hollow tubular element comprises: a peripheral portion defining a hollow internal region of the hollow tubular element; and a support element formed from a sheet and extending from a first point on the peripheral portion through the hollow internal region to a second point on the peripheral portion.

EX2. An inhaler product according to any of EX1, wherein the peripheral part is formed from a sheet.

EX3. An inhaler product according to EX2, wherein the peripheral part and the supporting element are formed as a single unit from a sheet.

EX4. An inhaler product according to EX3, wherein the peripheral part and the supporting element are formed from separate sheets.

EX5. An inhaler product according to any of EX1-EX4, wherein the peripheral part comprises a tube.

EX6. An inhaler article according to any of EX1-EX5, wherein the support member extends longitudinally for a distance of from about 10 percent to about 100 percent of the length of the hollow tubular member.

EX7. An inhaler product according to any of EX1-EX6, wherein the first point on the peripheral part and the second point on the peripheral part are spaced apart from each other.

EX8. An inhaler product according to EX7, wherein the first point on the peripheral part and the second point on the peripheral part are essentially diametrically opposed.

EX9. An inhaler product according to any of EX1-EX6, wherein the first point on the peripheral part and the second point on the peripheral part are adjacent to each other.

EX10. An inhaler device according to EX9, wherein the first point on the peripheral part and the second point on the peripheral part are in contact with each other.

EX11. An article in the form of an inhaler according to any of EX1-EX10, wherein the supporting element comprises a tip, wherein the tip is located within the hollow internal region.

EX12. An inhaler device according to EX11, wherein the tip of the support element is spaced apart from the peripheral part.

EX13. An inhaler article according to any of EX11, wherein the tip of the support element is at a point that is adjacent to a point on the peripheral portion.

EX14. An article in the form of an inhaler according to any of EX1-EX13, wherein the surface of the supporting element along the longitudinal direction is substantially flat.

EX15. An article in the form of an inhaler according to EX14, wherein the substantially flat surface continues from the first point on the peripheral part.

EX16. An article in the form of an inhaler according to any of EX14-EX15, wherein the substantially flat surface continues to a second point on the peripheral portion.

EX17. An article in the form of an inhaler according to any of EX1-EX16, wherein the support element comprises a substantially straight portion when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element.

EX18. An article in the form of an inhaler according to EX17, wherein the substantially straight portion continues from a first point on the peripheral portion, when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element.

EX19. An article in the form of an inhaler according to any of EX17-EX18, wherein the substantially straight portion continues to a second point on the peripheral portion when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element.

EX20. An article in the form of an inhaler according to any of EX1-EX19, wherein the supporting elements extend from the peripheral portion along the first fold line of the sheet, wherein the first fold line is located at the first point on the peripheral portion.

EX21. An inhaler-shaped article according to EX20, wherein the first fold line extends along part of the length of the hollow tubular element.

EX22. An article in the form of an inhaler according to EX21, wherein the first fold line continues along substantially the entire length of the hollow tubular element.

EX23. An inhaler-shaped article according to any of EX20-EX22, wherein the first fold line is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element.

EX24. An inhaler article according to any of EX20-EX22, wherein the first fold line is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element.

EX25. An inhaler article according to any of EX20-EX24, wherein the first fold line is the only fold line along which the supporting element extends from the peripheral portion.

EX26. An article in the form of an inhaler according to any of EX20-EX24, wherein the support element extends from the peripheral portion along the second fold line of the sheet, wherein the second fold line is located at a second point on the peripheral portion.

EX27. An article in the form of an inhaler according to EX26, wherein the second fold line continues along part of the length of the hollow tubular element.

EX28. An article in the form of an inhaler according to EX27, wherein the second fold line continues along substantially the entire length of the hollow tubular element.

EX29. An inhaler article according to any of EX26-EX28, wherein the second fold line is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element.

EX30. An inhaler article according to any of EX26-EX28, wherein the first fold line is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element.

EX31. An inhaler product according to any of EX26-EX30, wherein the first fold line and the second fold line are parallel to each other.

EX32. An inhaler article according to any of EX26-EX30, wherein the first fold line and the second fold line are not parallel to each other.

EX33. An article in the form of an inhaler according to any of EX26-EX32, wherein the supporting element comprises a third fold line of the sheet.

EX34. An article in the form of an inhaler according to paragraph 33, wherein the third fold line defines the tip of the support element, and the tip is located within the hollow internal region.

EX35. An article in the form of an inhaler according to any of EX33-EX34, wherein the third fold line of the sheet is located at approximately equal distance from the first fold line of the sheet and the second fold line of the sheet.

EX36. An inhaler article according to any of EX33-EX35, wherein the first fold line and the third fold line define the first side wall of the support element.

EX37. An article in the form of an inhaler according to EX36, wherein the first side wall of the supporting element is substantially straight.

EX38. An inhaler article according to any of EX36-EX37, wherein the second fold line and the third fold line define a second side wall of the support element.

EX39. An article in the form of an inhaler according to EX38, wherein the second side wall of the supporting element is substantially straight.

EX40. An inhaler product according to any of EX38-EX39, wherein the surface of the first side wall and the surface of the second side wall are in contact with each other.

EX41. An article in the form of an inhaler according to EX39, wherein both the first side wall and the second side wall are substantially straight, and wherein the first side wall and the second side wall define an angle between themselves of approximately 5 degrees or more.

EX42. An article in the form of an inhaler according to any of EX1-EX41, wherein the supporting element has a substantially triangular cross-section.

EX43. An inhaler article according to any of EX38-EX40, wherein both the first side wall and the second side wall are substantially straight, and wherein the angle formed between the first side wall and the second side wall is approximately zero degrees.

EX44. An article in the form of an inhaler according to any of EX1-EX40, wherein the cross-section of the supporting element comprises a curved portion.

EX45. An inhaler article according to any of EX1-EX40 and EX44, wherein the support element comprises several peaks and valleys when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element.

EX46. An inhaler article according to any of EX1-EX40, EX44 and EX45, wherein the support element has a wave profile when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element.

EX47. An article in the form of an inhaler according to EX46, wherein the support element is substantially sinusoidal when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element.

EX48. An article in the form of an inhaler according to EX46, wherein the supporting element has a substantially triangular wave profile when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element.

EX49. An article in the form of an inhaler according to any of EX44, EX46 and EX47, wherein the cross-section of the supporting element is substantially s-shaped.

EX50. An article in the form of an inhaler according to EX44, wherein the cross-section of the supporting element is essentially omega-shaped.

EX51. An article in the form of an inhaler according to EX44, wherein the cross-section of the supporting element is essentially C-shaped.

EX52. An article in the form of an inhaler according to any of EX45, EX46 and EX48, wherein the support member is substantially w-shaped when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular member.

EX53. An article in the form of an inhaler according to any of EX1-EX52, wherein the hollow tubular element comprises at least one longitudinal plane of symmetry.

EX54. An inhaler article according to any of EX1-EX53, wherein the hollow tubular element is radially symmetrical.

EX55. An inhaler article according to any of EX1-EX54, wherein the cross-sectional area of the hollow tubular element is substantially constant along the entire length of the hollow tubular element.

EX56. An article in the form of an inhaler according to any of EX1-EX55, wherein the hollow tubular element has a substantially constant cross-section along the entire length of the hollow tubular element.

EX57. An inhaler article according to any of EX1-EX56, wherein the support element divides the hollow internal region into a plurality of channels.

EX58. An inhaler device according to EX57, wherein the supporting element divides the hollow internal region into a number of channels from two to four channels.

EX59. An article in the form of an inhaler according to any of EX1-EX58, wherein the support element extends through the radial center of the hollow tubular element.

EX60. An inhaler article according to any of EX1-EX59, wherein the support member is spaced from the radial center of the hollow tubular member by a distance of from approximately 5 percent to approximately 90 percent of the radius of the hollow tubular member.

EX61. An inhaler article according to any of EX1-EX60, wherein the support element is spaced from the radial center of the hollow tubular element by a distance of from approximately 0.2 millimeters to approximately 3 millimeters.

EX62. An inhaler article according to any of EX1-EX61, wherein the support member comprises a tip, and the support member has a depth of from approximately 0.6 millimeters to approximately 3 millimeters.

EX63. An article in the form of an inhaler according to any of EX1-EX62, wherein the supporting element is the only supporting element of the hollow tubular element.

EX64. An article in the form of an inhaler according to any of EX1-EX62, wherein the hollow tubular element comprises several supporting elements.

EX65. An inhaler article according to EX64, wherein the hollow tubular element comprises from two to six supporting elements.

EX66. An inhaler device according to EX65, wherein the hollow tubular element comprises three supporting elements.

EX67. An inhaler device according to any of EX64-EX66, wherein all of the supporting elements are identical to each other.

EX68. An inhaler article according to any of EX64-EX67, wherein all of the supporting elements are spaced approximately equally around the peripheral portion of the hollow tubular element.

EX69. An inhaler article according to any of EX1-EX68, wherein the hollow tubular element has a length of from approximately 10 millimetres to approximately 30 millimetres.

EX70. An inhaler article according to any of EX1-EX69, wherein the hollow tubular element has an outer diameter of from approximately 5 millimetres to approximately 12 millimetres.

EX71. An inhaler article according to any of EX1-EX70, wherein the hollow tubular element has an internal diameter of from approximately 4.5 millimeters to approximately 11.5 millimeters.

EX72. An inhaler article according to any of EX1-EX71, wherein the hollow tubular element has a total internal surface area of from approximately 25 square millimetres per millimetre of length to approximately 70 square millimetres per millimetre of length.

EX73. An inhaler-type device according to any of EX1-EX72, wherein the hollow tubular element provides a low level of draw resistance.

EX74. An inhaler article according to any of EX1-EX73, wherein the hollow tubular element has a porosity of approximately 90 percent or more in the longitudinal direction.

EX75. An article in the form of an inhaler according to any of EX1 to EX74, wherein the sheet forming one or both of the supporting member and the peripheral portion is formed from paper, any other paper-based material, any other cellulose-based material, a bioplastic-based material, or metal.

EX76. An article in the form of an inhaler according to EX75, wherein the sheet forming one or both of the supporting element and the peripheral part is formed of paper.

EX77. An inhaler article according to any of EX1-EX76, wherein the sheet forming one or both of the peripheral portion and the supporting element has a basis weight of from approximately 35 grams per square meter to approximately 80 grams per square meter.

EX78. An article in the form of an inhaler according to any of EX1 to EX77, wherein the sheet forming one or both of the peripheral portion and the supporting element has a thickness of from about 100 micrometers to about 130 micrometers.

EX79. An article in the form of an inhaler according to any of EX1-EX78, wherein the sheet forming one or both of the support member and the peripheral portion is an aluminum sheet, and the sheet has a thickness of from about 10 micrometers to about 20 micrometers.

EX80. An article in the form of an inhaler according to any of EX1-EX79, wherein substantially the entire supporting element is formed from a single layer of sheet that forms the supporting element.

EX81. An inhaler article according to any of EX1-EX80, wherein the peripheral part is formed from a single layer of sheet.

EX82. An inhaler article according to any of EX1-EX80, wherein the peripheral portion is formed from several overlapping layers of sheet.

EX83. An inhaler product according to any of EX1-EX80, wherein the peripheral part is formed from several sheets.

EX84. An inhaler article according to any of EX1-EX83, wherein the peripheral portion has a thickness of from about 15 micrometers to about 600 micrometers, more preferably from about 100 micrometers to about 130 micrometers.

EX85. An inhaler article according to any of EX1-EX84, wherein the hollow tubular element has a hardness of at least approximately 90 percent.

EX86. An inhaler article according to any of EX1-EX85, wherein the hollow tubular element has a total weight of approximately 150 milligrams or less.

EX87. An inhaler article according to any of EX1-EX86, wherein the hollow tubular element has an average weight of approximately 10 milligrams per millimeter of the length of the hollow tubular element or less.

EX88. An inhaler article according to any of EX1-EX87, wherein the hollow tubular element is surrounded by a wrapper.

EX89. An inhaler article according to any of EX1 to EX88, wherein the hollow tubular element is connected to one or more adjacent components of the inhaler article by means of a wrapper.

EX90. An inhaler article according to any of EX1-EX89, wherein the hollow tubular element contains adhesive.

EX91. An inhaler product according to any of EX1-EX90, wherein the hollow tubular element is designed to withstand a force of up to 15 Newtons applied to its upstream end without significant deformation.

EX92. An inhaler product according to any of EX1-EX91, wherein the Young's modulus of the material of the hollow tubular element is greater than 10 MPa.

EX93. An inhaler article according to any of EX1 to EX92, wherein the hollow tubular element extends from the cavity to a downstream end of the inhaler article.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic side sectional view of an article in the form of an inhaler according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view with a local section of the product in the form of an inhaler according to Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 shows a partially transparent perspective view of a hollow tubular element of the inhaler-shaped article of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4A and 4B show cross-sectional views of the upstream end surface of the hollow tubular element of the inhaler article of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4C shows a cross-sectional view of the article in the form of an inhaler on a hollow tubular element according to Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a hollow tubular member for an inhaler article according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end surface of the hollow tubular element of Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an upstream end surface of a hollow tubular member for an inhaler article according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an upstream end surface of a hollow tubular member for an inhaler article according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an upstream end surface of a hollow tubular member for an inhaler article according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 10 shows a side view of equipment for forming a hollow tubular element for an inhaler article, for example, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 11A shows a cross-sectional view of the equipment of Fig. 10 taken along plane A-A of Fig. 10;

Fig. 11B shows a cross-sectional view of the equipment of Fig. 10 taken along plane B-B of Fig. 10;

Fig. 12A is a cross-sectional view of a hollow tube used to form a hollow tubular member for an inhaler article, for example, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 12B is a cross-sectional view of a hollow tubular member for an inhaler article formed from the hollow tube of Fig. 12A and using the equipment of Fig. 10;

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a hollow tubular member for an inhaler article according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end surface of the hollow tubular element of Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of an upstream end surface of a hollow tubular member for an inhaler article according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of an upstream end surface of a hollow tubular member for an inhaler article according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view of an upstream end surface of a hollow tubular member for an inhaler article according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a hollow tubular member for an inhaler article according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 19 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end surface of the hollow tubular element of Fig. 18;

Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view of an upstream end surface of a hollow tubular member for an inhaler article according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 21 shows a cross-sectional view of a hollow tubular member both before and after applying a load to determine the hardness of the hollow tubular member;

Fig. 22 is a perspective view of equipment for determining the hardness of a hollow tubular member for a smoking article in a first configuration;

Fig. 23 illustrates a side view of the equipment of Fig. 22 in a first configuration;

Fig. 24 illustrates a side view of the equipment of Fig. 22 in a second configuration;

Fig. 25 shows a perspective view with a local section of the article in the form of an inhaler containing a hollow tubular element according to Fig. 18;

Fig. 26 shows a schematic side view in section of the inhalation system;

Fig. 27 shows a schematic side view in section of the sleeve of the inhalation system of Fig. 26; and

Fig. 28 shows a schematic side view in section of the article in the form of an inhaler according to Fig. 18, placed in the sleeve according to Fig. 27.

In Fig. 1 and 2, an article 10 in the form of an inhaler according to the present invention is illustrated. The article 10 in the form of an inhaler extends between its upstream end 1 and its downstream (or mouth-applied) end 2. The article 10 in the form of an inhaler comprises an upstream section 3 and a downstream section 4, which is downstream relative to the upstream section 3 and spaced apart from the upstream section 3. A cavity 7, adapted to receive a capsule 9 containing an inhalable material, is located between the upstream and downstream sections 3, 4 of the article 10 in the form of an inhaler. The inhalable material contains nicotine.

As shown in Fig. 1 and 2, the upstream section 3 comprises a bent end 5 of a hollow tube 12, and the downstream section 4 comprises a hollow tubular element 100. The hollow tubular element 100 extends from the cavity 7 or its downstream portion to the downstream end 2 of the inhaler article 10.

The inhaler article 10 further comprises a common wrapper 8 that wraps both the hollow tube 12 and the hollow tubular member 100. The hollow tube 12 comprises a cavity 7. The hollow tube 12 and the upstream end of the hollow tubular member 100 define the cavity 7. The downstream end of the hollow tube 12 adjoins the upstream end of the hollow tubular member 100 of the downstream section 4. The hollow tubular member 100 forms the downstream section 4. The common wrapper 8 surrounds both the hollow tube 12 and the downstream section 4. The wrapper 8 secures the downstream section 4 in axial alignment with the hollow tube 12.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the overall length of the article 10 in the form of an inhaler is approximately 45 mm. The length of the cavity 7 is approximately 28 mm, and the length of the hollow tubular element 100 is approximately 17 mm. The length of the hollow tube 12 surrounding the cavity 7 is from approximately 25 mm to approximately 28 mm. The inner diameter of the hollow tube 12 is approximately 6.6 mm, and the outer diameter of the hollow tube 12 is approximately 7.1 mm. The length of the wrapping material 8 is approximately 45 mm. The diameter of the article 10 in the form of an inhaler is approximately 7 mm. The relative RTD or RTD per unit length of the hollow tubular element 100 is approximately 0.02 mm H2O per mm. The RTD of the hollow tubular element 100 is approximately 0.34 mm H2O. The diameter of capsule 9 is approximately 6 mm, and the length of capsule 9 is approximately 16 mm.

The bent end 5 of the hollow tube 12 defines a central channel or passage 55, continuing through the center of the bent end 5 from the upstream end of the bent end 5.

The central channel 55 of the bent end 5 is configured to provide access into the cavity 7 to a piercing element 101, for example, a piercing element 101 of a holder for an inhaler-type article 10. Such a piercing element is configured to pierce or puncture the capsule 9 to activate it for consumption. The diameter of the central channel 55 is less than approximately 6 mm. The central channel is configured to accommodate a piercing element or needle from 27 gauge (outer diameter is 0.42 mm) to 4 gauge (outer diameter is 5 mm).

As best seen in Fig. 3, the hollow tubular member 100 of the first embodiment comprises a peripheral portion 110 of material defining a hollow internal region 120 of the hollow tubular member 100. The hollow tubular member 100 also comprises a support element 130 formed from a sheet and extending from a first point 131 on the peripheral portion 110 through the hollow internal region 120 to a second point 132 on the peripheral portion 110.

Peripheral portion 110 and support element 130 are formed integrally from the same sheet of paper. The paper sheet has a base weight of approximately 7.8 grams per square meter. Substantially the entire portion of the sheet, forming peripheral portion 110, forms the curved outer surface of hollow tubular element 100.

To form the support element 130, the paper sheet has a seam (not shown), wherein two layers of the paper sheet overlap each other. The seam may be part of one or both of the peripheral portion 110 and the support element 130. The seam extends along a small portion of one or both of the peripheral portion 110 and the support element 130. Thus, substantially the entire peripheral portion 110 is formed from a single layer of the sheet. Furthermore, substantially the entire support element 130 is formed from a single layer of the sheet.

The support element 130 extends from the peripheral portion 110 along the first fold line 141 of the sheet, wherein the first fold line 141 is located at the first point 131 on the peripheral portion 110, and wherein the first fold line 141 continues along substantially the entire length of the hollow tubular element 100. The support element 130 also extends from the peripheral portion 110 along the second fold line 142 of the sheet, wherein the second fold line 142 is located at the second point 132 on the peripheral portion 110, and wherein the second fold line 142 continues along substantially the entire length of the hollow tubular element 100.

Thus, the support element 130 also extends along substantially the entire length of the hollow tubular element 100. In fact, the support element 130 has substantially the same length as the hollow tubular element 100.

The hollow tubular element 100 has a length of approximately 17 millimeters.

The hollow tubular element 100 has a total weight of approximately 72 milligrams. Thus, the hollow tubular element has an average weight of approximately 4.2 milligrams per millimeter.

The hollow tubular element 100 has a constant cross-section along the entire length of the hollow tubular element 100.

Both the first fold line 141 and the second fold line 142 are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element 100. Thus, the first fold line 141 and the second fold line 142 are parallel to each other.

As illustrated in Fig. 3, the support element 130 comprises a third fold line 143 of the sheet, wherein the third fold line 143 is parallel to the first fold line 141 and the second fold line 142 and is located at an equal distance between them. This helps to provide a strong supporting barrier to prevent or reduce the movement of the capsule 9, for example, when the capsule is pierced by a piercing element. The third fold line 143 defines the tip of the support element.

Fig. 4A and 4B show cross-sectional views of the upstream end surface of the hollow tubular member 100.

The first fold line 141 and the third fold line 143 together define the first side wall 151 of the support element 130, wherein the first side wall 151 is substantially straight, and the outer surface 153 of the first side wall 151 forms the outer surface of the hollow tubular element 100. The second fold line 142 and the third fold line 143 together define the second side wall 151 of the support element 130, wherein the second side wall 152 is substantially straight, and the outer surface 154 of the second side wall 152 forms the outer surface of the hollow tubular element.

The support element 130 has a generally triangular cross-section.

The first point 131 on the peripheral portion 110 and the second point 132 on the peripheral portion 110 are spaced from each other by a distance 160 of approximately 1 millimeter. Thus, the first fold line 141 and the second fold line 142 are also spaced from each other by a distance of approximately 1 millimeter.

The first side wall 151 and the second side wall 152 define an angle of approximately 30 degrees between themselves.

The depth of the support element 130 is approximately 2 millimeters. This means that the distance between the first point 131 on the peripheral portion and the tip of the support element 130 is approximately 2 millimeters. Thus, the distance between the first fold line 141 and the third fold line 143 is also approximately 2 millimeters.

The tip of the support element 130 is spaced from the radial center 162 of the hollow tubular element 100 by a distance of approximately 1.5 millimeters. Thus, the support element 130 is spaced from the radial center 162 of the hollow tubular element 100 by a distance of approximately 1.5 millimeters.

The outer diameter 164 of the hollow tubular element is approximately 7.2 millimeters. Thus, the support element 130 is spaced from the radial center 162 of the hollow tubular element 100 by a distance of approximately 42 percent of the radius of the hollow tubular element 100.

Fig. 4C shows a wrapper 190 surrounding a hollow tubular member 100.

The support element 130 is the first support element 130, and the hollow tubular element comprises two additional support elements: the second support element 17 0 and the third support element 180. This advantageously provides the hollow tubular element 100 with additional strength and rigidity both in the longitudinal direction and in the transverse direction to prevent or limit the movement of the capsule 9, for example, when the capsule 9 is pierced by a piercing element.

All of the support elements 130, 170, 180 are identical to each other and are spaced equally apart around the circumference of the hollow tubular element 100. The circumference of the hollow tubular element 100 is illustrated by dotted curved lines in Fig. 4B.

Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a hollow tubular element 200 for an inhaler article according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The hollow tubular element 200 according to the second embodiment differs from the hollow tubular element 100 according to the first embodiment in that the first point 231 on the peripheral portion and the second point 232 on the peripheral portion are located closer to each other. In particular, the first point 231 on the peripheral portion and the second point 232 on the peripheral portion are spaced from each other by a distance of approximately zero millimeters. Thus, the first fold line 241 and the second fold line 242 are also spaced from each other by a distance of approximately zero millimeters. The depth of the support element 230 is equal to the depth of the support element 130 and is approximately 2 millimeters.

Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end surface of the hollow tubular element 200. The angle formed between the first side wall 251 and the second side wall 252 is approximately zero degrees. Substantially the entire first side wall 251 and substantially the entire second side wall 252 are in contact with each other and are attached to each other using adhesive. This can significantly increase the strength and rigidity of the hollow tubular element in both the longitudinal and transverse directions. This can also avoid the need to surround the hollow tubular element 200 with a wrapper. Thus, this can minimize the weight of the hollow tubular element 200 so that it can be assembled into an inhaler-shaped article 10 using existing high-speed machines for assembling inhaler-shaped articles.

Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end surface of the hollow tubular member 300 for the inhaler article according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The hollow tubular member 300 according to the third embodiment is generally the same as the hollow tubular member 100 according to the first embodiment. However, the hollow tubular member 300 according to the third embodiment differs from the hollow tubular member 100 according to the first embodiment in that the support member 330 has a depth approximately equal to the radius of the hollow tubular member 300. Thus, the support member 330 continues toward the radial center of the hollow tubular member 300. In particular, the tip of the support member 330 is located at the radial center of the hollow tubular member 300 or is adjacent to it. Similar to the hollow tubular element 100 according to the first embodiment, the hollow tubular element 300 according to the third embodiment comprises three identical support elements 330, 370, 380, spaced equally apart around the circumference of the hollow tubular element 300. Thus, the support elements 330, 370, 380 divide the hollow internal region into three channels. In particular, the tips of the support elements 330, 370, 380 are located adjacent to each other in the radial center of the hollow tubular element 300.

Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end surface of the hollow tubular member 400 for the inhaler article according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The hollow tubular member 400 is generally the same as the hollow tubular member 400 according to the first embodiment, except that the first point 431 on the peripheral portion and the second point 432 on the peripheral portion are located closer to each other. In particular, the first point 431 on the peripheral portion and the second point 432 on the peripheral portion are spaced from each other by a distance of approximately 0.8 millimeters. In addition, in Fig. 8, the depth of the support member 430 is now approximately 3 millimeters. In addition, in Fig. 8, the first side wall and the second side wall define an angle of approximately 15 degrees with each other.

Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end surface of the hollow tubular member 500 for the inhaler article according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The hollow tubular member 500 is generally the same as the hollow tubular member 200 according to the second embodiment, except that the depth of the hollow tubular member 200 is approximately the same as the radius of the hollow tubular member 500. Thus, the support member 530 continues to the radial center of the hollow tubular member 500. In particular, the tip of the support member 530 is located at the radial center of the hollow tubular member 500 or is adjacent to it. Like the hollow tubular member 100 according to the first embodiment and the hollow tubular member 200 according to the second embodiment, the hollow tubular member 500 according to the fifth embodiment comprises three identical support members. Thus, the three support elements of the hollow tubular element 500 divide the hollow region of the hollow tubular element 500 into three channels. In particular, the tips of the support elements 530, 370, 580 are located adjacent to each other in the radial center of the hollow tubular element 300.

Fig. 10 illustrates a method for forming a hollow tubular element for an inhaler article, such as the hollow tubular element 100 according to the first embodiment described above. The method includes providing equipment 105 for forming the hollow tubular element. The equipment 105 comprises a device 107. The device 107 has an inner surface 115 defining a channel 125. The channel 125 extends from an upstream opening 117 of the device 107 to a downstream opening 118 of the device 107.

The device 107 comprises a first section 12 6, a second section 127 and a third section 128. The first section is located between the second section 127 and the third section 128, as shown in Fig. 10.

The first section 126 of the device 107 comprises an internal projection 135 projecting into the channel 125. The internal projection 135 extends from the upstream end of the first section 126 of the device 107 to the downstream end of the first section 126 of the device 107. The channel 125 in the first section 126 of the device 107 is substantially truncated-conical, wherein the diameter of the channel 125 at the upstream end of the first section 126 is greater than the diameter of the channel 125 at the downstream end of the first section 126.

The inner projection 135 is substantially pyramidal. The inner projection 125 has a substantially triangular cross-section in both the longitudinal and transverse directions. The inner projection 135 has a maximum cross-sectional area at the apex of the inner projection 135 and tapers at the upstream end of the first section 126 of the device 107. The inner projection comprises a first edge, wherein the first edge is adjacent to a portion of the inner surface of the device 107 defining the channel 125. The first edge extends from the upstream end of the first section 126 of the device 107. The inner projection also comprises a second edge, wherein the second edge is also adjacent to the inner surface 115 of the device 107 defining the channel. The second edge extends from the upstream end of the first section 126 of the device 107. The internal projection further comprises a third edge, wherein the third edge is located inside the channel 125 and also extends from the upstream end of the first section 126 of the device 107.

A cross-section of the inner projection 135 taken along the plane A-A is shown in Fig. 11A. A cross-section of the inner projection 135 taken along the plane B-B is shown in Fig. 11B. Thus, Fig. 11B shows a cross-section of the inner projection 135 at the top of the inner projection 135.

The second section 127 of the device 107 extends from the upstream opening 117 of the device 107 to the first section 126 of the device 107. The portion of the channel 125 extending through the second section 127 of the device 107 is substantially cylindrical and has a diameter approximately the same as the diameter of the channel 125 at the upstream end of the first section 126.

The third section 128 of the device 107 extends from the first section 126 of the device 107 to the downstream opening 118 of the device 107. The portion of the channel 125 extending through the third section 128 of the device 107 is substantially cylindrical and has a diameter approximately the same as the diameter of the channel 125 at the downstream end of the first section 126.

The method also includes providing a hollow tube 145 formed from a sheet, wherein the circumference of the hollow tube 145 is approximately equal to the inner perimeter of the cross-section of the device 107 at the top of the inner projection 135. The cross-section of the hollow tube 145 is shown in Fig. 11A. The diameter of the channel 125 at the upstream end of the first section 126 is approximately the same as the diameter of the hollow tube 145. Thus, the diameter of the hollow tube 145 is also approximately equal to the diameter of the portion of the channel 125 continuing through the second section 127 of the device 107.

The method further includes providing passage of the hollow tube 145 through the opening 117 of the device 107 located upstream of the flow into the second section 127 of the device 107 along the channel 125.

The method further includes allowing the hollow tube 145 to pass along the channel 125 and into contact with the internal projection 135 at the upstream end of the first section 126 of the device 107.

The method further includes providing passage of hollow tube 145 along channel 125 through first section 126 of device 107 so that outer surface of hollow tube 145 is in contact with inner surface 115 of device 107. In particular, so that outer surface of hollow tube 145 is in contact with inner projection 135. Due to the configuration of first section 126 of device 107, providing passage of hollow tube 145 along first section 126 of device 107 leads to deformation of hollow tube 145 and its correspondence to the internal shape of first section of device 107. In particular, truncated-conical shape of channel 125 in first section 126 in combination with the presence of inner projection 135 in first section 126 helps to give hollow tube 145 a shape having a reduced diameter and an internal curved projection forming a support element 130, as shown in Fig. 12B. Therefore, providing passage of the hollow tube 145 through the first section 126 of the device 107 results in the hollow tube 145 forming: a first fold line at the first edge of the inner projection 135, a second fold line at the second edge of the inner projection 135; and a third fold line at the third edge of the inner projection 135. Thus, providing passage of the hollow tube 145 through the first section 126 of the device 107 forms a hollow tubular element formed from a sheet, wherein the hollow tubular element comprises: a peripheral portion 110 defining a hollow internal region, and a support element 130; wherein the support element 130 extends from the peripheral portion both along the first fold line of the sheet and along the second fold line of the sheet; and wherein the support element comprises a third fold line of the sheet located inside the hollow internal region. The hollow tube 145 and the hollow tubular element are shown by dotted lines in Fig. 10.

The method further includes providing passage of the hollow tubular element through the third section 128 of the device 107 and from the channel 117 through the downstream opening 118 of the device 107. The third section 128 of the device 107 may facilitate the exit of the hollow tubular element from the device 107. In addition, the third section 128 of the device 107 may facilitate maintaining the desired shape of the hollow tubular element after bending the hollow tubular element.

As shown in Fig. 11A and 11B, the inner projection 135 is the first inner projection 135, and the first section 126 of the device 107 comprises two additional inner projections: the second inner projection 175 and the third inner projection 185. All of the inner projections 135, 175, 185 are identical to each other and are spaced equally apart around the circumference of the first section 126 of the device 107.

Thus, as shown in Fig. 12B, the support element 130 of the hollow tubular element, formed by providing the passage of the hollow tube 145 through the first section 126 of the device 107, is the first support element 130, and the hollow tubular element contains two additional support elements: the second support element 170 and the third support element 180. All of the support elements 130, 170, 180 are identical to each other and are spaced at an equal distance along the circumference of the hollow tubular element.

Fig. 13 shows a perspective view of a hollow tubular member 600 for an inhaler article according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The hollow tubular member 600 comprises a peripheral portion 610 that defines a hollow internal region 620 of the hollow tubular member 600; and a support member 630.

As shown in Figs. 13 and 14, the peripheral portion 610 and the supporting element 630 are formed as a single unit from the same sheet of paper. In particular, the peripheral portion 610 is formed from two to four parallel-wound layers of a paper sheet, and the supporting element 630 is formed from a single layer of a paper sheet. More specifically, a section of the peripheral portion 610 is formed from two layers of a paper sheet, another section of the peripheral portion 610 is formed from three layers of a paper sheet, and an additional section of the peripheral portion 610 is formed from four layers of a paper sheet.

As illustrated in Fig. 14, the support element 630 extends from the first point 631 on the peripheral portion 610 through the hollow internal region 620 through the radial center of the hollow tubular element 600 to the second point 632 on the peripheral portion 610. The first point 631 on the peripheral portion 610 and the second point 632 on the peripheral portion 610 are approximately diametrically opposite to each other. The inner diameter of the hollow tubular element is approximately 6.9 millimeters. Thus, the first point 631 on the peripheral portion 610 and the second point 632 on the peripheral portion 610 are spaced from each other by a distance of approximately 6.9 millimeters. The outer diameter of the hollow tubular element is approximately 7.2 millimeters.

The support member 630 comprises a substantially straight portion that extends from a first point 631 on the peripheral portion 610 to a second point 632 on the peripheral portion 610, when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular member 600, as shown in Fig. 14.

The support element 630 extends from the peripheral portion 610 along the first fold line of the sheet, wherein the first fold line is located at the first point 631 on the peripheral portion 610. The support element 630 also extends from the peripheral portion 610 along the second fold line of the sheet, wherein the second fold line is located at the second point 632 on the peripheral portion 610. Thus, the substantially straight portion also continues from the first fold line of the sheet to the second fold line of the sheet.

Fig. 15 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end surface of a hollow tubular element 700 for an inhaler article according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The hollow tubular element 700 comprises a peripheral portion 710 and a supporting element 730. The peripheral portion 710 and the supporting element 730 are formed integrally from the same sheet of paper. The peripheral portion 710 is formed from parallel wound layers of the sheet in such a way that a section of the peripheral portion is formed from two layers of the sheet, and the other section of the peripheral portion 710 is formed from a single layer of the sheet.

The support element 730 extends from the first point 731 on the peripheral portion 710 through the hollow internal region to the second point 732a on the peripheral portion 710. In particular, the support element 730 comprises the end of the sheet, wherein the end of the sheet is in contact with the peripheral portion 710 at the second point 732a on the peripheral portion 710.

The support element 730 is substantially sinusoidal when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element 700. The support element 730 comprises several peaks and valleys; in particular, the support element 730 comprises one peak and two valleys. The peak of the support element 730 is in contact with the peripheral portion 710 at an additional point 732b on the peripheral portion 710.

Thus, it should be understood that the portion of the sheet extending from the first point 731 on the peripheral portion 710 to the additional point 732b on the peripheral portion 710 may be the first support element. Furthermore, the portion of the sheet extending from the additional point 732b on the peripheral portion 710 to the second point 732a on the peripheral portion 710 may be the second support element.

Fig. 16 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end surface of a hollow tubular element 800 for an inhaler article according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. The hollow tubular element 800 comprises a peripheral portion 810 and a supporting element 830 formed integrally from the same sheet of paper. The sheet extends from a first end 833 of the sheet to a second end 834 of the sheet. The peripheral portion 810 is formed from parallel wound layers of the sheet in such a way that a section of the peripheral portion 810 is formed from a single layer of the sheet, and the other section of the peripheral portion 810 is formed from two layers of the sheet.

The support element 830 extends from the first point 831 on the peripheral portion 810 through the hollow internal region to the second point 832 on the peripheral portion 810. In particular, the support element 830 departs from the peripheral portion 810 from both the first fold line and the second fold line of the sheet, wherein the first fold line is located at the first point 831 on the peripheral portion 810, and the second fold line is located at the second point 832 on the peripheral portion 810. The first point 831 on the peripheral portion 810 and the second point 832 on the peripheral portion 810 are approximately diametrically opposite to each other.

The portion of the sheet extending from the first end 833 of the sheet to the first point 831 on the peripheral portion 810, and the portion of the sheet extending from the second point 832 on the peripheral portion 810 to the second end 1034 of the sheet, define a hollow internal region of the hollow tubular element 800. Accordingly, the peripheral portion 810 comprises the portion of the sheet extending from the first end 833 of the sheet to the first point 831 on the peripheral portion 810, and the portion of the sheet extending from the second point 832 on the peripheral portion 810 to the second end 834 of the sheet.

As shown in Fig. 16, the support element 830 is substantially sinusoidal when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element 800. The support element 830 contains several peaks and valleys; in particular, the support element 830 contains two peaks and three valleys. This increases the surface area of the hollow tubular element 800 that can be in contact with the capsule 9, for example, when the capsule 9 is pierced by the piercing element. Thus, this can increase the ability of the hollow tubular element 800 to prevent or limit the movement of the capsule 9, for example, when the capsule 9 is pierced by the piercing element.

Fig. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end surface of the hollow tubular element 900 for the inhaler article according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. The hollow tubular element 900 is generally the same as the hollow tubular element 800 according to the eighth embodiment, except that the second end of the sheet is located at the second point 932 on the peripheral portion 910. Thus, no part of the sheet continues from the second point 932 on the peripheral portion 910 to the second end of the sheet. Accordingly, the support element 930 does not extend from the peripheral portion 910 along the second fold line of the sheet, wherein the second fold line is located at the second point 932 of the peripheral portion 910. In addition, the peripheral portion 910 does not contain a portion of the sheet continuing from the second point 932 on the peripheral portion 910 to the second end of the sheet.

In addition, the hollow tubular member 900 differs from the hollow tubular member 800 in that the support member 930 has a substantially s-shaped form when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular member 900.

The support member 930 extends through the radial center of the hollow tubular member 900.

Fig. 18 shows a perspective view of a hollow tubular member 1000 for an inhaler article according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. An inhaler article comprising a hollow tubular member 1000 is shown in Fig. 25. The hollow tubular member 1000 comprises a peripheral portion 1010 defining a hollow inner region 1020 of the hollow tubular member 1000. The hollow tubular member 1000 also comprises a support member 1030 formed from a sheet of paper. The peripheral portion 1010 comprises a tube that is separated from the sheet forming the support member 1030. That is, the tube is not formed as a single unit with the support member 1030.

As shown in Fig. 19, the first end 1033 of the sheet is in contact with the tube up to a first point 1031 on the peripheral portion 1010, where it deviates from the tube and into the hollow inner region 1020. The second end 1034 of the sheet is in contact with the tube up to a second point 1032a on the peripheral portion 1010, where it deviates from the tube and into the hollow inner region 1020. Thus, the support element 1030 continues from the first point 1031 on the peripheral portion 1010 through the hollow inner region 1020 to the second point 1032a on the peripheral portion 1010. Additionally, the peripheral portion 1010 comprises: a tube, a portion of the sheet continuing from the first end 1033 of the sheet to the first point 1031 on the peripheral portion 1010; and a portion of the sheet extending from the second point 1032a on the peripheral portion 1010 to the second end 1034 of the sheet.

The support element 1030 comprises a curved portion when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element 100. In particular, the support element 1033 has a substantially omega-shaped form when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element 1000. The support element 1030 is also in contact with the tube at an additional point 1032b on the peripheral portion 1010. The support element 1030 divides the hollow internal region 1020 into four channels.

It should be understood that the portion of the sheet extending from the first point 1031 on the peripheral portion 1010 to the additional point 1032b on the peripheral portion 1010 may be the first support element. Furthermore, the portion of the sheet extending from the additional point 1032b on the peripheral portion 1010 to the second point 1032a on the peripheral portion 1010 may be the second support element. The first and second support elements divide the hollow internal region 1020 into four channels.

The sheet can be attached to the tube using adhesive. Specifically, the sheet can be attached to the tube at the points where the sheet is in contact with the tube.

Fig. 20 shows a cross-sectional view of an upstream end surface of a hollow tubular element 1100 for an inhaler article according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. Like the hollow tubular element 1000 according to the tenth embodiment, the peripheral portion 1110 comprises a tube that is separated from a sheet that forms a support element 1130. The support element 1130 is in contact with the peripheral portion 1110 at both a first point 1131 on the peripheral portion 1110 and a second point 1132 on the peripheral portion 1110. The support element extends from the first point 1131 on the peripheral portion 1110 through the hollow internal region to the second point 1132 on the peripheral portion 1110.

The support member 1130 has a wave-shaped profile when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular member 1100. In particular, the support member 1130 is substantially sinusoidal and contains one peak and two troughs when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular member 1100.

Fig. 21 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end surface of a hollow tubular member 50 before the application of a load F, wherein the hollow tubular member 50 has an initial outside diameter D _S (without indentation) before the application of the load F. Fig. 21 also shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end surface of the same hollow tubular member 52 after the application of a set load for a set period of time (but with the load still applied), wherein the hollow tubular member 52 has a (reduced) diameter D _d after the application of a set load for a set period of time (but with the load still applied). The indentation has the following form: d = D _S - D _d .

Equipment for testing the hardness of smoking product filters is shown in Figs. 22, 23 and 24.

Fig. 22 is a perspective view of equipment 60, such as a DD60A densimetric device, for determining the hardness of a hollow tubular element for an inhaler product. Equipment 60 comprises two parallel load-applying rods 70 located above a support plate 80. Support plate 80 comprises two parallel, spaced-apart walls 82, each wall 82 comprising ten equally spaced recesses. The recesses are arranged so as to prevent the hollow tubular elements 54 from coming into contact with each other during testing.

As can be seen in Fig. 22, ten identically constructed hollow tubular elements 54 are aligned parallel in one plane and placed on the cylindrical rods 84 located below. The hollow tubular elements 54 continue between corresponding recesses in the walls 82 to hold the hollow tubular elements 54 in place. The cylindrical rods 84 located below continue parallel to the walls 82. Each hollow tubular element 54 contacts the rods 84 located below at two points, which makes a total of twenty points of contact between the hollow tubular elements 54 to be tested and the rods 84 located below.

If the hollow tubular member 54 is too short and does not contact both of the lower bars 84 or contacts the lower bars 84 very close to the ends of the hollow tubular members 54 to be tested, then it should be understood that the desired result can be achieved by using twenty hollow tubular members 54 arranged end to end, for example, as shown in Fig. 23.

As shown, the concept of the DD60A test is that the cylindrical rods 84 located below contact the material 54 of the specimens to be tested at twenty contact points. If the hollow tubular element 54 is long enough to extend along the rods 84 located below, then twenty contact points can be provided by ten specimens (as shown in Fig. 22). If the hollow tubular element 54 is not long enough, then twenty contact points can be provided by twenty specimens, as shown in Fig. 23.

The equipment is shown in Fig. 23 in a first configuration in which two cylindrical load-applying rods 70 are raised above the hollow tubular members 54 and removed from contact with them. To test the hardness of the hollow tubular member 54, the cylindrical load-applying rods 70 are lowered into a second configuration so that they come into contact with the hollow tubular members 54, as shown in Fig. 24. When the load-applying rods 70 contact the hollow tubular members 54, they apply a total load of 2 kg at twenty contact points of the hollow tubular member 54 for 20 seconds. After 20 seconds (and when the load continues to be applied to the hollow tubular members 54), the indentation of the cylindrical load-applying rods 70 on the hollow tubular member 54 is determined and then used to calculate the hardness.

Fig. 25 illustrates an inhaler article 1050 according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. The inhaler article 1050 according to the tenth embodiment is generally the same as the inhaler article 10 according to the first embodiment. However, the inhaler article 1050 according to the tenth embodiment differs from the inhaler article 10 according to the first embodiment in that the hollow tubular member 1000 of the inhaler article 1050 according to the tenth embodiment is the one shown in Fig. 18.

In Fig. 26, an inhalation system 1200 is illustrated. The inhalation system 1200 comprises an article 1050 in the form of an inhaler and a separate holder 1210. The article 1050 in the form of an inhaler can be received inside the holder 1210 for activating or puncturing the capsule 9 placed inside the article 1050 in the form of an inhaler. The article 1050 in the form of an inhaler is held in the holder 1210 during use by a consumer. The holder 1210 is configured to induce a swirling inhalation flow of air entering the received article 1050 in the form of an inhaler. The holder 1210 is configured to bend back, or to break, or to open the bent end 5 of the article 1050 in the form of an inhaler.

Inhalation system 1200 comprises an inhaler article 1050 and a holder 1210. The inhaler article 1050 extends along the longitudinal axis LA of the inhaler. The holder 1210 comprises a movable sleeve 1220 that retains the inhaler article 1050, which is received in the sleeve cavity 122.

A holder 1210 for an article 1050 in the form of an inhaler comprises a casing 111 comprising a cavity 112 of the casing for containing the article 1050 in the form of an inhaler, and a sleeve 1220 configured to hold the article 1050 in the form of an inhaler inside the cavity 112 of the casing. The sleeve 1220 defines a cavity 122 of the sleeve and is capable of moving inside the cavity 112 of the casing along the longitudinal axis LA of the casing 111. The sleeve 1220 comprises a first open end 124 and a second opposite end 1226. The second opposite end 1226 of the sleeve 1220 is configured to allow air to enter the cavity 122 of the sleeve. The second opposite end 1226 of the sleeve 1220 is configured to induce a vortex in relation to air entering the cavity 122 of the sleeve.

The holder 1210 may comprise a piercing element 101 attached to the inner surface 109 of the casing and extending from it. The piercing element 101 may be configured to pass through the second opposite end 1226 of the sleeve 1220 and into the cavity 122 of the sleeve along the longitudinal axis of the casing 111. The holder 1210 may comprise a spring element 102 configured to bias the sleeve 1220 from the piercing element 101.

The sleeve 1220 may comprise an elongated slot extending along the longitudinal length of the sleeve 1220. The casing 111 may further comprise a pin 127 extending from the inner surface 109 of the cavity 112 of the casing. The pin 127 may be configured to mate with the elongated slot.

Fig. 27 shows a schematic side view in section of the sleeve 1220. The second opposite end 1226 of the sleeve 1220 contains a tubular member 1230 of the sleeve, defining a central passage 1232, an end surface 136 and an open end 134. The central passage 1232 is in fluid communication with the cavity 122 of the sleeve. The open end 134 of the tubular member 1230 of the sleeve can continue into the cavity 122 of the sleeve. The tubular member 1230 of the sleeve contains at least one air inlet 138, allowing air to enter the central passage 1232. The at least one air inlet 138 continues in a direction tangential to the central passage 1232.

The distal end 156 of the inhaler article 1250 can slide onto the sleeve tubular member 1230, as illustrated in Fig. 28. The open end 134 of the sleeve tubular member 1230 changes the bent end 5 from a closed configuration to an open configuration, allowing the swirling rotating inhaled air to flow directly into the capsule cavity 7 of the inhaler article 1250.

When the inhaler article 1250 is inserted into the holder 1210, the open end 134 of the tubular element 1230 of the sleeve is deformed and shifted through the bent end 5 so that the tubular element 1230 of the sleeve continues into the hollow tube 12 of the contained inhaler article 1250. The bent end 5 can be shifted in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the inhaler article in the open configuration so that the inhaler article 1250 is hooked onto the holder, thereby holding the inhaler article 1250 in place in the holder 1210.

The inlet openings 138 for inhaled air enter the tubular element 1230 of the sleeve tangentially to the central passage 1232 and form a swirling inhaled air flow into the cavity 7 for the capsule of the contained article 1250 in the form of an inhaler. The swirling inhaled air flow flows along the cavity 7 for the capsule of the contained article 1250 in the form of an inhaler to induce rotation of the capsule and release of particles into the inhaled air flow.

The tubular element 1230 of the sleeve can continue into the cavity 122 of the sleeve and forms an annular recess 1231 with the cavity 122 of the sleeve, configured to accommodate the distal end 156 of the article 1250 in the form of an inhaler. The projection formed by the tubular element 1230 of the sleeve slides into the cavity 7 for the capsule of the article 1250 in the form of an inhaler. In this case, the tubular element 1230 of the sleeve is configured to continue into the distal end 156 of the article 1250 in the form of an inhaler, accommodated inside the cavity 122 of the sleeve.

The tubular element 1230 of the sleeve may extend into the cavity 122 of the sleeve by approximately 5 mm and have an outer diameter of approximately 6.5 mm and an inner diameter of approximately 4 mm. The cavity 7 for the capsule of the contained article 1250 in the form of an inhaler may have an inner diameter of approximately 6.6 mm to ensure an interference fit relative to the tubular element 1230 of the sleeve and the annular recess 1231.

The sleeve 1220 defines a first air inlet zone 1270 comprising at least one air opening 129 through the sleeve 1220. The first air inlet zone 1270 is located near the first open end 124 of the sleeve 1220. The first air inlet zone 1270 is configured to allow air to flow into the air flow channel formed between the sleeve 1220 and the casing 111. The sleeve comprises a second air inlet zone 1280 downstream of the first air inlet zone 1270. The second air inlet zone 1280, comprising a second opposite end 1226 of the sleeve 1220, is configured to allow air to enter the cavity 122 of the sleeve. The second air inlet zone 1280 comprises at least one air opening or air inlet 138 through the sleeve 1220 and into the tubular element 1230 of the sleeve having a central passage 1232.

Fig. 28 shows a schematic side view in section of the article 1250 in the form of an inhaler according to Fig. 18, received in the sleeve 1220 according to Fig. 27. As illustrated in Fig. 28, the cavity 7 for a capsule of the article 1250 in the form of an inhaler is aligned and mated with the central passage 1232 of the tubular element 1230 of the sleeve and continues into it. The tubular element 1230 of the sleeve forms the end of the cavity 7 for a capsule located upstream of the flow. The bent end 5 opens back onto the side wall of the cavity 7 for a capsule and ensures an interference fit inside the annular recess 1231.

Claims (23)

1. A product in the form of an inhaler containing: cavity; a capsule located in the cavity, the capsule containing a dry powder; and a hollow tubular element located further downstream of the capsule, wherein the hollow tubular element contains: a peripheral portion defining a hollow internal region of the hollow tubular element; and a supporting member formed from a sheet and extending from a first point on the peripheral portion through the hollow internal region to a second point on the peripheral portion. 2. A product in the form of an inhaler according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the peripheral part is formed from a sheet. 3. An article in the form of an inhaler according to paragraph 2, characterized in that the peripheral part and the supporting element are formed as a single unit from a sheet. 4. An article in the form of an inhaler according to paragraph 2, characterized in that the peripheral part and the supporting element are formed from separate sheets. 5. An inhaler product according to any of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the first point on the peripheral part and the second point on the peripheral part are spaced apart from each other. 6. An article in the form of an inhaler according to any of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the support element extends from the peripheral portion along the first fold line of the sheet, wherein the first fold line is located at the first point on the peripheral portion. 7. An article in the form of an inhaler according to paragraph 6, characterized in that the support element extends from the peripheral portion along the second fold line of the sheet, wherein the second fold line is located at the second point on the peripheral portion. 8. An article in the form of an inhaler according to any of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the cross-section of the support element contains a curved part. 9. An article in the form of an inhaler according to paragraph 8, characterized in that the cross-section of the supporting element is omega-shaped. 10. An inhaler product according to any of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the support element divides the hollow internal region into channels. 11. An article in the form of an inhaler according to any of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the support element is spaced from the radial center of the hollow tubular element by a distance of from 5 percent to 90 percent of the radius of the hollow tubular element. 12. An article in the form of an inhaler according to any of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the hollow tubular element is designed to withstand a force of up to 15 Newtons applied to the end of the hollow tubular element located upstream of the flow, without deformation. 13. An article in the form of an inhaler according to any of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the Young's modulus of the material of the hollow tubular element is greater than 10 MPa. 14. An inhaler article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hollow tubular element extends from the cavity to a further downstream end of the inhaler article. 15. An inhalation system comprising an inhaler article according to any of the preceding paragraphs and a holder for containing the inhaler article, the holder comprising: a housing defining a housing cavity configured to receive an inhaler-shaped article; and a piercing element designed to pass into the cavity of the casing and pierce the capsule of the inhaler-shaped product.