TWI886119B - Smoking substitute system - Google Patents

Abstract

A heat not burn device, comprising: a housing configured to receive an aerosol-forming article; a plurality of air inlets defined at the housing; wherein the plurality of air inlets are configured to allow an airflow to enter the housing adjacent to an end of the aerosol-forming article when said aerosol-forming article is received in the housing.

Description

Smoking replacement system

The present invention relates to smoking alternative systems and in particular (but not exclusively) to smoking alternative systems comprising a heat not burn (HNB) device and an aerosol forming article.

It is generally accepted that smoking tobacco exposes the smoker to potential toxins. It is generally accepted that a significant amount of the potential toxins are produced through the combustion of the tobacco and/or the heat caused by the combustion and the burning of tobacco components in the tobacco smoke itself.

Conventional combustible smoking articles such as cigarettes typically include a cylindrical tobacco rod including tobacco surrounded by wrapping paper and typically also a cylindrical filter, the cylindrical tobacco rod including tobacco shreds surrounded by wrapping paper, the filter being axially aligned in adjacent relation to the wrapped tobacco rod. The filter typically includes filter material bounded by a plug sleeve. The wrapped tobacco rod and the filter are joined together by a wrapping tipping paper band that surrounds the entire length of the filter and adjacent portions of the wrapped tobacco rod. Such conventional cigarettes are used by igniting the end opposite the filter and burning the tobacco rod. The smoker receives mainstream smoke into their mouth by drawing on the mouth or filter end of the cigarette.

The combustion of organic materials such as tobacco is known to produce tar and other potentially harmful byproducts. Various smoking alternative systems (or "alternative smoking systems") have been proposed to avoid smoking tobacco.

Such smoking replacement systems can form part of nicotine replacement therapy for people who wish to stop smoking and overcome their dependence on nicotine.

Smoking replacement systems include electronic systems that allow users to simulate the action of smoking a cigarette by producing a smoke (also called "vapor") that is drawn into the lungs through the mouth (inhalation) and then exhaled. The inhaled smoke typically contains nicotine and/or flavoring agents, which have none or fewer of the odors and health risks associated with traditional smoking.

Generally speaking, smoking alternative systems are intended to provide an alternative to the smoking ritual while providing a similar experience to the user and providing satisfaction to those who have experience with traditional smoking and combustible tobacco products. Some smoking alternative systems use a smoking alternative article (also referred to as a "consumable") that is designed to resemble a traditional cigarette in a cylindrical form with a mouthpiece at one end.

The popularity and use of smoking alternative systems has grown rapidly over the past few years. Although originally marketed as an aid to help habitual smokers who wish to quit smoking tobacco, consumers increasingly view smoking alternative systems as desirable lifestyle accessories.

There are many different categories of smoking alternative systems, each utilizing a different method of replacing smoking.

One approach for smoking alternative systems is the so-called heated tobacco ("HT") approach, in which tobacco (rather than "e-liquid") is heated or warmed to release vapor. HT is also known as "heat not burn" ("HNB"). The tobacco can be tobacco leaf or reconstituted tobacco. The vapor can contain nicotine and/or flavorings. In the HT approach, the intention is that the tobacco is heated but not burned, i.e., the tobacco does not undergo combustion.

A typical HT smoking alternative system may include an apparatus and consumables. The consumables may include tobacco material. The apparatus and consumables may be configured to be physically coupled together. In use, heat may be imparted to the tobacco material by a heating element of the apparatus, wherein an air flow through the tobacco material causes components in the tobacco material to be released as vapor. The vapor may also be formed by a carrier in the tobacco material (which carrier may, for example, include propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerin) and additional volatile compounds released from the tobacco. The released vapor may be entrained in the air flow drawn through the tobacco.

As the vapor passes from the vaporization site through the consumable (entrained in the air stream) to the outlet of the consumable (e.g., the mouthpiece), the vapor cools and condenses to form smoke for the user to inhale. The smoke will typically contain volatile compounds.

In HT smoking alternative systems, it is believed that heating rather than burning tobacco materials results in less or smaller amounts of the more harmful compounds that are typically produced during smoking. Thus, the HT method can reduce odor and/or health risks that may be caused by burning, combustion, and pyrolytic degradation of tobacco.

Currently available HT smoking alternative devices generally require the air flow to enter the device at a location separate from the consumables. In such devices, the air inlet is generally provided at a location away from the main face of the device to reduce the possibility of blocking the air inlet when the user grasps the device. In some examples, the air inlet is provided on the top cover of the device, and the air flow is therefore required to flow through the length of the air channel or annulus before it reaches the consumables. Such an arrangement increases the resistance to draw during puffing, and in some cases, this may even limit the amount of air flow available to entrain the vapor released from the tobacco.

Improved designs of smoking substitute systems (particularly HT smoking substitute systems) may be needed to enhance user experience and improve the functionality of HT smoking substitute systems.

This disclosure is designed in view of the above considerations.

In the broadest sense, the present invention relates to a HNB device having an air inlet for promoting air flow into the housing of the HNB device near the end of the aerosol-forming article. Such an arrangement can reduce the resistance to drawing and thereby increase the air flow through the aerosol-forming article.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a heat-not-burn device is provided. The device includes a housing that can be configured to receive a smoke-forming article. Further, the device includes a plurality of air inlets defined at the housing. These air inlets are configured to allow air flow to enter the housing near the end of the smoke-forming article when the smoke-forming article is received in the housing.

By providing a device having a plurality of air inlets defined at a housing for providing an air flow near an end of an aerosol-forming article, an air flow can be allowed to enter the housing or body of the device and flow directly toward the end of the aerosol-forming article. That is, without an extended air flow channel, the resistance to draw during a puff can be significantly reduced. Thus, advantageously, such an arrangement can enhance the process of aerosol generation, increase the amount of total particulate matter (TPM) of the smoke, and improve the user experience associated with the reduced resistance to draw. The end of the aerosol-forming article can be defined as the end of the aerosol-forming article that includes tobacco and is heated by a heater of the device. Through the end, air flows into the smoke-forming article and flows through the length of the substrate, thereby entraining vapor from the tobacco and forming smoke.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a smoking alternative device can be provided, comprising: a housing; and a top cover configured to engage with the housing and thereby define an air inlet between the top cover and the housing; wherein the air inlet is configured to promote air flow into the housing.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a smoking alternative device may be provided, comprising: a housing; a heating element; and a top cover configured to engage with the housing and thereby define an air inlet between the top cover and the housing; wherein the air inlet extends in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the housing to promote air flow into the housing. The air inlet may provide air flow into the housing below the heating element.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a heat-not-burn device may be provided, comprising: a housing configured to engage with a heated tobacco (HT) consumable; a heating element having a base connected to the housing; a plurality of air inlets defined at the housing; wherein the air inlets are configured to allow air flow to enter the housing near the base of the heating element. The air inlets may be openings defined at the housing and at a position adjacent to the base of the heating element.

Optional features will now be listed. These features may be applied individually or in any combination with any aspect.

Optionally, when the aerosol-forming article is received in the housing, the air inlets are located near the end of the aerosol-forming article. Optionally, the air inlets are configured to allow air flow entering the housing to flow directly toward the end of the aerosol-forming article. Optionally, each of the air inlets includes a through hole. For example, the air inlet may be an opening provided at the housing and at a position adjacent to the end of the aerosol-forming article. In this way, there is no constriction in the path of the air flow, thereby advantageously causing minimal suction resistance during puffing.

Optionally, the air inlets are configured to allow air flow to enter the housing through one or more of the other air inlets when one or more of the air inlets are blocked. In other words, the air inlets can provide redundancy in the event that one or more of the air inlets are blocked. Advantageously, providing redundancy can allow uninterrupted smoke generation even if one or more of the air inlets are inadvertently blocked by the user. And, because the air inlets are located near the ends of the smoke-forming article (at the ends, residue accumulation can cause significant problems), providing redundancy can advantageously ensure that the device continues to function even if one or more of the air inlets are blocked by residue.

Optionally, one or more of these air inlets are configured to be blocked to control the amount of air flow entering the housing. Advantageously, the user may choose to cover one or more of the air inlets with a finger to adjust the amount of air flow entering the device according to his/her needs. For example, the user may restrict the air flow to reduce the amount of TPM in the smoke by covering one or more of the air inlets. Further, the user may vary the puff resistance to a level that mimics a conventional cigarette.

Optionally, the housing comprises a raised surface, and wherein such air inlets are defined proximate the raised surface. The raised surface may provide a surface for a user to grip during use of the device. Thus, advantageously, providing the air inlets proximate the raised surface may prevent a user from inadvertently blocking the air inlets, as the user's fingers may no longer be able to form an air seal around the air inlets where there is a level difference between the raised surface and the housing of the device.

Optionally, such air inlets are defined at a major face of the housing. The major face may be a surface that a user grips when using the device. For example, the major face may be a front panel or a back panel of the device, or it may be a side wall of a housing of a cylindrically shaped device. Optionally, the major face comprises a front panel of the housing.

Optionally, the major face comprises a front panel of the housing. Optionally, a convex face is formed on the front panel of the housing. Advantageously, by providing air inlets at the front panel of the device, the location of the air inlets may be visible to a user during use of the device, and thereby the user may be able to i) avoid blocking the air inlets or ii) selectively block one or more air inlets as desired.

Optionally, such air inlets are air channels extending through the housing, wherein the air flow channels are provided at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the device. More specifically, the air flow channels may be similar to through holes that are open at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the device. The angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the device may range from 5° to 85°, and is preferably 45°. Advantageously, such an arrangement may reduce the flow vector in the air flow as it enters the housing, and thereby further reduce the suction resistance during puffing.

Optionally, the apparatus comprises a top cover defining a cavity for receiving the smoke-forming article, wherein the top cover is slidable between a first position, in which the top cover is positioned adjacent to the housing, and a second position, in which the top cover is retracted from the housing. Optionally, such air inlets are provided adjacent to the top cover when the top cover is in the first position. For example, there may be a gap between the top cover and the housing when the top cover is placed into the first position. The gap may form a valley or recess through which the air inlet may be provided. In use, an air flow may enter the housing through the gap and the air inlet. Advantageously, this may allow the air inlet to be concealed in the recess, and thereby prevent the air inlet from being accidentally blocked.

Optionally, the apparatus comprises a puff sensor and wherein the air inlets are provided proximate the puff sensor. Optionally, the air inlets are sized in relation to the resistance to suction and the associated pressure drop. Advantageously, such an arrangement may increase the pressure drop detectable by the puff sensor and thereby may result in more effective and accurate puff detection.

The device may include an elongated housing. The ends of the elongated housing may be configured for engagement with a smoke-forming article. For example, the housing may be configured for engagement with a heat-tobacco (HT) consumable (or a heat-not-burn (HNB) consumable). The terms "heat-tobacco" and "heat-not-burn" are used interchangeably herein to describe a type of consumable that is heated rather than burned (or may be used interchangeably to describe a device for use with such consumables). The device may include a cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the consumable (i.e., for engagement with the consumable). The smoke-forming article may be of a type that includes a smoke former (e.g., a smoke former carried by a smoke-forming substrate).

The housing may be defined as having a convex surface on the first major surface, wherein the convex surface may facilitate a user's gripping of the HNB device. Further, a plurality of air inlets may be defined at the first major surface of the housing and near the convex surface. Such air inlets may allow air flow to enter the housing near an end of the aerosol-forming article when the aerosol-forming article is received in the housing.

The apparatus may include a heater for heating the smoke-forming article. The heater may include a heating element, which may be in the form of a rod extending from a housing of the apparatus. The heating element may extend from an end of the housing, the end being configured for engagement with the smoke-forming article.

The heater (and therefore the heating element) may be rigidly mounted to the housing. The heating element may be elongated so as to define a longitudinal axis and may, for example, have a substantially circular transverse profile (i.e. transverse to the longitudinal axis of the heating element) (i.e. the heating element may be substantially cylindrical). Alternatively, the heating element may have a rectangular transverse profile (i.e. the heater may be a "blade heater"). Alternatively, the heating element may be in the shape of a tube (i.e. the heater may be a "tube heater"). The heating element may take other forms (e.g. the heating element may have an elliptical transverse profile). The shape and/or size (e.g. diameter) of the transverse profile of the heating element may be substantially uniform over the entire length (or substantially the entire length) of the heating element.

The length of the heating element may be between 15 mm and 25 mm, such as between 18 mm and 20 mm, such as about 19 mm. The diameter of the heating element may be between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm, such as between 2 mm and 2.3 mm, such as about 2.15 mm.

The heating element may be formed of ceramic. The heating element may include a core (e.g., a ceramic core) comprising Al ₂ O ₃ . The core of the heating element may have a diameter of 1.8 mm to 2.1 mm (e.g., between 1.9 mm and 2 mm). The heating element may include an outer layer (e.g., an outer ceramic layer) comprising Al ₂ O ₃ . The thickness of the outer layer may be between 160 μm and 220 μm, e.g., between 170 μm and 190 μm, e.g., about 180 μm. The heating element may include a heating track, which may extend longitudinally along the heating element. The heating track may be sandwiched between the outer layer and the core of the heating element. The heating track may include tungsten and/or rhodium. The heating track may have a thickness of about 20 μm.

The heating element may be located in the cavity (of the device) and may extend from the inner base of the cavity toward the opening of the cavity (e.g., along the longitudinal axis). The length of the heating element (i.e., the length along the longitudinal axis of the heater) may be less than the depth of the cavity. Thus, the heating element may extend only a portion of the length of the cavity. That is, the heating element may not extend through (or beyond) the opening of the cavity.

The heating element may be configured for insertion into a smoke-forming article (e.g., HT consumable) when the smoke-forming article is received in the cavity. In that regard, the distal end of the heating element (i.e., the distal end relative to the base of the heating element, where the heating element is mounted to the device) may include a tapered portion, which may facilitate insertion of the heating element into the smoke-forming article. The heating element may fully penetrate the smoke-forming article when the smoke-forming article is received in the cavity. That is, the entire length or substantially the entire length of the heating element may be received in the smoke-forming article.

The heating element may have a length that is less than or substantially the same as the axial length of a smoke-forming substrate, which forms part of a smoke-forming article (e.g., HT consumables). Therefore, when such a smoke-forming article is engaged with the apparatus, the heating element may only penetrate the smoke-forming substrate without penetrating other elements of the smoke-forming article. The heating element may penetrate the smoke-forming substrate up to substantially the entire axial length of the smoke-forming substrate of the smoke-forming article. Therefore, when the heating element penetrates the smoke-forming substrate, heat may be transferred from the heating element (e.g., the outer peripheral surface of the heating element) to the surrounding smoke-forming substrate. That is, the heat can be conducted radially outwards (in the case of a cylindrical heating element) or, for example, radially inwards (in the case of a tubular heater).

If the heater is a tubular heater, the heating element of the tubular heater may surround at least a portion of the cavity. When the portion of the smoke-forming article is received in the cavity, the heating element may surround a portion of the smoke-forming article (i.e., so as to heat that portion of the smoke-forming article). In detail, the heating element may surround a smoke-forming substrate of the smoke-forming article. That is, when the smoke-forming article is engaged with the apparatus, the smoke-forming substrate of the smoke-forming article may be located near the inner surface of the (tubular) heating element. When the heating element is activated, heat may be conducted radially inwardly from the inner surface of the heating element to heat the smoke-forming substrate.

The cavity may comprise one or more walls (e.g. circumferential), and the (tubular) heating element may extend around at least a portion of the one or more walls. In this way, the wall may be located between an inner surface of the heating element and an outer surface of the aerosol-forming article. The one or more walls of the cavity may be formed of a thermally conductive material (e.g. metal) to allow heat to be conducted from the heating element to the aerosol-forming article. Thus, heat may be conducted from the heating element through the one or more cavity walls to the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-forming article received in the cavity.

In some embodiments, the device may include a top cover disposed at an end of the housing, the top cover being configured to engage with the smoke-forming article. If the device includes a heater having a heating element, the top cover may at least partially surround the heating element. The top cover may be movable between an open position, in which the inlet and outlet are provided to the heating element, and a closed position, in which the top cover at least partially surrounds the heating element. The top cover may be slidably engaged with the housing of the device and may be slidable between an open position and a closed position.

The top cover may define at least a portion of a cavity of the device. That is, the cavity may be completely defined by the top cover, or each of the top cover and the housing may define a portion of the cavity. If the top cover completely defines the cavity, the top cover may include a hole for receiving a heating element into the cavity (when the top cover is in a closed position). The top cover may include an opening to the cavity. The opening may be configured to receive at least a portion of an aerosol-forming article. That is, the aerosol-forming article may be inserted and inserted into the cavity through the opening (so as to engage with the device).

The top cover may be configured such that when the aerosol-forming article is engaged with the device (e.g., received in the cavity), only a portion of the aerosol-forming article is received in the cavity. That is, a portion of the aerosol-forming article (the portion not received in the cavity) may protrude from the opening (i.e., extend beyond the opening). This (protruding) portion of the aerosol-forming article may be a terminal (e.g., mouth) end of the aerosol-forming article, which is received in the mouth of a user for the purpose of inhaling the aerosol formed by the device.

The device may include a power source or may be connected to a power source (e.g., a power source separate from the device). The power source may be electrically connected to the heater. In that regard, changing (e.g., switching) the electrical connection of the power source to the heater may affect the state of the heater. For example, switching the electrical connection of the power source to the heater may switch the heater between an on state and an off state. The power source may be a power storage device. For example, the power source may be a battery or a rechargeable battery (e.g., a lithium-ion battery).

The device may include an input connection (e.g., a USB port, a micro USB port, a USB-C port, etc.). The input connection may be configured for connection to an external power source, such as a mains power supply socket. In some cases, the input connection may be used as a substitute for an internal power source (e.g., a battery or a rechargeable battery). That is, the input connection may be electrically connected to the heater (for providing power to the heater). Thus, in some forms, the input connection may form at least part of the power supply of the device.

If the power source includes a rechargeable power source (such as a rechargeable battery), the input connection can be used to charge and recharge the power source.

The device may include a user interface (UI). In some embodiments, the UI may include an input component to receive operating commands from a user. The input component of the UI may allow the user to control at least one aspect of the operation of the device. In some embodiments, the input component may include a power button to switch the device between an on state and an off state.

In some embodiments, the UI may additionally or alternatively include an output component to convey information to the user. In some embodiments, the output component may include a light to indicate the status of the device (and/or the smoke-forming product) to the user. The status of the device (and/or the smoke-forming product) indicated to the user may include a status indicating the operation of the heater. For example, the status may include whether the heater is in an off state or an on state. In some embodiments, the UI unit may include at least one of a button, a display, a touch screen, a switch, a light, and the like. For example, the output component may include one or more (e.g., two, three, four, etc.) light emitting diodes ("LEDs"), and one or more LEDs may be located on the housing of the device.

The device may further comprise a puff sensor (e.g. an air flow sensor), the puff sensor forming part of the input member of the UI. The puff sensor may be configured to detect a user puffing on the end of the aerosol-forming article (i.e. the terminal (mouth) end). The puff sensor may be, for example, a pressure sensor or a microphone. The puff sensor may be configured to generate a signal indicative of a puff state. The signal may indicate that the user puffed (puffed the aerosol from the aerosol-forming article), such that it is, for example, in the form of a binary signal. Alternatively or additionally, the signal may indicate a characteristic of the puff (e.g. a flow rate of the puff, a length of time of the puff, etc.).

The device may include a controller, or may be connected to a controller, which may be configured to control at least one function of the device. The controller may include a microcontroller, which may be mounted, for example, on a printed circuit board (PCB). The controller may also include a memory, such as a non-volatile memory. The memory may include instructions that, when implemented, may cause the controller to perform certain tasks or steps of the method. If the device includes an input connection, the controller may be connected to the input connection.

The controller may be configured to control the operation of the heater (and, for example, the heating element). Thus, the controller may be configured to control vaporization of smoke that forms part of a smoke-forming article that engages the apparatus. The controller may be configured to control the voltage applied by the power supply to the heater. For example, the controller may be configured to switch between applying the full output voltage (of the power supply) to the heater and applying no voltage to the heater. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit may implement a more complex heater control protocol.

The apparatus may further include a voltage regulator to regulate the output voltage supplied by the power source to form a regulated voltage. The regulated voltage may then be applied to the heater.

In some embodiments, if the device includes a UI, the controller may be operable to connect to one or more elements of the UI. The controller may be configured to receive command signals from an input component of the UI. The controller may be configured to control the heater in response to the command signals. For example, the controller may be configured to receive "on" and "off" command signals from the UI, and in response thereto, the heater may be controlled to be in a corresponding on state or off state.

The controller may be configured to send output signals to elements of the UI. The UI may be configured to communicate information to a user via the output components in response to such output signals (output signals received from the controller). For example, if the device includes one or more LEDs, the LEDs may be operatively connected to the controller. Thus, the controller may be configured to control the lighting of the LEDs (e.g., in response to the output signals). For example, the controller may be configured to control the lighting of the LEDs depending on the state of a heater (e.g., an on state or an off state).

If the device includes a sensor (e.g., a puff/air flow sensor), the controller may be operatively connected to the sensor. The controller may be configured to receive a signal from the sensor (e.g., a signal indicating a condition of the device and/or an engaged smoke-forming article). The controller may be configured to control an aspect of the heater or output member based on the signal from the sensor.

The device may include a wireless interface configured to communicate wirelessly with an external device (e.g., via Bluetooth (e.g., Bluetooth low energy connection) or WiFi wireless communication). Similarly, the input connection may be configured for a wired connection to an external device to provide communication between the device and the external device.

The external device may be a mobile device. For example, the external device may be a smart phone, a tablet, a smart watch, or a smart car. An application (e.g., an app) may be installed on the external device (e.g., a mobile device). The application may facilitate communication between the device and the external device via a wired or wireless connection.

The wireless or wired interface may be configured to transmit signals between the external device and the controller of the device. In this regard, the controller may control an aspect of the device in response to a signal received from the external device. Alternatively or additionally, the external device may respond to a signal received from the device (e.g., from the controller of the device).

In a second aspect, a system (e.g., a smoking alternative system) is provided, the system comprising a heat-not-burn device as described, for example, in the first aspect and a smoke-forming substrate. The smoke-forming article may include the smoke-forming substrate at the upstream end of the smoke-forming article. Conveniently, the article may be in the form of a smoking alternative article (e.g., a heated tobacco (HT) consumable (also known as a heat-not-burn (HNB) consumable)).

As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are intended to refer to the direction of flow of vapor/mist, i.e., the direction of flow when the downstream end of the product/consumable is the mouth end or outlet where the mist leaves the consumable for inhalation by the user. The upstream end of the product/consumable is the opposite end of the downstream end.

The aerosol-forming substrate can be heated to release at least one volatile compound that can form aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate can be located at the upstream end of the product/consumable.

To produce the smoke, the smoke-forming substrate includes at least one volatile compound, the at least one volatile compound being intended to be vaporized/aerosolized and providing a recreational and/or medical effect to the user when inhaled. Suitable chemically and/or physiologically active volatile compounds include the group consisting of nicotine, cocaine, caffeine, opium and opium-like drugs, norpseudoephedrine and cathinones, carfarlactones, myristic ether, beta-carboline alkaloids, salvinorin A, and any combination, functional equivalents, and/or synthetic substitutes of the foregoing.

The smoke-forming substrate may comprise plant material. The plant material may include at least one plant material selected from the list consisting of Amaranthus dubius , Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (bearberry), Argemone mexicana , Amica , Artemisia vulgaris , Yellow Tees, Galea zacatechichi , Canavalia maritima (jack bean), Cecropia mexicana (Guamura), Cestrum noctumum , Cynoglossum virginianum (wild comfrey), Cytisus scoparius , Damiana , Entada rheedii , Eschscholzia califomica (California poppy), Fittonia albivenis , Hippobroma longiflora , Humulus japonica (Japanese hop), Humulus lupulus (hop), Lactuca virosa (poison lettuce) , Laggera alata , Leonotis leonurus , Leonurus cardiaca (Motherwort), Leonurus sibiricus (Honeyweed), Lobelia cardinalis , Lobelia inflata (Indian tobacco), Lobelia siphilitica , Nepeta cataria (Nepeta cataria), Nicotiana species (Tobacco), Nymphaea alba (White lily), Nymphaea caerulea (Blue lily), Poppy, Passiflora incamata (Passionflower), Pedicularis densiflora (Indian warrior), Pedicularis groenlandica (Elephant head), Salvia divinorum , Salvia dorrii (Tobacco sage), Salvia species (Sage), Scutellaria galericulata , Scutellaria lateriflora , Scutellaria nana , Scutellaria species (Sweed), Sida acuta (Wireweed), Sida rhombifolia , Silene capensis , Syzygium aromaticum (Clove), Tagetes lucida (Mexican Tarragon), Tarchonanthus camphoratus , Tumera diffusa (Mexican Beet), Verbascum (Mullein), Zamia latifolia (Maconha Brava), and any combination, functional equivalents, and/or synthetic substitutes of the foregoing.

The plant material may be tobacco. Any type of tobacco may be used. This includes, but is not limited to, flue-cured tobacco, burley tobacco, Maryland tobacco, dark flue-cured tobacco, oriental tobacco, dark flue-cured tobacco, perique tobacco, and yellow tobacco. This also includes mixtures of the above tobaccos.

Tobacco may include one or more of the following: leaf tobacco, stem tobacco, tobacco powder, tobacco dust, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, homogenized tobacco, shredded tobacco, extruded tobacco, shredded tobacco, and/or reconstituted tobacco (e.g., pulp reconstituted or paper reconstituted).

The smoke-forming substrate may comprise aggregated sheets of homogenous (e.g. paper/pulp reconstituted) tobacco or aggregated fragments/stripe formed from such sheets.

The smoke-forming substrate may include one or more additives selected from the group consisting of humectants, flavorings, fillers, aqueous/non-aqueous solvents, and binders.

Flavorings may be provided in solid or liquid form. They may include menthol, licorice, chocolate, fruit flavorings (including, for example, citrus, cherry, etc.), vanilla, spices (such as ginger, cinnamon), and tobacco flavorings. Flavorings may be uniformly dispersed throughout the aerosol-forming substrate, or may be provided in isolated locations and/or in varying concentrations throughout the aerosol-forming substrate.

The smoke-forming substrate may be formed in a substantially cylindrical shape so that the product/consumable resembles a conventional cigarette. Its diameter may be between 5 and 10 mm, such as between 6 and 9 mm or between 6 and 8 mm, such as about 7 mm. Its axial length may be between 10 and 15 mm, such as between 11 and 14 mm, such as about 12 or 13 mm.

The product/consumable may include at least one filter element. A terminal filter element may be present at the downstream/oral end of the product/consumable.

The filter element or at least one of the filter elements (e.g. the terminal filter element) may comprise cellulose acetate or polypropylene fiber bundle. At least one filter element (e.g. the terminal filter element) may comprise activated carbon. At least one filter element (e.g. the terminal member) may comprise paper. The or each filter element may be at least partially (e.g. completely) surrounded by a sleeve (e.g. a paper sleeve).

The final filter element (located at the downstream end of the product/consumable) can be joined to the upstream elements forming the product/consumable by surrounding a tipping layer (e.g., a tipping paper layer). The tipping paper can have an axial length that is longer than the axial length of the final filter element, so that the tipping paper completely surrounds the final filter element plus the wrapping layer surrounding any adjacent upstream elements.

In some embodiments, the article/consumable may include a smoke cooling element suitable for cooling smoke generated by a smoke-forming substrate (generated by heat exchange) before the smoke is inhaled by a user.

The article/consumable may comprise a spacer element defining a space or cavity between the aerosol-forming substrate and the downstream end of the consumable. The spacer element may comprise a paperboard tube. The spacer element may be surrounded by a (paper) wrapping layer.

The present invention includes any combination of the described aspects and preferred features unless such combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided.

A skilled person will understand that, except where mutually exclusive, features or parameters described in relation to any of the above aspects may be applied to any other aspect. Also, except where mutually exclusive, any features or parameters described herein may be applied to any aspect and/or combined with any other features or parameters described herein.

The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All documents described herein are incorporated herein by reference.

1A is a schematic diagram providing a general overview of a smoking alternative system 100. The system 100 includes an alternative smoking device 101 and an aerosol-forming article in the form of a consumable 102, the consumable including an aerosol-forming agent 103. The system is configured to vaporize the aerosol-forming agent 103 by heating the aerosol-forming agent 103 (so as to form vapor/smoke for inhalation by a user).

In the depicted system, the heater 104 forms part of the consumable 102 and is configured to heat the aerosol forming agent 103. In this variation, the heater 104 may be electrically connected to a power source 105, for example when the consumable 102 is engaged with the device 101. Heat from the heater 104 vaporizes the aerosol forming agent 103 to produce vapor. The vapor then condenses to form aerosol, which is ultimately inhaled by the user.

The system 100 further comprises a power supply 105 forming part of the apparatus 101. In other embodiments, the power supply 105 may be external to the apparatus 101 (but connectable to the apparatus 101). The power supply 105 may be electrically connectable to the heater 104 such that it can supply power to the heater 104 (i.e. for the purpose of heating the aerosol forming agent 103). Thus, control of the electrical connection of the power supply 105 to the heater 104 provides control of the state of the heater 104. The power supply 105 may be a power storage device, such as a battery or a rechargeable battery (e.g. a lithium-ion battery).

The system 100 further includes an I/O module including a connector 106 (e.g., in the form of a USB port, a micro USB port, a USB-C port, etc.). The connector 106 is configured to connect to an external power source (e.g., a main power supply receptacle). The connector 106 may be used in place of the power source 105. That is, the connector 106 may be electrically connected to the heater 104 to supply power to the heater 104. In such embodiments, the device may not include a power source, and the power source of the system may instead include the connector 106 and an external power source (the connector 106 providing an electrical connection to the external power source).

In some embodiments, if the power supply 105 includes a rechargeable battery, the connector 106 can be used to charge and recharge the power supply 105.

The system 100 also includes a user interface (UI) 107. Although not shown, the UI 107 may include input components to receive commands from the user. The input components of the UI 107 allow the user to control at least one aspect of the operation of the system 100. The input components may be in the form of buttons, touch screens, switches, microphones, etc., for example.

UI 107 also includes output components to convey information to the user. Output components can include, for example, lights (such as LEDs), display screens, speakers, vibration generators, etc.

The system 100 further includes a controller 108 configured to control at least one function of the device 101. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 108 is a component of the device 101, but may be separate from the device 101 (but connectable to the device 101) in other embodiments. The controller 108 is configured to control the operation of the heater 104, and, for example, may be configured to control the voltage applied to the heater 104 from the power supply 105. The controller 108 may be configured to switch the supply of power to the heater 104 between an on state, in which the full output voltage of the power supply 105 is applied to the heater 104, and an off state, in which no voltage is applied to the heater 104.

Although not shown, the system 100 may also include a voltage regulator to regulate the output voltage from the power supply 105 to form a regulated voltage. The regulated voltage may then be applied to the heater 104.

In addition to being connected to the heater 104, the controller 108 is also operably connected to the UI 107. Thus, the controller 108 can receive input signals from the input components of the UI 107. Similarly, the controller 108 can transmit output signals to the UI 107. In response, the output components of the UI 107 can communicate information to the user based on the output signals. The controller also includes a memory 109 that is a non-volatile memory. The memory 109 includes instructions that, when executed, cause the controller to perform certain tasks or steps of the method.

Figure 1B is a schematic diagram showing a variation of the system 100 of Figure 1A. In the system 100' of Figure 1B, the heater 104 forms part of the apparatus 101, rather than part of the consumable 102. In this variation, the heater 104 may be electrically connected to a power source 105.

FIG2A illustrates a heated tobacco (HT) smoking alternative system 200. System 200 is an example of the system 100, 100' described with respect to FIG1A or 1B. System 200 includes a HT device 201 and a HT consumable 202. The above description of FIG1A and 1B is applicable to the system 200 of FIG2A and 2B and will not be repeated.

The device 201 and the consumable 202 are configured so that the consumable 202 can be coupled to the device 201. FIG. 2A shows a smoking alternative system 200, which includes a heat-not-burn device 201 (hereinafter referred to as a heat-not-burn device) and a consumable 202 coupled to the heat-not-burn device 201.

Referring to FIG. 2B , the device 201 includes a housing 209 and a top cover 210. When in use, the top cover 210 is engaged at the end of the housing 209. Although not visible in the figure, the top cover 210 is movable relative to the housing 209. In detail, the top cover 210 is slidable and can slide along the longitudinal axis of the housing 209.

In one embodiment and referring to FIG. 2B , the housing 209 of the device 201 may be an elongated member, wherein the length of the housing 209 is greater than the thickness of the housing 209. Thus, the major surface of the housing 209 may be at least one of the front and rear surfaces of the housing 209, which has a surface area greater than the surface area of the side surfaces. The first major surface may be the front of the housing 209.

The device 201 includes an output member (forming part of the UI of the device 201) in the form of a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 211 arranged linearly along the longitudinal axis of the device 201 and arranged on the outer surface of the housing 209 of the device 201. The button 212 is also arranged on the outer surface of the housing 209 of the device 201 and is axially spaced from the LEDs 211 (i.e., spaced along the longitudinal axis).

FIG. 2C shows a detailed cross-sectional view of the consumable 202 of the system 200. The consumable 202 is generally similar to a cigarette. In that regard, the consumable 202 has a generally cylindrical form with a diameter of 7 mm and an axial length of 70 mm. The consumable 202 includes a smoke-forming substrate 213, a terminal filter element 214, an upstream filter element 215, and a spacing element 216. In other embodiments, the consumable may further include a cooling element. The cooling element may exchange heat with the vapor formed by the smoke-forming substrate 213 to cool the vapor so as to promote condensation of the vapor.

The aerosol-forming substrate 213 is substantially cylindrical and is located at the upstream end 217 of the consumable 202 and includes the aerosol-forming agent of the system 200. In that aspect, the aerosol-forming substrate 213 is configured to be heated by the device 201 to release vapor. The released vapor is then entrained in a stream of air flowing through the aerosol-forming substrate 213. The air stream is generated by the action of a user drawing on the downstream (i.e., terminal or mouth) end 218 of the consumable 202.

In this embodiment, the smoke-forming substrate 213 includes tobacco material, which may include, for example, any suitable part of a tobacco plant (e.g., leaves, stems, roots, bark, seeds, and flowers). The tobacco may include one or more of the following: leaf tobacco, stem tobacco, tobacco powder, tobacco dust, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, homogenized tobacco, shredded tobacco, extruded tobacco, shredded tobacco, and/or reconstituted tobacco (e.g., pulp reconstituted or paper reconstituted). For example, the smoke-forming substrate 213 may include aggregated sheets of homogenized (e.g., paper/pulp reconstituted) tobacco or aggregated fragments/strips formed from such sheets.

To generate smoke, the smoke-forming substrate 213 includes at least one volatile compound that is intended to be vaporized/atomized and can provide a recreational and/or medical effect to the user when inhaled. The smoke-forming substrate 213 may further include one or more additives. For example, such additives may be in the form of a wetting agent (e.g., propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerin), a flavoring, a filler, an aqueous/non-aqueous solvent, and/or a binder.

The terminal filter element 214 is also substantially cylindrical and is located downstream of the smoke-forming substrate 213 and at the downstream end 218 of the consumable 202. The terminal filter element 214 is in the form of a hollow cavity filter element and has a cavity 219 formed therethrough (e.g., for air flow). The cavity 219 has a diameter of 2 mm. The terminal filter element 214 is formed of a porous (e.g., monoacetate) filter material. As explained above, the downstream end 218 of the consumable 202 (i.e., where the terminal filter 214 is located) forms the mouthpiece portion of the consumable 202, on which the user draws. The air flow is drawn from the upstream end 217, through the elements of the consumable 202, and out of the downstream end 218. The air flow is driven by a user drawing on the downstream end 218 (i.e., the mouthpiece portion) of the consumable 202.

The upstream filter element 215 is axially located adjacent to the smoke-forming substrate 213 and between the smoke-forming substrate 213 and the terminal filter element 214. Similar to the terminal filter 214, the upstream filter element 215 is in the form of a hollow pore filter element, such that it has a cavity 220 extending axially through the hollow pore filter element. In this way, the upstream filter 215 can act as an air flow restrictor. The upstream filter element 215 is formed of a porous (e.g., monoacetate) filter material. The cavity 220 of the upstream filter element 215 has a larger diameter (3 mm) than the terminal filter element 214.

The spacer 216 is in the form of a cardboard tube and defines a cavity or chamber between the upstream filter element 215 and the terminal filter element 214. The spacer 216 is used to allow cooling and mixing of the vapor/smoke from the smoke-forming substrate 213. The spacer has an outer diameter of 7 mm and an axial length of 14 mm.

Although not visible in the drawing, the smoke-forming substrate 213, the upstream filter 215, and the spacer 216 are surrounded by a paper wrap. The terminal filter 214 is surrounded by a tipping layer, which also surrounds a portion of the paper wrap (in order to connect the terminal filter 214 to the remaining components of the consumable 202). The upstream filter 215 and the terminal filter 214 are surrounded by another wrapping layer in the form of a plug sleeve.

Returning now to the apparatus 201, FIG. 2D shows a detailed view of an end of the apparatus 201 that is configured to engage the consumable 202. The top cover 210 of the apparatus 201 includes an opening 221 (as better seen in FIG. 2D) leading to an internal cavity 222 defined by the top cover 210. The opening 221 and the cavity 222 are formed to receive at least a portion of the consumable 202. During engagement of the consumable 202 with the apparatus 201, a portion of the consumable 202 is received through the opening 221 and into the cavity 222. After engagement (see FIG. 2B), the downstream end 218 of the consumable 202 protrudes from the opening 221 and therefore also from the apparatus 201. The opening 221 includes a laterally disposed notch 226. These notches 226 remain open when the consumable 202 is received in the opening 221 and may be used, for example, to retain a cover in place to cover an end of the device 201 .

Figure 2E shows a cross section through a central longitudinal plane that passes through the device 201. The device 201 is shown engaged with the consumable 202.

The device 201 comprises a heater 204 including a heating element 223. The heater 204 forms part of a housing 209 of the device 201 and is rigidly mounted to the housing 209. In the illustrated embodiment, the heater 204 is a rod heater having a heating element 223 having a circular transverse profile. In other embodiments, the heater may be in the form of a blade heater (e.g. a heating element having a rectangular transverse profile) or a tube heater (e.g. a heating element having a tubular form).

The heating element 223 of the heater 204 protrudes from the inner base of the cavity 222 along the longitudinal axis toward the opening 221. As is apparent from the figure, the length of the heating element (i.e., along the longitudinal axis) is less than the depth of the cavity 222. As such, the heating element 223 does not protrude from or extend beyond the opening 221.

When the consumable 202 is received in the cavity 222 (as shown in FIG. 2E ), the heating element 223 penetrates the smoke-forming substrate 213 of the consumable 202. In detail, when the heating element 223 is inserted into the smoke-forming substrate 213, the heating element 223 extends almost the entire axial length of the smoke-forming substrate 213. Therefore, when the heater 204 is activated, heat is radially transferred from the outer peripheral surface of the heating element 223 to the smoke-forming substrate 213.

The device 201 further includes an electronic device cavity 224. A power source in the form of a rechargeable battery 205 (lithium-ion battery) is located in the electronic device cavity 224.

The device 201 includes a connector in the form of a USB port 206 (i.e. forming part of an I/O module of the device 201). The connector may alternatively be, for example, a micro USB port or a USB-C port. The USB port 206 may be used to recharge the rechargeable battery 205.

The device 201 includes a controller (not shown) located in the electronic device cavity 224. The controller includes a microcontroller mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The USB port 206 is also connected to the controller (i.e., to the PCB and the microcontroller).

The controller is configured to control at least one function of the device 201. For example, the controller is configured to control the operation of the heater 204. Such control of the operation of the heater 204 can be accomplished by the controller switching the electrical connection of the rechargeable battery 205 to the heater 204. For example, the controller is configured to control the heater 204 in response to the user pressing the button 212. Pressing the button 212 can cause the controller to allow voltage (from the rechargeable battery 205) to be applied to the heater 204 (so as to heat the heating element 223).

The controller is also configured to control the LEDs 211 in response to a (e.g., detected) condition of the device 201 or the consumable 202. For example, the controller may control the LEDs to indicate whether the device 201 is in an on state or an off state (e.g., one or more of the LEDs may be illuminated by the controller when the device is in an on state).

The device 201 includes a further input member (i.e. an input member other than the button 212) in the form of a puff sensor 225. The puff sensor 225 is configured to detect a user puffing (i.e. inhaling) at the downstream end 218 of the consumable 202. The puff sensor 225 may be in the form of a pressure sensor, a flow meter, or a microphone, for example. The puff sensor 225 is operably connected to a controller in the electronic device cavity 224 such that a signal from the puff sensor 225 indicating a puff state (i.e. puffing or not puffing) forms an input to the controller (and may therefore be responded to by the controller).

Referring to FIG. 2F , the housing 209 of the device 201 is defined as having a raised surface 227. The raised surface 227 extends along the longitudinal axis of the housing 209 and extends through a substantial length of the housing 209. Further, the raised surface 227 is configured to accommodate a power button 212 adapted to turn the device 201 on/off and a plurality of LEDs 211 adapted to indicate operating conditions of the device 201. The raised surface 227 is adapted to allow a user to hold the device 201 during use of the device 201. Further, the raised surface 227 is provided with a tactile finish that facilitates the user's grip on the device 201.

With further reference to FIG. 2F , the housing 209 of the apparatus 201 is defined as having two air inlets 228 to allow air flow into the housing 209. The air inlets 228 are defined as through holes or apertures. In one embodiment, the air inlets 228 are defined near the raised surface 227 and on a first major face of the housing 209. For example, the major face is the front face of the housing 209. Further, the air inlets 228 are configured to allow air flow near the end of the aerosol-forming article or consumable 202 and to allow air flow through the consumable 202 (as seen in FIG. 2E ).

In one illustrated embodiment, the air inlets 228 are defined on the sides of the end of the raised surface 227 on the first major face of the housing 209. The location of the air inlets 228 on the sides of the end of the raised surface 227 allows air to flow into the housing 209 near the consumable 202. Further, the air inlets 228 allow air to flow through the consumable 202. In some embodiments, the air inlets 228 are defined on both sides of the raised surface 227 and at any location along the substantial length of the raised surface 227.

In some embodiments, because these air inlets 228 are configured near the gripping area (and therefore near the raised surface 227), the user can easily block these air inlets 228 during use. These air inlets 228 defined in the housing 209 can be configured so that after blocking one or more of these air inlets 228, other one or more of these air inlets 228 can allow air flow to enter the housing 209 near the consumable 202.

In some embodiments, the air inlets 228 are configured to regulate the flow of air into the housing 209 by blocking one or more of the air inlets 228 by a user's fingers during use of the device 201.

In some embodiments, after smoke is drawn from the device 201, the pressure inside the device can be reduced, and thus air from the surrounding environment can enter the housing 209 through these air inlets 228. Air entering the housing 209 near the consumable 202 flows directly toward the end of the consumable before flowing through the consumable 202. The air flowing through the consumable 202 can mix with the smoke and heat generated by the heating element 223 (as seen in Figure 2E). This mixing of air with the generated smoke and heat can promote increased smoke formation and total particulate matter (TPM) output of the smoke.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the scope of the following patent application, or in the attached drawings may be used alone or in any combination of such features to implement the present invention in a variety of forms, where such features are represented in their specific form or in terms of means for performing the disclosed functions, or methods or processes for obtaining the disclosed results, as appropriate.

Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, a person skilled in the art will appreciate many equivalent variants and modifications given this disclosure. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the invention described above are considered to be illustrative and non-limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

To avoid any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are provided for the purpose of improving the reader's understanding. The inventor does not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

Throughout this specification (including the claims below), unless the context requires otherwise, the words "having", "including", and "comprising", and variations thereof, will be understood to imply the inclusion of stated integers or steps, or groups of integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other integers or steps, or groups of integers or steps.

It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value and/or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when a value is expressed as an approximation by using the antecedent "about", it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term "about" with respect to a numerical value is optional and means, for example, +/- 10%.

The terms "preferred" and "preferably" are used herein to refer to embodiments of the invention that may provide certain benefits in some circumstances. However, it is understood that other embodiments may also be preferred under the same or different circumstances. Therefore, the description of one or more preferred embodiments does not mean or imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of this disclosure or from the scope of the patent application.

100: System

101: Alternative smoking devices

102: Consumables

103: Smoke forming agents

104: Heater

105: Power supply

106: Connector

107: User Interface (UI)

108: Controller

200:System

201: Equipment

202: Consumables

204: Heater

205: Rechargeable battery

206: USB port

209: Shell

210: Top cover

211: Light-emitting diode (LED)

212:Button

213: Smoke forming substrate

214: Terminal filter element

215: Upstream filter element

216: Spacer element

217: Upstream end

218: Downstream end

219: Cavity

220: Cavity

221: Open your mouth

222: Cavity

223: Heating element

224: Electronic equipment cavity

225: Puff sensor

226: Notch

227: Raised surface

228: Air inlet

100’:System

An embodiment illustrating the principle of the present invention will now be discussed in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that the present invention can be understood and other aspects and features of the present invention can be appreciated. In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of a smoking replacement system;

FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of a variation of the smoking alternative system of FIG. 1A ;

FIG2A is a front view of a first embodiment of a smoking alternative system with a consumable engaged with the device;

FIG. 2B is a front view of a first embodiment of a heat-not-burn device;

FIG2C is a cross-sectional view of a consumable of the first embodiment of the smoking alternative system;

FIG2D is a detailed view of the end of the device of the first embodiment of the smoking alternative system;

FIG2E is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a smoking alternative system; and

2F is a front view of the first embodiment of the heat-not-burn device showing a plurality of air inlets defined in the housing.

201: Equipment

206: USB port

209: Shell

210: Top cover

212:Button

227: Raised surface

228: Air inlet

Claims (7)

A heat-not-burn device, comprising: a housing configured to receive a smoke-forming product, the smoke-forming product comprising a heated tobacco (HT) consumable; a heating element located in a cavity of the device and having a base connected to the housing; a plurality of air inlets defined at the housing; a top cover defining a cavity for receiving the heated tobacco (HT) consumable; wherein the air inlets are configured to allow an air flow to enter the housing near the base of the heating element, wherein the top cover is slidable between a first position and a second position, in which the top cover is positioned near the housing, and in which the top cover is retracted from the housing, wherein when the top cover is in the first position, the air inlets are provided near the top cover, wherein when the top cover is placed in the first position, there is a gap between the top cover and the housing, wherein the gap forms a valley or a recess providing the air inlet, so that when in use, the air flow can enter the housing through the gap and the air inlets. A heating non-combustion device as described in claim 1, wherein the air inlets are located near the end of the smoke-forming product when the smoke-forming product is received in the housing. A heating non-combustion device as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the air inlets are configured to allow the air flow entering the shell to flow directly toward the end of the smoke-forming product. A heating non-combustion device as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the air inlets are configured to allow the air flow to enter the shell through one or more other air inlets of the air inlets when one or more of the air inlets are blocked. A non-combustion heating device as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each of the air inlets includes a through hole. A heating non-combustion device as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the device includes a puff sensor, and wherein the air inlets are provided near the puff sensor. A smoking alternative system comprising: a heat-not-burn device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6; and a smoke-forming substrate comprising a heated tobacco (HT) consumable.