WO2024016692A1

WO2024016692A1 - Aerosol-generating article comprising a composite rod with a cardboard tube

Info

Publication number: WO2024016692A1
Application number: PCT/CN2023/081667
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chao Chen; Jin Yang; Shangming ZHANG
Original assignee: Shenzhen Eson Biotechnology Co Ltd
Current assignee: Shenzhen Eson Biotechnology Co Ltd
Priority date: 2022-07-19
Filing date: 2023-03-15
Publication date: 2024-01-25
Anticipated expiration: 2025-01-19
Also published as: WO2024016956A1; CN115153087A

Abstract

There is provided an atomizing rod comprising a rolling paper (1) wrapping a cardboard tube (2) and at least a portion of a soft mouthpiece (3), the soft mouthpiece comprising a filter and being positioned adjacent a first end of the cardboard tube, a vapor agent (4), the vapor agent fixedly connected to or contained within an inner wall of the cardboard tube at a second end of the cardboard tube distal to the soft mouthpiece and a cooling and fixing member (5), the cooling and fixing member fixedly connected to or contained within the inner wall of the cardboard tube between the soft mouthpiece and the vapor agent. There is also provided methods for preparing such atomizing rods having a composite tube comprising a soft mouthpiece.

Description

NOVEL ATOMIZING ROD HAVING A COMPOSITE TUBE COMPRISING A SOFT MOUTHPIECE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and benefit from Chinese Patent Application Serial No. CN202210848126A filed on July 19, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to the technical field of electronic cigarettes, and in particular, to atomizing rods having a composite tube comprising a soft mouthpiece.

BACKGROUND

An electronic cigarette is an electronic product imitating a cigarette, and often has the same appearance, vapor, and smell as those of a cigarette. The typical electronic cigarette mainly consists of four parts: an e-liquid (e.g. containing nicotine, essence, solvent of propylene glycol, etc. ) , a heating system, a power source and a filter mouthpiece.

The filter mouthpiece of the existing electronic cigarette has a hard structure. Some users habitually bite the filter mouthpiece during vaping, providing a less than desirable experience (including discomfort to the user) .

A need therefore exists for an atomizing rod providing a more favourable user experience.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides atomizing rods having a composite tube comprising a soft mouthpiece, and in certain embodiments, unique vapor agents and heating elements; and also provides methods for preparing such atomizing rods. The present disclosure recognizes that there are problems in the current existing electronic cigarette technologies, and provides improved technologies.

An advantage of the present disclosure is the provision of atomizing rods having a composite tube design. The composite tube design allows for the provision and incorporation of a soft mouthpiece. The atomizing rods of the present disclosure therefore have improved and/or favourable characteristics over existing technologies, tools, processes and systems.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an atomizing rod comprising: a rolling paper wrapping a cardboard tube and at least a portion of a soft mouthpiece, the soft mouthpiece comprising a filter and being positioned adjacent a first end of the cardboard tube; a vapor agent, the vapor agent fixedly connected to or contained within an inner wall of the cardboard tube at a second end of the cardboard tube distal to the soft mouthpiece; and a cooling and fixing member, the cooling and fixing member fixedly connected to or contained within the inner wall of the cardboard tube between the soft mouthpiece and the vapor agent.

In an embodiment, the atomizing rod disclosed herein further comprises a sealing paper that is fixedly connected to the second end of the cardboard tube. In an embodiment, the sealing paper comprises one or more air inlet holes for allowing air to enter the interior of the atomizing rod. In an embodiment, the sealing paper comprises more than one layer and the one or more air inlet holes are provided on the outer layer of the sealing paper.

In an embodiment, the atomizing rod disclosed herein further comprises an anti-penetration film covering over the outer layer of the sealing paper. In an embodiment, the anti-penetration film is adhesively connected to the outer layer of the sealing paper and the inner wall of the cardboard tube.

In an embodiment of the atomizing rod disclosed herein, the cooling and fixing member comprises a ceramic material, a plastic material, a fibrous material, a silica material, a cardboard material, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, an outer wall of the cooling and fixing member is attached to the inner wall of the cardboard tube.

In an embodiment of the atomizing rod disclosed herein, the soft mouthpiece comprises cotton, wool, linen, polyester, cellulose acetate, rayon, cellulose, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the soft mouthpiece is wrapped by the rolling paper.

In an embodiment of the atomizing rod disclosed herein, the soft mouthpiece comprises one or more vent holes for allowing an aerosol to be inhaled by the user, the one or more vent holes providing a passageway through the soft mouthpiece. In an embodiment, the one or more vent holes are of a shape defining a pentagrammic prism, a cylinder, a cuboid, a cone, a pyramid, a triangular prism, a pentagonal prism, a hexagonal prism, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the soft mouthpiece comprises only one vent hole, i.e. a single vent hole.

In an embodiment of the atomizing rod disclosed herein, the vapor agent is comprised of granules, pellets, particles, cartridges, pulp, slices, porous material, or any combination thereof. In a particular embodiment, the vapor agent is comprised of granules.

In an embodiment of the atomizing rod disclosed herein, the vapor agent is comprised of one or more non-tobacco herbal plant materials. In an embodiment, the one or more non-tobacco herbal plant materials comprise mint, astragalus, licorice, lyceum, ginseng, ginger, kudzu, dong quai, schizandra, elderberries, rooibos, coconut, cinnamon, apple, cardamom, orange, grapefruit, rose, barley, rice, tea, cannabis, dandelion, chrysanthemum, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the one or more non-tobacco herbal plant materials comprise a tea blend and a herbal blend. In an embodiment, the one or more non-tobacco herbal plant materials is Camellia sinensis.

In an embodiment, the vapor agent consists of the one or more non-tobacco herbal plant materials.

In an embodiment, the vapor agent further comprises one or more pharmaceutical active agents, one or more additives, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the one or more pharmaceutical active agents comprise a cannabinoid, caffeine, nicotine, ephedrine, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the vapor agent comprises CBD. In an embodiment, the one or more pharmaceutical active agents comprises nicotine at a concentration of between about 1% (w/v) and about 5% (w/v) .

In an embodiment, the one or more additives comprises propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, an edible essence, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the edible essence provides a flavor. In an embodiment, the flavor is mojito, menthol, strawberry, coffee, blueberry, lemon, lime, orange, peppermint, spearmint, apple, watermelon, cinnamon, or a combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the atomizing rod disclosed herein, the atomizing rod is configured to generate an aerosol through actuation by an external heating element. In an embodiment, actuation by the external heating element comprises heating the air surrounding the second end of the atomizing rod. In an embodiment, the external heating element comprises a ceramic component that heats the air. In an embodiment, the ceramic component is heated by a wire. In an embodiment, actuation by the external heating element comprises heating at a temperature between about 200℃ and about 400℃, such as for example a temperature of about 350℃.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method for preparing an atomizing rod, the method comprising: connecting a sealing paper to a first end of a cardboard tube; inserting a vapor agent into the cardboard tube so that it is fixedly connected to or contained within an inner wall of the cardboard tube at or around the first end; inserting a cooling and fixing member into the cardboard tube so that it is fixedly connected to or contained within the inner wall of the cardboard tube at a position more distal to the first end than the vapor agent; positioning a soft mouthpiece at a second end of the cardboard tube, the second end being opposite the first end; and rolling a rolling paper around the soft mouthpiece and the cardboard tube containing the vapor agent and the cooling and fixing member to provide the atomizing rod.

In an embodiment, the methods disclosed herein further comprise a step of applying an adhesive to the rolling paper prior to rolling the rolling paper around the soft mouthpiece and the cardboard tube.

In an embodiment, the methods disclosed herein further comprise a step of apply an anti-penetration film covering over an outer layer of the sealing paper.

In an embodiment, the step of connecting the sealing paper to the first end of the cardboard tube comprises adhesively connecting the anti-penetration film to the outer layer of the sealing paper and to the inner wall of the cardboard tube at the second end.

Other aspects and embodiments of the disclosure are evident in view of the detailed description provided herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTON OF THE DRAWINGS

Further advantages, permutations and combinations of the invention will now appear from the above and from the following detailed description of the various particular embodiments of the invention taken together with the accompanying drawings, each of which are intended to be non limiting, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an atomizing rod according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, showing the end distal to the soft mouthpiece in an embodiment comprising several air inlet holes.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an atomizing rod according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, showing the end comprising the soft mouthpiece in an embodiment having a single vent hole shaped as a pentagrammic prism.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an atomizing rod according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, showing an internally positioned cooling and fixing member.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an embodiment of a cooling and fixing member of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the steps of a method for preparing an atomizing rod of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure belongs. Although any methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present disclosure, the suitable methods and materials are described below.

The embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to atomizing rods having a composite tube comprising a soft mouthpiece, and in certain embodiments, unique vapor agents and heating elements; and also provides method for the preparation of such atomizing rods.

The present disclosure provides a number of advantages over existing technologies. For example, existing electronic cigarettes have hard mouthpieces that are difficult for users to chew on. These hard mouthpieces may cause discomfort to users, particularly those who habitually chew the mouthpieces of electronic cigarettes.

Many electronic cigarettes also contain tobacco as their payload. These electronic cigarettes are problematic for people who are looking to use electronic cigarettes, but avoid the potentially harmful impact of tobacco.

Advantageously, the products and method of the present disclosure provide novel and improved atomizing rods with certain embodiments allowing for comfortable biting, as well as providing vapor agents without tobacco.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to an atomizing rod comprising: a rolling paper wrapping a cardboard tube and at least a portion of a soft mouthpiece, the soft mouthpiece comprising a filter and being positioned adjacent a first end of the cardboard tube; a vapor agent, the vapor agent fixedly connected to or contained within an inner wall of the cardboard tube at a second end of the cardboard tube distal to the soft mouthpiece; and a cooling and fixing member, the cooling and fixing member fixedly connected to or contained within the inner wall of the cardboard tube between the soft mouthpiece and the vapor agent.

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, wherein numerals refer to like components, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings that further show exemplary embodiments, without limitation.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an atomizing rod 10 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the exterior components of an atomizing rod 10 comprising a rolling paper 1 and a sealing paper 6 having several air inlet holes. In an embodiment, the sealing paper 6 may be covered by an anti-penetration film.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an atomizing rod 10 of FIG. 1 where a portion of the rolling paper 1 is removed to view the internal components. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the rolling paper 1 wraps around a cardboard tube 2 and a soft mouthpiece 3. In the embodiment in FIG. 2, the soft mouthpiece 3 has a vent hole 7 shaped as a pentagrammic prism. As shown, the cardboard tube 2 is shorter than the full length of the atomizing rod 10 and the rolling paper 1 covers both the cardboard tube 2 and the adjacent soft mouthpiece 3 to form the atomizing rod 10. In an embodiment, the rolling paper 1 wraps around the entirety of the cardboard tube 2 and the entirety of the soft mouthpiece 3.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the atomizing rod of FIG. 2 where a portion of the cardboard tube 2 is also removed to view even further the internal components. As shown, the atomizing rod 10 comprises a rolling paper 1, a cardboard tube 2, a soft mouthpiece 3 having a vent hole 7 shaped as a pentagrammic prism, a vapor agent 4, a cooling and fixing member 5, and a sealing paper 6 having several air inlet holes.

By “cardboard tube” , it is meant to refer to any cylindrical structure forming a tube having an internal cavity that extends from one end (i.e. a first end) to the other end (i.e. a second end) . As used herein, reference to a “first end” or “second end” are merely in order of operation and either end of the cardboard tube 2 may be the first end or the second end depending on content and usage or the terms first end and second end. By “cardboard” , it is meant to refer to any paper-based material. The term “cardboard” is used to convey that the tube is of a sufficient thickness that it does not easily deform or bend without having a sufficient force applied thereto.

By “rolling paper” , it is meant to refer to any paper that may cover the outside of the cardboard tube 2 and/or the soft mouthpiece 3. In the context of the present disclosure, the term rolling paper encompasses tipping paper, and all other like paper. The rolling paper 1 may be made from any suitable material, including for example any natural fibre extracted from plants and/or any synthetic fibre or similar material. The rolling paper 1 may, for example and without limitation, comprise wood fibres, flax fibres, rice straw fibres, hemp fibres, esparto fibres, sisal fibres, vinyl acetate, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the rolling paper 6 comprises wood fibres. The rolling paper 1 may be attached on the outside of the cardboard tube 2 and/or the soft mouthpiece 3 by any suitable means, such as for example by an adhesive. In embodiments herein, whereas the cardboard tube 2 does not span the full length of the atomizing rod 10, the rolling paper 1 does span the full length. Thus, the cardboard tube 2 is shorter than the rolling paper 1.

In the context of the present disclosure, the structural arrangement of the cardboard tube 2 and the rolling paper 1 provide a unique composite tube for an atomizing rod 10, whereby a soft mouthpiece 3 can be positioned adjacent one end of the cardboard tube 2 within the rolling paper 1 to provide a favourable soft-bite experience to a user.

Thus, as used herein, by “composite tube” it is meant to refer to any combination of the cardboard tube 2 and the rolling paper 1 whereby the rolling paper 1 wraps the cardboard tube 2 and at least a portion of the adjacently positioned soft mouthpiece 3. The cardboard tube 2 is a shorter structure than the rolling paper 1, and the rolling paper 1 wraps around the length of the soft mouthpiece 3 and the cardboard tube 2 to assemble the atomizing rod 10. The rolling paper 1 may be attached to the soft mouthpiece 3 and/or the cardboard tube 2 by any suitable means, such as for an example by an adhesive.

In some embodiments of the atomizing rod 10 herein, the rolling paper 1 may comprise one or more separate pieces of rolling paper 1. In some embodiments, the rolling paper 1 may comprise one, two, three, four, or more separate pieces of rolling paper 1 that wrap the cardboard tube 2 and/or the soft mouthpiece 3. In an embodiment, the rolling paper 1 comprises one piece of rolling paper 1 that spans the entire length of the cardboard tube 2 and the soft mouthpiece 3. In an embodiment, the rolling paper 1 comprises two or more pieces of rolling paper 1, rolled atop each other, each spanning the entire length of the cardboard tube 2 and the soft mouthpiece 3. In another embodiment, the rolling paper 1 comprises two or more pieces of rolling paper 1, whereby at least one of the pieces of rolling paper 1 only spans a partial length of the atomizing rod 10, but at least one of the pieces of rolling paper 1 covers the junction between the cardboard tube 2 and the soft mouthpiece 3.

By “sealing paper” , it is meant to refer to any paper that may cover the end of the atomizing rod 10 distal the soft mouthpiece 3. The sealing paper 6 may be made from any suitable material, including for example any natural fibre extracted from plants and/or any synthetic fibre or similar material. The sealing paper 6 may, for example and without limitation, comprise wood fibres, flax fibres, rice straw fibres, hemp fibres, esparto fibres, sisal fibres, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the sealing paper 6 comprises wood fibres.

The sealing paper 6 may be attached to an end of the atomizing rod 10 by providing the sealing paper 6 to an end of the cardboard tube 2 through any suitable means. In an embodiment, the sealing paper 6 is fixedly connected to the end of the cardboard tube 2. This may be accomplished in any number of ways. In an embodiment, the atomizing rod 10 may comprise an anti-penetration film (not shown) that covers an outer layer (outward facing layer) of the sealing paper 6. In an embodiment, the anti-penetration film may be adhesively connected to the outer layer of the sealing paper 6 and may also be adhesively connected to the inner wall of the cardboard tube 2 to fixedly connect the sealing paper 6 to the end of the cardboard tube 2.

As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the sealing paper 6 may comprise one or more air inlet holes 8 for allowing air to enter the interior of the atomizing rod 10. In an embodiment, the sealing paper 6 is a single layer material and the one or more air inlet holes pass through the single layer. In an embodiment, the sealing paper 6 is a multi-layer structure and the one or more air inlet holes pass through all of the layers. In an embodiment, the sealing paper 6 is a multi-layer structure and the one or more air inlet holes pass through only some of the layers. In an embodiment, the one or more air inlet holes pass only through an outer layer. The one or more inlet holes may be of any size and shape. In an embodiment, the inlet holes are circular.

In an embodiment, the atomizing rod 10 further comprises an anti-penetration film attached to the sealing paper 6 and/or the cardboard tube 2. By ” anti-penetration film “, it is meant to refer to any film or material that may prevent the passage of moisture and/or prevent color change of the rolling paper 1. As moisture inside the vapor agent 4 will be evaporated after time, providing the anti-penetration film aids in preventing color change of the peripheral rolling paper 1 caused by evaporation of moisture of the vapor agent 4. The anti-penetration film may, for example and without limitation, comprise butcher paper, freezer paper, parchment paper, foil, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the anti-penetration film comprises butcher paper. The anti-penetration film may be attached to the sealing paper 6 and/or the cardboard tube 2 by any suitable means, such as for example by an adhesive.

In the atomizing rods 10 of the present disclosure, the soft mouthpiece 3 is configured to allow deformity during user biting. In select embodiments, the soft mouthpiece 3 is capable of automatically recovering to its original shape or to a substantially similar shape after release from user biting. In an embodiment, at least the portion of the soft mouthpiece 3 onto which the user bites is positioned outside the cardboard tube 2. In an embodiment, the entirety of the soft mouthpiece 3 is positioned outside the cardboard tube 2. For example, the cardboard tube 2 is a shorter structure than the rolling paper 1 that wraps around the cardboard tube 2 and the excess length of the rolling paper 1 wraps the soft mouthpiece 3 to assemble the components into the atomizing rod 10 disclosed herein.

In some embodiments of the atomizing rods 10 of the present disclosure, the soft mouthpiece 3 comprises or is a filter for preventing the user from inhaling non-aerosolized vapor agent 4. The soft mouthpiece 3 may, for example and without limitation, comprise cotton, wool, linen, polyester, cellulose acetate, rayon, cellulose, or a combination thereof. In a particular embodiment, the soft mouthpiece 3 comprises cotton. In an embodiment, the soft mouthpiece 3 is detachably connected to one end of the cardboard tube 2. In some embodiments, the soft mouthpiece 3 is provided to the end of the cardboard tube 2 distal the vapor agent 4 by any suitable means, such as being held in place by being wrapped by the rolling paper 1 having an adhesive.

In some embodiments, the soft mouthpiece 3 comprises one or more vent holes 7 running therethrough for allowing the aerosolized vapor agent 4 to be inhaled by the user, the vent hole 7 defining an opening at the ends of the soft mouthpiece 6. The one or more vent holes 7 may be of any suitable shape. In an embodiment, the one or more vent holes 7 are of a shape defining a pentagrammic prism, a cylinder, a cuboid, a cone, a pyramid, a triangular prism, a pentagonal prism, a hexagonal prism, or a combination thereof. In a particular embodiment, the one or more vent holes 7 are of a shape defining a pentagrammic prism. In an embodiment, the atomizing rod 10 comprises 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more vent holes 7. In an embodiment, the atomizing rod 10 comprises only one vent hole 7.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that while the exemplary embodiments of the atomizing rod 10 as shown in the figures herein have several air inlet holes and one vent hole 7, any number of holes are contemplated, such as one air inlet hole and several vent holes 7. The one or more vent holes 7 also need not be shaped as a pentagrammic prism as shown in FIG. 2, but may also be shaped as a cylinder, a cuboid, a cone, a pyramid, a triangular prism, a pentagonal prism, a hexagonal prism or any other suitable shape.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the vapor agent 4 is in the form of granules, pellets, particles, cartridges, pulp, slices, porous material, or any combination thereof. In a particular embodiment, the vapor agent 4 is in the form of granules or pellets. In an embodiment, the size of the granules or pellets is between about 0.7 mm and about 1.5 mm. The vapor agent 4 may be fixedly connected to or contained within an inner wall of the cardboard tube 2 at the end distal to the soft mouthpiece 3. By “fixedly connected” , the vapor agent 4 may for example be coated on the inner wall of the cardboard tube 2 or attached or associated with the inner wall in some other way. In other embodiments, the vapor agent 4 may be dissociated from the inner wall and simply contained within the cardboard tube 2 at the end distal to the soft mouthpiece 3.

The vapor agent 4 comprises one or more non-tobacco plant materials, and in particular embodiments non-tobacco herbal plant materials. By “non-tobacco” , it is meant that the vapor agent 4 is not comprised of material from a tobacco plant. By “herbal plant” , it is meant a plant having at least some fragrant or aromatic property, including taste and/or smell. In an embodiment, the one or more non-tobacco herbal plant materials may, for example and without limitation, be mint, astragalus, licorice, lyceum, ginseng, ginger, kudzu, dong quai, schizandra, elderberry, rooibos, coconut, cinnamon, apple, cardamom, orange, grapefruit, rose, barley, rice, tea, cannabis, dandelion, chrysanthemum, or a combination thereof.

In an embodiment, the one or more non-tobacco herbal plant materials comprise a tea blend, a herbal blend or a combination thereof. By a “tea blend” , it is meant a mixture of different teas. By a “herbal blend” , it is meant a mixture of different non-tea herbs. Thus, a combination thereof would comprise one or more teas and one or more non-tea herbs.

In an embodiment, the one or more non-tobacco herbal plant materials is Camellia sinensis.

In an embodiment, the vapor agent 7 consists of the one or more non-tobacco herbal plant materials. By this, it is meant that the vapor agent 7 does not comprise anything other than the non-tobacco herbal plant materials. In an embodiment, the vapor agent 7 consists of plant material from Camellia sinensis.

In an embodiment, the vapor agent 7 further comprise one or more pharmaceutical active agents, one or more additives, or a combination thereof. By “pharmaceutical active agent” , it is intended to encompass any compound or substance that has a physiological or psychological effect on a subject (e.g. a human) . In an embodiment, the one or more pharmaceutical active agents may, for example and without limitation, be a cannabinoid, caffeine, nicotine, ephedrine, or a combination thereof.

As used herein, “cannabinoid” may encompass any chemical compound that acts upon a cannabinoid receptor. Cannabinoids may include phytocannabinoids, which are found in cannabis and other plants. Cannabinoids may include synthetic cannabinoids, which are artificially manufactured. Cannabinoids may include endocannabinoids, which are naturally produced by animals including, but not limited to, vertebrate and invertebrate animals.

Cannabinoids may include, but are not limited to, tetrahydrocannabiorcol (THC) including Δ9-THC and Δ8-THC, cannabidiol (CBD) , cannabigerol (CBG) , cannabichromene (CBC) , cannabinol (CBN) , cannabicyclol (CBL) , cannabielsoin (CBE) , cannabivarin (CBV) , cannabifuran (CBF) , cannabitran (CBT) , cannabiripsol (CBR) , including acidic forms thereof (e.g. THCA, CBDA, CBGA, CBCA, etc. ) , as well as forms of neutral or acidic cannabinoids (THCV, THCVA, CBDV, CBVA, CBGV, CBGVA, CBCV, CBCVA, etc. ) . In an embodiment, the cannabinoid is CBD, CBDA, THC or THCA. In an embodiment, the cannabinoid is CBD.

In some embodiments, the vapor agent 77 may comprise nicotine. In some embodiments, the vapor agent 77 comprises nicotine at an amount of between about 0% (w/v) and 5% (w/v) , and more particularly still between about 1% (w/v) and about 2% (w/v) . In some embodiments, the vapor agent 77 comprises nicotine at an amount of about 1.5% (w/v)

The one or more additives may, for example and without limitation, be propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, an edible essence, or a combination thereof. The edible essence provides a flavour which may, for example and without limitation, be mojito, menthol, strawberry, coffee, blueberry, lemon, lime, orange, peppermint, spearmint, apple, watermelon, cinnamon, or a combination thereof.

In particular embodiments, the vapor agent 77 comprises one or more plant materials, one or more pharmaceutical agents, and one or more additives. In more particular embodiments, the vapor agent 7 comprises mint, tea, edible essence, propylene glycol, and vegetable glycerin. In even more particular embodiments, the vapor agent 7 comprises mint, tea, nicotine, edible essence, propylene glycol, and vegetable glycerin.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary cooling and fixing member 5 for use in embodiments of the atomizing rod 10 of the present disclosure. By “cooling and fixing member” , it is meant to refer to any structure that may help prevent the cardboard tube 2 from being deformed due to a force as well as lower the temperature of an aerosolized vapor agent 4 as it passes therethrough towards the user. The cooling and fixing member 5 may, for example and without limitation, comprise a ceramic material, a plastic material, a fibrous material, a silica material, a cardboard material, or a combination thereof.

As shown in FIG. 4, the cooling and fixing member 5 may define a semi-hollow cylinder comprising outer ridges and several smaller holes provided within the internal bore of the cylinder. Many adjustments, alterations or variations to the configuration of the cooling and fixing member 5 can be made and are encompassed herein. For example, the cooling and fixing member 5 may be made to define any size and number of holes to allow for an aerosolized vapor agent 4 to move from one end of the atomizing rod 10 to another at a lowered temperature. In an embodiment, the cooling and fixing member 5 comprises between 1 and 10 holes. In a particular embodiment, the cooling and fixing member 5 comprises about 7 holes.

In an embodiment, the hole of the cooling and fixing member 5 may be of a similar shape to the vent hole 7 in the soft mouthpiece 3. For example, the cooling and fixing member 5 may comprise a hole or passage having the shape of a pentagrammic prism, a cuboid, a cuboid, a cone, a pyramid, a triangular prism, a pentagonal prism, a hexagonal prism or any other suitable shape. In a particular embodiment, the external surface of the cooling and fixing member 5 is a cylinder shape to best accommodate and engage the inner wall of the cardboard tube 2. These shapes and configurations may be preferred for supporting the cardboard tube 2 and delivering a cooled aerosolized vapor agent 4, but other configurations can also be used.

The cooling and fixing member 5 may be provided or maintained within the cardboard tube 2 between the vapor agent 4 and the soft mouthpiece 3 by any suitable means. In an embodiment, the cooling and fixing member 5 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the cardboard tube 2, for example by an adhesive. In other embodiments, the cooling and fixing member 5 is contained within the inner wall of the cardboard tube 2 by other means that do not necessarily connect it to the inner wall of the cardboard tube 2, for example by mere counter-pressure from the inner wall of the cardboard tube 2 or other means.

In some embodiments, the atomizing rod 10 is configured to generate an aerosol through actuation by an external heating element. The external heating element may, for example and without limitation, function through contactless heating, contact heating, or a combination thereof. Contact heating may comprise penetration of the atomizing rod 10 with a heated blade (e.g. into and in contact with the vapor agent 4) , external contact of the atomizing rod 10 with a heated surface, or a combination thereof. Contactless heating may comprise heating of the air surrounding the atomizing rod 10.

In a particular embodiment, the external heating element functions through contactless air heating. In a more particular embodiment, contactless air heating further comprises electrically stimulating a wire contacting a material to heat the surrounding air. The contacted material may, for example and without limitation, be a ceramic material, a metal material, an alloy material, a silica material, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the end of the atomizing rod 10 distal the soft mouthpiece 3 is provided to or near the external heating element to be actuated.

In an embodiment, the external heating element is within a heating device or vape device. The heating device or vape device may, for example and without limitation be a reusable device that is configured to be desirable to a user and/or to enhance the experience of the user.

In some embodiments, the atomizing rod 10 is configured to generate an aerosol without being burned by the external heating element. In an embodiment, actuation by the external heating element comprises heating at a temperature between about 200℃and about 400℃. In a particular embodiment, actuation by the external heating element comprises heating at a temperature of about 250℃, 300℃, or 350℃. In a more particular embodiment, actuation by the external heating element comprises heating at a temperature of about 350℃.

Referring now to FIG. 5, in other embodiments, the present disclosure also relates to a method for preparing an atomizing rod, the method comprising connecting a sealing paper to a first end of a cardboard tube (20) ; inserting a vapor agent into the cardboard tube so that it is fixedly connected to or contained within an inner wall of the cardboard tube at or around the first end (30) ; inserting a cooling and fixing member into the cardboard tube so that it is fixedly connected to or contained within the inner wall of the cardboard tube at a position more distal to the first end than the vapor agent (40) ; positioning a soft mouthpiece at a second end of the cardboard tube, the second end being opposite the first end (50) ; and rolling a rolling paper around the soft mouthpiece and the cardboard tube containing the vapor agent and the cooling and fixing member to provide the atomizing rod (60) .

In an embodiment, the method further comprises a step of applying an adhesive to the rolling paper prior to rolling the rolling paper around the soft mouthpiece and the cardboard tube.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises a step of applying an anti-penetration film covering over an outer layer of the sealing paper.

In an embodiment of the methods herein, the step of connecting the sealing paper to the first end of the cardboard tube comprises adhesively connecting the anti-penetration film to the outer layer of the sealing paper and to the inner wall of the cardboard tube at the second end.

As the skilled person will appreciate, numerous adjustments to the order of operation of the method steps may be made for preparing the atomizing rod 10.

In the present disclosure, all terms referred to in singular form are meant to encompass plural forms of the same. Likewise, all terms referred to in plural form are meant to encompass singular forms of the same. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

As used herein, the term “about” refers to an approximately +/-10 %variation from a given value. It is to be understood that such a variation is always included in any given value provided herein, whether or not it is specifically referred to.

It should be understood that the compositions and methods are described in terms of "comprising, " "containing, " or "including" various components or steps, the compositions and methods can also "consist essentially of or "consist of the various components and steps. Moreover, the indefinite articles "a" or "an, " as used in the claims, are defined herein to mean one or more than one of the element that it introduces.

For the sake of brevity, only certain ranges are explicitly disclosed herein. However, ranges from any lower limit may be combined with any upper limit to recite a range not explicitly recited, as well as, ranges from any lower limit may be combined with any other lower limit to recite a range not explicitly recited, in the same way, ranges from any upper limit may be combined with any other upper limit to recite a range not explicitly recited. Additionally, whenever a numerical range with a lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any included range falling within the range are specifically disclosed. In particular, every range of values (of the form, "from about a to about b, " or, equivalently, "from approximately a to b, " or, equivalently, "from approximately a-b" ) disclosed herein is to be understood to set forth every number and range encompassed within the broader range of values even if not explicitly recited. Thus, every point or individual value may serve as its own lower or upper limit combined with any other point or individual value or any other lower or upper limit, to recite a range not explicitly recited.

Therefore, the present disclosure is well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those that are inherent therein. The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the present disclosure may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Although individual embodiments are dis-cussed, the disclosure covers all combinations of all those embodiments. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. Also, the terms in the claims have their plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patentee. It is therefore evident that the particular illustrative embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. If there is any conflict in the usages of a word or term in this specification and one or more patent (s) or other documents that may be referenced herein, the definitions that are consistent with this specification should be adopted.

Many obvious variations of the embodiments set out herein will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art in light of the present disclosure. Such obvious variations are within the full intended scope of the appended claims.

Claims

An atomizing rod comprising:

- a rolling paper wrapping a cardboard tube and at least a portion of a soft mouthpiece, the soft mouthpiece comprising a filter and being positioned adjacent a first end of the cardboard tube;

- a vapor agent, the vapor agent fixedly connected to or contained within an inner wall of the cardboard tube at a second end of the cardboard tube distal to the soft mouthpiece; and

- a cooling and fixing member, the cooling and fixing member fixedly connected to or contained within the inner wall of the cardboard tube between the soft mouthpiece and the vapor agent.
The atomizing rod of claim 1, further comprising a sealing paper that is fixedly connected to the second end of the cardboard tube.
The atomizing rod of claims 1 or 2, wherein the sealing paper comprises one or more air inlet holes for allowing air to enter the interior of the atomizing rod.
The atomizing rod of claim 3, wherein the sealing paper comprises more than one layer and the one or more air inlet holes are provided on the outer layer of the sealing paper.
The atomizing rod of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an anti-penetration film covering over the outer layer of the sealing paper.
The atomizing rod of claim 5, wherein the anti-penetration film is adhesively connected to the outer layer of the sealing paper and the inner wall of the cardboard tube.
The atomizing rod of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cooling and fixing member comprises a ceramic material, a plastic material, a fibrous material, a silica material, a cardboard material, or a combination thereof.
The atomizing rod of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein an outer wall of the cooling and fixing member is attached to the inner wall of the cardboard tube.
The atomizing rod of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the soft mouthpiece comprises cotton, wool, linen, polyester, cellulose acetate, rayon, cellulose, or a combination thereof.
The atomizing rod of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the soft mouthpiece comprises cotton.
The atomizing rod of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the soft mouthpiece is wrapped by the rolling paper.
The atomizing rod of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the soft mouthpiece comprises one or more vent holes for allowing an aerosol to be inhaled by the user, the one or more vent holes providing a passageway through the soft mouthpiece.
The atomizing rod of claim 12, wherein the one or more vent holes are of a shape defining a pentagrammic prism, a cylinder, a cuboid, a cone, a pyramid, a triangular prism, a pentagonal prism, a hexagonal prism, or a combination thereof.
The atomizing rod of claim 12, wherein the one or more vent holes are of a shape defining a pentagrammic prism.
The atomizing rod of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the soft mouth piece comprises one vent hole.
The atomizing rod of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the vapor agent is comprised of granules, pellets, particles, cartridges, pulp, slices, porous material, or any combination thereof.
The atomizing rod of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the vapor agent is comprised of granules.
The atomizing rod of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the vapor agent is comprised of one or more non-tobacco herbal plant materials.
The atomizing rod of claim 18, wherein the one or more non-tobacco herbal plant materials comprise mint, astragalus, licorice, lyceum, ginseng, ginger, kudzu, dong quai, schizandra, elderberries, rooibos, coconut, cinnamon, apple, cardamom, orange, grapefruit, rose, barley, rice, tea, cannabis, dandelion, chrysanthemum, or a combination thereof.
The atomizing rod of claim 18 or 19, wherein the one or more non-tobacco herbal plant materials comprise a tea blend and a herbal blend.
The atomizing rod of any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the one or more non-tobacco herbal plant materials is Camellia sinensis.
The atomizing rod of any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the vapor agent consists of the one or more non-tobacco herbal plant materials.
The atomizing rod of any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein the vapor agent further comprises one or more pharmaceutical active agents, one or more additives, or a combination thereof.
The atomizing rod of claim 23, wherein the one or more pharmaceutical active agents comprise a cannabinoid, caffeine, nicotine, ephedrine, or a combination thereof.
The atomizing rod of claim 24, wherein the vapor agent comprises CBD.
The atomizing rod of any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the one or more pharmaceutical active agents comprises nicotine at a concentration of between about 1%(w/v) and about 5% (w/v) .
The atomizing rod of any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the one or more pharmaceutical agents comprises nicotine at a concentration of about 1.5% (w/v) .
The atomizing rod of claim 23, wherein the one or more additives comprises propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, an edible essence, or a combination thereof.
The atomizing rod of claim 28, wherein the edible essence provides a flavor.
The atomizing rod of claim 29, wherein the flavor is mojito, menthol, strawberry, coffee, blueberry, lemon, lime, orange, peppermint, spearmint, apple, watermelon, cinnamon, or a combination thereof.
The atomizing rod of any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein the atomizing rod is configured to generate an aerosol through actuation by an external heating element.
The atomizing rod of claim 31, wherein actuation by the external heating element comprises heating the air surrounding the second end of the atomizing rod.
The atomizing rod of claim 31 or 32, wherein the external heating element comprises a ceramic component that heats the air.
The atomizing rod of claim 33, wherein the ceramic component is heated by a wire.
The atomizing rod of any one of claims 31 to 34, wherein actuation by the external heating element comprises heating at a temperature between about 200℃ and about 400℃.
The atomizing rod of any one of claims 31 to 34, wherein actuation by the external heating element comprises heating at a temperature of about 350℃.
A method for preparing an atomizing rod, the method comprising:

- connecting a sealing paper to a first end of a cardboard tube;

- inserting a vapor agent into the cardboard tube so that it is fixedly connected to or contained within an inner wall of the cardboard tube at or around the first end;

- inserting a cooling and fixing member into the cardboard tube so that it is fixedly connected to or contained within the inner wall of the cardboard tube at a position more distal to the first end than the vapor agent;

- positioning a soft mouthpiece at a second end of the cardboard tube, the second end being opposite the first end; and

- rolling a rolling paper around the soft mouthpiece and the cardboard tube containing the vapor agent and the cooling and fixing member to provide the atomizing rod.
The method of claim 37, further comprising a step of applying an adhesive to the rolling paper prior to rolling the rolling paper around the soft mouthpiece and the cardboard tube.
The method of claim 37 or 38, wherein the sealing paper, vapor agent, cooling and fixing member, or soft mouthpiece are as defined in any one of claims 1 to 36.
The method of any one of claims 37 to 39, further comprising a step of applying an anti-penetration film covering over an outer layer of the sealing paper.
The method of claim 40, wherein the step of connecting the sealing paper to the first end of the cardboard tube comprises adhesively connecting the anti-penetration film to the outer layer of the sealing paper and to the inner wall of the cardboard tube at the second end.