WO2025045699A1

WO2025045699A1 - An aerosol-generating article having a configurable aerosol-cooling element

Info

Publication number: WO2025045699A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/073488
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matteo Bologna
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Current assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Priority date: 2023-08-25
Filing date: 2024-08-21
Publication date: 2025-03-06
Anticipated expiration: 2026-02-25

Abstract

There is provided an aerosol-generating article (10) comprising an aerosol-forming substrate (20) and an aerosol-cooling element (30). The aerosol-cooling element (30) is positioned downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate (20). The aerosol-cooling element (30) comprises a first element (40) and a second element (50), and the second element (50) is moveable in a longitudinal direction relative to the first element (40) between a first position and a second position. The aerosol-cooling element (30) comprises a first configuration in which the second element is in the first position, and a second configuration in which the second element is in the second position. The aerosol-cooling element (30) has a first length (L1) in the first configuration and a second length (L2) in the second configuration. The second length is greater than the first length. The aerosol-generating article (10) has a first ventilation level in the first configuration and a second ventilation level in the second configuration. The second ventilation level is greater than the first ventilation level. There is also provided a container for the aerosol-generating article.

Description

AN AEROSOL-GENERATING ARTICLE HAVING A CONFIGURABLE AEROSOLCOOLING ELEMENT

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating article. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-cooling element.

Aerosol-generating articles in which an inhalable aerosol is generated from an aerosolforming substrate, such as a tobacco-containing substrate, are known in the art. In some known aerosol-generating articles, an aerosol is generated by igniting and combusting the aerosol-forming substrate. In other known aerosol-generating articles, an aerosol is generated by the transfer of heat from a heat source to a physically separate aerosol-forming substrate, which may be located in contact with, within, around, or downstream of the heat source. For example, a heat source in the form of a resistive heating blade may be inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate. During use of such aerosol-generating articles, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-forming substrate and are entrained in air drawn through the aerosol-generating article. As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol.

While the released compounds may cool to form an aerosol, the aerosol may still have a temperature that is sufficiently high to render the aerosol uncomfortable for a consumer to inhale. These high aerosol temperatures may be associated with a feeling of discomfort or mild pain for some consumers, as sensitive tissues such as lips, mouth, tongue and mucosae in general may come into direct contact with a downstream end of the aerosol-generating article during use. Therefore, it has also been known to include an aerosol-cooling element in an aerosol-generating article in which the aerosol-cooling element is adapted to favour cooling of the aerosol prior reaching the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. By way of example, WO 2013/120565 discloses an aerosol-generating article, an aerosolforming substrate and an aerosol-cooling element located downstream of the aerosolforming substrate. In an embodiment, the aerosol-cooling element comprises a crimped sheet of polylactic acid (PLA) that has been gathered to define a plurality of longitudinally extending channels. As the stream of aerosol is drawn through the aerosol-cooling element, heat may be transferred from the aerosol to the sheet of PLA.

However, external factors, such as ambient conditions, can determine how much, if any, cooling of the aerosol is required in order to produce an aerosol with a temperature that is comfortable for a consumer to inhale. For example, no, or only a small level of, aerosolcooling may be required when the ambient temperature or humidity are low. As another example, an increased level of aerosol cooling may be required when the ambient temperature or humidity are high. These changes in ambient conditions may be as a result of a difference of location in which the aerosol-generating articles are consumed, such as different countries or continents. Therefore, an aerosol-cooling element designed to provide adequate aerosol cooling in one ambient condition, or range of ambient conditions, may not provide adequate aerosol cooling in other ambient conditions.

It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating article comprising a novel and improved aerosol-cooling element which is configurable by a consumer based on one or both of: the ambient conditions and consumer preference. In particular, it would be desirable that the aerosol-cooling element is configurable by a consumer to change the level of aerosol cooling provided by the aerosol-cooling element. At the same time, it would be desirable to provide one such aerosol-generating article that can be manufactured efficiently and at high speed without requiring major modifications of existing equipment and apparatus.

There is provided an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol-cooling element. The aerosol-cooling element may be positioned downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-cooling element may comprise a first element and a second element. The second element may be moveable relative to the first element between a first position and a second position. The aerosol-cooling element may comprise a first configuration. In the first configuration, the second element may be in a first position. The aerosol-cooling element may comprise a second configuration. In the second configuration, the second element may be in a second position.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosolgenerating article. The aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-cooling element positioned downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-cooling element comprises a first element and a second element. The second element is moveable relative to the first element between a first position and a second position. The aerosol-cooling element comprises a first configuration in which the second element is in a first position. The aerosol-cooling element comprises a second configuration in which the second element is in a second position.

The aerosol-cooling element is provided with a moveable element and movement of this element can change the configuration of the aerosol-cooling element. Advantageously, this allows a consumer to easily adjust the configuration of the aerosol-cooling element to suit the environmental conditions or personal preference. Additionally, this may allow a manufacturer to predefine the properties of the aerosol-cooling element in both the first configuration and the second configuration. For example, the extent of aerosol cooling provided by the aerosol-cooling element in each of these configurations.

As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating article” refers to an article adapted to produce and deliver an inhalable aerosol to a consumer. As used herein, the term “aerosol-forming substrate” refers to a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds upon heating to generate an aerosol.

As used herein, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” describe the relative position of an elements, or portions of elements, of the aerosol-generating article in relation to the direction in which the aerosol is transported through the aerosol-generating article during use.

As used herein, the term “longitudinal” or “longitudinal direction” refers to the direction corresponding to the main longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article, which extends between the upstream and downstream ends of the aerosol-generating article. During use, air is drawn through the aerosol-generating article in the longitudinal direction.

As used herein, the term “transverse” refers to the direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Any reference to the “cross-section” of the aerosol-generating article or a component of the aerosol-generating article refers to the transverse cross-section unless stated otherwise.

As used herein, the term “rotational direction” refers to a direction about the longitudinal direction. For example, an element, or portion of an element, may be rotated in a clockwise direction or an anticlockwise direction about the longitudinal direction.

As used herein, the term “length” denotes the dimension of a component of the aerosol-generating article in the longitudinal direction.

As used herein, the term "tubular element" is used to denote a generally elongate element defining a lumen or airflow passage along a longitudinal axis thereof. In particular, the term "tubular" will be used in the following with reference to a tubular element having a substantially cylindrical cross-sectional area and defining at least one airflow conduit establishing an uninterrupted fluid communication between an upstream end of the tubular element and a downstream end of the tubular element. However, it will be understood that alternative geometries (for example, alternative cross-sectional shapes) of the tubular element may be possible.

As used herein, the term “elongate” means that an element has a length dimension that is greater than its width dimension or its diameter dimension, for example twice or more its width dimension or its diameter dimension.

As used herein, the term “ventilation level” is used to denote a volume ratio between the airflow admitted into the aerosol-generating article via the one or more ventilation openings (the ventilation airflow) and the sum of the aerosol airflow and the ventilation airflow. The greater the ventilation level, the higher the dilution of the aerosol flow delivered to the consumer.

Aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure may be heated aerosol-generating articles. Aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure may be electrically heated aerosol-generating articles. For example, aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure find particular application in aerosol-generating systems comprising an electrically heated aerosol-generating device having an internal heater blade which is adapted to be inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate.

The second element may be moveable in a longitudinal direction between the first position and the second position. Advantageously, movement in the longitudinal direction may be convenient and achievable for consumers with a varying degree of dexterity. Additionally, movement in a longitudinal direction may provide a clear indication of the current configuration of the aerosol-cooling element.

The aerosol-cooling element may have a first length in the first configuration and a second length in the second configuration. The first length may be different to the second length. The second length may be greater than the first length. The length of aerosol-cooling element can determine the extent of aerosol-cooling provided by the aerosol-cooling element. For example, the longer the aerosol-cooling element, the longer the distance over which the aerosol has time to exchange heat with the wall of the aerosol-cooling element. Advantageously, as the length of the aerosol-cooling element is different in the first configuration and the second configuration, a consumer can configure the extent of aerosol cooling that is provided by the aerosol-cooling element.

The second length may be between 110 percent and 200 percent of the first length. The second length may be between 110 percent and 190 percent of the first length. The second length may be between 110 percent and 180 percent of the first length. The second length may be between 110 percent and 170 percent of the first length. The second length may be between 110 percent and 160 percent of the first length. The second length may be between 110 percent and 150 percent of the first length. The second length may be between 110 percent and 140 percent of the first length. Preferably, the second length may be between 120 percent and 140 percent of the first length. More preferably, the second length may be between about 125 percent and 135 percent of the first length.

The second length may be at least 110 percent of the first length. The second length may be at least 115 percent of the first length. The second length may be at least 120 percent of the first length. The second length may be at least 125 percent of the first length. The second length may be at least 130 percent of the first length. The second length may be at least 150 percent of the first length. The second length may at least 200 percent of the first length. Preferably, the second length is about 130 percent of the first length. Advantageously, the second length being at least 110 percent of the first length provides for configurability of the aerosol-cooling element whilst keeping manufacturing costs low. On the other hand, the second length being at least 200 percent of the first length provides the ability to cope with a wide range of variability in ambient conditions and consumer preferences. A second length being about 130 percent of the first length provides a good balance between low manufacturing costs and configurability of the aerosol-cooling element.

The first length may be between about 10 millimetres and about 40 millimetres. The first length may be between about 10 millimetres and about 35 millimetres. The first length may be between about 10 millimetres and about 30 millimetres. The first length may be between about 10 millimetres and about 25 millimetres. The first length may be between about 10 millimetres and about 20 millimetres.

The second length may be between about 30 millimetres and about 60 millimetres. The second length may be between about 30 millimetres and about 55 millimetres. The second length may be between about 30 millimetres and about 50 millimetres. The second length may be between about 30 millimetres and about 45 millimetres. The second length may be between about 30 millimetres and about 40 millimetres.

The aerosol-cooling element may be telescopic. That is, the aerosol-cooling element may have a telescopic construction. Advantageously, a telescopic construction simplifies manufacturing whilst allowing straightforward movement of the second element relative to the first element. Furthermore, a telescopic construction may reduce the external temperature of the aerosol-cooling element when retracted due to an effective increase in thickness of the wall of the aerosol-cooling element. This may reduce risk to the consumer.

The second element may be moveable in a rotational direction between the first position and the second position. Advantageously, movement in the rotational direction may result in a compact design as it may not be necessary result in a change of the length of the aerosol-cooling element between the first configuration and the second configuration.

The second element may be moveable in a clockwise direction, as viewed from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article towards the downstream end of the aerosolgenerating article, to change from the first configuration to the second configuration. The second element may be moveable in an anticlockwise direction, as viewed from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article towards the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article, to change from the second configuration to the first configuration. Such an arrangement may be consistent with the average consumer’s everyday experience in turning objects or devices on and off. Advantageously, this may make the configurability of the aerosol-cooling element intuitive to the consumer.

The aerosol-generating article may have a first ventilation level in the first configuration and a second ventilation level in the second configuration. The ventilation level may determine, or partly determine, the extent of aerosol cooling that is provided. Advantageously, the consumer may therefore configure the amount of aerosol cooling that is provided by changing the configuration of the aerosol-cooling element. The second ventilation level may be greater than the first ventilation level. Advantageously, for example, there may be an increase in the ventilation level when there is an increase in length of the aerosol-cooling element. Thus, the aerosol may be cooled by both the increase in length and the increase in ventilation level.

The first ventilation level may be equal to, or less than, about 50 percent. The first ventilation level may be equal to, or less than, about 40 percent. The first ventilation level may be equal to, or less than, about 30 percent. The first ventilation level may be equal to, or less than, about 20 percent. The first ventilation level may be equal to, or less than, about 10 percent. Preferably, the first ventilation level may be equal to, or less than, about 5 percent. The first ventilation level may be equal to, or less than, about 3 percent. The first ventilation level may be equal to, or less than, about 1 percent.

The first ventilation level may be between about 5 percent and about 50 percent. The first ventilation level may be between about 10 percent and 50 percent. The first ventilation level may be between about 10 percent and about 40 percent. The first ventilation level may be between about 20 percent and about 40 percent.

The second ventilation level may be equal to, or greater than, about 20 percent. The second ventilation level may be equal to, or greater than, about 30 percent. The second ventilation level may be equal to, or greater than, about 40 percent. The second ventilation level may be equal to, or greater than, about 50 percent. The second ventilation level may be equal to, or greater than, about 60 percent. The second ventilation level may be equal to, or greater than, about 70 percent. The second ventilation level may be equal to, or greater than, about 80 percent.

The second ventilation level may be between about 30 percent and about 90 percent. The second ventilation level may be between about 40 percent and about 90 percent. The second ventilation level may be between about 50 percent and about 90 percent. The second ventilation level may be between about 50 percent and about 80 percent. The second ventilation level may be between about 60 percent and about 80 percent.

The second ventilation level may be at least 40 percent greater than the first ventilation level. The second ventilation level may be at least 30 percent greater than the first ventilation level. Preferably, the second ventilation level is at least 20 percent greater than the first ventilation level. For example, if the first ventilation level is 10 percent then the second ventilation level would be at least 30 percent.

The aerosol-cooling element may comprise a wall extending between an upstream end of the aerosol-cooling element and a downstream end of the aerosol-cooling element. The wall may be a peripheral wall. The wall may be an external wall. The wall may define a ventilation opening. The wall may define a plurality of ventilation openings. Advantageously, the ventilation may be provided by the aerosol-cooling element itself and at a location downstream from the aerosol-forming substrate, where the aerosol-cooling element is located. Furthermore, as the ventilation openings are defined in the wall, the direction of airflow into the aerosol-cooling element through the, or each, ventilation opening may be at an angle to the direction of aerosol flowing through the aerosol-cooling element. This may increase the turbulence within the aerosol-cooling element, resulting in increased mixing and consequently increased cooling.

The, or each, ventilation opening may provide an airflow path between the external environment and a downstream end of the aerosol-cooling element via the interior of the aerosol-cooling element in at least one configuration of the aerosol-cooling element.

Airflow through the, or each, ventilation opening may be restricted or prevented when the aerosol-cooling element is in the first configuration. For example, the effective cross- sectional area of the, or each, ventilation opening through which air may flow through may be reduced compared to the actual cross-sectional area of the, or each, ventilation opening. On the other hand, airflow through the, or each, ventilation opening may be unrestricted when the aerosol-cooling element is in the second configuration. For example, air may flow through the entire cross-sectional area of the, or each, ventilation opening.

The, or each, ventilation opening may be at least partially covered when the aerosolcooling element is in the first configuration. For example, the effective cross-sectional area of the, or each, ventilation opening through which air may flow through may be reduced compared to the actual cross-sectional area of the, or each, ventilation opening. The, or each, ventilation opening may be completely covered when the aerosol-cooling element is in the first configuration. For example, the effective cross-sectional area of the, or each, ventilation opening through which air may flow through may be reduced to zero compared to the actual cross-sectional area of the, or each, ventilation opening. The, or each, ventilation opening may be uncovered when the aerosol-cooling element is in the second configuration. For example, the effective cross-sectional area of the, or each, ventilation opening through which air may flow through may be equal to the actual cross-sectional area of the, or each, ventilation opening.

The, or each, ventilation opening may be positioned towards the upstream end of the aerosol-cooling element. The, or each, ventilation opening may be positioned towards the upstream end of the aerosol-cooling element in both the first configuration and the second configuration. Advantageously, this may increase aerosol cooling, for example by ensuring mixing begins at the upstream end of the aerosol-cooling element, rather than towards the downstream end of the aerosol-cooling element. Furthermore, this may ensure a consumer does not block any ventilation opening, such as by their hand or lips.

The, or each, ventilation opening may be positioned equal to, or less than, 5 millimetres from the upstream end of the aerosol-cooling element. Advantageously, this has been found to be a good location to promote mixing and turbulence within the aerosol-cooling element to achieve optimal aerosol-cooling.

The first element may comprise a first element wall extending from an upstream end of the first element to a downstream end of the first element. The first element wall may be a first element peripheral wall. The first element wall may be a first element external wall. The first element wall may define a first element ventilation opening. The first element wall may define a plurality of first element ventilation openings. The, or each, first element ventilation opening may be the, or each, ventilation opening referred to above in relation to the aerosolcooling element and defined in a wall of the aerosol-cooling element. The, or each, first element ventilation opening may be one, or a subset, of the plurality of ventilation openings referred to above in relation to the aerosol-cooling element and defined in a wall of the aerosol-cooling element. Advantageously, the first element may not be moveable therefore defining one or more ventilation openings in the first element wall may ensure airflow through one or more ventilation openings enters the aerosol-cooling element at a consistent location regardless of the position of the second element relative to the first element.

The second element may comprise a second element wall extending from an upstream end of the second element to a downstream end of the second element. The second element wall may be a second element peripheral wall. The second element wall may be a second element external wall. The second element wall may define a second element ventilation opening. The second element wall may define a plurality of second element ventilation openings. The, or each, second element ventilation opening may be the, or each, ventilation opening referred to above in relation to the aerosol-cooling element and defined in a wall of the aerosol-cooling element. The, or each, second element ventilation opening may be one, or a subset, of the plurality of ventilation openings referred to above in relation to the aerosol-cooling element and defined in a wall of the aerosol-cooling element. Advantageously, by defining one or more ventilation openings in a wall of the second element may allow selection of the location along the length the aerosol-cooling element where airflow enters the aerosol-cooling element.

Airflow through the, or each, first element ventilation opening may be restricted or prevented when the aerosol-cooling element is in the first configuration. The, or each, first element ventilation opening may be least partially covered in the first configuration. The, or each, first element ventilation opening may be least partially covered by the second element in the first configuration. For example, the, or each, first element ventilation opening may be at least partially covered by the second element wall. In other words, in the first configuration, the second element may reduce the effective cross-sectional area of the, or each, first element ventilation opening through which air may flow compared to the actual cross- sectional area of the, or each, first element ventilation opening. Airflow through the, or each, second element ventilation opening may be restricted or prevented when the aerosol-cooling element is in the first configuration. The, or each, second element ventilation opening may be least partially covered in the first configuration. The, or each, second element ventilation opening is least partially covered by the first element in the first configuration. For example, the, or each, second element ventilation opening may be at least partially covered by the first element wall. In other words, in the first configuration, the first element may reduce the effective cross-sectional area of the, or each, second element ventilation opening through which air may flow compared to the actual cross-sectional area of the, or each, second element ventilation opening.

The first element ventilation opening and the second element ventilation opening may at least partially overlap in the first configuration. That is, in the first configuration, as viewed in the radial direction, when the first element ventilation opening and the second element ventilation opening are superimposed, at least a portion of the perimeter of the first element ventilation opening is within the perimeter of the second element ventilation opening or at least a portion of the perimeter of the second element ventilation opening is within the perimeter of the first element ventilation opening.

The first element ventilation opening and the second element ventilation opening may define an overlapping region, in the first configuration, having a maximum equivalent diameter less than either, or both, an equivalent diameter of the first element ventilation opening or an equivalent diameter of the second element ventilation opening. For example, due to the overlapping of the first element ventilation opening and the second element ventilation opening, an opening may be produced that has a cross-sectional area that is less than a cross-sectional area of either the first element ventilation opening or the second element ventilation opening. Advantageously, this may allow the provision of a small level of ventilation in the first configuration without providing additional ventilation openings, thereby simplifying manufacture and reducing manufacturing costs.

Airflow through the, or each, first element ventilation opening may be unrestricted when the aerosol-cooling element is in the second configuration. The, or each, first element ventilation opening may be at least partially, or completely, uncovered in the second configuration.

Airflow through the, or each, second element ventilation opening may be unrestricted when the aerosol-cooling element is in the second configuration. The, or each, second element ventilation opening may be at least partially, or completely, uncovered in the second configuration.

The first element ventilation opening and the second element ventilation opening may at least partially overlap in the second configuration. That is, in the second configuration, as viewed in the radial direction, when the first element ventilation opening and the second element ventilation opening are superimposed, at least a portion of the perimeter of the first element ventilation opening is within the perimeter of the second element ventilation opening or at least a portion of the perimeter of the second element ventilation opening is within the perimeter of the first element ventilation opening.

The first element ventilation opening and the second element ventilation opening may define an overlapping region, in the second configuration, having a minimum equivalent diameter equal to either an equivalent diameter of the first element ventilation opening or an equivalent diameter of the second element ventilation opening. For example, due to the overlapping of the first element ventilation opening and the second element ventilation opening, an opening may be produced that has a cross-section area equal to, or greater than, the smallest cross-sectional area of either the first element ventilation opening or the second element ventilation opening.

An equivalent diameter of the, or each, first element ventilation opening may be less than an equivalent diameter of the, or each, second element ventilation opening. An equivalent diameter of the, or each, first element ventilation opening may be greater than an equivalent diameter of the, or each, second element ventilation opening. An equivalent diameter of the, or each, first element ventilation opening may be equal to an equivalent diameter of the, or each, second element ventilation opening.

The, or each, first element ventilation opening may have an equivalent diameter of between 0.5 millimetres and about 10 millimetres. The, or each, first element ventilation opening may have an equivalent diameter of between 0.5 millimetres and about 8 millimetres. The, or each, first element ventilation opening may have an equivalent diameter of between 0.5 millimetres and about 6 millimetres. The, or each, first element ventilation opening may have an equivalent diameter of between 0.5 millimetres and about 5 millimetres. The, or each, first element ventilation opening may have an equivalent diameter of between 0.5 millimetres and about 3 millimetres. The, or each, first element ventilation opening may have an equivalent diameter of between 0.5 millimetres and about 2 millimetres. The, or each, first element ventilation opening may have an equivalent diameter of between 0.5 millimetres and about 1 millimetres. The, or each, first element ventilation opening may have an equivalent diameter of between 5 millimetres and about 15 millimetres.

The, or each, second element ventilation opening may have an equivalent diameter of between 0.5 millimetres and about 10 millimetres. The, or each, second element ventilation opening may have an equivalent diameter of between 0.5 millimetres and about 8 millimetres. The, or each, second element ventilation opening may have an equivalent diameter of between 0.5 millimetres and about 6 millimetres. The, or each, second element ventilation opening may have an equivalent diameter of between 0.5 millimetres and about 5 millimetres. The, or each, second element ventilation opening may have an equivalent diameter of between 0.5 millimetres and about 3 millimetres. The, or each, second element ventilation opening may have an equivalent diameter of between 0.5 millimetres and about 2 millimetres. The, or each, second element ventilation opening may have an equivalent diameter of between 0.5 millimetres and about 1 millimetres. The, or each, second element ventilation opening may have an equivalent diameter of between 5 millimetres and about 15 millimetres.

The, or each, first element ventilation opening may be elongate. The length dimension may extend parallel to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-cooling element. The length dimension may extend in the circumferential direction of the aerosol-cooling element. The length dimension may extend perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The, or each, first element ventilation opening may be circular, square or rectangular in shape.

The, or each, second element ventilation opening may be elongate. The length dimension may extend perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The length dimension may extend parallel to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-cooling element. The length dimension may extend in the circumferential direction of the aerosol-cooling element The, or each, second element ventilation opening may be circular, square or rectangular in shape.

The aerosol-generating article may have a first resistance to draw in the first configuration and a second resistance to draw in the second configuration. Advantageously, this may allow a consumer to configure the resistance to draw according to their personal preference. The change in resistance to draw may be due to a change in length of the aerosol-cooling element, a change ventilation level of the aerosol-cooling element or both.

The second resistance to draw may be at least 5 mmH₂0 less than the first resistance to draw. The second resistance to draw may be at least 10 mmH₂0 less than the first resistance to draw. Preferably, the second resistance to draw is at least 20 mmH₂0 less than the first resistance to draw.

The first element and the second element may be arranged concentrically in the first configuration. The first element and the second element may be arranged concentrically in the second configuration. The first element may circumscribe the second element in one or both of the first configuration and the second configuration. The second element may circumscribe the first element in one or both of the first configuration and the second configuration.

The first element wall may be in physical contact with second element wall. The first element wall may be in physical contact with the second element wall in the first configuration. The first element wall may be in physical contact with the second element wall in the second configuration. The first element wall may be in physical contact with second element wall during movement of the second element from the first position to the second position. The first element may have a minimum internal diameter approximately equal to a maximum external diameter of the second element. The first element may have a maximum external diameter approximately equal to a minimum internal diameter of the second element.

In the second configuration, at least a portion of the downstream end of the first element may overlap at least a portion of the upstream end of the second element. In the second configuration, the first element and the second element may overlap by at least 5 millimetres. Preferably, at least 10 millimetres.

The first element may be a tubular element. The second element may be a tubular element.

The first element may have a length greater than the second element. The first element may have a length at least 5 percent greater than the second element. The first element may have a length at least 10 percent greater than the second element. The first element may have a length at least 20 percent greater than the first element. The first element may have a length at least 40 percent greater than the first element.

The aerosol-generating article may have a length between about 40 millimetres and about 80 millimetres in the first configuration. The aerosol-generating article may have a length between about 40 millimetres and about 70 millimetres in the first configuration. The aerosol-generating article may have a length between about 40 millimetres and about 60 millimetres in the first configuration. The aerosol-generating article may have a length between about 40 millimetres and about 50 millimetres in the first configuration.

The aerosol-generating article may have a length between about 60 millimetres and about 100 millimetres in the second configuration. The aerosol-generating article may have a length between about 60 millimetres and about 90 millimetres in the second configuration. The aerosol-generating article may have a length between about 60 millimetres and about 80 millimetres in the second configuration. The aerosol-generating article may have a length between about 60 millimetres and about 70 millimetres in the second configuration.

One or both of the first element and second element may be made from a cellulose material. One or both of the first element and second element may be made from paper or cardboard. One or both of the first element and the second element may be made from a biodegradable material, such as bioplastic.

One or both of the first element and the second element may comprise an internal or external coating. For example, the internal or external coating may be a hydrophobic coating. The hydrophobic coating may provide a water contact angle of at least about 90 degrees or at least about 100 degrees and a Cobb measurement value (at 60 seconds) of about 40 g/m2 or less, or about 35 g/m2 or less. Advantageously, this may prevent aerosol or saliva from degrading the structural integrity of the first element or the second element. As another example, the internal or external coating may have a coefficient of friction less than the coefficient of friction of the material from which the first element or the second element is made. Advantageously, this may aid movement of the second element relative to the first element.

The aerosol-cooling element may comprise a stopper configured to restrict or prevent movement of the second element in the second configuration. The stopper may be configured to increase the force required to move the second element in a first direction compared to a second direction. The first direction may be a direction opposite the second direction. The first direction may be an upstream direction and the second direction may be a downstream direction. The first direction may be a downstream direction and the second direction may be an upstream direction. The first direction may be a clockwise direction and the second direction may be an anticlockwise direction. The first direction may be an anticlockwise direction and the second direction may be a clockwise direction.

The stopper may be configured to resist or prevent movement of the second element in a longitudinal direction in the second configuration. For example, either towards the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article or towards the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. In particular, the stropper may be configured to resist or prevent movement of the second element in the longitudinal direction in the second configuration which would result in the length of aerosol-cooling element to be greater than the second length.

The stopper may be configured to resist or prevent movement of the second element in the rotational direction in the second configuration. For example, either clockwise or anticlockwise. In particular, the stopper may be configured to resist or prevent movement of the second element in the rotational direction in the second configuration which would result in the angle of rotation of the second element with respect to the second element to be greater than the angle of rotation of the second element with respect to the first element when the second element is in the second position. The angle of rotation of the second element with respect to the first element may define an angle of rotation of zero.

The stopper may comprise a length of material having a first end attached to the first element and a second end attached to the second element. The length of the length of material may define the maximum relative movement of the second element with respect to the first element. The length of material may be slack in the first configuration. The length of material may be taut in the second position. The length of material may be a string.

The length of material may be positioned with an interior of the aerosol-cooling element. The length of material may comprise a flavouring substance for flavouring the aerosol generated by the aerosol-forming substrate. The flavouring substance may be a menthol flavouring substance.

The stopper may comprise a first protrusion and a first indent. The first protrusion may be configured to extend into the first indent in the second configuration. The stopper may comprise a first protrusion and a second protrusion. The first protrusion and the second protrusion may be configured to abut one another in the second configuration. The first element may comprise the first protrusion. The second element may comprise the second protrusion. The first protrusion may be positioned downstream of the second protrusion in the second configuration.

The aerosol-cooling element may comprise a third configuration in which the second element is in a third position relative to the first element. The third position may be a position between the first position and the second position.

The aerosol-generating article may have a third ventilation level in the third configuration. The third ventilation level may be greater than the first ventilation level and less than the second ventilation level.

The aerosol-cooling element may have a third length in the third configuration. The third length may be greater than the first length and less than the second length.

An interior surface of the first element may be textured. For example, an interior surface of the first element may be embossed. An interior surface of the second element may be textured. For example, an interior surface of the second element may be embossed. An exterior surface of the first element may be textured. For example, an exterior surface of the first element may be embossed. An exterior surface of the second element may be textured. For example, an exterior surface of the second element may be embossed. Advantageously, texturing a surface of the first element that is in contact with the second element or vice versa may increase friction between the first element and second element. Therefore, this may allow the second element to remain in first position, second position, or any intermediate position when a consumer is not applying an external force to the second element.

One or more protrusions may be located on an exterior surface of the first element and extend in a radial direction. One or more protrusions may be located on an exterior surface of the second element and extend in a radial direction. Advantageously, the one or more protrusions may increase friction between the first element and second element.

The aerosol-cooling element may comprise a pullable element configured such that a consumer can pull on the pullable element to move the second element from the first position to the second position. The pullable element maybe a string, a length of paper, or a length of cardboard.

The aerosol-cooling element may be the most downstream element of the aerosolgenerating article. The aerosol-cooling element may function as a mouthpiece. For example, the second element may function as a mouthpiece. The aerosol-cooling element may comprise a filter element. The filter element may be positioned at a downstream end of the aerosol-cooling element. The filter element may comprise cellulose acetate. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a susceptor element. The susceptor element may be positioned in thermal contact with the aerosol-forming substrate. The susceptor element may be located within the aerosol-forming substrate. The susceptor element may be an elongate susceptor element. The susceptor element may extend longitudinally within the aerosol-forming substrate. The susceptor element may be positioned in a radially central position with the aerosol-forming substrate. The susceptor element may be approximately the same length as the aerosol-forming substrate.

The susceptor element may be arranged substantially longitudinally within the aerosol-forming substrate. This means that the length dimension of the elongate susceptor element is arranged to be approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the aerosolforming substrate, for example within plus or minus 10 degrees of parallel to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-forming substrate. In preferred embodiments, the elongate susceptor element may be positioned in a radially central position within the aerosol-forming substrate, and extends along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming substate.

The susceptor element is preferably in the form of a pin, rod, strip or blade.

As used herein, the term “susceptor element” refers to a material that can convert electromagnetic energy into heat. When located within a fluctuating electromagnetic field, eddy currents induced in the susceptor element cause heating of the susceptor element.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be in the form of a rod. The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco in the form of cut filler. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco in the form of a gathered sheet of homogenised tobacco material.

The aerosol-forming substrate may homogenised plant material, preferably a homogenised tobacco material.

As used herein, the term “homogenised plant material” encompasses any plant material formed by the agglomeration of particles of plant. For example, sheets or webs of homogenised tobacco material for the aerosol-forming substrates of the present invention may be formed by agglomerating particles of tobacco material obtained by pulverising, grinding or comminuting plant material and optionally one or more of tobacco leaf lamina and tobacco leaf stems. The homogenised plant material may be produced by casting, extrusion, paper making processes or other any other suitable processes known in the art.

Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate is in the form of one or more sheets of homogenised plant material. The one or more sheets of homogenised plant material may be produced by a casting process. The one or more sheets of homogenised plant material may be produced by a paper-making process. The one or more sheets as described herein may each individually have a thickness of between 100 micrometres and 600 micrometres, preferably between 150 micrometres and 300 micrometres, and most preferably between 200 micrometres and 250 micrometres. Individual thickness refers to the thickness of the individual sheet, whereas combined thickness refers to the total thickness of all sheets that make up the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, if the aerosol-forming substrate is formed from two individual sheets, then the combined thickness is the sum of the thickness of the two individual sheets or the measured thickness of the two sheets where the two sheets are stacked in the aerosol-forming substrate.

The one or more sheets as described herein may each individually have a grammage of between about 100 g/m2 and about 300 g/m2.

In embodiments in which the aerosol-forming substrate comprises one or more sheets of homogenised plant material, the sheets are preferably in the form of one or more gathered sheets. As used herein, the term “gathered” denotes that the sheet of homogenised plant material is convoluted, folded, or otherwise compressed or constricted substantially transversely to the cylindrical axis of a plug or a rod.

The one or more sheets of homogenised plant material may be gathered transversely relative to the longitudinal axis thereof.

The one or more sheets of homogenised plant material may advantageously be crimped or similarly treated. As used herein, the term “crimped” denotes a sheet having a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations. Alternatively or in addition to being crimped, the one or more sheets of homogenised plant material may be embossed, debossed, perforated or otherwise deformed to provide texture on one or both sides of the sheet.

Preferably, each sheet of homogenised plant material may be crimped such that it has a plurality of ridges or corrugations substantially parallel to the cylindrical axis of the aerosol-forming substrate or aerosol-generating article. This treatment advantageously facilitates gathering of the crimped sheet of homogenised plant material to form the plug. Preferably, the one or more sheets of homogenised plant material may be gathered. It will be appreciated that crimped sheets of homogenised plant material may alternatively or in addition have a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations disposed at an acute or obtuse angle to the cylindrical axis of the plug. The sheet may be crimped to such an extent that the integrity of the sheet becomes disrupted at the plurality of parallel ridges or corrugations causing separation of the material, and results in the formation of shreds, strands or strips of homogenised plant material.

The homogenised plant material may be a homogenised tobacco material comprising tobacco particles. Sheets of homogenised tobacco material for use in such embodiments may have a tobacco content of at least about 40 percent by weight on a dry weight basis, more preferably of at least about 50 percent by weight on a dry weight basis more preferably at least about 70 percent by weight on a dry weight basis and most preferably at least about 90 percent by weight on a dry weight basis.

The term “tobacco particles” describes particles of any plant member of the genus Nicotiana. The term “tobacco particles” encompasses ground or powdered tobacco leaf lamina, ground or powdered tobacco leaf stems, tobacco dust, tobacco fines, and other particulate tobacco by-products formed during the treating, handling and shipping of tobacco. In a preferred embodiment, the tobacco particles are substantially all derived from tobacco leaf lamina. By contrast, isolated nicotine and nicotine salts are compounds derived from tobacco but are not considered tobacco particles for purposes of the invention and are not included in the percentage of particulate plant material.

The homogenised plant material may further comprise one or more aerosol formers. Upon volatilisation, an aerosol former can convey other vaporised compounds released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating, such as nicotine and flavourants, in an aerosol. Suitable aerosol formers for inclusion in the homogenised plant material are known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyhydric alcohols, such as triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1 ,3-butanediol and glycerol; esters of polyhydric alcohols, such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate.

The homogenised plant material may have an aerosol former content of between about 5 percent and about 30 percent by weight on a dry weight basis, such as between about 10 percent and about 25 percent by weight on a dry weight basis, or between about 15 percent and about 20 percent by weight on a dry weight basis.

In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a gel composition that includes an alkaloid compound, or a cannabinoid compound, or both an alkaloid compound and a cannabinoid compound. In particularly preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a gel composition that includes nicotine.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise a plurality of elements assembled in the form of a rod. The plurality of elements may comprise the aerosol-forming substrate and the aerosol-cooling element.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise an outer wrapper circumscribing the aerosol-forming substrate and at least a portion of the aerosol-cooling element. The outer wrapper may define an outer surface of the aerosol-generating article. The outer wrapper may circumscribe all of the plurality of elements of the aerosol-generating article which are assembled in the form of a rod. The outer wrapper may be a tipping wrapper as described below. The outer wrapper may be a paper wrapper or a non-paper wrapper. Suitable paper wrappers include, but are not limited to: cigarette papers; and filter plug wraps. Suitable non- paper wrappers include, but are not limited to sheets of homogenised tobacco materials. In certain preferred embodiments, the outer wrapper may be formed of a laminate material comprising a plurality of layers. Preferably, the wrapper is formed of an aluminium colaminated sheet. The use of a co-laminated sheet comprising aluminium advantageously prevents combustion of the outer wrapper in the event that the aerosol-forming substrate should be ignited, rather than heated in the intended manner.

There is also provided a container for aerosol-generating articles described herein. Preferably, the container is for an aerosol-generating article described herein in which the second element is moveable in a longitudinal direction between the first position and the second position. The container may have a height less than a length of the aerosolgenerating article when the aerosol-cooling element is in the second configuration. The container may have a width less than a length of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-cooling element is in the first configuration. The container may have a depth less than a length of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-cooling element is in the first configuration.

The term “height”, when used in reference to the container, is used herein to refer to dimensions extending between the top and the bottom of the box. The term “width”, when used in reference to the container, is used herein to refer to dimensions extending between two sides of the box. The term “depth”, when used in reference to the container, is used herein to refer to dimensions extending between the front and the back of the box. Height, width and depth are orthogonal to each other.

The container may have a height at least 5 percent less than a length of the aerosolgenerating article when the aerosol-cooling element is in the second configuration. The container may have a height at least 10 percent less than a length of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-cooling element is in the second configuration. The container may have a height at least 15 percent less than a length of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-cooling element is in the second configuration. The container may have a height at least 20 percent less than a length of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosolcooling element is in the second configuration. The container may have a height at least 30 percent less than a length of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-cooling element is in the second configuration.

The container may have a height between 5 percent and 30 percent less than a length of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-cooling element is in the second configuration. The container may have a height between 5 percent and 20 percent less than a length of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-cooling element is in the second configuration. The container may have a height between 5 percent and 15 percent less than a length of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-cooling element is in the second configuration.

The container may have a height less than 120 percent the length of the aerosolgenerating article when the aerosol-cooling element is in the first configuration. The container may have a height less than 115 percent the length of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-cooling element is in the first configuration. The container may have a height less than 110 percent the length of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-cooling element is in the first configuration. The container may have a height less than 105 percent the length of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-cooling element is in the first configuration. The container may have a height approximately the same as a length of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-cooling element is in the first configuration.

The container may comprise a box. The box may comprise a box bottom wall. The box may comprise a box opening for accessing aerosol-generating articles housed in the box. The box opening may disposed opposite the box bottom wall. The box may comprise a box back wall. The box back wall may extend between the box bottom wall and the box opening.

The container may further comprise a lid connected to the box by a lid hinge line extending across the box back wall. The lid may be configured to pivot about the lid hinge line between a closed position in which the lid covers the box opening and an open position in which the box opening is uncovered. The lid may not be moveable into the closed position when the aerosol-cooling element is in the second configuration. The lid may only be moveable into the closed position when the aerosol-cooling element is in the first configuration.

The container may comprise at least one aerosol-generating article described herein. The container may comprise a plurality of aerosol-generating articles described herein. The container may comprise at least five aerosol-generating articles described herein.

The invention is defined in the claims. However, below there is provided a non- exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

Ex1 . An aerosol-generating article comprising: an aerosol-forming substrate; and an aerosol-cooling element positioned downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-cooling element comprising a first element and a second element, the second element being moveable relative to the first element between a first position and a second position; wherein the aerosol-cooling element comprises a first configuration in which the second element is in the first position, and a second configuration in which the second element is in the second position.

Ex2. An aerosol-generating article according to example Ex1 , wherein the second element is moveable in a longitudinal direction between the first position and the second position.

Ex3. An aerosol-generating article according to example Ex2, wherein the aerosol-cooling element has a first length in the first configuration and a second length in the second configuration, the first length being different to the second length, preferably the second length is greater than the first length.

Ex4. An aerosol-generating article according to example Ex3, wherein the second length is at least 110 percent of the first length, preferably the second length is at least 150 percent of the first length, more preferably the second length is at least 200 percent of the first length. Ex5. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex4, wherein the aerosol-cooling element is telescopic.

Ex6. An aerosol-generating article according to example Ex1 , wherein the second element is moveable in a rotational direction between the first position and the second position.

Ex7. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex5, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a first ventilation level in the first configuration and a second ventilation level in the second configuration.

Ex8. An aerosol-generating article according to example Ex7, wherein the second ventilation level is greater than the first ventilation level.

Ex9. An aerosol-generating article according to example Ex7 or Ex8, wherein the first ventilation level is equal to, or less than, about 5%.

Ex10. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex7 to Ex9, wherein the second ventilation level is equal to or greater than about 20%.

Ex11 . An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex7 to Ex10, wherein the second ventilation level is at least 10% greater than or less than the first ventilation level. Ex12. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex7 to Ex11 , wherein the aerosol-cooling element comprises a wall extending between an upstream end of the aerosol-cooling element and a downstream end of the aerosol-cooling element, the wall defining a ventilation opening.

Ex13. An aerosol-generating article according to example Ex12, wherein airflow through the ventilation opening is restricted or prevented when the aerosol-cooling element is in the first configuration.

Ex14. An aerosol-generating article according to example Ex12 or Ex13, wherein airflow through the ventilation opening is unrestricted when the aerosol-cooling element is in the second configuration. Ex15. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex12 to Ex14, wherein the ventilation opening is at least partially covered when the aerosol-cooling element is in the first configuration.

Ex16. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex12 to Ex15, wherein the ventilation opening is completely covered when the aerosol-cooling element is in the first configuration.

Ex17. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex12 to Ex16, wherein the ventilation opening is uncovered when the aerosol-cooling element is in the second configuration.

Ex18. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex12 to Ex17, wherein the ventilation opening is positioned towards the upstream end of the aerosolcooling element.

Ex19. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex12 to Ex18, wherein the ventilation opening is positioned equal to, or less than, 5 millimetres from the upstream end of the aerosol-cooling element.

Ex20. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex12 to Ex19, wherein the first element comprises a first element wall extending from an upstream end of the first element to a downstream end of the first element, the first element wall defining a first element ventilation opening.

Ex21. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex12 to Ex20, wherein the second element comprises a second element wall extending from an upstream end of the second element to a downstream end of the second element, the second element wall defining a second element ventilation opening.

Ex22. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex12 to Ex21 , wherein the first element comprises a first element wall extending from an upstream end of the first element to a downstream end of the first element, the first element wall defining a first element ventilation opening, and wherein the second element comprises a second element wall extending from an upstream end of the second element to a downstream end of the second element, the second element wall defining a second element ventilation opening.

Ex23. An aerosol-generating article according to example Ex20 or Ex22, wherein airflow through the first element ventilation opening is restricted or prevented when the aerosolcooling element is in the first configuration.

Ex24. An aerosol-generating article according to example Ex20, Ex22 or Ex23, wherein the first element ventilation opening is least partially covered in the first configuration.

Ex25. An aerosol-generating article according to example Ex22, wherein the first element ventilation opening is least partially covered by the second element in the first configuration. Ex26. An aerosol-generating article according to example Ex21 or Ex22, wherein airflow through the second element ventilation opening is restricted or prevented when the aerosolcooling element is in the first configuration.

Ex27. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex21 to Ex26, wherein the second element ventilation opening is least partially covered in the first configuration.

Ex28. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex21 to Ex27, wherein the second element ventilation opening is least partially covered by the first element in the first configuration.

Ex29. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex22 to Ex28, wherein the first element ventilation opening and the second element ventilation opening at least partially overlap in the first configuration.

Ex30. An aerosol-generating article according to example Ex29, wherein the first element ventilation opening and the second element ventilation opening define an overlapping region, in the first configuration, having a maximum equivalent diameter less than either an equivalent diameter of the first element ventilation opening or an equivalent diameter of the second element ventilation opening.

Ex31. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex20 to Ex30, wherein airflow through the first element ventilation opening is unrestricted when the aerosolcooling element is in the second configuration.

Ex32. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex20 to E31 , wherein the first element ventilation opening is at least partially, or completely, uncovered in the second configuration.

Ex33. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex21 to Ex32, wherein airflow through the second element ventilation opening is unrestricted when the aerosol-cooling element is in the second configuration.

Ex34. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex21 to Ex33, wherein the second element ventilation opening is at least partially, or completely, uncovered in the second configuration.

Ex35. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex22 to Ex34, wherein the first element ventilation opening and the second element ventilation opening at least partially overlap in the second configuration.

Ex36. An aerosol-generating article according to example Ex35, wherein the first element ventilation opening and the second element ventilation opening define an overlapping region, in the second configuration, having a minimum equivalent diameter equal to either an equivalent diameter of the first element ventilation opening or an equivalent diameter of the second element ventilation opening. Ex37. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex22 to Ex36 wherein an equivalent diameter of the first element ventilation opening is less than an equivalent diameter of the second element ventilation opening.

Ex38. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex22 to Ex36 wherein an equivalent diameter of the first element ventilation opening is greater than an equivalent diameter of the second element ventilation opening.

Ex39. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex22 to Ex36 wherein an equivalent diameter of the first element ventilation opening is equal to an equivalent diameter of the second element ventilation opening.

Ex40. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex20 to Ex39, wherein the first element ventilation opening has an equivalent diameter of between 5 millimetres and about 15 millimetres.

Ex41 . An aerosol-generating article according to any one of example Ex20 to Ex40, wherein the second element ventilation opening has an equivalent diameter of between 5 millimetres and about 15 millimetres.

Ex42. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex20 to Ex41 , wherein the first element ventilation opening is elongate and has a length dimension extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-cooling element.

Ex43. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex20 to Ex42, wherein the first element ventilation opening is circle, square or rectangular.

Ex44. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex21 to Ex43, wherein the second element ventilation opening is elongate and has a length dimension extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

Ex45. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex21 to Ex44, wherein the second element ventilation opening is circle, square or rectangular.

Ex46. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex45, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a first resistance to draw in the first configuration and a second resistance to draw in the second configuration

Ex47. An aerosol-generating article according to example E46, wherein the second resistance to draw is less than the first resistance to draw.

Ex48. An aerosol-generating article according to example Ex46 or Ex47, wherein the second resistance to draw is at least 10 mmH₂0 less than the first resistance to draw.

Ex49. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex46 to Ex47, wherein the second resistance to draw is at least 20 mmH₂0 less than the first resistance to draw.

Ex50. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex49, wherein the first element and the second element are arranged concentrically in the first configuration. Ex51. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex50, wherein the first element and the second element are arranged concentrically in the second configuration.

Ex52. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex51 , wherein the first element circumscribes the second element.

Ex53. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex51 , wherein the second element circumscribes the first element.

Ex54. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex53, wherein in the second configuration at least a portion of the downstream end of the first element overlaps at least a portion of the upstream end of the second element .

Ex55. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex54, wherein the first element is a tubular element.

Ex56. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex55, wherein the second element is a tubular element.

Ex57. An aerosol-generating according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex56, wherein the aerosol-cooling element comprises a stopper configured to restrict or prevent movement of the second element in the second configuration.

Ex58. An aerosol-generating article according to example Ex57, wherein the stopper is configured to increase the force required to move the second element in a first direction compared to a second direction.

Ex59. An aerosol-generating article according to example Ex58, wherein the first direction is an upstream direction and the second direction is a downstream direction.

Ex60. An aerosol-generating article according to example Ex58, wherein the first direction is a downstream direction and the second direction is an upstream direction.

Ex61. An aerosol-generating article according to example Ex58, wherein the first direction is a clockwise direction and the second direction is an anticlockwise direction.

Ex62. An aerosol-generating article according to example Ex58, wherein the first direction is an anticlockwise direction and the second direction is a clockwise direction.

Ex63. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex57 to Ex60, wherein the stopper is configured to resist or prevent movement of the second element in a longitudinal direction in the second configuration.

Ex64. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex57, Ex58, Ex61, or Ex62, wherein the stopper is configured to resist or prevent movement of the second element in the rotational direction in the second configuration.

Ex65. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex57 to Ex62, wherein the stopper comprises a length of material having a first end attached to the first element and a second end attached to the second element. Ex66. An aerosol-generating article according to example Ex65, wherein the length of the length of material defines the maximum relative movement of the second element with respect to the first element.

Ex67. An aerosol-generating article according to example Ex65 to Ex66, wherein the length of material is be slack in the first configuration.

Ex68. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex65 to Ex67, wherein the length of material is taut in the second position.

Ex69. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex66 to Ex68, wherein the length of material is a string.

Ex70. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex66 to Ex69, wherein the length of material comprises a flavouring substance for flavouring the aerosol generated by the aerosol-forming substrate.

Ex71. An aerosol-generating article according to example Ex70, wherein the flavouring substance is a menthol flavouring substance.

Ex72. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex57 to Ex62, wherein the stopper comprises a first protrusion and a first indent, wherein the first protrusion is configured to extend into the first indent in the second configuration.

Ex73. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex57 to Ex62, wherein stopper comprises a first protrusion and a second protrusion, wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion are configured to abut one another in the second configuration.

Ex74. An aerosol-generating article according example Ex73, wherein the first element comprises the first protrusion and the second element comprises the second protrusion, wherein the first protrusion is positioned downstream of the second protrusion in the second configuration.

Ex75. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex74, wherein the aerosol-cooling element comprises a third configuration in which the second element is in a third position relative to the first element, the third position being a position between the first position and the second position.

Ex76. An aerosol-generating article according to example Ex75, wherein the aerosolgenerating article has a third ventilation level in the third configuration, the third ventilation level being greater than the first ventilation level and less than the second ventilation level.

Ex77. An aerosol-generating article according to example Ex75 or Ex76, wherein the aerosol-cooling element has a third length in the third configuration, the third length being greater than the first length and less than the second length.

Ex78. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex77, wherein an interior surface of the first element is textured, preferably embossed. Ex79. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex78, wherein an interior surface of the second element is textured, preferably embossed.

Ex80. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex79, wherein an exterior surface of the first element is textured, preferably embossed.

Ex81. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex80, wherein an exterior surface of the second element is textured, preferably embossed.

Ex82. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex81 , wherein one or more protrusions are located on an exterior surface of the first element and extend in a radial direction.

Ex83. An aerosol-generating article according to example Ex82, wherein the one or more protrusions are located on an exterior surface of the second element and extend in a radial direction.

Ex84. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex83, wherein the aerosol-cooling element comprises a pullable element configured such that a consumer can pull on the pullable element to move the second element from the first position to the second position.

Ex85. An aerosol-generating article according to example Ex84, wherein the pullable element is a string, a length of paper, or a length of cardboard.

Ex86. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex85, wherein the aerosol-cooling element is the most downstream element of the aerosol-generating article.

Ex87. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex86, wherein the aerosol-cooling element comprises a filter element.

Ex88. An aerosol-generating article according to example Ex87, wherein the filter element is positioned at a downstream end of the aerosol-cooling element.

Ex89. An aerosol-generating article according to example Ex87 or Ex88, wherein the filter element comprises cellulose acetate.

Ex90. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex89, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises nicotine.

Ex91. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex90, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a nicotine gel.

Ex92. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex91 , wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a plant-derived herb.

Ex93. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex92, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises tobacco. Ex94. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex93, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate is in the form of cut filler.

Ex95. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex93, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a gathered sheet of aerosol-forming material, preferably a gathered sheet of homogenised tobacco.

Ex96. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex95, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an aerosol-former.

Ex97. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex96, wherein the aerosol-generating article is in the form of rod comprising a plurality of elements.

Ex98. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex97, wherein the plurality of elements are circumscribed by a wrapper.

Examples will now be further described with reference to the figures in which:

Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating article according to a first example in which the aerosol-cooling element is in a first configuration;

Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view the aerosol-generating article according to the first example in which the aerosol-cooling element is in a second configuration;

Figures 3a and 3b show perspective views of the aerosol-cooling element according to the first example in a first configuration and a second configuration, respectively;

Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating article according to a second example in which the aerosol-cooling element is in a first configuration;

Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view the aerosol-generating article according to the second example in which the aerosol-cooling element is in a second configuration;

Figures 6a and 6b show perspective views of the aerosol-cooling element according to the second example in the first configuration and the second configuration, respectively;

Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating article according to a third example in which the aerosol-cooling element is in a first configuration;

Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view the aerosol-generating article according to the third example in which the aerosol-cooling element is in a second configuration;

Figures 9a and 9b show perspective views of the aerosol-cooling element according to the third example in the first configuration and the second configuration, respectively;

Figures 10a and 10b show cross-sectional views of an aerosol-cooling element according to a fourth example in which the aerosol-cooling element is in the first configuration and the second configuration, respectively;

Figures 11a and 11 b show cross-sectional views of an aerosol-cooling element according to a fifth example in which the aerosol-cooling element is in the first configuration and the second configuration, respectively; Figures 12a and 12b show cross-sectional views of an aerosol-cooling element according to a sixth example in which the aerosol-cooling element is in the first configuration and the second configuration, respectively;

Figure 13 shows a perspective view of an aerosol-cooling element according to a seventh example;

Figures 14a and 14b show cross-sectional views of an aerosol-cooling element according to an eighth example in which the aerosol-cooling element is in the first configuration and the second configuration, respectively;

Figures 15a and 15b show cross-sectional views of an aerosol-cooling element according to a nineth example in which the aerosol-cooling element is in the first configuration and the second configuration, respectively;

Figures 16a and 16b show cross-sectional views of an aerosol-cooling element according to a tenth example in which the aerosol-cooling element is in the first configuration and the second configuration, respectively;

Figures 17a and 17b show cross-sectional views of an aerosol-cooling element according to an eleventh example in which the aerosol-cooling element is in the first configuration and the second configuration, respectively;

Figures 18a and 18b show cross-sectional views of an aerosol-cooling element according to a twelfth example in which the aerosol-cooling element is in the first configuration and the second configuration, respectively;

Figures 19a and 19b show side views of an aerosol-cooling element according to a thirteenth example in which the aerosol-cooling element is in the first configuration and the second configuration, respectively; and

Figures 20a and 20b show side views of an aerosol-cooling element according to a fourteenth example in which the aerosol-cooling element is in the first configuration and the second configuration, respectively.

Figures 1 and 2 show an aerosol-generating article 10 according to a first example comprising an aerosol-forming substrate 20 and an aerosol-cooling element 30 positioned downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate 20. The aerosol-cooling element 30 comprises a first element 40 and a second element 50. The second element 50 is moveable relative to the first element 40. The aerosol-cooling element 30 comprises a first configuration in which the second element 50 is in a first position relative to the first element 40, and a second configuration in which the second element 50 is in a second position relative to the first element 40.

Figure 1 shows the aerosol-cooling element 30 in the first configuration. In the first configuration, the second element 50 has a first position relative to the first element 40. In the first position, a first location 41 on the first element 40 is adjacent a second location 51 on the second element 50. The second element 50 is moveable relative to the first element 40 in a rotational direction. In particular, the second element 50 is rotatable about the longitudinal axis A of the aerosol-cooling element 30. Figure 2 shows the aerosol-cooling element 30 in the second configuration. In the second configuration, the second element 50 has a second position relative to the first element 40. In the second position, the second location 51 on the second element 50 has been rotated by 180 degrees relative to the first location 41 on the first element 40. Figures 3a and 3b show the aerosol-cooling element of Figures 1 and 2 in the first configuration and the second configuration, respectively.

The first element 40 is a tubular element made from cardboard and has a first element wall extending from an upstream end of the first element 40 to a downstream end of the first element 40. The first element has an external diameter of about 7 millimetres, and the first element wall has a thickness of about 0.5 millimetres. The first element 40 has a length of about 20 millimetres.

The second element 50 is a tubular element made from cardboard and has a second element wall extending from an upstream end of the second element 50 to a downstream end of the second element 50. The second element has an external diameter of about 6 millimetres, and the second element wall has a thickness of about 0.5 millimetres. The second element 50 has a length of about 20 millimetres.

The first element 40 circumscribes the second element 50 in both the first configuration and the second configuration. The first element has a minimum internal diameter approximately equal to a maximum external diameter of the second element. In this example, the minimum internal diameter of the first element is 6 millimetres and the maximum external diameter of the second element is about 6 millimetres. Therefore, the first element wall is in physical contact with the second element wall in the first configuration and the second configuration. Friction between an interior surface of the first element 40 and an exterior surface of the second element 50 prevents the second element 50 from moving relative to the first element 40 in the absence of an external force applied by a consumer.

The aerosol-generating article 10 has a length, as measured between the upstream end 11 and the downstream end 12, of about 45 millimetres and an external diameter of about 8 millimetres. The aerosol-generating article 10 is comprises a plurality of elements including the aerosol-forming substrate 20 and the aerosol-cooling element 30 that are assembled in the form of a rod. The aerosol-forming substrate 20 is positioned towards the upstream end 11 of the aerosol-generating article 10 and the aerosol-cooling element 30 is positioned towards the downstream end 12 of the aerosol-generating article 10. The aerosolgenerating article 10 comprises an outer wrapper 13 made from cigarette paper. The outer wrapper 13 has a thickness of about 0.5 millimetres. The outer wrapper 13 circumscribes the aerosol-forming substrate 20 and at least a portion of the aerosol-cooling element 30. The outer wrapper 13 is glued to the first element wall. In this example, the downstream end of the outer wrapper 13 does not extend to the downstream end of the first element 40, however it will be understood that the downstream end of the outer wrapper 13 could extend to the downstream end of the first element 40.

The aerosol-forming substrate 20 comprises a gathered sheet of homogenised tobacco material. The sheet of homogenised tobacco material has been gathered transversely relative to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article 10, thereby providing a plurality of longitudinally extending channels between an upstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate 20 and the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate 20. The aerosol-forming substrate 20 has an aerosol former content of between about 5 percent and about 30 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate 20 has a length of about 25 millimetres.

Figures 4 and 5 show an aerosol-generating article 10 according to a second example comprising an aerosol-forming substrate 20 and an aerosol-cooling element 30 positioned downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate 20. The aerosol-generating article 10 and the aerosol-cooling element 30 are similar to the aerosol-generating article 10 and aerosolcooling element 30 of Figures 1 to 3. However, in this example, the second element 50 is moveable relative to the first element 40 in the longitudinal direction.

Figure 4 shows the aerosol-cooling element 30 in the first configuration. In the first configuration, the second element 50 has a first position relative to the first element 40. In the first position, the aerosol-cooling element 30 has a first length L1 . Figure 5 shows the aerosol-cooling element 30 in the second configuration. In the second configuration, the second element 50 has a second position relative to the first element 40. In the second position, the aerosol-cooling element 30 has a second length L2. The second length L2 is greater than the first length. In particular, the first length is about 20 millimetres and the second length is about 35 millimetres. Figures 6a and 6b show the aerosol-cooling element of Figures 4 and 5 in the first configuration and the second configuration, respectively.

Figures 7 and 8 show an aerosol-generating article 10 according to a third example comprising an aerosol-forming substrate 20 and an aerosol-cooling element 30 positioned downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate 20. The aerosol-generating article 10 and the aerosol-cooling element 30 are similar to the aerosol-generating article 10 and aerosolcooling element 30 of Figures 4 to 6. However, in this example, the second element 50 circumscribes that first element 40 in both the first configuration and the second configuration.

Figure 7 shows the aerosol-cooling element 30 in the first configuration. In the first configuration, the second element 50 has a first position relative to the first element 40. In the first position, the aerosol-cooling element 30 has a first length L1 . Figure 8 shows the aerosol-cooling element 30 in the second configuration. In the second configuration, the second element 50 has a second position relative to the first element 40. In the second position, the aerosol-cooling element 30 has a second length L2. The second length L2 is greater than the first length. In particular, the first length is about 20 millimetres and the second length is about 35 millimetres. Figures 8a and 8b show the aerosol-cooling element of Figures 7 and 8 in the first configuration and the second configuration, respectively.

Figures 10a and 10b show an aerosol-cooling element 30 according to a fourth example. The aerosol-cooling element 30 comprises a stopper. The stopper comprises a string 60 having a first end attached to the first element 40 and a second end attached to the second element 50. The first end and second end of the string 60 are attached to the respective elements by glue 61. The stopper is configured to resist or prevent movement of the second element in a longitudinal direction in the second configuration. In particular, the stopper is configured to resist or prevent movement of the second element in a downstream direction, or away from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article 10, when the aerosol-cooling element 30 is in the second configuration.

Figure 10a shows the aerosol-cooling element 30 in the first configuration. In the first configuration, the string 60 is slack. In other words, the string 60 is not in tension. Therefore, the second element 50 is moveable in a downstream direction. Figure 10b shows the aerosolcooling element 30 in the second configuration. In the second configuration, the string 60 is taut. In other words, the string 60 is in tension. Therefore, the second element 50 is not moveable, or it requires more force to move, in the downstream direction compared to the upstream direction.

Figures 11a and 11 b show an aerosol-cooling element 30 according to a fifth example. The aerosol-cooling element 30 comprises a stopper. The stopper comprises a first protrusion 63 extending from the first element 40. The first protrusion 63 is positioned at a downstream end of the first element 40 and extends around the entire circumference of the interior surface of the first element 40. The stopper comprises a second protrusion 64 extending from the second element 50. The second protrusion 64 is positioned at an upstream end of the second element 50 and extends around the entire circumference of the exterior surface of the second element 50. One or both of the first protrusion 63 and the second protrusion 64 may prevent airflow between the first element wall and the second element wall. The first protrusion 63 and the second protrusion 64 are formed by embossed the first element 40 and the second element 50, respectively.

Figure 11a shows the aerosol-cooling element 30 in the first configuration. In the first configuration, the first protrusion 64 and the second protrusion 63 do not abut. Therefore, the second element 50 is moveable in a downstream direction. Figure 11 b shows the aerosol- cooling element 30 in the second configuration. In the second configuration, the first protrusion 63 abuts the second protrusion 64. Therefore, the second element 50 is not moveable, or it requires more force to move, in the downstream direction compared to the upstream direction.

Figure 12a and 12b show an aerosol-cooling element 30 according to a sixth example. The second element 50 comprises one or more protrusions 65 on an external surface. The one or more protrusions are formed by embossing the second element 50. The one or more protrusions are in physical contact with an interior of the first element 40 and increase the friction between the first element 40 and the second element 50. The friction prevents the second element 50 from moving relative to the first element 40 in the absence of an external force applied by a consumer.

Figure 13 shows an aerosol-cooling element 30 according to a seventh example. The second element 50 comprises one or more protrusions 65 on an external surface, as in Figures 12a and 12b. However, the one or more protrusions 65 form a spiral about the longitudinal axis of the second element 50. In other words, the one or more protrusions 50 have a different circumferentially position along the longitudinal axis of the second element 50.

Figure 14a and 14b show an aerosol-cooling element 30 according to an eight example. The second element wall defines a plurality of second element ventilation openings 80. The plurality of second element ventilation openings 80 are positioned towards an upstream end of the second element 50.

Figure 14a shows the aerosol-cooling element 30 in the first configuration. In the first configuration, each second element ventilation opening 80 is covered. In particular, each second element ventilation opening 80 is covered by the first element 40, more particularly by the first element wall. Therefore, airflow through each second element ventilation opening 80 is prevented when the aerosol-cooling element is in the first configuration. Figure 14b shows the aerosol-cooling element 30 in the second configuration. In the second configuration, each second element opening 80 is uncovered. This is because the second element 50 has been moved to the second position in which the second element ventilation openings 80 are not circumscribed by the first element 40. Therefore, each second element ventilation opening 80 provides an airflow path between the external environment and a downstream end of the aerosol-cooling element 30 via the interior of the aerosol-cooling element 30 in at least one configuration of the aerosol-cooling element 30 which, in this example, is the second configuration. Thus, in the first configuration an aerosol-generating article 10 comprising the aerosol-cooling element has a first ventilation level when the aerosol-cooling element 30 is in the first configuration and a second ventilation level when the aerosol-cooling element 30 is in the second configuration. The second ventilation level being greater than the first ventilation level. In particular, the first ventilation level may be about 5% and the second ventilation level may be about 20%.

Figure 15a and 15b show an aerosol-cooling element 30 according to an nineth example. The first element wall defines a plurality of first element ventilation openings 70.

Figure 15a shows the aerosol-cooling element 30 in the first configuration. In the first configuration, each first element ventilation opening 70 is covered. In particular, each first element ventilation opening 70 is covered by the second element 50, more particularly by the second element wall. Therefore, airflow through each first element ventilation opening 80 is prevented when the aerosol-cooling element is in the first configuration. Figure 15b shows the aerosol-cooling element 30 in the second configuration. In the second configuration, each first element opening 70 is uncovered.. Therefore, each first element ventilation opening 70 provides an airflow path between the external environment and a downstream end of the aerosol-cooling element 30 via the interior of the aerosol-cooling element 30 in at least one configuration of the aerosol-cooling element 30 which, in this example, is the second configuration.

Figure 16a and 16b show an aerosol-cooling element 30 according to a tenth example. The first element wall defines a plurality of first element ventilation openings 70. The second element wall defines a plurality of second element ventilation openings 80.

Figure 16a shows the aerosol-cooling element 30 in the first configuration. In the first configuration, each first element ventilation opening 70 is covered. In particular, each first element ventilation opening 70 is covered by the second element 50, more particularly by the second element wall. Additionally, in the first configuration, each second element ventilation opening 80 is covered. In particular, each second element ventilation opening 70 is covered by the first element 40, more particularly by the first element wall. Figure 16b shows the aerosol-cooling element 30 in the second configuration. In the second configuration, each first element ventilation opening 70 is aligned with a respective second element ventilation opening 80.

Figure 17a and 17b show an aerosol-cooling element 30 according to an eleventh example. In this example, the second element 50 is moveable relative to the first element 40 in a rotational direction. The first element wall defines a first element ventilation opening 70. The second element wall defines a second element ventilation opening 80. The first element ventilation opening 70 and the second element ventilation opening 80 are located at the same distance from the upstream end of the aerosol-cooling element 30.

First 17a shows the aerosol-cooling element 30 in the first configuration. In the first configuration, the second element 50 is in a first position relative to the first element 40. In the first position, the first element ventilation opening 70 is not aligned with the second element ventilation opening 80. In fact, the first element ventilation opening 70 and the second element ventilation opening 80 are located 180 degrees apart. Therefore, in the first configuration, the first element ventilation opening 70 is covered. In particular, the first element ventilation opening 70 is covered by the second element 50, more particularly by the second element wall. Additionally, in the first configuration, the second element ventilation opening 80 is covered. In particular, the second element ventilation opening 70 is covered by the first element 40, more particularly by the first element wall. Figure 17b shows the aerosol-cooling element 30 in the second configuration. In the second configuration, the second element 50 has been rotated 18 degrees relative to the first element 40. Therefore, in the second configuration, the first element ventilation opening 70 is aligned with the second element ventilation opening 80.

Figure 18a and 18b show an aerosol-cooling element 30 according to a twelfth example. The first element wall defines a plurality of first element ventilation openings 70. The second element wall defines a plurality of second element ventilation openings 80. The equivalent diameter of each of the plurality of second element ventilation openings 80 is greater than the equivalent diameter of each of the plurality of first element ventilation openings 70. Each of the first element ventilation openings 70 and each of the second element ventilation openings 80 are located at the same distance from the upstream end of the aerosol-cooling element 30.

Figure 18a shows the aerosol-cooling element 30 in the first configuration. In the first configuration, the first element ventilation openings 80 align with a respective second element ventilation opening 70. In particular, the perimeter of each second element ventilation opening 80 circumscribes the perimeter of a respective first element ventilation opening 70. Therefore, the second element ventilation openings 80 are partially covered by the first element wall. In other words, in the first configuration, the first element 40 reduces the effective cross-sectional area of the second element ventilation openings 80 through which air may flow compared to the actual cross-sectional area of the second element ventilation opening 80. Figure 18b shows the aerosol-cooling element 30 in the second configuration in which both the first element ventilation openings 70 and the second element ventilation openings 80 are uncovered.

Figure 19a and 19b show an aerosol-cooling element 30 according to a thirteenth example. This figures show a side view of the aerosol-cooling element 30 in which internal features are denoted by a dashed line. The first element wall defines a first element ventilation opening 70. The second element wall defines a second element ventilation opening 80. The first ventilation opening 70 is elongate and rectangular and has a length dimension extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-cooling element 30, or extending in the circumferential direction of the aerosol-cooling element 30. The second ventilation opening 80 is also elongate and rectangular but has a length dimension extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-cooling element 30. The equivalent diameter of the first element ventilation opening 70 is equal to the equivalent diameter of the second element ventilation opening 80.

Figure 19a shows the aerosol-cooling element in the first configuration. In the first configuration, the first element ventilation opening 80 and the second element ventilation opening 70 overlap. The first element ventilation opening 70 and the second element ventilation opening 80 define an overlapping region 90, in the first configuration, having a maximum equivalent diameter less than both an equivalent diameter of the first element ventilation opening 80 and an equivalent diameter of the second element ventilation opening. Therefore, in the first configuration, air may only flow through the wall of the aerosol-cooling element 30 through the overlapping region. Figure 19b shows the aerosol-cooling element 30 in the second configuration in which both the first element ventilation opening 70 and the second element ventilation opening 80 are uncovered and air may flow through the wall of the aerosol-cooling element 30 through both the first element ventilation opening 70 and the second element ventilation opening 80.

Figure 20a and 20b show an aerosol-cooling element 30 according to a fourteenth example. The aerosol-cooling element 30 is similar to the aerosol-cooling element 30 of Figures 19a and 19b except that the first element ventilation opening 70 and the second element ventilation opening 80 are circular. The equivalent diameter of the second element ventilation opening 80 is also greater than the equivalent diameter of the first element ventilation opening 70.

Figure 20a shows the aerosol-cooling element in the first configuration. In the first configuration, the first element ventilation opening 80 and the second element ventilation opening 70 overlap. The perimeter of the second element ventilation opening 80 circumscribes the perimeter of the first element ventilation opening 70. The first element ventilation opening 70 and the second element ventilation opening 80 define an overlapping region 90, in the first configuration, having a maximum equivalent diameter equal to an equivalent diameter of the first element ventilation opening. Therefore, in the first configuration, air may only flow through the wall of the aerosol-cooling element 30 through the overlapping region 90. Figure 20b shows the aerosol-cooling element 30 in the second configuration in which both the first element ventilation opening 70 and the second element ventilation opening 80 are uncovered and air may flow through the wall of the aerosol-cooling element 30 through both the first element ventilation opening 70 and the second element ventilation opening 80.

For the purpose of the present description and of the appended claims, except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and so forth, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein. In this context, therefore, a number A is understood as A ± 5% of A. Within this context, a number A may be considered to include numerical values that are within general standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A, in some instances as used in the appended claims, may deviate by the percentages enumerated above provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein.

Claims

1 . An aerosol-generating article comprising: an aerosol-forming substrate; and an aerosol-cooling element positioned downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-cooling element comprising a first element and a second element, the second element being moveable in a longitudinal direction relative to the first element between a first position and a second position; wherein the aerosol-cooling element comprises a first configuration in which the second element is in the first position, and a second configuration in which the second element is in the second position; wherein the aerosol-cooling element has a first length in the first configuration and a second length in the second configuration, the second length being greater than the first length; and wherein the aerosol-generating article has a first ventilation level in the first configuration and a second ventilation level in the second configuration, the second ventilation level being greater than the first ventilation level.

2. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 1 , wherein the first ventilation level is equal to, or less than, about 5 percent.

3. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second ventilation level is equal to, or greater than, about 20 percent.

4. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the second ventilation level is at least 20 percent greater than the first ventilation level.

5. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the first length is between about 10 millimetres and about 40 millimetres.

6. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the second length is between about 30 millimetres and about 60 millimetres.

7. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the second length is between 110 percent and 150 percent of the first length.

8. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosolcooling element is telescopic.

9. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosolcooling element comprises a wall extending between an upstream end of the aerosol-cooling element and a downstream end of the aerosol-cooling element, the wall defining a ventilation opening.

10. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 9, wherein airflow through the ventilation opening is restricted or prevented when the aerosol-cooling element is in the first configuration and wherein airflow through the ventilation opening is unrestricted when the aerosol-cooling element is in the second configuration.

11. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the first element comprises a first element wall extending from an upstream end of the first element to a downstream end of the first element, the first element wall defining a first element ventilation opening.

12. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 11 , wherein the first element ventilation opening is least partially covered by the second element in the first configuration.

13. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the second element comprises a second element wall extending from an upstream end of the second element to a downstream end of the second element, the second element wall defining a second element ventilation opening.

14. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 13, wherein the second element ventilation opening is least partially covered by the first element in the first configuration.

15. A container comprising at least one aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the container has a height less than a length of the aerosolgenerating article when the aerosol-cooling element is in the second configuration, preferably wherein the container has a height at least 10 percent less than a length of the aerosolgenerating article when the aerosol-cooling element is in the second configuration.