WO2025078614A1

WO2025078614A1 - Aerosol-generating article

Info

Publication number: WO2025078614A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/078709
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rui Nuno Rodrigues Alves BATISTA; Alessio LOSS; Alexandra TEREKHINA
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Current assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Priority date: 2023-10-13
Filing date: 2024-10-11
Publication date: 2025-04-17
Anticipated expiration: 2026-04-13

Abstract

An aerosol-generating article (200) for use with an aerosol-generating device (102) comprising a heating device (108); the aerosol- generating article comprising: a first portion (206) comprising an aerosol-forming substrate; and a second portion (212) comprising a flavor substrate; wherein the first portion is spaced apart from the second portion; and each of the first portion and the second portion is configured to be heated by the heating device, in use.

Description

AEROSOL-GENERATING ARTICLE

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating article. The present disclosure also relates to an aerosol-generating device comprising an aerosol-generating article.

Aerosol-generating articles in which an aerosol-generating substrate comprising aerosolgenerating material, such as a tobacco-containing material, is heated rather than combusted are known in the art.

Typically, in heated aerosol-generating articles, an aerosol is generated by the transfer of heat from a heat source to a physically separate aerosol-generating substrate. In use, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-generating substrate by heat transfer from the heat source to the aerosol-generating substrate and are entrained in air drawn through the aerosolgenerating article. As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol that is inhaled by the user.

One known type of heated aerosol-generating article, commonly referred to as a heat-not- burn tobacco product or heated tobacco product, comprises a solid aerosol-generating substrate comprising tobacco material, which is heated to produce an inhalable aerosol.

A number of handheld aerosol-generating devices configured to heat aerosol-generating substrates of heated aerosol-generating articles are known in the art. These include electrically- operated aerosol-generating devices in which an aerosol is generated by the transfer of heat from one or more electrical heating elements of the aerosol-generating device to the aerosolgenerating substrate of the heated aerosol-generating article. Known handheld electrically operated aerosol-generating devices typically comprise a battery, control electronics and one or more electrical heating elements for heating the aerosol-generating substrate of a heated aerosolgenerating article designed specifically for use with the aerosol-generating device.

Some known electrically heated aerosol-generating devices comprise an internal heating element that is configured to be inserted into the aerosol-generating substrate of a heated aerosol-generating article. For example, WO 2013/098410 A2 discloses an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating article and an electrically-operated aerosol-generating device comprising a heating element in the form of a blade that is inserted into the aerosolgenerating substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

Other known electrically-operated aerosol-generating devices comprise one or more external heating elements. For example, WO 2020/115151 A1 discloses an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating article and an electrically-operated aerosol-generating device comprising an external heating element that circumscribes the periphery of the aerosolgenerating article.

Electrically-operated aerosol-generating devices comprising an inductor configured to inductively heat aerosol-generating substrates of heated aerosol-generating articles are also known. For example, WO 2015/176898 A1 discloses an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating article comprising an elongate susceptor in thermal contact with the aerosol-generating substrate and an electrically-operated aerosol-generating device having an inductor for heating the aerosol-generating substrate. In use, the fluctuating or alternating electromagnetic field produced by the inductor induces eddy currents in the susceptor, causing the susceptor to heat up as a result of one or both of resistive losses (Joule heating) and, where the susceptor is magnetic, hysteresis loses. Heat generated in the susceptor is transferred to the aerosol-generating substrate by conduction.

It is known to add flavors to heated aerosol-generating articles, for example menthol flavor which is appreciated at the end of the smoking experience.

Such flavors can be added to aerosol-generating articles in a number of ways. In some examples, liquid flavors are provided in capsules that are inserted into a mouth end section of the aerosol-generating article. At the end of the smoking experience, a user chews the mouth end section in order to break the capsule and release the flavor. A disadvantage of this approach is that the provision of capsules within aerosol-generating articles increases the complexity of manufacturing processes. Furthermore, chewing the mouth end section of the aerosol-generating article affects the resistance to draw of the article.

In other examples, a thread loaded with flavor can be included in a cooling plug of the aerosol-generating article. Since the flavor agents are not heated, fewer flavor agents are released than if the flavor agents were heated. In addition, the continuous release of flavors during the smoking experience results in a decrease in the intensity of the flavor along the duration of the smoking (i.e. the flavor is weaker at the end).

In yet further examples, flavors can be deposited, for example by spraying, on the sensorial media. This approach results in more flavor agents being released during heating; however the flavor agents are continuously released during the smoking experience and so the intensity is lost toward the end of the smoking experience.

It would be desirable to produce an aerosol-generating article that overcomes the disadvantages of current methods of including flavors in aerosol-generating articles. In particular, it would be desirable to produce an aerosol-generating article from which flavor is delivered more effectively, particularly at the end of a smoking experience.

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating article. The present disclosure also relates to an aerosol-generating device comprising an aerosol-generating article..

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided an aerosol-generating article for use with an aerosol-generating device comprising a heating device; the aerosol-generating article comprising: a first portion comprising an aerosol-forming substrate; and a second portion comprising a flavor substrate; wherein the first portion is spaced apart from the second portion; and each of the first portion and the second portion is configured to be heated by the heating device, in use.

Advantageously, the aerosol-generating article enables a user to start a smoking experience by inserting the aerosol-generating article in an aerosol-generating device such that the first portion is heated. At this time, the second portion is only heated by heated air passing through the aerosol-generating article, providing a slight flavor to the aerosol. At the end of the smoking experience, the user can remove the aerosol-generating article from the aerosolgenerating device, reverse it, and re-insert it into the aerosol-generating device such that the second portion is heated. Heating of the second portion (which comprises the flavor substrate) provides significant flavoring at the end of the smoking experience. The aerosol-generating article thus provides improved user experience of flavors and is more straightforward to manufacture.

The first portion may be positioned at or adjacent to a first end of the aerosol-generating article. The second portion may positioned at or adjacent to a second opposing end of the aerosol-generating article. The first portion may be positioned at the first end of the aerosolgenerating article and the second portion may be positioned at the second end of the aerosolgenerating article, wherein the second end is at an opposing end of the aerosol-generating article to the first end.

The first portion may comprise a first plug, for example a first hollow plug. The first plug may comprise the aerosol-forming substrate.

Alternatively, the first portion may comprise a first coating on an inner surface of the aerosolgenerating article. The first coating may, for example, comprise the aerosol-forming substrate.

The second portion may comprise a second plug, for example a second hollow plug. The second plug may comprise the flavor substrate.

Alternatively, the second portion may comprise a second coating on a or the inner surface of the aerosol-generating article. The second coating may, for example, comprise the flavor substrate.

The flavor substrate may comprise a substrate that is impregnated with a flavor agent, or a substrate that is coated with a flavor agent, or a substrate that is sprayed with a flavor agent.

The substrate may comprise cotton.

The first portion and the second portion may each be configured to be heated by an external heater of the heating device, in use.

The first portion and the second portion may, for example, each comprise an embedded susceptor that is configured to be heated by an inductor of the heating device, in use.

Each of the first portion and the second portion may have a length that is equal to or greater than a length of the heating device.

The length of the first portion may be equal to the length of the second portion. The first portion may be spaced apart from the first end by a first distance. The second portion may be spaced apart from the second end by a second distance. The first distance may be equal to the second distance.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise an intermediary plug between the first portion and the second portion.

The intermediary plug may be a cooling plug, or a spacer plug.

A first end plug may be provided between the first end and the first portion of the aerosolgenerating article. The first end plug may be a first mouth end section plug. The first mouth end section plug may comprise a first hollow core. The first mouth end section plug may comprise a cooling plug. The first mouth end section plug may comprise a filter.

A second end plug may be provided between the second end and the second portion of the aerosol-generating article. The second end plug may be a second mouth end section plug. The second mouth end section plug may comprise a second hollow core. The second mouth end section plug may comprise a cooling plug. The second mouth end section plug may comprise a filter.

The first portion may comprise an aerosol former, for example glycerin.

The first portion may comprise a flavor agent.

The second portion may comprise sensorial media, for example sensorial media comprising nicotine, for example nicotine gel or tobacco cast leaf.

The aerosol-generating article may be reversible. Each of the first end and the second end may be configured for insertion into the heating device.

An outer surface of the aerosol-generating article may comprise a first indicator. The first indicator may, for example, indicate the position of the first portion. The first indicator comprises a visual indicator and/or a textural indicator.

An or the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article may comprise a second indicator. The second indicator may, for example, indicate the position of the second portion. The second indicator may comprise a visual indicator and/or a textural indicator.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an aerosol-generating device comprising the aerosol-generating article of any of the preceding aspects of the invention and a heating device. The heating device may be configured to heat each of the first portion and the second portion, in use.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided an aerosol-generating device comprising the aerosol-generating article of any of the preceding aspects of the invention and a heating device, wherein the heating device is configured to heat each of the first portion and the second portion, in use. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a housing defining a cavity that is configured to receive the aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a mouthpiece.

As used herein, the terms ‘proximal’, ‘distal’, ‘downstream’ and ‘upstream’ are used to describe the relative positions of components, or portions of components, of the aerosolgenerating device or the aerosol-generating article in relation to the direction in which a user draws on the aerosol-generating device or the aerosol-generating article during use thereof.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a mouth end through which in use an aerosol exits the aerosol-generating device and is delivered to a user. The mouth end may also be referred to as the proximal end. In use, a user draws on the proximal or mouth end of the aerosolgenerating device in order to inhale an aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating device. Alternatively, and particularly preferred, a user may directly draw on an aerosol-generating article inserted into an opening at the proximal end of the aerosol-generating device. In this case, the user preferably draws on the front plug of the aerosol-generating article. The opening at the proximal end of the aerosol-generating device may be an opening of the cavity. The cavity may be configured to receive the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating device comprises a distal end opposed to the proximal or mouth end. The proximal or mouth end of the aerosolgenerating device may also be referred to as the downstream end and the distal end of the aerosol-generating device may also be referred to as the upstream end. Components, or portions of components, of the aerosol-generating device may be described as being upstream or downstream of one another based on their relative positions between the proximal, downstream or mouth end and the distal or upstream end of the aerosol-generating device.

As used herein, an ‘aerosol-generating device’ relates to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of an aerosol-generating article, for example part of a smoking article. An aerosol-generating device may be a smoking device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosolgenerating article to generate an aerosol that is directly inhalable into a user’s lungs thorough the user's mouth. An aerosol-generating device may be a holder. The device may be an electrically heated smoking device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a housing, electric circuitry, a power supply, a heating chamber and a heating element.

As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term ‘smoking’ with reference to a device, article, system, substrate, or otherwise does not refer to conventional smoking in which an aerosol-forming substrate is fully or at least partially combusted. The aerosol-generating device of the present invention is arranged to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature below a combustion temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate, but at or above a temperature at which one or more volatile compounds of the aerosol-forming substrate are released to form an inhalable aerosol.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise electric circuitry. The electric circuitry may comprise a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The microprocessor may be part of a controller. The electric circuitry may comprise further electronic components. The electric circuitry may be configured to regulate a supply of power to the heating element. Power may be supplied to the heating element continuously following activation of the aerosolgenerating device or may be supplied intermittently, such as on a puff-by-puff basis. The power may be supplied to the heating element in the form of pulses of electrical current. The electric circuitry may be configured to monitor the electrical resistance of the heating element, and preferably to control the supply of power to the heating element dependent on the electrical resistance of the heating element.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a power supply, typically a battery, within a main body of the aerosol-generating device. In one embodiment, the power supply is a Lithium- ion battery. Alternatively, the power supply may be a Nickel-metal hydride battery, a Nickel cadmium battery, or a Lithium based battery, for example a Lithium-Cobalt, a Lithium-lron- Phosphate, Lithium Titanate or a Lithium-Polymer battery. As an alternative, the power supply may be another form of charge storage device such as a capacitor. The power supply may require recharging and may have a capacity that enables to store enough energy for one or more usage experiences; for example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to continuously generate aerosol for a period of around six minutes or for a period of a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to provide a predetermined number of puffs or discrete activations of the heating element.

The cavity of the aerosol-generating device may have an open end into which the aerosolgenerating article is inserted. The open end may be a proximal end. The cavity may have a closed end opposite the open end. The closed end may be the base of the cavity. The closed end may be closed except for the provision of air apertures arranged in the base. The base of the cavity may be flat. The base of the cavity may be circular. The base of the cavity may be arranged upstream of the cavity. The open end may be arranged downstream of the cavity. The cavity may have an elongate extension. The cavity may have a longitudinal central axis. A longitudinal direction may be the direction extending between the open and closed ends along the longitudinal central axis. The longitudinal central axis of the cavity may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device.

The cavity may be configured as a heating chamber. The cavity may have a cylindrical shape. The cavity may have a hollow cylindrical shape. The cavity may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the aerosol-generating article to be received in the cavity. The cavity may have a circular cross-section. The cavity may have an elliptical or rectangular crosssection. The cavity may have an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

An airflow channel may run through the cavity. Ambient air may be drawn into the aerosolgenerating device, into the cavity and towards the user through the airflow channel. Downstream of the cavity, a mouthpiece may be arranged or a user may directly draw on the aerosolgenerating article. The airflow channel may extend through the mouthpiece.

In any of the aspects of the disclosure, the heating element may comprise an electrically resistive material. Suitable electrically resistive materials include but are not limited to: semiconductors such as doped ceramics, electrically "conductive" ceramics (such as, for example, molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys and composite materials made of a ceramic material and a metallic material. Such composite materials may comprise doped or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbides. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum platinum, gold and silver. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel-, cobalt-, chromium-, aluminium- titanium- zirconium-, hafnium-, niobium-, molybdenum-, tantalum-, tungsten-, tin-, gallium-, manganese-, gold- and iron-containing alloys, and super-alloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel, Timetai® and iron-manganese-aluminium based alloys. In composite materials, the electrically resistive material may optionally be embedded in, encapsulated or coated with an insulating material or vice-versa, depending on the kinetics of energy transfer and the external physicochemical properties required.

As described, in any of the aspects of the disclosure, the heating element may be part of an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise an internal heating element or an external heating element, or both internal and external heating elements, where "internal" and "external" refer to the aerosol-forming substrate. An internal heating element may take any suitable form. For example, an internal heating element may take the form of a heating blade. Alternatively, the internal heater may take the form of a casing or substrate having different electro-conductive portions, or an electrically resistive metallic tube. Alternatively, the internal heating element may be one or more heating needles or rods that run through the center of the aerosol-forming substrate. Other alternatives include a heating wire or filament, for example a Ni- Cr (Nickel-Chromium), platinum, tungsten or alloy wire or a heating plate. Optionally, the internal heating element may be deposited in or on a rigid carrier material. In one such embodiment, the electrically resistive heating element may be formed using a metal having a defined relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such an exemplary device, the metal may be formed as a track on a suitable insulating material, such as ceramic material, and then sandwiched in another insulating material, such as a glass. Heaters formed in this manner may be used to both heat and monitor the temperature of the heating elements during operation.

An external heating element may take any suitable form. For example, an external heating element may take the form of one or more flexible heating foils on a dielectric substrate, such as polyimide. The flexible heating foils can be shaped to conform to the perimeter of the substrate receiving cavity. Alternatively, an external heating element may take the form of a metallic grid or grids, a flexible printed circuit board, a molded interconnect device (MID), ceramic heater, flexible carbon fibre heater or may be formed using a coating technique, such as plasma vapour deposition, on a suitable shaped substrate. An external heating element may also be formed using a metal having a defined relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such an exemplary device, the metal may be formed as a track between two layers of suitable insulating materials. An external heating element formed in this manner may be used to both heat and monitor the temperature of the external heating element during operation.

As an alternative to an electrically resistive heating element, the heating element may be configured as an induction heating element. The induction heating element may comprise an induction coil and a susceptor. In general, a susceptor is a material that is capable of generating heat, when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. When located in an alternating magnetic field. If the susceptor is conductive, then typically eddy currents are induced by the alternating magnetic field. If the susceptor is magnetic, then typically another effect that contributes to the heating is commonly referred to hysteresis losses. Hysteresis losses occur mainly due to the movement of the magnetic domain blocks within the susceptor, because the magnetic orientation of these will align with the magnetic induction field, which alternates. Another effect contributing to the hysteresis loss is when the magnetic domains will grow or shrink within the susceptor. Commonly all these changes in the susceptor that happen on a nano-scale or below are referred to as “hysteresis losses”, because they produce heat in the susceptor. Hence, if the susceptor is both magnetic and electrically conductive, both hysteresis losses and the generation of eddy currents will contribute to the heating of the susceptor. If the susceptor is magnetic, but not conductive, then hysteresis losses will be the only means by which the susceptor will heat, when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. According to the invention, the susceptor may be electrically conductive or magnetic or both electrically conductive and magnetic. An alternating magnetic field generated by one or several induction coils heat the susceptor, which then transfers the heat to the aerosol-forming substrate, such that an aerosol is formed. The heat transfer may be mainly by conduction of heat. Such a transfer of heat is best, if the susceptor is in close thermal contact with the aerosol-forming substrate.

As used herein, the term ‘aerosol-generating article’ refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate that is capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. For example, an aerosol-generating article may be a smoking article that generates an aerosol that is directly inhalable into a user’s lungs through the user's mouth. An aerosolgenerating article may be disposable.

As used herein, the term ‘aerosol-forming substrate’ relates to a substrate capable of releasing one or more volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. An aerosol-forming substrate may conveniently be part of an aerosol-generating article or smoking article.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosolforming substrate may comprise both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavour compounds which are released from the substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aerosol former that facilitates the formation of a dense and stable aerosol. Examples of suitable aerosol formers are glycerine and propylene glycol.

The aerosol-generating substrate preferably comprises homogenised tobacco material, an aerosol-former and water. The aerosol-generating substrate most preferably comprises cut filler and glycerin as an aerosol former. Providing homogenised tobacco material may improve aerosol generation, the nicotine content and the flavour profile of the aerosol generated during heating of the aerosol-generating article. Specifically, the process of making homogenised tobacco involves grinding tobacco leaf, which more effectively enables the release of nicotine and flavours upon heating.

As used herein with reference to the present disclosure, the term “longitudinal” is used to describe the direction between the upstream end and the downstream end of the aerosolgenerating article. During use, air is drawn through the aerosol-generating article in the longitudinal direction.

As used herein with reference to the present disclosure, the term “length” is used to describe the maximum dimension of the aerosol-generating article or a component of the aerosolgenerating article in the longitudinal direction.

As used herein with reference to the present disclosure, the term “transverse” is used to describe the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Unless otherwise stated, references to the “cross-section” of the aerosol-generating article or a component of the aerosolgenerating article refer to the transverse cross-section.

As used herein with reference to the present disclosure, the term “width” denotes the maximum dimension of the aerosol-generating article or a component of the aerosol-generating article in a transverse direction. Where the aerosol-generating article has a substantially circular cross-section, the width of the aerosol-generating article corresponds to the diameter of the aerosol-generating article. Where a component of the aerosol-generating article has a substantially circular cross-section, the width of the component of the aerosol-generating article corresponds to the diameter of the component of the aerosol-generating article.

Unless otherwise stated, the resistance to draw (RTD) of the aerosol-generating article or a component of the aerosol-generating article is measured in accordance with ISO 6565-2015 at a volumetric flow rate of about 17.5 millilitres per second at the proximal end or downstream end of the aerosol-generating article or the component thereof at a temperature of about 22 degrees Celsius, a pressure of about 101 kPa (about 760 Torr) and a relative humidity of about 60%.

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.

Example Ex1 : An aerosol-generating article for use with an aerosol-generating device comprising a heating device; the aerosol-generating article comprising: a first portion comprising an aerosol-forming substrate; and a second portion comprising a flavor substrate; wherein the first portion is spaced apart from the second portion; and each of the first portion and the second portion is configured to be heated by the heating device, in use.

Example Ex2: The aerosol-generating article of example Ex1 , wherein the first portion is positioned at or adjacent to a first end of the aerosol-generating article; and the second portion is positioned at or adjacent to a second opposing end of the aerosol-generating article.

Example Ex3: The aerosol-generating article of example Ex1 or Ex2, wherein the first portion comprises a first plug.

Example Ex4: The aerosol-generating article of example Ex3, wherein the first plug is a first hollow plug.

Example Ex5: The aerosol-generating article of example Ex3 or Ex4, wherein the first plug comprises the aerosol-forming substrate.

Example Ex6: The aerosol-generating article of example Ex1 or Ex2, wherein the first portion comprises a first coating on an inner surface of the aerosol-generating article.

Example Ex7: The aerosol-generating article of example Ex6, wherein the first coating comprises the aerosol-forming substrate.

Example Ex8: The aerosol-generating article of any one of examples Ex1 to Ex6, wherein the second portion comprises a second plug.

Example Ex9: The aerosol-generating article of example Ex8, wherein the second plug is a second hollow plug.

Example Ex10: The aerosol-generating article of example Ex8 or Ex9, wherein the second plug comprises the flavor substrate. Example Ex11 : The aerosol-generating article of any one of examples Ex1 to Ex6, wherein the second portion comprises a second coating on a or the inner surface of the aerosol-generating article.

Example Ex12: The aerosol-generating article of example Ex11 , wherein the second coating comprises the flavor substrate.

Example Ex13: The aerosol-generating article of any one of examples Ex1 to Ex12, wherein the flavor substrate comprises a substrate that is impregnated with a flavor agent.

Example Ex14: The aerosol-generating article of any one of examples Ex1 to Ex12, wherein the flavor substrate comprises a substrate that is coated with a flavor agent.

Example Ex15: The aerosol-generating article of any one of examples Ex1 to Ex12, wherein the flavor substrate comprises a substrate that is sprayed with a flavor agent.

Example Ex16: The aerosol-generating article of any one of examples Ex13 to Ex15, wherein the substrate comprises cotton.

Example Ex17: The aerosol-generating article of any one of examples Ex1 to Ex16, wherein the first portion and the second portion are each configured to be heated by an external heater of the heating device, in use.

Example Ex18: The aerosol-generating article of any one of examples Ex1 to Ex15, wherein the first portion and the second portion each comprise an embedded susceptor that is configured to be heated by an inductor of the heating device, in use.

Example Ex19: The aerosol-generating article of any one of examples Ex1 to Ex18, wherein each of the first portion and the second portion has a length that is equal to or greater than a length of the heating device.

Example Ex20: The aerosol-generating article of example Ex19, wherein the length of the first portion is equal to the length of the second portion.

Example Ex21 : The aerosol-generating article of any one of examples Ex1 to Ex20, the aerosol-generating article comprising an intermediary plug between the first portion and the second portion.

Example Ex22: The aerosol-generating article of example Ex21 , wherein the intermediary plug is a cooling plug.

Example Ex23: The aerosol-generating article of example Ex21 , wherein the intermediary plug is a spacer plug.

Example Ex24: The aerosol-generating article of any one of examples Ex2 to Ex23, wherein a first end plug is provided between the first end and the first portion of the aerosol-generating article.

Example Ex25: The aerosol-generating article of example Ex24, wherein the first end plug is a first mouth end section plug. Example Ex26: The aerosol-generating article of example Ex25, wherein the first mouth end section plug comprises a first hollow core.

Example Ex27: The aerosol-generating article of example Ex25 or Ex26, wherein the first mouth end section plug comprises a cooling plug.

Example Ex28: The aerosol-generating article of any one of examples Ex25 to Ex27, wherein the first mouth end section plug comprises a filter.

Example Ex29: The aerosol-generating article of any one of examples Ex2 to Ex28, wherein a second end plug is provided between the second end and the second portion of the aerosolgenerating article.

Example Ex30: The aerosol-generating article of example Ex29, wherein the second end plug is a second mouth end section plug.

Example Ex31 : The aerosol-generating article of example Ex30, wherein the second mouth end section plug comprises a second hollow core.

Example Ex32: The aerosol-generating article of example Ex30 or Ex31 , wherein the second mouth end section plug comprises a cooling plug.

Example Ex33: The aerosol-generating article of any one of examples Ex30 to Ex32, wherein the second mouth end section plug comprises a filter.

Example Ex34: The aerosol-generating article of any one of examples Ex1 to Ex33, wherein the first portion comprises an aerosol former.

Example Ex35: The aerosol-generating article of example Ex34, wherein the aerosol former is glycerin.

Example Ex36: The aerosol-generating article of any one of examples Ex1 to Ex35, wherein the first portion comprises a flavor agent.

Example Ex37: The aerosol-generating article of any one of examples Ex1 to Ex36, wherein the second portion comprises sensorial media.

Example Ex38: The aerosol-generating article of example Ex37, wherein the sensorial media comprises nicotine, for example nicotine gel or tobacco cast leaf.

Example Ex39: The aerosol-generating article of any one of examples Ex1 to Ex38, wherein the aerosol-generating article is reversible.

Example Ex40: The aerosol-generating article of any one of examples Ex2 to Ex39, wherein each of the first end and the second end is configured for insertion into the heating device.

Example Ex41 : The aerosol-generating article of any one of examples Ex1 to Ex40, wherein an outer surface of the aerosol-generating article comprises a first indicator.

Example Ex42: The aerosol-generating article of example Ex41 , wherein the first indicator indicates the position of the first portion. Example Ex43: The aerosol-generating article of example Ex41 or Ex42, wherein the first indicator comprises a visual indicator.

Example Ex44: The aerosol-generating article of any one of examples Ex41 to Ex43, wherein the first indicator comprises a textural indicator.

Example Ex45: The aerosol-generating article of any one of examples Ex1 to Ex44, wherein an or the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article comprises a second indicator.

Example Ex46: The aerosol-generating article of example Ex45, wherein the second indicator indicates the position of the second portion.

Example Ex47: The aerosol-generating article of example Ex45 or Ex46, wherein the second indicator comprises a visual indicator.

Example Ex48: The aerosol-generating article of any one of examples Ex45 to Ex47, wherein the second indicator comprises a textural indicator.

Example Ex49: An aerosol-generating device comprising the aerosol-generating article of any one of examples Ex1 to Ex48 and a heating device, wherein the heating device is configured to heat each of the first portion and the second portion, in use.

Example Ex50: The aerosol-generating device of example Ex49, comprising a housing defining a cavity that is configured to receive the aerosol-generating article.

Example Ex51 : The aerosol-generating device of example Ex49 or Ex50, comprising a mouthpiece.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating article for use with the aerosol-generating device;

FIG. 2A illustrates an aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2B illustrates the aerosol-generating article of FIG. 2A in a first orientation within the aerosol-generating device of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 20 illustrates the aerosol-generating article of FIG. 2A in a second orientation within the aerosol-generating device of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3A illustrates an aerosol-generating article according to another embodiment of the invention in a first orientation with an alternative aerosol-generating device;

FIG. 3B illustrates an alternative view of the the aerosol-generating article and aerosolgenerating device of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 30 illustrates the aerosol-generating article of FIG. 3A in a second orientation within the alternative aerosol-generating device;

FIG. 4 illustrates an aerosol-generating article according to another embodiment of the invention; FIG. 5 illustrates an aerosol-generating article according to an alternative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6A illustrates an outer view of the aerosol-generating article of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 6B illustrates the aerosol-generating article of FIG. 2A in the first orientation within the aerosol-generating device;

FIG. 60 illustrates the aerosol-generating article of FIG. 2A in the second orientation within the aerosol-generating device;

FIG. 7 illustrates an aerosol-generating article according to another embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 8 illustrates an aerosol-generating article according to a yet further embodiment of the invention.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , there is shown an aerosol-generating device 102 including a cavity 104 that is configured to receive an aerosol-generating article 106 and a heating device 108 that is configured to heat the end of the aerosol-generating article 106 that is inserted into the cavity.

Known aerosol-generating articles 106 have a first end 110 that is configured to be inserted into the cavity 104 and heated by the heating device 108 of an aerosol-generating device 102 and a second end 112 that is configured to be inserted into the user's mouth 122.

The heating device 108 may be an ‘external heating’ device, for example the cavity 104 may have heated walls. Alternatively, the heated heating device 108 may be an ‘internal heating’ device, for example an alternating electromagnetic field of the heating device 108 may heat an embedded susceptor in the aerosol-generating article 106.

Aerosol-generating articles 106 typically include a succession of plugs. The aerosolgenerating article 106 has a first end plug 114, which may also be referred to as an upstream plug, a second end plug 116, which may also be referred to as a downstream plug, and an intermediate plug, which may be referred to as a cooling plug 118, which is positioned between the first end plug 114 and the second end plug 116.

The first end plug 114 typically includes sensorial media, the sensorial media being a substrate that generates an aerosol, usualy including nicotine, when heated.

The intermediate plug, or cooling plug 118, cools down the air passing through the aerosolgenerating article 106 before it reaches the user. Such cooling plugs 118 could be made of poly lactic acid (PLA).

The second end plug 116 is generally made of an untwisted bundle of continuous filaments of, for example, acrylic, carbon fibres, or viscose rayon, known in the art as TOW, or cellulose acetate. The second end plug 116 is designed to be inserted into the user's mouth 122, providing a comfortable and resistant structure to the pressure of the user's lips and having a wrapping that sustains the humidity of the user's mouth 122. The second end plug 116 may also include a filter. The second end plug 116 is typically shorter than the first end plug 114.

As described above, it is known to include flavors to aerosol-generating articles 106 and, in particular, to any of the first end plug 114, the cooling plug 118 and the second end plug 116. There are, however, disadvantages associated with each of the methods by which flavors are added to aerosol-generating articles 106.

Referring now to FIG. 2A there is an aerosol-generating article 200 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The aerosol-generating article 200 has a first end 202 and a second end 204. A number of plugs are arranged within the aerosol-generating article 200. In particular, the aerosol-generating article 200 includes a first portion 206, a second portion 212, a first end plug 218, a second end plug 220 and an intermediary plug 222.

The plugs will now be described in order from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article 200 to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article 200.

At the upstream end, i.e. the first end 202, of the aerosol-generating article 200, the first end plug 218 is a mouth end section plug as described in relation to FIG. 1.

The next plug, is the first portion 206, which has a length 208 and is spaced apart from the first end 202 by a first distance 210.

An intermediary plug 222 is positioned between the first portion 206 and the second portion 212. The intermediary plug 222 may be a spacer plug or a cooling plug, as will be described further below.

The next plug is the second portion 212, which has a length 214 and is spaced apart from the second end 204 by a second distance 216.

At the downstream end, i.e. the second end 204, of the aerosol-generating article 200, there is a second end plug 220. The second end plug 220 is a second mouth end section plug, which like the first mouth end section plug, is a mouth end section plug as described in FIG. 1.

The first distance 210 (by which the first portion 206 is separated from the first end 202) corresponds to a length of the first end plug 218. Similarly, the second distance 216 (by which the second portion 212 is spaced apart from the second end 204) corresponds to a length of the second end plug 220.

The length 208 of the first portion 206 is equal to the length 214 of the second portion 212.

FIG. 2B shows the aerosol-generating article 200 inserted into the cavity 104 of an aerosolgenerating device 102 in a first orientation. The aerosol-generating device 102 is configured such that the cavity 104 accommodates the first end plug 218 and the first portion 206 and the first portion 206 is aligned with the heating device 108 of the aerosol-generating device 102. The heating device 108 has a length which is less than the length 208 of the first portion 206 of the aerosol-generating article 200. FIG. 20 shows the aerosol-generating article 200 inserted into the cavity 104 of the aerosolgenerating device 102 in a second orientation. The aerosol-generating article 200 is configured such that the cavity 104 accommodates the second end plug 220 and the second portion 212 and the second portion 212 is aligned with the heating device 108 of the aerosol-generating device 102. The length of the heating device 108 is less than the length 214 of the second portion 212 of the aerosol-generating article 200. In this orientation, the second portion 212 of the aerosolgenerating article 200 is heated, in use.

The dimensions of the cavity 104, the heating device 108 and the plugs of the aerosolgenerating article 200 allow the aerosol-generating article 200 to be inserted into the aerosolgenerating device 102 in each of the first orientation and the second orientation. This allows efficient heating of each of the first portion 206 and the second portion 212, depending on the orientation of the aerosol-generating article 200.

Like the first end plug 114 of the aerosol-generating device 102, the first portion 206 of the aerosol-generating article 200 may include sensorial media and thus upon heating, in the first orientation (as shown in FIG. 2B), nicotine aerosol may be produced and carried to the user by air 120 drawn into the aerosol-generating device 102.

The second portion 212 may comprise one or more flavor agents and thus upon heating, in the second orientation (as shown in FIG. 2C), flavor aerosols may be produced and carried to the user by air 120 drawn into the aerosol-generating device 102.

In other words, a user is able to insert the aerosol-generating article 200 into the aerosolgenerating device 102 in the first orientation and holds the aerosol-generating device 102 such that the second end plug 220 of the aerosol-generating article 200 is in their mouth 122. In this orientation, sensorial media within the first portion 206 is heated. The user is then able to remove the aerosol-generating article 200 from the aerosol-generating device 102 and re-insert it in the second orientation such that the first end plug 218 is in the their mouth 122. In this orientation, flavor agents within the second portion 212 are heated.

Slight flavor can thus be delivered in the first part of a smoking experience (when the aerosol-generating article 200 is in the first orientation), and significant flavor can be delivered at the end of the experience (when the aerosol-generating article 200 is in the second orientation).

An alternative embodiment of an aerosol-generating article 300 will now be described with reference to FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B and FIG. 3C. The aerosol-generating article 300 of this embodiment includes a first portion 302 at a first end of the aerosol-generating article 300 and a second portion 304 at a second end of the aerosol-generating article 300. An intermediary plug 306 is provided between the first portion 302 and the second portion 304. The first portion 302 corresponds to the first portion 206 of FIG. 2A, the second portion 304 corresponds to the second portion 212 of FIG. 2A and the intermediary plug 306 corresponds to the intermediary plug 222 of FIG. 2A. In other words, the aerosol-generating article 300 of this embodiment differs from the aerosolgenerating article 200 of FIG. 2A as there is no first end plug or second end plug.

Instead, the alternative aerosol-generating device of this embodiment includes a mouthpiece 308.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the aerosol-generating article 300 may be inserted into the aerosolgenerating device in a first orientation such that the first portion 302 is adjacent to the heating device 108. As with the embodiment of FIG. 2A, the first portion 302 has a length that is greater than the length of the heating device 108.

To use the device, a user inserts the mouthpiece 308 into their mouth and draws air 120 through the aerosol-generating article 300. In the first orientation, the sensorial media is heated and aerosol therefrom provided to the user.

Referring now to FIG. 3B, at the end of the smoking experience, if more flavor is desired, the user may remove the mouthpiece 308 from their mouth, open the aerosol-generating device 102, for example, by hingedly opening the mouthpiece 308 and remove the aerosol-generating article 300 from the aerosol-generating device 102. The aerosol-generating article 300 can be rotated by 180 degrees (or inverted) and re-inserted into the aerosol-generating device 102 such that the aerosol-generating article 300 is installed in the aerosol-generating device 102 in a second orientation, as shown in FIG. 3C.

With reference to FIG. 3C, aerosol-generating article 300 is shown in the second orientation, in which the second portion 304 is adjacent to the heating device 108. Heating of the second portion 304 provides the user with increased flavor.

The internal configuration of the aerosol-generating articles according to the present invention may be altered in order to tailor the inner air within the article, in use. An aerosolgenerating article 400 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention will now be described to illustrate this, with particular reference to FIG. 4.

The aerosol-generating article 400 has a first end plug 402, a first cooling plug 404, a first portion 406, a spacer plug 408, a second portion 410, a second cooling plug 412 and a second end plug 414.

Air 120 drawn into the aerosol-generating article 400 passes successively through the first end plug 402, the first cooling plug 404 and the first portion 406. The first portion 406 is positioned adjacent to the heating device 108 and so the air 120 is heated. The gas and aerosol generated from the first portion 406 then pass through the spacer plug 408. The temperature of the air 120 at this stage may be such that flavor agents within the second portion 410 are aerosolised. This air 120 then passes through the second cooling plug 412, so that its temperature decreases before it passes through the second end plug 414, which is a mouth end section plug. The air 120 passed to a user's mouth 122 thus includes a concentration of aerosol, e.g. nicotine, from the first portion 406 and flavor from the second portion 410.

The lengths of the first end plug 402 and the first cooling plug 404 are the same as the lengths of the second end plug 414 and the second cooling plug 412. In this way, the distance between the first portion 406 and one end of the aerosol-generating article 400 is the same as the distance between the second portion 410 and the other end of the aerosol-generating article 400. This enables the aerosol-generating article 400 to be inserted into the aerosol-generating device 102 in either a first orientation, in which the first portion 406 is adjacent to the heating device 108, or a second orientation, in which the second portion 410 is adjacent to the heating device 108. In other words, the aerosol-generating article 400 is reversible. This means that additional flavor can be achieved, for example, at the end of a smoking experience by inverting the aerosol-generating article 400 in the aerosol-generating device 102 .

An aerosol-generating article 500 according to another embodiment of the present invention will now be described with particular reference to FIG. 5.

The aerosol-generating article 500 has a first end plug 502, a first portion 504, a cooling plug 506, a second portion 508 and a second end plug 510.

Air 120 drawn into the aerosol-generating article 500 passes successively through the first end plug 502 and the first portion 504. The first portion 504 is positioned adjacent to the heating device 108 and so the air 120 is heated. The gas and aerosol generated from the first portion 406 then pass through the cooling plug 506. The temperature of the air 120 is thus reduced before it reaches the second portion 508. This results in less aerosolisation of flavor agents within the second portion 508 (compared to the embodiment of FIG. 4). The air 120 passed to a user's mouth 122 thus includes a lower concentration of flavor from the second portion 508 (again compared to the embodiment of FIG. 4).

The length of the first end plug 502 is the same as the length of the second end plug 510. In this way, the distance between the first portion 504 and one end of the aerosol-generating article 500 is the same as the distance between the second portion 508 and the other end of the aerosol-generating article 500. This enables the aerosol-generating article 500 to be inserted into the aerosol-generating device 102 in either a first orientation, in which the first portion 504 is adjacent to the heating device 108, or a second orientation, in which the second portion 508 is adjacent to the heating device 108. In other words, the aerosol-generating article 500 is reversible. This means that additional flavor can be achieved, if desired, at the end of a smoking experience by inverting the aerosol-generating article 500 in the aerosol-generating device 102 .

As will be described with particular reference to FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C, aerosol-generating articles according to embodiments of the invention may include one or more indicators, for example visual indicators and/or textural indicators so that a user is able to quickly determine which in orientation the aerosol-generating article has been inserted into the aerosol-generating device.

Referring now to FIG. 6A, there is shown an outer view of the aerosol-generating article 200 of FIG. 2A.

The aerosol-generating article 200 includes a first indicator 602 (corresponding to the position of the first portion 206) and a second indicator 604 (corresponding to the position of the second portion 212).

The first indicator 602 may include visual indicators such as markings or printings (for example writing, colour codes or symbols) to indicate to a user where the first portion 206 of the aerosol-generating article 200 is located.

Additionally, or alternatively, the first indicator 602 may include textural indicators such that a user can feel where the first portion 206 of the aerosol-generating article 200 is located.

The first indicator 602 enables a user to decide which end of the aerosol-generating article 200 to insert into the aerosol-generating device 102 if the user wants to heat the sensorial media of the first portion 206 of the aerosol-generating article 200.

Similarly, the second indicator 604 may include visual indicators such as markings or printings (for example writing, colour codes or symbols) to indicate to a user where the second portion 212 of the aerosol-generating article 200 is located.

Additionally, or alternatively, the second indicator 604 may include textural indicators such that a user can feel where the second portion 212 of the aerosol-generating article 200 is located.

The second indicator 604 enables a user to decide which end of the aerosol-generating article 200 to insert into the aerosol-generating device 102 if the user wants to heat the flavor agents of the second portion 212 of the aerosol-generating article 200.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the aerosol-generating article 200 has been inserted into the aerosolgenerating device 102 such that the second indicator 604 is visible to a user. This makes it clear to the user that the first portion 206 of the aerosol-generating article 200 is within the body of aerosol-generating device 102 and will be heated by the heating device 108.

Conversely, in FIG. 6C, the aerosol-generating article 200 has been inserted into the aerosol-generating device 102 such that the first indicator 602 is visible to a user. This makes it clear to the user that the second portion 212 of the aerosol-generating article 200 is within the body of aerosol-generating device 102 and will be heated by the heating device 108.

In the embodiments described above, the various components, including the first portion and the second portion, of the aerosol-generating articles are described as plugs. In alternative embodiments of the invention, the first portion and/or the second portion may be predominantly hollow, as will be described with reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. Referring now to FIG. 7, the aerosol-generating article 700 has a first end plug 702, a first portion 704, an intermediary plug 706, a second portion 708 and a second end plug 710.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 7 differs from the previous embodiments, as the first portion 704 and the second portion 708 are not plugs of material, rather they are hollow, tubular, plugs with the sensorial media incorporated into the walls of the first portion 704 and the flavor agents incorporated into the walls of the second portion 708.

In an another embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 8, the aerosol-generating article 800 has a first end plug 802, a first portion 804, an intermediary plug 806, a second portion 808 and a second end plug 810.

In this embodiment, the first portion 804 and the second portion 808 are not plugs of material, rather they are coated portions of a predominantly hollow, tubular, aerosol-generating article 800. The sensorial media may be, for example, coated onto the inner walls of the aerosolgenerating article 800 at the first portion 804. The flavor agents may be similarly, coated onto the inner walls of the aerosol-generating article 800 at the second portion 808.

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 ± 1 percent 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 for use with an aerosol-generating device comprising a heating device; the aerosol-generating article comprising: a first portion comprising an aerosol-forming substrate; and a second portion comprising a flavor substrate; wherein the first portion is spaced apart from the second portion; and wherein each of the first portion and the second portion is configured to be heated by the heating device, in use and the aerosol-generating article is reversible.

2. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1 , wherein the first portion is positioned at or adjacent to a first end of the aerosol-generating article; and the second portion is positioned at or adjacent to a second opposing end of the aerosol-generating article.

3. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first portion comprises a first plug.

4. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first portion comprises a first coating on an inner surface of the aerosol-generating article.

5. The aerosol-generating article of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second portion comprises a second plug.

6. The aerosol-generating article of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first portion and the second portion are each configured to be heated by an external heater of the heating device, in use.

7. The aerosol-generating article of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first portion and the second portion each comprise an embedded susceptor that is configured to be heated by an inductor of the heating device, in use.

8. The aerosol-generating article of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each of the first portion and the second portion has a length that is equal to or greater than a length of the heating device.

9. The aerosol-generating article of claim 8, wherein the length of the first portion is equal to the length of the second portion.

10. The aerosol-generating article of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each of a or the first end and a or the second end of the aerosol-generating article is configured for insertion into the heating device, in use.

11. The aerosol-generating article of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein an outer surface of the aerosol-generating article comprises a first indicator, for example wherein the first indicator indicates the position of the first portion.

12. The aerosol-generating article of any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein an or the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article comprises a second indicator, for example wherein the second indicator indicates the position of the second portion.

13. An aerosol-generating device comprising the aerosol-generating article of any one of claims 1 to 12 and a heating device, wherein the heating device is configured to heat each of the first portion and the second portion, in use.

14. The aerosol-generating device of claim 13, comprising a housing defining a cavity that is configured to receive the aerosol-generating article, and/or comprising a mouthpiece.

15. The aerosol-generating device of claim 14, wherein when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the cavity of the housing of the aerosol-generating device in a first orientation, the heating device is aligned with one of the first portion and the second portion and when the aerosolgenerating article is inserted into the cavity of the housing of the aerosol-generating device in a second orientation, the heating device is aligned with the other of the first portion and the second portion.