WO2025210253A1

WO2025210253A1 - Aerosol-generating product

Info

Publication number: WO2025210253A1
Application number: PCT/EP2025/059332
Authority: WO
Inventors: Guillaume Bastien BAUR; Noori Moyad BRIFCANI; Gaëtan Antony COUDERC; Fanny Eugènie Sylvette DA SILVA; Esther WAIRIMU
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Current assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Priority date: 2024-04-04
Filing date: 2025-04-04
Publication date: 2025-10-09
Anticipated expiration: 2026-10-04

Abstract

An aerosol-generating product (100) for producing an aerosol. The aerosol-generating product (100) comprises, or consists of, an elongated strip of dispensable material (10) defined by an initial strip length (L), a strip width (W), and a strip thickness (T). The elongated strip of dispensable material (10) comprises an initial longitudinally extending air flow channel (15) extending between a distal end (13) and a proximal end (14) of the elongated strip of dispensable material (10). The elongated strip of dispensable material (10) is configured to be severable into a plurality of discrete aerosol-generating articles (25). Each of the plurality of discrete aerosol- generating articles (25) has an article length (LA) that is shorter than the initial strip length (L) of the dispensable material (10) and a longitudinally extending air flow channel (251). The longitudinally extending air flow channel (251) is formed from a portion of the initial longitudinally extending air flow channel (15) and is defined between a distal end (231) and a proximal end (241) of the discrete aerosol-generating article (25).

Description

AEROSOL-GENERATING PRODUCT

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating product, aerosol-generating system, and a method of manufacturing an aerosol-generating product.

A typical aerosol-generating system comprises an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a heater, and the aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate. In use, the heater of the aerosol-generating device heats the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article causing the release of volatile compounds from the aerosol-forming substrate. These compounds then cool to form an aerosol that is inhaled by a user.

A typical aerosol-generating article may appear similar to a conventional cigarette. For example, such an aerosol-generating article may be a substantially cylindrical article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate and other components such as mouthpiece filter element, all wrapped in a cigarette paper. Dimensions of typical aerosol-generating articles are often similar to the dimensions of conventional cigarettes. Typically, such aerosol-generating articles are circular in cross-section and extend between opposed first and second open ends. Such an aerosol-generating article typically contains a portion of aerosol-forming substrate having a cylindrical shape corresponding to the circular cross-section of the article.

Typical aerosol-forming articles are usable in a single usage session. For example, the aerosol-generating article is heated for a predetermined amount of time, or until another usage threshold is met, and then heating may be stopped and the usage session ends. The aerosolgenerating article may be removed from the device and disposed of. To start a new usage session, a user must insert another aerosol-generating article into the aerosol-forming device. This requires a user to carry an aerosol generating device and at least one spare aerosolgenerating article for insertion into the device. Carrying spare aerosol-generating articles and having to remove and insert aerosol-generating articles between each usage session may inconvenience the user.

It is desirable to provide an aerosol-generating product that is suitable for use in multiple usage sessions.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-generating product for producing an aerosol. The aerosol-generating product may comprise or consist of an elongated strip of dispensable material. The elongated strip of dispensable material may be defined by an initial strip length, a strip width, and a strip thickness. The elongated strip of dispensable material may be configured to be severable into a plurality of discrete aerosolgenerating articles. Each of the plurality of discrete aerosol-generating articles may have an article length that is shorter than the initial strip length of the dispensable material. Thus, in an embodiment an aerosol-generating product may comprise, or consist of, an elongated strip of dispensable material defined by an initial strip length, a strip width, and a strip thickness, in which the elongated strip of dispensable material is configured to be severable into a plurality of discrete aerosol-generating articles, each of the plurality of discrete aerosolgenerating articles having an article length that is shorter than the initial strip length of the dispensable material.

As the elongated strip of dispensable material may be configured to be severable into a plurality of discrete aerosol-generating articles, the aerosol-generating product may conveniently provide a source of articles for use in more than one usage session. For example, an aerosolgenerating article may be severed from the elongated strip of dispensable material. The aerosolgenerating article may be heatable for aerosol generation, without the remaining length of the elongated strip of dispensable material being heated. In this way, only a portion of the aerosolgenerating product may be consumed in any single usage session. Therefore, the aerosolgenerating product may provide aerosol-generating substrate for use in multiple usage sessions. As such, a user may conveniently only require one aerosol-generating product for use in multiple usage sessions, for example in at least two, three, four or five usage sessions. For example, one aerosol-generating product may be suitable for use in at least ten, twenty, thirty or forty usage sessions. Advantageously, a user is not required to carry multiple discrete aerosol-generating articles, which may for example become lost in a bag or a pocket. The aerosol-generating product has a larger initial size than an aerosol-generating article and, thus, may be more convenient for the user to carry than typical single use disposable aerosol-generating articles.

An aerosol-generating article severed from the aerosol-generating product may be configured for use with an aerosol-generating device. For example, the aerosol-generating article may be configured to be inserted into or engaged with the aerosol-generating device. The elongated strip of dispensable material may comprise or consist of an aerosol-forming substrate comprising an aerosol-forming material. Thus, an aerosol-generating article severed from the elongated strip of dispensable material may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate comprising an aerosol-forming material.

The aerosol-generating product may be configured such that, in use, a first aerosolgenerating article is severed from the elongated strip of dispensable material. The first aerosolgenerating article is heatable by a heating element in a first usage session. For example, in the first usage session, the first aerosol-generating article is in contact with, or adjacent to a heating element, such that the aerosol-forming substrate is heatable by the heating element. After the first aerosol-generating article has been heated and the first usage session is finished, for example, after a predetermined amount of time or a predetermined condition has been met, for example after a predetermined number of puffs have been taken, a second aerosol-generating article may be severed from the elongated strip of dispensable material and may replace the first aerosol-generating article in contact with, or adjacent to a heating element, such that the aerosolforming substrate is heatable by the heating element. A second aerosol-generating article is now in contact with, or adjacent to a heating element, for example in a second usage session. In this way subsequent aerosol-generating articles severed from the aerosol-generating article are configured to be heatable to form an aerosol.

The initial strip length of the elongated strip of dispensable material may be greater than the strip width. The strip width may be greater than the strip thickness. The initial strip length of the elongated strip of dispensable material may be between 10 millimetres and 10000 millimetres, for example between 20 and 800 millimetres, for example between 30 and 600 millimetres, for example between 150 and 500 millimetres. Advantageously, this length may be suitable to allow the elongated strip of dispensable material to be severed into a plurality of discrete aerosolgenerating articles for use in multiple usage sessions.

The elongated strip of dispensable material may be severable into between 10 and 50 aerosol-generating articles, for example between 15 and 30 aerosol-generating articles, for example between 18 and 22 aerosol-generating articles, for example 20 aerosol-generating articles.

An aerosol-generating article may be defined by an article length, an article width and an article thickness. The article length may be between 10 millimetres and 100 millimetres, for example between 20 millimetres and 80 millimetres, for example between 30 millimetres and 60 millimetres, for example about 30 millimetres, or about 35 millimetres, or about 40 millimetres, or about 50 millimetres. Advantageously, the article length may be configured for use in a single usage session, which means that the elongated strip of dispensable material may be configured for use in at least five usage sessions, for example at least ten usage sessions, for example at least fifteen usage sessions, for example at least twenty usage sessions.

The strip thickness of the elongated strip of dispensable material may be between 1 millimetre and 35 millimetres, for example between 3 millimetres and 20 millimetres, for example between 4 millimetres and 15 millimetres, for example about 5 millimetres, or about 8 millimetres, or about 11 millimetres, or about 14 millimetres. The article thickness may be substantially the same as the strip thickness. Advantageously, this range of thicknesses may provide a good compromise between the aerosol-generating article being sufficiently thick to contain a reasonable quantity of aerosol-forming material, but sufficiently thin to allow aerosol-forming material furthest from a heater to be heated to a sufficiently high temperature to generate an aerosol without a significant risk of burning the material closest to the heater. This thickness advantageously contributes to the aerosol-generating article being sufficiently robust for use in an aerosol-generating device, while achieving uniform heating and aerosol-generation. The strip width of the elongated strip of dispensable material may be between 5 millimetres and 60 millimetres, for example between 10 millimetres and 50 millimetres, for example between 15 millimetres and 40 millimetres, for example about 15 millimetres, or about 20 millimetres, or about 25 millimetres, or about 30 millimetres. The article width may be substantially the same as the strip width.

These widths, in combination with the length and thickness dimensions may enable aerosolgenerating articles to be formed having dimensions that are convenient for a user to handle while also providing sufficient aerosol-forming substrate to generate enough aerosol to satisfy a user during a usage session.

The article width being greater than the article thickness means that the aerosol-generating article may not have a circular or square transverse cross-section, the transverse cross-section being a cross-section taken transverse or perpendicular to the length of the article. The transverse cross-section of the aerosol-generating article may be oval or rectangular, preferably an oval or rectangle having a high aspect ratio. The aerosol-generating article may have a relatively high surface area to volume ratio compared to an aerosol-generating article having a circular crosssection. The circular cross-section of known aerosol-generating articles can lead to a relatively long time to reach adequate temperature for aerosolisation of the aerosol-forming substrate. This may result in non-uniform heating of the aerosol-forming substrate.

Advantageously, the aerosol-generating article may be heated more quickly and in a more uniform manner compared with an aerosol-generating article having a circular cross-section. For example, if being externally heated, a centre portion of the aerosol-forming substrate may reach a desired temperature more quickly than in an article with a circular cross-section. As such, heating across the aerosol-forming substrate may be more uniform and thus formation of aerosol may be more uniform throughout the heated portion of the aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be flat. The aerosol-forming substrate may be planar. The amount of material in the aerosol-forming substrate may be reduced compared with an aerosol-generating article having a circular cross-section through reduction of outer papers and other non-aerosol forming material present in the aerosol-forming substrate thereby potentially lowering costs and reducing environmental impact.

Advantageously, this may allow the aerosol-forming substrate to be efficiently heated by a heating element and improves the yield of aerosol generated from the aerosol-forming substrate. By having a large surface area to volume ratio, and by having a reduced thickness compared to its length and width, a heating element can be located such that all of the aerosol-forming substrate is within a specified distance from the heating element. This has the advantage of providing an improved user experience and reducing wasted aerosol-forming substrate in use. The elongated strip of dispensable material may be configured to be severed in a direction transverse to the strip length. For example, the material properties or physical properties of the elongated strip of dispensable material may be configured to facilitate severing of the strip into the plurality of discrete aerosol-generating articles. For example, at least a portion of the elongated strip of dispensable material may comprise a resin, elastomer or plasticizer; for example at least a portion of the elongated strip of dispensable material may comprise polyisobutylene.

The elongated strip of dispensable material may comprise perforated portions. A perforated portion may comprise a transversely extending line of perforations. The perforations may be uniformly spaced. The perforations may extend partially through the thickness dimension of the elongated strip of dispensable material. Alternatively, the perforations may extend fully through the thickness dimension of the elongated strip of dispensable material. The perforated portions may be spaced at intervals along the length of the elongated strip of dispensable material. The perforated portions may be uniformly spaced. Advantageously, the perforations may concentrate applied stress along the transversely extending line of perforations to facilitate crack initiation and propagation, such that a user may more easily sever the elongated strip of dispensable material in a direction transverse to the strip length.

The elongated strip of dispensable material may comprise scored portions. A scored portion may comprise a transversely extending score or stress concentrator. The transversely extending score or stress concentrator may extend partially through the thickness dimension of the elongated strip of dispensable material. The scored portions may be spaced at intervals along the length of the elongated strip of dispensable material. The scored portions may be uniformly spaced. Advantageously, the transversely extending score or stress concentrator may concentrate applied stress along the transversely extending score to facilitate crack initiation and propagation, such that a user may more easily sever the elongated strip of dispensable material in a direction transverse to the strip length.

The elongated strip of dispensable material may comprise a plurality of laterally extending notches. The notches may be V-shaped. Alternatively, the notches may be U-shaped or semicircular. Each notch may have a notch depth extending parallel to the width of the elongated strip of dispensable material. The notch depth may extend partially through the width dimension of the elongated strip of dispensable material. Each notch has a notch thickness extending parallel to the thickness dimension of the elongated strip of dispensable material. The notch thickness may extend fully through the thickness dimension of the elongated strip of dispensable material.

The plurality of laterally extending notches may be arranged in a symmetrical arrangement about a central longitudinal axis of the elongated strip of dispensable material. Each notch may be symmetrical with a corresponding notch on the opposite side of the central longitudinal axis. Thus, a transverse line may extend between two symmetrical notches. The transverse line may be parallel to the width dimension of the elongated strip of dispensable material.

The notches may be spaced at intervals along the length of the elongated strip of dispensable material. The notches may be uniformly spaced. Advantageously, the laterally extending notches may concentrate applied stress in a parallel direction to the notch depth to facilitate crack initiation and propagation, such that a user may more easily sever the elongated strip of dispensable material in a direction transverse to the strip length.

A user may be able to tear along a perforation portion, scored portion or laterally extending notch to sever an aerosol-generating article from the elongated strip of dispensable material in a direction transverse to the strip length. Alternatively, an aerosol-generating article may be severed from the elongated strip of dispensable material by cutting along a perforation portion, scored portion or laterally extending notch to sever an aerosol-generating article from the elongated strip of dispensable material in a direction transverse to the strip length, for example by engaging the perforation portion, scored portion or laterally extending notch with an edge.

Advantageously, providing an elongated strip of dispensable material with at least one of perforated portions, scored portions and laterally extending notches may facilitate severing of the strip in a direction transverse to the strip length. This may result in less damage to the strip and less damage to an aerosol-generating article when severing the aerosol-generating article from the strip. This may also ensure that severed aerosol-generating articles are uniform in size.

At least a portion of the elongated strip of dispensable material may be rolled along its length to form a rolled strip of dispensable material or coil. The rolled strip of dispensable material may be substantially cylindrical, for example the rolled strip of dispensable material may be rolled in an Archimedean spiral. Alternatively, or in addition, the rolled strip of dispensable material may have a height that is equal to the width of elongated strip of dispensable material. Advantageously, the rolled strip of dispensable material may be more compact and easier for a user to carry and use than an elongated strip of dispensable material in an unrolled form. For example, a user may be able to unroll a portion of the elongated strip of dispensable material, sever an aerosolgenerating article from the elongated strip of dispensable material for use, and store the remaining length of the elongated strip of dispensable material in a convenient manner.

The elongated strip of dispensable material may comprise two or more layers, for example two or more layers laminated together. For example, the elongated strip of dispensable material may comprise at least a first planar layer forming an upper surface of the elongated strip of dispensable material and a second planar layer forming a lower surface of the elongated strip of dispensable material. The two or more layers may be joined together by an adhesive, for example glue. The two or more layers may be joined together with at least one of: PVA, gum arabic, Pll, epoxy, cyanoacrylate, polychloroprene, water-based glue, starch-based glue, cellulose-based glue, or natural rubber-based glue.

At least one of the two or more layers may comprise an aerosol-forming material. At least one of the two or more layers may be a protective layer. The at least one protective layer may be formed from a non-aerosol-forming material. For example, the at least one protective layer may be paper based, for example cigarette paper, tipping paper, waxed paper or confectionary paper. The at least one protective layer may be metal based, for example a metal foil such as aluminium foil. The at least one protective layer may have a higher tensile strength that the at least one aerosol-forming material. The at least one protective layer may be configured to support the at least one layer comprising aerosol-forming material. For example, the elongated strip of dispensable material may comprise one layer comprising aerosol-forming material having an upper surface covered by an upper protective layer. Alternatively, or in addition, the one layer comprising aerosol-forming material may have a lower surface covered by a lower protective layer. Advantageously, the at least one protective layer may prevent the at least one layer comprising aerosol-forming material from sticking to itself when the elongated strip of dispensable material is rolled along its length. Optionally, the at least one protective layer may be configured to be removable from the at least one layer comprising aerosol-forming material.

At least one of a perforated portion, scored portion or laterally extending notch may be defined in at least one of the two or more layers. At least one of a perforated portion, scored portion or laterally extending notch may be defined in the at least one protective layer.

The elongated strip of dispensable material may comprise a first planar layer, a second planar layer, and an intermediate layer or separation layer arranged between the first planar layer and the second planar layer, at least one of the first planar layer, the second planar layer and the intermediate or separation layer comprising or consisting of an aerosol-forming material.

At least one of the first planar layer, the second planar layer and the intermediate layer or separation layer may comprise or consist of an aerosol-forming material. At least one of the first planar layer or the second planar layer may be a protective layer.

Preferably, the elongated strip of dispensable material comprises a corrugated portion, for example one or more corrugated elements, such as a corrugated layer. For example, the corrugated layer is a corrugated sheet of material. The one or more corrugated elements preferably define a plurality of air flow channels extending laterally through the elongated strip of dispensable material.

Corrugations may be formed in a number of different corrugation profiles. For example, the corrugations may be further defined by a corrugation profile, in which the corrugation profile is sinusoidal, or triangular, or rectangular, or trapezoidal, or toroidal, or parabolic. The intermediate layer or the separation layer may be a corrugated layer. For example, the elongated strip of dispensable material may comprise a first planar layer, a second planar layer, and a corrugated layer arranged between the first planar layer and the second planar layer, at least one of the first planar layer, the second planar layer and the corrugated layer may comprise or consist of an aerosol-forming material.

The use of a corrugated structure in the elongated strip of dispensable material may advantageously allow the production of an elongated strip of dispensable material that has extremely low RTD while still being sufficiently rigid for a user to handle. Further, use of a corrugated structure may allow a low density, low RTD, elongated strip of dispensable material to be produced using high speed production methods similar to those used for production of corrugated cardboard. The corrugated layer may increase the compressive strength of the elongated strip of dispensable material.

An air flow path may be defined through the elongated strip of dispensable material. The air flow path may be defined by at least one corrugated element. For example, ridges and troughs of the at least one corrugated element may be aligned substantially parallel to the air flow direction thereby forming an air flow path in that direction.

The elongated strip of dispensable material comprises an aerosol-forming material. Preferably the aerosol-forming material forms at least part of a corrugated structure or corrugated element. The aerosol-forming material may be in the form of a sheet used as one or more of the components of a corrugated structure or corrugated element. This may allow great flexibility in selection of different combinations of aerosol-forming materials. This may also allow selection of suitable non-aerosol-forming materials to be used for other purposes, for example to improve the structure of the elongated strip of dispensable material. In some examples, the entire elongated strip of dispensable material is formed from aerosol-forming materials.

The first planar layer may be an upper layer. The second planar layer may be a lower layer. The intermediate layer may be situated between the upper layer and the lower layer.

Preferably, the upper layer comprises, or is formed from, a planar sheet of material, the lower layer comprises or is formed from a planar sheet of material, and the intermediate layer comprises or is formed from a corrugated sheet of material. In this case, at least some of the air flow channels formed by the corrugations are at least partially bounded by aerosol-forming material. This allows for an aerosol generated from the aerosol-forming material to be easily entrained in the air flow path.

The corrugated layer comprises corrugations that may be arranged perpendicular to the length direction of the elongated strip of dispensable material, in an unrolled condition, and parallel to the width direction of the elongated strip of dispensable material. For example, the corrugations may be arranged perpendicular to the rolling direction of the aerosol-forming substrate. The corrugations being perpendicular to the rolling direction advantageously provides weak resistance to rolling, therefore, allowing the aerosol-forming substrate to be easily rolled and the roll to have a desired radius of curvature.

The intermediate layer or the separation layer may be a crimped layer. The crimped layer may comprise or consist of a crimped tobacco layer.

The intermediate layer or the separation layer may have a honeycomb structure. The honeycomb structure may comprise numerous holes through the layer. The arrangement of the holes may be omnidirectional. The honeycomb layer does not need to be arranged in any particular direction in relation to the rolling direction of the aerosol-forming substrate.

The intermediate layer or the separation layer may comprise or consist of a porous material. The porous material may inherently contain voids. The porous material may be impregnated with an aerosol-forming material. For example, the voids may contain an aerosol-forming material.

The intermediate layer or the separation layer comprise or consist of a fibrous material. The fibrous material may be impregnated with an aerosol-forming material.

The elongated strip of dispensable material, in its unrolled condition, may comprise a substantially planar upper surface defined by a length extending in an x direction and a width extending in a y direction, and a substantially planar lower surface defined by a length extending in an x direction and a width extending in a y direction. The substantially planar upper surface and the substantially planar lower surface may be vertically spaced from each other by a height defined in a z direction. The height defined in the z direction may be the thickness of the elongated strip of dispensable material.

An air flow path may be defined through the elongated strip of dispensable material. A longitudinally extending air flow channel may extend from a distal end of the elongated strip of dispensable material to a proximal end of the elongated strip of dispensable material. The longitudinally extending air flow channel may be described as an initial longitudinally extending air flow channel when the elongated strip of dispensable material is at its initial strip length. The longitudinally extending air flow channel preferably extends longitudinally within the elongated strip of dispensable material, for example the longitudinally extending air flow channel preferably extends along the longitudinal dimension of the elongated strip of dispensable material.

An air flow path may be defined through an aerosol-generating article severed from the elongated strip of dispensable material. The air flow path defined through an aerosol-generating article severed from the elongated strip of dispensable material may be a longitudinally extending air flow channel, formed from a portion of the initial longitudinally extending air flow channel of the elongated strip of dispensable material. In other words, the initial longitudinally extending air flow channel may be shortened, along with the strip length of the elongated strip of dispensable material when an aerosol-generating article is severed from the elongated strip of dispensable material. The longitudinally extending air flow channel through the aerosol-generating article may be defined between a distal end and a proximal end of the discrete aerosol-generating article.

For example, an elongated strip of dispensable material defined by an initial strip length, a strip width, and a strip thickness may comprise an initial longitudinally extending air flow channel extending between a distal end and a proximal end of the elongated strip of dispensable material, in which the elongated strip of dispensable material is configured to be severable into a plurality of discrete aerosol-generating articles, such that each of the plurality of discrete aerosolgenerating articles has an article length that is shorter than the initial strip length of the dispensable material and a longitudinally extending air flow channel, formed from a portion of the initial longitudinally extending air flow channel, defined between a distal end and a proximal end of the discrete aerosol-generating article.

An air flow path may extend through the substrate in its y dimension from one side edge to the other side edge, for example the air flow path may extend substantially in the y direction.

An air flow path may extend through the substrate in its x dimension from one end to the other end, for example the air flow path may extend substantially in the x direction.

A low resistance air flow path may be defined through the aerosol-generating article, for example the aerosol-generating article may have a resistance to draw (RTD), along the air flow path, of less than 80 millimetre H2O, or less than 40 millimetre H2O, or less than 30 millimetre H2O. An aerosol-generating article with a low resistance air flow path may allow for superior air flow management and allow aerosol to be extracted more efficiently from the aerosol-forming substrate and guided to a user. The low resistance air flow path may be the longitudinally extending air flow channel as described above.

An air flow path through the aerosol-forming substrate may be defined in terms of porosity, for example a percentage of the substrate that is free of aerosol-forming material. The porosity in this case is open porosity, allowing an air flow path through the substrate. Thus, an aerosolforming substrate may have an air flow path defined through the aerosol-forming substrate in an x/y plane from one side of the aerosol-forming substrate to the other side of the aerosol-forming substrate, and the aerosol-forming substrate may have a porosity of greater than 60 percent, for example greater than 80 percent, in the direction of the air flow path. The porosity may be greater than 60 percent, for example greater than 80 percent, in at least one direction in an x/y plane of the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a porosity in a direction perpendicular to the z direction, the porosity of greater than 60 percent, for example greater than 80 percent. For example, an air flow path may be defined through the aerosol-forming substrate along the x direction from one side of the aerosol-forming substrate to the other side of the aerosol-forming substrate, such that the aerosol-forming substrate has a porosity of greater than 60 percent, for example greater than 80 percent, in the x direction. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an air flow path defined through the aerosol-forming substrate along the y direction from one side of the aerosol-forming substrate to the other side of the aerosol-forming substrate, such that the aerosol-forming substrate has a porosity of greater than 60 percent, for example greater than 80 percent, in the y direction. The porosity of the air flow path may be defined by a ratio of the cross-sectional area of material within the air flow path and an internal cross-sectional area of the air flow path.

Preferably, the porosity is between 81 percent and 99 percent, for example a porosity of between 85 percent and 95 percent, for example between 88 percent and 92 percent, for example about 90 percent, in the direction of the air flow path.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a Young’s modulus of between 0.5 MPa and 50 MPa, for example between 0.7 MPa and 10 MPa. The Young’s modulus of the aerosol-forming substrate may allow the aerosol-forming substrate to be rolled along its length. The Young’s modulus of the aerosol-forming substrate may allow the elongated strip of dispensable material to be rolled along its length without breaking or becoming damaged.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aerosol-forming material. The aerosolforming substrate may comprise, or consist of, a solid aerosol-forming material. The aerosolforming substrate may comprise a liquid aerosol-forming material, for example a liquid aerosolforming material retained within a porous matrix. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a gel aerosol-forming material.

The aerosol-forming material may comprise one or more organic materials such as tobacco.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco based material, for example at least one of cast leaf or cut filler. The aerosol-forming material may comprise one or more of herb leaf, tobacco leaf, fragments of tobacco ribs, reconstituted tobacco, homogenised tobacco, extruded tobacco and expanded tobacco.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco aerosol forming material comprising an aerosol former, such as glycerine or propylene glycol, preferably including a flavour component and or an active component such as nicotine or a cannabinol. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a humectant, for example at least one of propylene glycol, glycerine/glycerol or water.

The aerosol-forming material may comprise one or more aerosol-formers. Suitable aerosolformers are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to, one or more aerosol-formers selected from: polyhydric alcohols, such as propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1 , 3-butanediol and glycerine; 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. It may be particularly preferable for the aerosolformer to be or comprise glycerine. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least one of paper or paperboard.

The aerosol-forming material may comprise cellulose fibres. The aerosol-forming material may comprise cotton.

The aerosol-forming material may comprise nicotine. The aerosol-forming material may comprise natural nicotine, or synthetic nicotine, or a combination of natural nicotine and synthetic nicotine.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a pharmacologically active ingredient. The aerosol-forming material may comprise one or more cannabinoid compounds such as one or more of: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabinol (CBN), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabigerol monomethyl ether (CBGM), cannabivarin (CBV), cannabidivarin (CBDV), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabichromevarin (CBCV), cannabigerovarin (CBGV), cannabielsoin (CBE), cannabicitran (CBT). It may be preferable that the cannabinoid compound is CBD or THC. It may be particularly preferable that the cannabinoid compound is CBD.

The aerosol-forming material may comprise one or more flavourants. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a flavourant, for example at least one of menthol, L-Carvone (spearmint), ethyl methylphenylglycidate (strawberry), or peppermint oil.

The one or more flavourants may comprise one or more of: one or more essential oils such as eugenol, peppermint oil and spearmint oil; one or both of menthol and eugenol; one or both of anethole and linalool; and a herbaceous material. Suitable herbaceous material includes herb leaf or other herbaceous material from herbaceous plants including, but not limited to, mints, such as peppermint and spearmint, lemon balm, basil, cinnamon, lemon basil, chive, coriander, lavender, sage, tea, thyme, and caraway. The one or more flavourants may comprise a tobacco material.

The aerosol-forming material may comprise a binder. For example, the aerosol-forming material may comprise about 1 to 10%, preferably of about 1 to 5%, of a binder such as any of common gums or pectins used in food and beverage (F&B) industries. Preferred binders may be natural pectins, such as fruit, for example citrus, or tobacco pectins; guar gums, land locust bean gums, such as hydroxyethyl and/or hydroxypropyl of those; starches, such as modified or derivatized starches; alginate; methyl, ethyl, ethylhydroxymethyl and carboxy methyl, celluloses; dextran; and xanthan gum. A preferable binder is guar.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a gelling agent, for example sodium alginate.

The aerosol-forming material may comprise an organic botanical glycerite. For example, the aerosol-forming material may comprise about 15 to 55 %, preferably of about 20 to 35 %, of botanicals such as Clove, Echinacea sp., Fennel, Ginger, Hawthorn berry, Elderberry, Monarda, Mullein leaves, Nettle, Plantain, Turmeric, Yarrow, and compounds of those.

The aerosol-forming material may comprise organic botanical extracts. For example, the aerosol-forming material may comprise about 1 to 15 %, preferably of about 2 to 7 %, of any of the previously referred botanicals, as well as menthol (dl-Menthol, C10H20O, 2-lsopropyl-5- methylcyclohexanol) such as obtained from Chaerophyllum macrospermum, Mesosphaerum sidifolium, or other related botanic varieties, as well as P-menthan-3-ol, as any secondary alcohol as diastereoisomers of 5-methyl-2-(propan-2-yl)cyclohexan-1-ol.

The aerosol-forming material may comprise botanical essential oils, for example about 0.5 to 5 %, preferably of about 1 to 3 %, of a botanical essential oil, for example a botanical essential oil such as of palm, coconut, and wooden-based essential oils.

The aerosol-forming material preferably comprises an aerosol-former, for example about 5 to 35%, preferably of about 10 to 25%, of an aerosol former. Suitable aerosol-formers known in the art include: glycerine; monohydric alcohols like menthol, polyhydric alcohols, such as triethylene glycol; esters of polyhydric alcohols, such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyls of those.

The aerosol-forming material may comprise particles of a functional material, for example particles of carbon, graphite, activated carbon, or expanded graphite. Such materials may, for example, increase the thermal conductivity of the aerosol-forming material and improve efficiency of aerosol generation.

The aerosol-forming substrate may further comprise a thermally conductive layer, for example an aluminium layer. A thermally conductive layer may facilitate thermal transfer between a heat source and the aerosol-forming material of the aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-forming substrate may further comprise a paper layer, for example a tipping paper layer, covering at least a portion of at least one surface of the aerosol-forming substrate, for example at least a portion of an upper surface, or at least a portion of a lower surface.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise conductive materials. For example, the aerosol-forming material may comprise conductive particles. Conductive particles may be, for example, conductive carbon or graphite particles, or conductive metallic particles, for example particles of aluminium, or stainless steel, or nickel.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise one or more susceptor materials. The one or more susceptor materials may be incorporated within an aerosol-forming material of the aerosolforming substrate, for example as particles of susceptor material distributed within the aerosolforming material. The presence of susceptor materials may allow the aerosol-forming substrate to be heated by engagement with a fluctuating electromagnetic field formed by an inductor. Optionally, one or more susceptor materials may be incorporated within the aerosol-forming substrate as one or more strips, threads, or wires of susceptor material, for example one or more strips, threads, or wires of susceptor material located within an airflow path of the aerosol-forming substrate.

Optionally, one or more susceptor materials may be incorporated within the aerosol-forming substrate as one or more sheets or layers of susceptor material, for example one or more sheets or layers of susceptor material covering an external portion of the aerosol-forming substrate or forming a structural component of the aerosol-forming substrate.

The one of more sheets of susceptor material may be in the form of a mesh of susceptor material.

The susceptor material, in whatever form, may comprise one or more materials selected from the list consisting of: aluminium, iron and iron alloys, nickel and nickel alloys, cobalt alloys, stainless steel alloys, copper alloys, carbon, expanded carbon, and graphite.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least one of a ferrous metal, or a ferrous metal alloy. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a metal foil.

The elongated strip of dispensable material may be rolled onto a spool. The elongated strip of dispensable material may be rolled onto a spindle. The elongated strip of dispensable material may be rolled onto a shaft of a spool. The spindle may be configured to act as an axle for the rolled strip of dispensable material to unravel from, as required. A maximum thickness or diameter of the spindle or shaft may be between 4 millimetres and 60 millimetres, for example between 5 millimetres and 40 millimetres, for example between 6 millimetres and 30 millimetres. These thicknesses allow the aerosol-forming substrate to be rolled with a small radius of curvature.

The aerosol-generating product may comprise a housing. The housing may define a cavity for receiving, or partially receiving, the elongated strip of dispensable material. The elongated strip of dispensable material may be located within a housing, for example a substantially cylindrical housing. The elongated strip of dispensable material may be arranged in overlapping layers inside the housing, for example in a spiral arrangement or a gathered arrangement. Advantageously, the housing may protect the elongated strip of dispensable material.

The housing may comprise a housing lid for retaining the elongated strip of dispensable material within the housing. Alternatively, or in addition, the housing may comprise a first housing section and a second housing section, the first housing section being configured to engage with the second housing section to retain the elongated strip of dispensable material.

The housing may comprise an opening. The elongated strip of dispensable material located within the housing may be dispensable through the opening. A first end of the elongated strip of dispensable material may protrude from the opening such that a user may draw the elongated strip of dispensable material through the opening. The opening may have an opening width of between 10 millimetres and 50 millimetres, for example between 15 millimetres and 40 millimetres, for example between 18 millimetres and 30 millimetres. Preferably, the opening width is greater than the strip width of the elongated strip of dispensable material. The opening may have an opening thickness of 1 millimetre to 35 millimetres, for example between 3 millimetres and 20 millimetres, for example, between 4.5 millimetres and 15 millimetres. Preferably, the opening thickness is greater than the strip thickness of the elongated strip of dispensable material. A user may dispense a portion of the elongated strip of dispensable material from the housing through the opening, as required.

A dispensing path may be defined within the housing, such that the elongated strip of dispensable material located within the housing may be dispensed through the opening along the dispensing path. For example, the length of the elongated strip of dispensable material located within the housing may substantially align with the dispensing path. The elongated strip of dispensable material may engage with the dispensing path as the elongated strip of dispensable material is drawn through the opening. The dispensing path may be a substantially spiral path. The dispensing path may have no points of intersection with itself.

The elongated strip of dispensable material may be rolled onto the spindle or shaft of a spool, the spindle or shaft of the spool may be located in a substantially radially central portion of the housing, for example the cylindrical housing. The spindle or shaft of the spool may allow the elongated strip of dispensable material to be unrolled during use of the elongated strip of dispensable material. For example, the spindle or shaft of the spool may be configured to rotate. Alternatively, or in addition, the spindle or shaft of the spool may have a smooth surface, such that the elongated strip of dispensable material may slide around the spindle or shaft of the spool.

The aerosol-generating product may comprise a guide element. The elongated strip of dispensable material may slidably wind or wrap around the guide element. The elongated strip of dispensable material may slidably unwind or unwrap around the guide element. The guide element may be disposed within the housing. The guide element may guide the elongated strip of dispensable material along the dispensing path. Advantageously, the guide element may be configured to prevent self-collision of the elongated strip of dispensable material when the elongated strip of dispensable material is engaged with the dispensing path. For example, the guide element may prevent a portion of the elongated strip of dispensable material from colliding or intersecting with another portion of the elongated strip of dispensable material. Advantageously, the guide element may ensure that the elongated strip of dispensable material does not stick to itself when engaged with the dispensing path.

The guide element may comprise a plurality of guide rods or rollers. The guide rods or roller may extend into the housing cavity. The guide rods may have a diameter of between 0.5 millimetres and 4 millimetres, for example between 0.75 millimetres and 3 millimetres, for example between 1 millimetre and 2 millimetres. The guide rods or roller may be configured to rotate. Alternatively, or in addition, the guide rods or rollers may have a smooth surface, such that the elongated strip of dispensable material may slidably wind and unwind around at least a portion of each guide rod or roller.

The guide element may comprise a guide wall. The guide wall may extend into the housing cavity. The guide wall may be substantially parallel to the dispensing path. The guide wall may be arranged in a spiral. The guide wall may have a smooth surface, such that the elongated strip of dispensable material may slidably wind and unwind around at least a portion of the guide wall.

The aerosol-generating product may comprise an edge, such as a blade. The edge may be arranged to facilitate severing of the elongated strip of dispensable material into portions. For example, the elongated strip of dispensable material may be severed by engaging the elongated strip of dispensable material with the edge to facilitate severing of the elongated strip of dispensable material. Alternatively, or in addition, the edge may pierce a surface of the elongated strip of dispensable material to facilitate severing of the elongated strip of dispensable material. Advantageously, a user may be able to more conveniently sever an aerosol-generating article from the elongated strip of dispensable material.

The edge may be a straight edge. Alternatively, the edge may be a serrated edge. The edge may be located within the housing. The edge may be located within the opening of the housing. Alternatively, the edge may be located in proximity to the opening of the housing. The edge may be recessed into housing, such that a user cannot touch the edge through the opening. Advantageously, a user may be able to use the edge to facilitate severing of the elongated strip of dispensable material without contacting the edge.

The aerosol-generating product may comprise a measuring guide for measuring a length of dispensable material protruding from the opening in the housing. The measuring guide may comprise one or more graduation marks on an outer surface of the housing. The measuring guide may be printed on an exterior surface of the housing. The measuring guide may be engraved on an exterior surface of the housing. Advantageously, a user may be able to measure a length of the elongated strip of dispensable material protruding from the opening and sever a required length of the elongated strip of dispensable material.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there may be provided an aerosolgenerating system comprising an aerosol-generating product as described above and an aerosolgenerating device configured to receive an aerosol-generating article severed from the aerosolgenerating product.

The aerosol-generating device may be configured to generate an inhalable aerosol from at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article, for example the aerosol-generating device may be configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article to form an inhalable aerosol.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a display configured to indicate to a user how much of the aerosol-forming substrate has been used, alternatively, or in addition it may indicate how much of the aerosol-forming substrate is left to be used. The display may show a use count. The display may indicate the number of usage sessions that the aerosol-generating article has been used in. The display may indicate the number of usage sessions remaining for the aerosolgenerating article.

The aerosol-generating system may comprise a heater. The heater may be, or may comprise, a resistance heater. The heater may be, or may comprise, an inductor for heating a susceptor. A corresponding aerosol-generating article may comprise the susceptor.

The heater may be configured to compress a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate. The heater may comprise a first heating element, such as a first heating plate, and a second heating element, such as a second heating plate. The heater may be configured to compress a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate between the first heating plate and a second heating plate. The portion of the aerosol-forming substrate configured to be heated may be under a compression force of between 1 N and 50 N, for example between 5 N and 30 N, for example between 7.5 N and 20 N.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating product. The method may be suitable for manufacturing the aerosol-generating product as described herein.

The method may comprise the steps of providing a continuous sheet of aerosol-forming substrate; cutting the continuous sheet of aerosol-forming substrate to form an elongated strip of dispensable material. Optionally, the method may comprise rolling the aerosol-forming substrate along its length to form a rolled strip of dispensable material.

The method may further comprise the step of forming the elongated strip of dispensable material by: providing a first continuous sheet, providing a second continuous sheet, and providing a third continuous sheet, wherein at least one of the first continuous sheet, the second continuous sheet, and the third continuous sheet being a sheet comprising or consisting of aerosol-forming material, texturing the second continuous sheet using a fluting roller to form a continuous corrugated sheet, applying adhesive to at least one of the continuous corrugated sheet or the first continuous sheet, applying a first side of the continuous corrugated sheet to a surface of the first continuous sheet, applying adhesive to at least one of the continuous corrugated sheet and the third continuous sheet, and applying a second side of the continuous corrugated sheet to a surface of the third continuous sheet, thereby forming the continuous sheet of aerosol-forming substrate. At least one of the first, second and third continuous sheets may be a sheet of homogenised tobacco.

The method may further comprise the step of marking the elongated strip of dispensable material to facilitate severing of the elongated strip of dispensable material. At least one of the first, second and third continuous sheets may be marked with at least one of perforations, scores or notches. For example, the elongated strip of dispensable material may be marked using a dieanvil system, scoring rollers, laser cutting or ultrasonic scoring.

The resistance to draw (RTD) of the article or aerosol-generating article or a component of the article or aerosol-generating article is expressed with the units of pressure ‘millimetres WG’ or ‘millimetres of water gauge’ or ‘millimetres H2O’.

Unless otherwise specified, the resistance to draw (RTD) is measured in accordance with ISO 6565-2015. The RTD refers to the pressure required to force air through the full length of a component, such as the aerosol-forming substrate. The terms “pressure drop” or “draw resistance” of a component or article may also refer to the “resistance to draw”. Such terms generally refer to the measurements in accordance with ISO 6565-2015 are normally carried out at under test at a volumetric flow rate of about 17.5 millilitres per second at the output or downstream end of the measured component at a temperature of about 22 degrees Celsius, a pressure of about 101 kPa (about 760 Torr) and a relative humidity of about 60%.

As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating article” may refer to an article able to generate, or release, an aerosol.

As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating product” may refer to a product comprising a component capable of being severed to produce a plurality of discrete aerosol-generating articles, for example an aerosol-generating product may be or comprise a strip of elongated aerosolforming dispensable material able to be severed to produce a plurality of discrete aerosolgenerating articles. An aerosol-generating product may include additional components such as a housing.

As used herein, the term “aerosol-forming substrate” may refer to a substrate capable of releasing an aerosol or volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. An aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aerosol-forming material. An aerosol-forming material may be adsorbed, coated, impregnated, or otherwise loaded onto a carrier or support.

As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating device” may refer to a device for use with an aerosol-generating article to enable the generation, or release, of an aerosol.

As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating system” refers to a combination of an aerosolgenerating device and one or more aerosol-generating articles for use with the device. An aerosol- generating system may include additional components, such as a charging unit for recharging an on-board electric power supply in an electrically operated or electric aerosol-generating device.

As used herein, the term “aerosol former” may refer to any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that, in use, facilitates formation of an aerosol. The aerosol may be a dense and stable aerosol. The aerosol may be substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate or aerosol-generating article.

As used herein with reference to the invention, the term “nicotine”, is used to describe nicotine, nicotine base or a nicotine salt.

As used herein with reference to the invention, the terms “proximal”, “distal”, “upstream” and “downstream” are used to describe the relative positions of components, or portions of components, of the cartridge and aerosol-generating system.

As used herein, a “susceptor” means a conductive element that heats up when subjected to a changing magnetic field. This may be the result of eddy currents induced in the susceptor element and/or hysteresis losses.

As used herein, the term “usage session” refers to an operational period of the aerosolgenerating system having a finite duration. A usage session may be a specific type of event that can be performed by the aerosol-generating system. A usage session may be initiated by the action of a user. A usage session may be terminated after a predetermined period of time has elapsed from the initiation of the usage session. A usage session may be terminated after a monitored parameter has reached a threshold during the usage session.

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 product comprising, or consisting of, an elongated strip of dispensable material defined by an initial strip length, a strip width, and a strip thickness, in which the elongated strip of dispensable material is configured to be severable into a plurality of discrete aerosol-generating articles, each of the plurality of discrete aerosol-generating articles having an article length that is shorter than the initial strip length of the dispensable material.

Example Ex2. An aerosol-generating product according to example Ex1 in which the elongated strip of dispensable material is configured to be severed in a direction transverse to the strip length, for example in which material properties or physical properties of the elongated strip of dispensable material are configured to facilitate severing of the strip into the plurality of discrete aerosol-generating articles.

Example Ex3. An aerosol-generating product according to example Ex1 or example Ex2 in which the elongated strip of dispensable material comprises perforated portions configured to facilitate severing of the strip, for example in which a perforated portion comprises a transversely extending line of perforations, preferably in which the elongated strip of dispensable material comprises a plurality of perforated portions spaced at intervals along the length of the elongated strip of dispensable material.

Example Ex4. An aerosol-generating product according to example Ex3 in which perforations of the perforated portions extend partially or entirely through the thickness dimension of the elongated strip of dispensable material.

Example Ex5. An aerosol-generating product according to any preceding example in which the elongated strip of dispensable material comprises scored portions configured to facilitate severing of the strip, for example in which a scored portion comprises a transversely extending score or stress concentrator to facilitate crack initiation, preferably in which the elongated strip of dispensable material comprises a plurality of scored portions spaced at intervals along the length of the elongated strip of dispensable material.

Example Ex6. An aerosol-generating product according to any preceding example in which the elongated strip of dispensable material comprises a plurality of laterally extending notches configured to facilitate severing of the strip, for example in which notches are defined in the thickness dimension of the elongated dispensable material to facilitate crack initiation, preferably in which the elongated strip of dispensable material comprises a plurality of laterally extending notches spaced at intervals along the length of the elongated strip of dispensable material.

Example Ex7. An aerosol-generating product according to any preceding example in which the elongated strip of dispensable material comprises two or more layers, for example two or more layers laminated together, for example in which the elongated strip of dispensable material comprises at least a first planar layer forming an upper surface of the elongated strip of dispensable material and a second planar layer forming a lower surface of the elongated strip of dispensable material.

Example Ex8. An aerosol-generating product according to example Ex7 in which the elongated strip of dispensable material comprises a first planar layer, a second planar layer, and an intermediate layer or separation layer arranged between the first planar layer and the second planar layer, at least one of the first planar layer, the second planar layer and the intermediate or separation layer comprising or consisting of an aerosol-forming material.

Example Ex9. An aerosol-generating product according to example Ex8 in which the intermediate layer or the separation layer is a corrugated layer, for example in which the elongated strip of dispensable material comprises a first planar layer, a second planar layer, and a corrugated layer arranged between the first planar layer and the second planar layer, at least one of the first planar layer, the second planar layer and the corrugated layer comprising or consisting of an aerosol-forming material. Example Ex10. An aerosol-generating product according to example Ex9 in which corrugations are arranged perpendicular to the length direction of the elongated strip of dispensable material and parallel to the width direction of the elongated strip of dispensable material, for example such that corrugations are arranged perpendicular to the length direction of the elongated strip of dispensable material.

Example Ex11. An aerosol-generating product according to any of example Ex7 to example Ex10 in which the elongated strip of dispensable material comprises at least one layer comprising aerosol-forming material and at least one protective layer configured to protect an upper and/or lower surface of the at least one layer comprising aerosol-forming material, for example in which the at least one layer comprising aerosol-forming material has an upper surface covered by an upper protective layer and/or a lower surface covered by a lower protective layer.

Example Ex12. An aerosol-generating product according to example Ex11 in which the at least one protective layer has a higher tensile strength than the at least one aerosol-forming material, for example in which the at least one protective layer supports the at least one aerosolforming material.

Example Ex13. An aerosol-generating product according to example Ex11 or example Ex12 in which the at least one protective layer is formed from a non-aerosol-forming material.

Example Ex14. An aerosol-generating product according to example Ex11 to example Ex13 in which the at least one protective layer is configured to be removed from the at least one layer comprising aerosol-forming material.

Example Ex15. An aerosol-generating product according to example Ex11 to example Ex14 in which perforations, notches, or scores are defined in the at least one protective layer to facilitate severing of the at least one protective layer.

Example Ex16. An aerosol-generating product according to any preceding example in which at least a portion of the elongated strip of dispensable material is susceptible to fatigue cracking, for example in which at least a portion of the elongated strip of dispensable material comprises polyisobutylene.

Example Ex17. An aerosol-generating product according to any preceding example in which the initial strip length is greater than the strip width, and the strip width is greater than the strip thickness.

Example Ex18. An aerosol-generating product according to any preceding example in which each of the plurality of discrete aerosol-generating articles has an article width and an article thickness, in which the article width is equal to the strip width of the elongated strip of dispensable material and the article thickness is equal to the strip thickness of the elongated strip of dispensable material. Example Ex19. An aerosol-generating product according to any preceding example in which the elongated strip of dispensable material is disposed in a coil, for example in which the elongated strip of dispensable material is disposed in the form of a coil within a housing.

Example Ex20. An aerosol-generating product according to any preceding example in which the strip thickness is greater than or equal to 0.5 millimetres.

Example Ex21. An aerosol-generating product according to any preceding example in which the strip thickness of the elongated strip of dispensable material is between 1 millimetre and 35 millimetres, for example between 3 millimetres and 20 millimetres, for example between 4 millimetres and 15 millimetres, for example about 5 millimetres, or about 8 millimetres, or about 11 millimetres, or about 14 millimetres.

Example Ex22. An aerosol-generating product according to any preceding example in which the initial strip length of the elongated strip of dispensable material is between 10 millimetres and 10000 millimetres, for example between 20 and 800 millimetres, for example between 30 and 600 millimetres, for example between 150 and 500 millimetres.

Example Ex23. An aerosol-generating product according to any preceding example in which the article length of each of the plurality of discrete aerosol-generating articles is between 10 millimetres and 100 millimetres, for example between 20 millimetres and 80 millimetres, for example between 30 millimetres and 60 millimetres, for example about 30 millimetres, or about 35 millimetres, or about 40 millimetres, or about 50 millimetres.

Example Ex24. An aerosol-generating product according to any preceding example in which the strip width of the elongated strip of dispensable material is between 5 millimetres and 60 millimetres, for example between 10 millimetres and 50 millimetres, for example between 15 millimetres and 40 millimetres, for example about 15 millimetres, or about 20 millimetres, or about 25 millimetres, or about 30 millimetres.

Example Ex25. An aerosol-generating product according to any preceding example in which the elongated strip of dispensable material has a Youngs modulus of between 0.5 MPa and 100 MPa, for example between 0.7 MPa and 50 MPa, or between 0.8 MPa and 5 MPa.

Example Ex26. An aerosol-generating product according to any preceding example in which an air flow path is defined through the elongated strip of dispensable material, for example in which a low resistance airflow path is defined through the elongated strip of dispensable material, for example in which the elongated strip of dispensable material has a resistance to draw (RTD), along the air flow path, of less than 80 millimetre H2O, or less than 40 millimetre H2O, or less than 30 millimetre H2O.

Example Ex27. An aerosol-generating product according to any preceding example in which the elongated strip of dispensable material is rolled onto a spool. Example Ex28. An aerosol-generating product according to example Ex27 in which the elongated strip of dispensable material is rolled onto a spindle or shaft of a spool, in which a maximum thickness or diameter of the spindle or shaft is between 4 millimetres and 60 millimetres, for example between 5 millimetres and 40 millimetres, for example between 6 millimetres and 30 millimetres.

Example Ex29. An aerosol-generating product according to any preceding example in which the elongated strip of dispensable material is located within a housing or casing, for example a substantially cylindrical housing.

Example Ex30. An aerosol-generating product according to example Ex29 in which the elongated strip of dispensable material is rolled onto the spindle or shaft of a spool, the spindle or shaft of the spool being located in a substantially radially central portion of the housing, for example the cylindrical housing.

Example Ex31 . An aerosol-generating product according to example Ex29 or example Ex30 in which the housing defines a cavity for receiving, or partially receiving, the elongated strip of dispensable material.

Example Ex32. An aerosol-generating product according to any of example Ex29 to example Ex31 in which the housing defines an opening, in which the elongated strip of dispensable material is dispensable through the opening.

Example Ex33. An aerosol-generating product according to any of example Ex29 to example Ex32 in which the opening has an opening width of between 10 millimetres and 50 millimetres, for example between 15 millimetres and 40 millimetres, for example between 18 millimetres and 30 millimetres.

Example Ex34. An aerosol-generating product according to any of example Ex29 to example Ex33 in which the opening has an opening thickness of 1 millimetre to 35 millimetres, for example between 3 millimetres and 20 millimetres, for example, between 4.5 millimetres and 15 millimetres.

Example Ex35. An aerosol-generating product according to any of example Ex29 to example Ex34, in which a first end of the elongated strip of dispensable material protrudes from the opening such that a user may draw the elongated strip of dispensable material through the opening.

Example Ex36. An aerosol-generating product according to any of example Ex29 to example Ex35 in which the housing defines a dispensing path, in which the elongated strip of dispensable material is configured to be dispensed through the opening along the dispensing path.

Example Ex37. An aerosol-generating product according to example Ex36 in which the dispensing path is a substantially spiral path. Example Ex38. An aerosol-generating product according to any preceding example comprising a guide element, in which the elongated strip of dispensable material is configured to slidably wind or wrap around the guide element.

Example Ex39. An aerosol-generating product according to example Ex38 in which the elongated strip of dispensable material is configured to slidably unwind or unwrap around the guide element.

Example Ex40. An aerosol-generating product according to example Ex38 or example Ex39 in which the guide element guides the elongated strip of dispensable material along the dispensing path.

Example Ex41. An aerosol-generating product according to any of example Ex38 to example Ex40 in which the guide element is configured to prevent self-collision of the elongated strip of dispensable material when the elongated strip of dispensable material is engaged with the dispensing path,

Example Ex42. An aerosol-generating product according to any of example Ex38 to example Ex41 in which the guide element comprises a plurality of guide rods or rollers.

Example Ex43. An aerosol-generating product according to any of example Ex38 to example Ex42 in which the guide element comprises a guide wall.

Example Ex44. An aerosol-generating product according to example Ex43 in which the guide wall is substantially parallel to the dispensing path.

Example Ex45. An aerosol-generating product according to any of example Ex29 to example Ex44 in which the elongated strip of dispensable material is arranged in overlapping layers inside the housing, for example in a spiral arrangement or a gathered arrangement.

Example Ex46. An aerosol-generating product according to any of example Ex29 to example Ex45 in which the housing comprises an edge, such as a blade, arranged to facilitate severing of the elongated strip of dispensable material into portions.

Example Ex47. An aerosol-generating product according to example Ex46 in which the edge is a serrated edge.

Example Ex48. An aerosol-generating product according to example Ex46 or example Ex47 in which the edge is located within the opening of the housing.

Example Ex49. An aerosol-generating product according to example Ex46 or example Ex47 in which the edge is located in proximity to the opening of the housing.

Example Ex50. An aerosol-generating product according to any of example Ex46 to example Ex49 in which the edge is recessed into the housing, such that a user cannot touch the edge through the opening. Example Ex51. An aerosol-generating product according to any of example Ex29 to example Ex50 in which the housing comprises a measuring guide for measuring a length of dispensable material protruding from the opening in the housing.

Example Ex52. An aerosol-generating product according to example Ex51 in which the measuring guide comprises one or more graduation marks on an outer surface of the housing.

Example Ex53. An aerosol-generating product according to example Ex51 or example Ex52 in which the measuring guide is printed on an exterior surface of the housing.

Example Ex54. An aerosol-generating product according to example Ex51 or example Ex52 in which the measuring guide is engraved on an exterior surface of the housing.

Example Ex55. A housing according to any of example Ex29 to example Ex54 for receiving an elongated strip of dispensable material.

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

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an aerosol-generating product according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an aerosol-generating product according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, including an aerosol-generating article severed from the product;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an aerosol-generating product according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, including an aerosol-generating article severed from the product;

Figure 4 a perspective view of an aerosol-generating product according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, including an aerosol-generating article severed from the product;

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of an aerosol-generating product according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of an aerosol-generating product according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an aerosol-generating product according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 8 shoes a schematic illustration of an apparatus used in the manufacture of an aerosol-generating product according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 9 shows an exploded view of an aerosol-generating product according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 10 shows a schematic side section view of an aerosol-generating product according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 11 shows a schematic side section view of an aerosol-generating product according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 12 shows a schematic side section view of an aerosol-generating product according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 13 shows a schematic side section view of an aerosol-generating product according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 14 shows a schematic bottom plan view of an aerosol-generating product according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

Figure 15 shows an exploded view of an aerosol-generating product according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an aerosol-generating product 100 in the form of an elongated strip of dispensable material 10. The elongated strip of dispensable material 10 is defined by an initial strip length (L), a strip width (W) and strip thickness (T). The initial strip length (L) is greater in magnitude than the strip width (W) and the strip width (W) is greater in magnitude than the strip thickness (T). In this specific example the initial strip length (L) is 600 millimetres, the strip width (W) is 20 millimetres, and the strip thickness (T) is 5 millimetres. Clearly, these dimensions may be varied for different specific examples. In some examples, the initial strip length (L) of the elongated strip of dispensable material 10 may be between 150 millimetres and 2500 millimetres. In some examples, the strip width (W) of the elongated strip of dispensable material 10 may between 5 millimetres and 60 millimetres. In some examples, the strip thickness (T) of the elongated strip of dispensable material 10 may be between 0.5 millimetres and 15 millimetres.

The elongated strip of dispensable material 10 comprises a substantially planar sheet of aerosol-forming substrate 12. In this specific example, the aerosol-forming substrate 12 comprises homogenised tobacco, however, many other suitable aerosol-forming materials may be used. The elongated strip of dispensable material 10 has a Youngs modulus of between 0.5 MPa and 5 MPa, typically in the region of 0.875 MPa. The aerosol-forming substrate 12 comprises a longitudinally extending air flow channel 15 extending from a distal end 13 of the substrate 12 to a proximal end 14 of the substrate 12.

The elongated strip of dispensable material 10 has an initial length of 600 millimetres and is configured to be severable into 20 discrete aerosol generating articles, each article having an article length of 30 millimetres, an article width of 20 millimetres and an article thickness of 5 millimetres. A portion of the air flow channel 15 is defined through a longitudinal dimension of each of the severed articles. Thus, a longitudinal air flow path is defined through each aerosolgenerating article after it has been severed from the elongated strip of aerosol-generating material, in order to allow air to be drawn through the article during use.

The elongated strip of dispensable material 10 may be severed by being torn or cut using a blade. Different ways in which the elongated strip of dispensable material 10 may be configured to be severable are disclosed below in relation to Figure 2, Figure 3 and Figure 4. Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of an aerosol-generating product 200 comprising an exemplary elongated strip of dispensable material 20 and an aerosol-generating article 25. The elongated strip of dispensable material 20 comprises a longitudinally extending air flow channel 250 extending from a distal end 230 of the elongated strip 20 to a proximal end 240 of the elongated strip 20. The elongated strip of dispensable material 20 comprises a substantially planar sheet of aerosol-forming substrate 220, which is substantially the same as the aerosolforming substrate 12 of Figure 1.

The elongated strip of dispensable material 20 comprises a plurality of perforated portions 21. Each perforated portion 21 comprises a transversely extending line of uniformly spaced perforations. The transversely extending line of uniformly spaced perforations extends along the width of the elongated strip of dispensable material 20. In this exemplary embodiment, the perforations extend partially through the thickness dimension of the elongated strip of dispensable material 20. In other embodiments, the perforations may extend fully through the thickness dimension of the elongated strip of dispensable material 20.

The perforated portions 21 are uniformed spaced at intervals along the length of the elongated strip of dispensable material 20. In this exemplary embodiment, a perpendicular distance between perforated portions is 30 millimetres. In other embodiments, the perpendicular distance between perforated portions may be between 20 millimetres and 50 millimetres.

The elongated strip of dispensable material 20 is configured to be severable into a plurality of discrete aerosol-generating articles 25 along the perforated portions 21. A discrete aerosolgenerating article 25 may be severed from the elongated strip of dispensable material 20 by tearing or bending the elongated strip of dispensable material 20 along a perforated portion 21 to initiate and propagate a crack in the elongated strip of dispensable material 20 until the discrete aerosol-generating article 25 is fully separated. Alternatively, aerosol-generating article 25 may be severed from the elongated strip of dispensable material 20 by cutting along a perforated portion 21 , for example by engaging a perforated portion 21 with an edge to facilitate severing along the perforated portion 21.

The discrete aerosol-generating article 25 is defined by an article length (LA), an article width (WA) and article thickness (TA). The article length (LA) is substantially equal to the perpendicular distance between two perforated portions 21 . The article width (WA) is equal to the strip width of the elongated strip of dispensable material 20. The article thickness (TA) is equal to the strip thickness of the elongated strip of dispensable material 20.

The discrete aerosol-generating article 25 comprises a longitudinally extending air flow channel 251 extending from a distal end 231 of the aerosol-generating article 25 to a proximal end 241 of the aerosol-generating article 25. The aerosol-generating article 25 is configured to be inserted into an aerosol-generating device to generate aerosol during a usage session.

Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of an aerosol-generating product 300 comprising an exemplary elongated strip of dispensable material 30 and an aerosol-generating article 35. The aerosol-generating article 35 is substantially the same as the aerosol-generating article 25 in Figure 2. The elongated strip of dispensable material 30 comprises a longitudinally extending air flow channel 350 extending from a distal end 330 of the elongated strip 30 to a proximal end 340 of the elongated strip 30. The elongated strip of dispensable material 30 comprises a substantially planar sheet of aerosol-forming substrate 320, which is substantially the same as the aerosolforming substrate 12 of Figure 1.

The elongated strip of dispensable material 30 comprises a plurality of transversely extending scores or stress concentrators 31 . For convenience, the term “score” is used below to describe any one of the plurality of transversely extending scores or stress concentrators. Each score 31 extends parallel to the width of the elongated strip of dispensable material 30. In this exemplary embodiment, the score extends fully along the width dimension of the elongated strip of dispensable material 30. Each score 31 extends partially through the thickness dimension of the elongated strip of dispensable material 30.

The scores 31 are uniformed spaced at intervals along the length of the elongated strip of dispensable material. In this exemplary embodiment, a perpendicular distance between scores is 30 millimetres. In other embodiments, the perpendicular distance between scores may be between 20 millimetres and 50 millimetres.

The elongated strip of dispensable material 30 is configured to be severable into a plurality of discrete aerosol-generating articles 35 along the scores 31. A discrete aerosol-generating article 35 may be severed from the elongated strip of dispensable material by tearing or bending the elongated strip of dispensable material 30 along a score 31 to initiate and propagate a crack in the elongated strip of dispensable material 30 until the discrete aerosol-generating article 35 is fully separated. Alternatively, aerosol-generating article 35 may be severed from the elongated strip of dispensable material 30 by cutting along a scored portion 31 , for example by engaging a scored portion 31 with an edge to facilitate severing along the scored portion 31.

Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of an aerosol-generating product 400 comprising an exemplary elongated strip of dispensable material 40 and an aerosol-generating article 45. The aerosol-generating article 35 is substantially the same as the aerosol-generating article 25 in Figure 2. The elongated strip of dispensable material 40 comprises a longitudinally extending air flow channel 450 extending from a distal end 430 of the elongated strip 40 to a proximal end 440 of the elongated strip 40. The elongated strip of dispensable material 40 comprises a substantially planar sheet of aerosol-forming substrate 420, which is substantially the same as the aerosolforming substrate 12 of Figure 1.

The elongated strip of dispensable material 40 comprises a plurality of laterally extending V-shaped notches 41. In other embodiments, the notches 41 may be U-shaped or semi-circular.

Each notch 41 has a notch depth extending parallel to the width of the elongated strip of dispensable material 40. The notch depth extends partially through the width dimension of the elongated strip of dispensable material. Each notch 41 has a notch thickness extending parallel to the thickness dimension of the elongated strip of dispensable material 40. The notch thickness extends fully through the thickness dimension of the elongated strip of dispensable material 40. The plurality of laterally extending notches is arranged in a symmetrical arrangement about a central longitudinal axis of the elongated strip of dispensable material 40, such that each notch 41 is symmetrical with a corresponding notch on the opposite side of the central longitudinal axis. Thus, a transverse line 42 extends between two symmetrical notches which is parallel to the width dimension of the elongated strip of dispensable material 40.

The notches 41 are uniformed spaced at intervals along the length of the elongated strip of dispensable material 40. In this exemplary embodiment, a longitudinal distance between notches is 30 millimetres. In other embodiments, the longitudinal distance between notches may be between 20 millimetres and 50 millimetres.

The elongated strip of dispensable material 40 is configured to be severable into a plurality of discrete aerosol-generating articles 45 along a transverse line 42 extending between two symmetrical notches 41. A discrete aerosol-generating article 45 may be severed from the elongated strip of dispensable material by tearing or bending the elongated strip of dispensable material 40 along the transverse line 42 to initiate and propagate a crack in the elongated strip of dispensable material 40 until the discrete aerosol-generating article 45 is fully separated. Alternatively, aerosol-generating article 45 may be severed from the elongated strip of dispensable material 40 by cutting along the transverse line 42, for example by engaging a transverse line 42 with an edge to facilitate severing along the transverse line 42.

Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of an aerosol-generating product 500 comprising an elongated strip of dispensable material 50. The elongated strip of dispensable material 50 comprises a first planar layer 51 and a second planar layer 52. In this exemplary embodiment, the first planar layer 51 is formed from a sheet of paper having a thickness of 0.1 millimetres. In other embodiments, the first planar layer may have a thickness of between 0.01 millimetres and 0.2 millimetres. The second planar layer 52 comprises a substantially planar sheet of aerosolforming substrate 520, which is substantially the same as the aerosol-forming substrate 12 of Figure 1. Points of intersection between the first planar layer 51 and second planar layer 52 comprise an adhesive that joins the respective layers. The aerosol-forming substrate 520 comprises a longitudinally extending air flow channel 550 extending from a distal end 530 of the elongated strip 50 to a proximal end 540 of the elongated strip 50.

The elongated strip of dispensable material 50 may comprise one or more of the perforated portions 21 , scored portions 31 and plurality of laterally extending notches 41 as described above (not shown). The perforated portions 21 , scored portions 31 or plurality of laterally extending notches 41 may extend through one or both of the first planar layer 51 and the second planar layer 52. Thus, the elongated strip of dispensable material 50 may be configured to be severable according to one or more of the ways described above.

The first planar layer 51 acts as a protective layer to prevent the second planar layer 51 from sticking to itself when the elongated strip of dispensable material 50 is rolled into a coil or a roll. The first planar layer 51 has a higher tensile strength than the second planar layer 32 and is configured to give structural support to the elongated strip of dispensable material 50. The first planar layer is configured to be removable from the second planar layer 52.

Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of an aerosol-generating product 600 comprising an elongated strip of dispensable material 60. The elongated strip of dispensable material 60 comprises a first planar layer 61 , a second planar layer 62, and an intermediate layer or separation layer 63 arranged between the first planar layer 61 and the second planar layer 62. The first planar layer 61 and the second planar layer 62 are substantially the same as the first planar layer 51 of Figure 5. The intermediate layer 63 comprises a corrugated element formed from a corrugated sheet 631 of aerosol-forming material. A suitable aerosol-forming material may be homogenised tobacco. Thus, in this example, the intermediate layer 63 comprises a corrugated sheet of homogenised tobacco material 631 . The intermediate layer 63 may comprise other suitable aerosol-forming material. The intermediate layer 63 has a thickness of 5 millimetres.

In this specific embodiment, the intermediate layer 63 is formed from a corrugated layer of aerosol-forming material, which comprises an aerosol-former such as glycerin or propylene glycol. The aerosol-former can be aerosolised by heating of the aerosol-forming material. The corrugated sheet of aerosol-forming material 631 may be impregnated with the aerosol-former. Alternatively, or in addition, the aerosol-former may be present in the intermediate layer 63 between the flutes of the corrugated element. The space between the flutes of the corrugated element may be referred to as channels 632, 642. The channels 632, 642 extend transversely through the elongated strip of aerosol-generating material 60.

The elongated strip of dispensable material 60 may comprise one or more of the perforated portions 21 , scored portions 31 and plurality of laterally extending notches 41 as described above (not shown). The perforated portions 21 , scored portions 31 or plurality of laterally extending notches 41 may extend through at least one of the first planar layer 61 , the second planar layer 62 and the intermediate layer 63. Thus, the elongated strip of dispensable material 60 may be configured to be severable according to one or more of the ways described above. The perforated portions 21 , scored portions 31 or plurality of laterally extending notches 41 may be aligned to the points of intersection 635, 645 between the first planar layer 61 and the intermediate layer 63 and between the second planar layer 62 and the intermediate layer 63.

Figure 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the elongated strip of dispensable material 60 of Figure 6. The corrugations have a peak-to-trough amplitude 610 of 5 millimetres and a wavelength 620 of 3 millimetres.

Points of intersection 635, 645 between the first planar layer 61 and the intermediate layer

63 and between the second planar layer 62 and the intermediate layer 63 comprise an adhesive that joins the respective layers.

Corrugations of the intermediate layer 63 form a first set of transverse channels 632 that are bounded by the first planar layer 61 and the intermediate layer 63, and a second set of transverse channels 642 bounded by the second planar layer 62 and the intermediate layer 63. The first and second set of transverse channels 632, 642 extend through the width of the elongated strip of disposable material 60. The transverse channels 632, 642 define a lateral air flow path through the elongated strip of disposable material 60. The air flow path, therefore, passes over both sides of the corrugated sheet of aerosol-forming material. The porosity of the elongated strip of dispensable material along the air flow path is in the region of 90%.

The corrugations of the intermediate layer 63 are transverse to the length of the elongated strip of dispensable material 60. As such, the corrugations can provide compressive strength to the elongated strip of disposable material 60 without compromising the ability of the elongated strip of disposable material 60 to be rolled in the length direction.

Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of an apparatus 810 that may be used for the manufacture of the aerosol-generating product 800 to create the perforated portions 21 , scored portions 31 and laterally extending notches 41. The apparatus comprises a stamping die 81 and an anvil 82. A continuous sheet of aerosol-generating product 800 is conveyed along rollers 83 to the stamping die 81 and anvil 82. To create the scored portions, the stamping die 81 pierces or compresses the aerosol-generating product 800 against the anvil 82 to form a transversely extending score 31. To create perforated portions 21 (not shown), the stamping die 81 may configured with a pointed tip to perforate the aerosol-generating product 800 when the stamping die 81 compresses the aerosol-generating product 800 against the anvil 82. To create laterally extending notches 41 (not shown), the stamping die may be configured with a blade to cut out notches 41 in the aerosol-generating product 800 when the stamping die 81 compresses the aerosol-generating product 800 against the anvil 82. Figure 9 illustrates an exploded view of an aerosol-generating product 900 comprising a housing 95, an elongated strip of dispensable material 90 and a housing lid 96. The elongated strip of dispensable material 90 is arranged in a coil or roll and is configured to be received in a cavity 951 of the housing 95. The elongated strip of dispensable material 90 has the same dimensions as the elongated strip of dispensable material 10 in Figure 1. The housing lid 96 is configured to engage with the housing 95 to retain the elongated strip of dispensable material 90 within the housing 95.

The housing 95 comprises an opening 955 having an opening width 956 and an opening thickness 957. The opening width 956 is greater than the strip width of the elongated strip of dispensable material 90. In this exemplary embodiment, the opening 955 has an opening width 956 of 30 millimetres. The opening thickness is greater than the strip thickness of the elongated strip of dispensable material 90. In this exemplary embodiment, the opening 955 has an opening thickness 957 of 10 millimetres. The elongated strip of dispensable material 90, or a section of the elongated strip of dispensable material 90, can be withdrawn from the housing 95 through the opening 955 by pulling an end of the elongated strip of dispensable material 90 through the opening. Thus, the roll of elongated strip of dispensable material 90 unrolls as it is withdrawn from the housing 95. The housing 95 may comprise an edge or blade (not shown) within the opening 955 to facilitate severing of the elongated strip of dispensable material 90.

The housing 95 is made from a bioplastic, such as polylactic acid (PLA). In other embodiments, the housing may be made of a paper-based material or aluminium. In this exemplary embodiment, the housing has a maximum housing height of 100 millimetres, a maximum housing width of 40 millimetres and a maximum housing depth of 25 millimetres.

Figure 10 illustrates a schematic side section view of an aerosol-generating product 1000 comprising a housing 105 and an elongated strip of dispensable material 90. The elongated strip of dispensable material 90 is substantially the same as elongated strip of dispensable material 90 of Figure 9. The housing 105 comprises a spindle 1050. The spindle 1050 extends into a cavity 1051 of the housing 105. The elongated strip of dispensable material 90 is rolled onto the spindle 1050. The spindle 1050 has a diameter of 10 millimetres. The spindle 1050 is configured to rotate. The elongated strip of dispensable material 90 can be rolled onto and rolled off of the spindle 1050. In other embodiments, the spindle 1050 may be static and have a smooth surface, such that the elongated strip of dispensable material 90 can be slidably rolled onto and rolled off of the spindle 1050. The roll of elongated strip of dispensable material 90 is located within a substantially cylindrical housing 105. The spindle 1050 is located in a substantially radially central portion of the housing 105. The housing 105 comprises an opening 1055, which is the same as the opening 955 of Figure 9. Figure 11 illustrates a schematic side section view of an aerosol-generating product 1100 comprising a housing 115 and an elongated strip of dispensable material 90. The elongated strip of dispensable material 90 is substantially the same as elongated strip of dispensable material 90 of Figure 9. The housing comprises a plurality of guide rods 1150. Each guide rod is similar to the spindle 1050 in Figure 10. The guide rods 1150 extend into a cavity 1151 of the housing 115. The elongated strip of dispensable material 90 is wound around the plurality of guide rods 1150 in a spiral arrangement. The plurality of guide rods 1150 is arranged such that the elongated strip of dispensable material 90 can be wound and unwound around the guide rods 1150, without the elongated strip of dispensable material 90 colliding with itself. Each of the plurality of guide rods 1150 is configured to rotate about a central axis of the respective guide rod 1150. In other embodiments, the guide rods 1150 may be static and have a smooth surface, such that the elongated strip of dispensable material 90 can be slidably wound or wound around the guide rods 1150. The housing 115 comprises an opening 1155, which is substantially the same as the opening 955 of Figure 9.

Figure 12 illustrates a schematic side section view of an aerosol-generating product 1200 comprising a housing 125 and an elongated strip of dispensable material 90. The elongated strip of dispensable material 90 is substantially the same as elongated strip of dispensable material 90 of Figure 9. The housing comprises a guide wall 1250 arranged in a spiral. The guide wall 1250 extends into a cavity 1251 of the housing 125. The elongated strip of dispensable material 120 is wound around the guide wall 1250 in a spiral arrangement. The guide wall 1250 is arranged such that the elongated strip of dispensable material 90 can be wound and unwound around the guide wall 1250, without the elongated strip of dispensable material 120 colliding with itself. The guide wall 1250 is static and has a smooth surface, such that the elongated strip of dispensable material 90 can be slidably wound or wound around the guide wall 1250. The housing 125 comprises an opening 1255, which is substantially the same as the opening 955 of Figure 9.

Figure 13 illustrates a schematic side section view of an aerosol-generating product 1300 comprising a housing 135 and an elongated strip of dispensable material 90. The elongated strip of dispensable material 90 is substantially the same as elongated strip of dispensable material 90 of Figure 9. The housing 135 comprises a blade 131. The blade 131 is recessed into the housing 135 such that a user cannot touch the blade 131 through the opening 1355. When a surface of the elongated strip of dispensable material contacts the blade 131 with applied pressure, the blade 131 is arranged to at least partially sever a portion of elongated strip of dispensable material 90 in contact with the blade 131.

Figure 14 illustrates a schematic bottom plan view of an aerosol-generating product 1400 comprising a housing 145 and an elongated strip of dispensable material 90. The elongated strip of dispensable material 90 is substantially the same as elongated strip of dispensable material 90 of Figure 9. The housing 145 comprises an opening 1455, which is substantially the same as the opening 955 of Figure 9. The housing 145 comprises a measuring guide 140. The measuring guide 140 comprises a plurality of graduation marks 141 on an outer surface of the housing.

The housing 145 is configured such that a user may draw the elongated strip of dispensable material 90 through the opening 1455 and measure a length of dispensable material 90 protruding from the opening 1455 in the housing 145 using the measuring guide 140. The housing 145 may comprise a blade (not shown) to facilitate severing of the elongated strip of dispensable material 90 into portions. A user may sever the elongated strip of dispensable material 90 using the blade as described above.

Figure 15 illustrates an exploded view of an aerosol-generating product 1500 according to another embodiment of the invention. The aerosol-generating product comprises an elongated strip of dispensable material 90, a first housing section 150 and a second housing section 155. The elongated strip of dispensable material 90 is substantially the same as elongated strip of dispensable material 90 of Figure 9. The first housing section 150 is configured to engage with the second housing section 155 form a housing. The housing is configured to retain the elongated strip of dispensable material 90 within the housing.

The first housing section 150 comprises a first opening portion 151. The second housing section 155 comprises a second opening portion 156. When the first housing section 150 is engaged with the second housing section 155, the first opening portion 151 joins with the second opening portion 156 to form an opening. Thus, the elongated strip of dispensable material 90, or a section of the elongated strip of dispensable material 90, can be drawn from the housing through the opening, as described above.

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 ± 10 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 product comprising, or consisting of, an elongated strip of dispensable material defined by an initial strip length, a strip width, and a strip thickness, the elongated strip of dispensable material comprising an initial longitudinally extending air flow channel extending between a distal end and a proximal end of the elongated strip of dispensable material, in which the elongated strip of dispensable material is configured to be severable into a plurality of discrete aerosol-generating articles such that each of the plurality of discrete aerosolgenerating articles has an article length that is shorter than the initial strip length of the dispensable material and a longitudinally extending air flow channel, formed from a portion of the initial longitudinally extending air flow channel, defined between a distal end and a proximal end of the discrete aerosol-generating article.

2. An aerosol-generating product according to claim 1 in which the elongated strip of dispensable material is configured to be severed in a direction transverse to the strip length.

3. An aerosol-generating product according to any preceding claim in which at least one of perforations, notches, or scores are defined in the elongated strip of dispensable material to facilitate severing of the elongated strip of dispensable material.

4. An aerosol-generating product according to any preceding claim in which the elongated strip of dispensable material comprises at least one layer comprising aerosol-forming material and at least one protective layer configured to protect at least one of an upper and lower surface of the at least one layer comprising aerosol-forming material.

5. An aerosol-generating product according to claim 4 in which the at least one protective layer has a higher tensile strength than the at least one aerosol-forming material

6. An aerosol-generating product according to claim 4 or claim 5 in which the at least one protective layer is configured to be removed from the at least one layer comprising aerosolforming material.

7. An aerosol-generating product according to any preceding claim in which the elongated strip of dispensable material comprises a first planar layer, a second planar layer, and an intermediate layer arranged between the first planar layer and the second planar layer, at least one of the first planar layer, the second planar layer and the intermediate comprising or consisting of an aerosol-forming material.

8. An aerosol-generating product according to claim 7 in which the intermediate layer is a corrugated layer.

9. An aerosol-generating product according to claim 8 in which corrugations are arranged perpendicular to the strip length direction.

10. An aerosol-generating product according to any preceding claim in which the initial strip length of the elongated strip of dispensable material is between 30 and 600 millimetres, the strip thickness of the elongated strip of dispensable material is between 3 millimetres and 20 millimetres, and the strip width is between 15 millimetres and 40 millimetres.

11. An aerosol-generating product according to any preceding claim in which the elongated strip of dispensable material is disposed in a coil.

12. An aerosol-generating product according to any preceding claim in which the elongated strip of dispensable material is located within a housing, in which the elongated strip of dispensable material is dispensable through an opening in the housing.

13. An aerosol-generating product according to claim 12 comprising a guide element, in which the elongated strip of dispensable material is configured to slidably wind or wrap around the guide element.

14. An aerosol-generating product according to claim 12 or claim 13 in which the housing comprises an edge, such as a blade, arranged to facilitate severing of the elongated strip of dispensable material into portions.

15. An aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating product according to any preceding claim and an aerosol-generating device configured to receive an aerosol-generating article severed from the aerosol-generating product.