A CONSUMABLE

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a National Phase entry of PCT Application No. PCT/GB2023/052743 filed Oct. 20, 2023, which claims priority to GB Application No. 2215645.9 filed Oct. 21, 2022, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a consumable for use with an aerosol provision system, and aerosol provision system comprising the consumable.

BACKGROUND

Certain tobacco industry products produce an aerosol during use, which is inhaled by a user. For example, tobacco heating devices heat an aerosol generating substrate such as tobacco to form an aerosol by heating, but not burning, the substrate. Such tobacco industry products commonly include consumables containing aerosol generating material for use in a heating device.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a consumable for use with an aerosol provision system, the consumable comprising an outer tube, and inner member inside the outer tube, and at least one support that supports the inner member relative to the outer tube so that at least one air gap exists between the inner member and the outer tube, wherein the consumable comprises an aerosol generating material that is heatable to generate aerosol in the at least one air gap, wherein the outer tube comprise a tube wall and the inner member comprises a member wall, and wherein a layer of granular material is provided between the tube wall of the outer tube and the member wall of the inner member.

In some embodiments, the layer of granular material may be air permeable.

In some embodiments, the granular material may comprise silica.

In some embodiments, the granular material may be an aerosol-generating material.

In some embodiments, the at least one support may comprise a component located at an axial end of the consumable.

In some embodiments, at least one of the inner member and the outer tube may comprise aerosol-generating material.

In some embodiments, at least one of the inner member and the outer tube may comprise the layer of granular material.

In some embodiments, the inner member may comprises the aerosol-generating material and the layer of granular material, and the layer of granular material may be located closer to the inner member than the aerosol-generating material.

In some embodiments, the inner member may comprise the aerosol-generating material and the layer of granular material, and the aerosol generating material may be located closer to the inner member than the layer of granular material.

In some embodiments, the outer tube may comprise the aerosol-generating material and the layer of granular material, and the layer of granular material may be located closer to the outer tube than the aerosol-generating material.

In some embodiments, the outer tube may comprise the aerosol-generating material and the layer of granular material, and the aerosol generating material may be located closer to the outer tube than the layer of granular material.

In some embodiments, one of the outer tube and the inner member may comprise aerosol-generating material and the other of the outer tube and the inner member may comprise the layer of granular material

In some embodiments, at least one of the inner member and the outer tube may comprise a carrier, the aerosol-generating material being affixed to the carrier.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may be an aerosol-generating film provided on the carrier.

In some embodiments, the layer of granular material may be the carrier.

In some embodiments, at least one of the inner member and the outer tube may be circular.

In some embodiments, at least one of the inner member and the outer tube may be non-circular.

In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system comprising, the consumable of the first aspect, and an aerosol provision device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional end view of an embodiment of a consumable;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional end view of an embodiment of a consumable;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional end view of an embodiment of a consumable;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional end view of an embodiment of a consumable;

FIG. 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional end view of an embodiment of a consumable;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional end view of an embodiment of a consumable;

FIG. 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional end view of an embodiment of a consumable; and

FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of a system comprising a consumable and an aerosol provision device.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the term “delivery system” is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user, and includes: non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds from an aerosol-generating material without combusting the aerosol-generating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials.

According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. IN some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

The non-combustible aerosol provision systems described herein comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device.

This disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energized so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, and aerosol generation area, a hosing, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.

In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosol-modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material or a material that is not intended to be aerosolized. As appropriate, either material may comprise one or more active constituents, one or more flavors, one or more aerosol-former materials, and/or one or more other functional materials.

In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance.

The active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical.

In one embodiment the active substance is a legally permissible recreational drug

In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.

As noted herein, the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.

The active substance may be CBD or a derivative thereof

As noted herein, the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term “botanical” includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like. Alternatively, the material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like. Example botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination thereof. The mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha arventis, Mentha c.v., Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v., Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Mentha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens

In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is tobacco.

In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp.

In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel.

In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a flavor.

As used herein, the terms “flavor” and “flavorant” refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. They may include naturally occurring flavor materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, Ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gas.

In some embodiments, the flavor comprises menthol, spearmint and/or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and/or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor components extracted from cannabis.

In some embodiments, the flavor may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucalyptol, WS-3.

Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or semi-solid (such as a gel) which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavorants.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and/or flavors, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise a binder, such as a gelling agent, and an aerosol former. Optionally, a substance to be delivered and/or filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, is also present and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free from botanical material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise or be in the form of an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may comprise a binder, such as a gelling agent, and an aerosol former. Optionally, a substance to be delivered and/or filler may also be present. The aerosol-generating film may be substantially free from botanical material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.

The aerosol-generating film may have a thickness of about 0.015 mm to about 1 mm. For example, the thickness may be in the range of about 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm or 0.15 mm to about 0.5 mm or 0.3 mm.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise more than one film, and the thickness described herein may refer to the aggregate thickness of those films.

The aerosol-generating film may be continuous. For example, the film may comprise or be a continuous sheet of material. The sheet may be in the form of a wrapper, it may be gathered to form a gathered sheet or it may be shredded to form a shredded sheet. The shredded sheet may comprise one or more strands or strips of aerosol-generating material.

The aerosol-generating film may be discontinuous. For example, the aerosol-generating film may comprise one or more discrete portions or regions of aerosol-generating material, such as dots, stripes or lines, which may be supported on a support. In such embodiments, the support may be planar or non-planar.

The aerosol-generating film may be formed by combining a binder, such as a gelling agent, with a solvent, such as water, an aerosol-former and one or more other components, such as one or more substances to be delivered, to form a slurry and then heating the slurry to volatilize at least some of the solvent to form the aerosol-generating film.

The slurry may be heated to remove at least about 60 wt %, 70 wt %, 80 wt %, 85 wt % or 90 wt % of the solvent.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise or be an “amorphous solid”. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material comprises an aerosol-generating film that is an amorphous solid. The amorphous solid may be a “monolithic solid”. The amorphous solid may be substantially non-fibrous. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may, for example, comprise from about 50 wt %, 60 wt % or 70 wt % of amorphous solid, to about 90 wt %, 95 wt % or 100 wt % of amorphous solid.

The amorphous solid may be substantially free from botanical material. The amorphous solid may be substantially tobacco free.

The aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material may comprise on or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

The one or more other functional materials may comprise on or more of pH regulators, coloring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.

The aerosol generating material may be present on or in a support, the support forming a substrate. The support may, for example, be or comprise paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, a plastics material, a ceramic material, a composite material, glass, a metal, or a metal alloy. In some embodiments, the support comprises a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or either side of the material.

A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a carrying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.

An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance, typically located downstream of the aerosol generation area, that is configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example by changing the taste, flavor, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosol-modifying agent may be provided in an aerosol-modifying agent release component, that is operable to selectively release the aerosol-modifying agent.

The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be an additive or a sorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, comprise one or more of a flavorant, a colorant, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol-modifying agent may be in powder, thread, or granule form. The aerosol-modifying agent may be free from filtration material.

An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol.

Referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 7, there are shown schematic cross-sectional end and side views of examples of a consumable 100, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170 according to an embodiment of the invention. The consumable 100 is for use with an aerosol provision device 200 for heating aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, such as the device 200 shown in FIG. 8 and described below.

The consumable 100 comprises an outer tube 101, and an inner member 102 inside the outer tube 101. The consumable 100 further comprises at least one support 103. The at least one support 103 supports the inner member 102 relative to the outer tube 101 so that at least one air gap 104 exists between the inner member 102 and the outer tube 101.

The consumable 100 further comprises an aerosol generating material 105 that is heatable to generate aerosol in the at least one air gap 104. The outer tube 101 comprises a tube wall 111. The inner member 102 comprises a member wall 113. The consumable 100 further comprises a layer of granular material 106 provided between the outer tube 101 and the inner member 102. That is, the layer of granular material 106 is provided between the tube wall 111 of the outer tube 101 and the member wall 113 of the inner member 102, as will be described in more detail hereinafter.

The layer of granular material 106 provided between the tube wall 111 of the outer tube 101 and the member wall 113 of the inner member 102 reduces the available volume for air flow through the at least one air gap 104 defined between the tube wall 111 of the outer tube 101 and the member wall 113 of the inner member 102. Therefore, providing the layer of granular material 106 between the tube wall 111 of the outer tube 101 and member wall 113 of the inner member 102 increases the pressure drop through the consumable 100. This provides an experience to the user that is more similar to the experience felt when inhaling on a conventional cigarette.

The at least one air gap 104 may be in the range of 1 mm to 4 mm wide. That is, the distance between the tube wall 111 of the outer tube 101 and the member wall 113 of the inner member 102 may be in the range of 1 mm to 4 mm. In some embodiments, the at least one air gap 104 may be in the range of 2 mm to 2.5 mm wide.

The layer of granular material 106 may be air permeable. In some embodiments, the layer of granular material 106 may be formed from an aerosol-generating material, such as reconstituted tobacco. In some embodiments, the layer of granular material 106 may be formed from non-aerosol generating material, such as silica or sand. The layer of granular material 106 may be formed from, for example, but not limited to, tobacco granules, reconstituted tobacco, or any other granular material such as silica or sand.

The layer of granular material 106 may have an average particle size in the range of, for example, but not limited to, 10 microns to 150 microns. In some embodiments, the layer of granular material 106 may have an average particle size in the range of, for example, but not limited to, 30 microns to 120 microns. The layer of granular material 106 may cause a pressure drop of in the range of about, for example, but not limited to 30 to 90 mm mmWg. In some embodiments, the layer of granular material 106 may cause a pressure drop of in the range of about, for example, but not limited to 40 to 60 mmWg. In some embodiments, the layer of granular material 106 may cause a pressure drop of in the range of about, for example, but not limited to 10 to 40 mmWg.

In some embodiments, the consumable 100 may be combined with a filter section (not shown) located at a mouth end of the consumable 100. The filter section may cause a pressure drop of in the range of about, for example, but not limited to, 15 mmWg to 20 mmWg. In such a consumable, the layer of granular material 106 may cause a pressure drop in the range of about, for example, but not limited to, 10 to 40 mmWg.

Thus, the layer of granular material 106 may be configured to achieve the desired user experience in terms of taste and draw resistance. In addition, the layer of granular material 106 may be configured to provide the consumable 100 with a structure that is more resistant to being crushed, as will be described in more detail hereinafter.

The at least one support 103 may connect the inner member 102 to the outer tube 101. In some embodiments, the inner member 102 may comprise a hollow inner tube 102. The hollow inner tube 102 may define a passageway 107 therein. However, in other embodiments, the inner member 102 may be other than tubular, such as solid rod-shaped.

The consumable 100 of the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings have circular inner and outer cross-sectional shapes. Moreover, the outer tube 101 and inner member 102 are both shown as being circular. For example, the outer tube 101 may have a diameter in the range of about 10 mm to about 15 mm. In some embodiments, the outer tube 101 may have a diameter of about 13 mm. However, in other embodiments, one or each of the outer tube 101 and the inner member 102 is non-circular, such as, for example, but not limited to, elliptical, polygonal, rectangular, square, triangular, or star-shaped. In some embodiments, the outer tube 101 and/or the inner member 102 is corrugated.

The consumable 100 of the present embodiment extends along an axis A. The axis A is a central axis that extends along the length of the consumable 100. In the present embodiment, the consumable 100 is elongate in the direction of the axis A, but in other embodiments, a width or diameter of the consumable 100 may be greater than or equal to a dimension of the consumable 100 in the direction of the axis A, so that the consumable 100 is not elongate.

In the present embodiment, the inner member 102 and the outer tube 101 are substantially concentric, each with a center that lies of the axis A. However, in other embodiments, the inner member 102 may be non-concentric with the outer tube 101, and the center of one or each of the inner member 102 and the outer tube 101 may be spaced from the axis A.

As shown in FIG. 1, the consumable 100 comprises at least one support 103. In the present embodiment, the consumable 100 comprises three supports 103. However, it will be appreciated that the consumable 100 may comprise more or fewer supports 103. The supports 103 may be circumferential spaced apart from each other by air gaps 104. In some embodiments, the supports 103 may extend along the full length of the consumable 100. In some embodiments, the supports 103 may only extend along a part of the length of the consumable 100.

In some embodiments, the at least one support 103 may additionally or alternatively comprise a component located at an axial end of the consumable 100. The component may, for example, be located abutting axial end faces of the outer tube 101 and the inner member 102, or two supports may be located at respective axial ends of the outer tube 101 and the inner member 102. Such components may be end pieces. The components may be made of any suitable material, such as, for example, cellulose acetate, paper, or plastic material. The end pieces may have features for receiving the outer tube 101 and the inner member 102, respectively, and be configured to hold the inner member 102 relative to the outer tube 101.

The supports 103 may extend from the inner member 102 to the outer member 101 such that each of the supports 103 extend in a generally radial direction. Each of the supports 103 may extend in a radial direction that is perpendicular to the axis A of the consumable 100. Each of the supports 103 may take the form of a spoke or fin. Each of the supports 103 may be substantially planar. In some embodiments, the supports 103 may be non-planar, such as curved or corrugated.

In some embodiments, the at least one support 103 may be formed from a layer of granular material 106. The layer of granular material 106 may be formed such that it comprises at least one channel 109, see FIG. 7, extending through the at least one air gap 104 of the consumable 170. Alternatively, the layer of granular material 106 may be formed such that there are no defined channels 109 extending through the at least one air gap 104 except for the small air paths extending through the air permeable layer of granular material 106.

In some embodiments, at least one of the outer tube 101 and the inner member 102 comprise the aerosol-generating material 105. That is, the aerosol generating material 105 is directly or indirectly via another component in contact with the outer tube 101 or the inner member 102. For example, the aerosol generating material 105 may be in direct contact with the inner member 102 or may be in indirect contact with the inner member 102 via a layer of granular material 106. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material 105 may extend along the full length of the consumable 100. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material 105 may only extend along a part of the length of the consumable 100.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, at least one of the outer tube 101 and the inner member 102 comprise the layer of granular material 106. That is, the layer of granular material 106 is directly or indirectly via another component in contact with the outer tube 101 or the inner member 102. For example, the layer of granular material 106 may be in direct contact with the inner member 102 or may be in indirect contact with the inner member 102 via the aerosol generating material 105. In some embodiments, the layer of granular material 106 may extend along the full length of the consumable 100. In some embodiments, the layer of granular material 106 may only extend along a part of the length of the consumable 100.

Thus, in some embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 3 the outer tube 101 comprises the aerosol-generating material 105 and the layer of granular material 106. That is, the aerosol-generating material 105 and the layer of granular material 106 may be layered upon a surface of the outer tube 101. In other embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 4, the inner member 102 comprises the aerosol-generating material 105 and the layer of granular material 106. That is, the aerosol-generating material 105 and the layer of granular material 106 may be layered upon a surface of the inner member 102

In some embodiments, both the outer tube 101 and the inner member 102 comprise the aerosol-generating material 105 and the layer of granular material 106. In some embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 1, the outer tube 101 comprises the layer of granular material 106 and the inner member 102 comprises the aerosol generating material 105. In some embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 2, the outer tube comprises the aerosol generating material 105 and the inner member 102 comprises the layer of granular material 106.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of the consumable 100 according to the present invention is shown. The outer tube 101 comprises a layer of granular material 106. The outer tube 101 comprises a tube wall 111 having an inner surface 112. The tube wall 111 may be formed from, for example, but not limited to, paper or a plastics material. The layer of granular material 106 may be located on the inner surface 112 of the tube wall 111. Thus, the layer of granular material 106 may comprise an inner surface 117 of the outer tube 101 that defines an edge or boundary of the at least one air gap 103.

The inner member 102 comprises the aerosol-generating material 105. The inner member 102 comprises a member wall 113 having an outer surface 114. The member wall 115 may be formed from, for example, but not limited to paper, or a plastics material. The aerosol generating material 105 may be located on the outer surface 114 of the member wall 113. Thus, the aerosol-generating material 105 may comprise an outer surface 116 that defines an edge or boundary of the at least one air gap 103.

The inner member 102 may optionally further comprise a carrier 119. The aerosol-generating material 105 may be affixed to the carrier 119. Thus, the carrier 119 may be located on the outer surface 114 of the member wall 113. The carrier 119 may be located on an inner surface 115 of the aerosol-generating material 105 and located on the outer surface 114 of the member wall 113.

The aerosol-generating material 105 may be an aerosol-generating film provided on the carrier 119. However, it will be appreciated that the carrier 119 may be omitted and that the inner surface 115 of the aerosol generating material 105 may be in direct contact with the outer surface 114 of the member wall 113.

The at least one support 103 may extend between the outer tube 101 and the inner member 102. Thus, the at least one support 103 extends from the inner surface 117 of the layer of granular material 106 to the outer surface 116 of the aerosol generating material 105.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a second embodiment of the consumable 120 according to the present invention is shown. The second embodiment of the consumable 120 is similar to the first embodiment of the consumable 100 described above in relation to FIG. 1, and so a detailed description will be omitted herein. Furthermore, similar features and components will retain their terminology and reference numerals.

The main difference between the present embodiment and the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is the location of the aerosol generating material 105 and the layer of granular material 106. The outer tube 101 comprises an aerosol-generating material 105. The outer tube 101 comprises a tube wall 121 having an inner surface 122. The tube wall 121 may be formed from, for example, but not limited to, paper or a plastics material. The aerosol generating material 105 may be located on the inner surface 122 of the tube wall 121. Thus, the aerosol generating material 105 may comprise an inner surface 125 of the outer tube 101 that defines an edge or boundary of the at least one air gap 103

The outer tube 101 may optionally further comprise a carrier 129. The aerosol-generating material 105 may be affixed to the carrier 129. Thus, the carrier 129 may be located on the inner surface 122 of the tube wall 121. The carrier 129 may be located on the outer surface 126 of the aerosol-generating material 105. The aerosol-generating material 105 may be an aerosol-generating film provided on the carrier 129. However, it will be appreciated that the carrier 129 may be omitted and that the outer surface 126 of the aerosol generating material 105 may be in direct contact with the inner surface 122 of the tube wall 121.

The inner member 102 comprises the layer of granular material 106. The inner member 102 comprises a member wall 123 having an outer surface 124. The member wall 123 may be formed from, for example, but not limited to paper, or a plastics material. The layer of granular material 106 may be located on the outer surface 124 of the member wall 123. Thus, the layer of granular material 106 may comprise an outer surface 128 that defines an edge or boundary of the at least one air gap 103.

The at least one support 103 may extend between the outer tube 101 and the inner member 102. Thus, the at least one support 103 extends from the inner surface 125 of aerosol generating material 105 to the outer surface 128 of the layer of granular material 106.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a third embodiment of the consumable 130 according to the present invention is shown. The third embodiment of the consumable 130 is similar to the first and second embodiments of the consumable 100, 120 described above in relation to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, and so a detailed description will be omitted herein. Furthermore, similar features and components will retain their terminology and reference numerals.

The main difference between the present embodiment and the embodiments shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 is the location of the aerosol generating material 105 and the layer of granular material 106.

The outer tube 101 comprises an aerosol generating material 105 and a layer of granular material 106. The outer tube 101 comprises a tube wall 131 having an inner surface 132. The tube wall 131 may be formed from, for example, but not limited to, paper or a plastics material. The layer of granular material 106 may be located on the inner surface 132 of the tube wall 131. The layer of granular material 106 may have an inner surface 137.

The aerosol generating material 105 may be located on the inner surface 137 of the layer of granular material 106. Thus, the aerosol generating material 105 may comprise an inner surface 135 of the outer tube 101 that defines an edge or boundary of the at least one air gap 103.

The outer tube 101 may optionally further comprise a carrier 139, as shown in FIG. 3. The aerosol generating material 105 may be affixed to the carrier 139. Thus, the carrier 139 may be located on the inner surface 137 of the layer of granular material 106. The carrier 139 may be located on the outer surface 136 of the aerosol-generating material 105. The aerosol-generating material 105 may be an aerosol-generating film provided on the carrier 139. However, it will be appreciated that the carrier 139 may be omitted and that the outer surface 135 of the aerosol generating material 105 may be in direct contact with the inner surface 137 of the layer of granular material 106.

The inner member 102 may comprise a member wall 133 having an outer surface 134. The member wall 133 may be formed from, for example, but not limited to paper, or a plastics material. The outer surface 134 of the member wall 133 may define an edge or boundary of the least one air gap 103.

The at least one support 103 may extend between the outer tube 101 and the inner member 102. Thus, the at least one support 103 extends from the inner surface 135 of aerosol generating material 105 to the outer surface 134 of the member wall 133.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a fourth embodiment of the consumable 150 according to the present invention is shown. The fourth embodiment of the consumable 140 is similar to the third embodiment of the consumable 130 described above in relation to FIG. 3, and so a detailed description will be omitted herein. Furthermore, similar features and components will retain their terminology and reference numerals.

The main difference between the present embodiment and the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 is the order of the aerosol-generating material 105 and the layer of granular material 106.

The outer tube 101 comprises a layer of granular material 106 and an aerosol generating material 105. The outer tube 101 comprises a tube wall 141 having an inner surface 142. The tube wall 141 may be formed from, for example, but not limited to, paper or a plastics material. The aerosol generating material 105 may be located on the inner surface 142 of the tube wall 141. The aerosol generating material 105 may have an inner surface 145.

The outer tube 101 may optionally further comprise a carrier 149. The aerosol generating material 105 may be affixed to the carrier 149. Thus, the carrier 149 may be located on the inner surface 142 of the tube wall 141. The carrier 149 may be located on the outer surface 146 of the aerosol generating material 105. The aerosol-generating material 105 may be an aerosol-generating film provided on the carrier 149. However, it will be appreciated that the carrier 149 may be omitted and that the outer surface 146 of the aerosol generating material 105 may be in direct contact with the inner surface 142 of the tube wall 141.

The layer of granular material 106 may be located on the inner surface 145 of the aerosol generating material 105. Thus, the layer of granular material 106 may comprise an inner surface 147 that defines an edge or boundary of the at least one air gap 103.

The inner member 102 may comprise a member wall 143 having an outer surface 144. The member wall 143 may be formed from, for example, but not limited to paper, or a plastics material. The outer surface 144 of the member wall 143 may define an edge or boundary of the least one air gap 103.

The at least one support 103 may extend between the outer tube 101 and the inner member 102. Thus, the at least one support 103 extends from the inner surface 147 of the layer of granular material 106 to the outer surface 144 of the member wall 143.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a fifth embodiment of the consumable 150 according to the present invention is shown. The fifth embodiment of the consumable 150 is similar to the third and fourth embodiments of the consumable 130, 140 described above in relation to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, and so a detailed description will be omitted herein. Furthermore, similar features and components will retain their terminology and reference numerals.

The main difference between the present embodiment and the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 is that the aerosol-generating material 105 and the layer of granular material 106 form a part of the inner member 102 rather than the outer tube 101.

The outer tube 101 comprises a tube wall 151 having an inner surface 152. The tube wall 151 may be formed from, for example, but not limited to, paper or a plastics material. The inner surface 152 of the tube wall 151 defines an edge or boundary of the at least one air gap 103.

The inner member 102 may comprise an aerosol generating material 105 and a layer of granular material 106. The inner member 102 may comprise a member wall 153 having an outer surface 154. The member wall 153 may be formed from, for example, but not limited to paper, or a plastics material. The aerosol generating material 105 may be located on the outer surface 154 of the member wall 153. The aerosol generating material 105 may have an outer surface 156.

The inner tube 102 may optionally further comprise a carrier 159, as shown in FIG. 5. The aerosol generating material 105 may be affixed to the carrier 159. Thus, the carrier 159 may be located on the outer surface 154 of the member wall 153. The carrier 159 may be located on the inner surface 155 of the aerosol generating material 105. The aerosol generating material 105 may be an aerosol-generating film provided on the carrier 159. However, it will be appreciated that the carrier 159 may be omitted and that the inner surface 155 of the aerosol generating material 105 may be in direct contact with the outer surface 154 of the member wall 153.

The layer of granular material 106 may be located on the outer surface 156 of the aerosol generating material 105. Thus, the layer of granular material 106 may comprise an outer surface 158 that defines an edge or boundary of the at least one air gap 103.

The at least one support 103 may extend between the outer tube 101 and the inner member 102. Thus, the at least one support 103 may extend from the inner surface 152 of the tube wall 151 of the outer tube 101 to the outer surface 158 of the layer of granular material 106 of the inner member 102.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a sixth embodiment of the consumable 160 according to the present invention is shown. The sixth embodiment of the consumable 160 is similar to the fifth embodiment of the consumable 150 described above in relation to FIG. 5, and so a detailed description will be omitted herein. Furthermore, similar features and components will retain their terminology and reference numerals.

The main difference between the present embodiment and the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is the order of the aerosol-generating material 105 and the layer of granular material 106.

The outer tube 101 comprises a tube wall 161 having an inner surface 162. The tube wall 161 may be formed from, for example, but not limited to, paper or a plastics material. The inner surface 162 of the tube wall 161 defines an edge or boundary of the at least one air gap 103.

The inner member 102 may comprise an aerosol generating material 105 and a layer of granular material 106. The inner member 102 may comprise a member wall 163 having an outer surface 164. The member wall 163 may be formed from, for example, but not limited to paper, or a plastics material. The layer of granular material 106 may be located on the outer surface 164 of the member wall 163. The layer of granular material 106 may have an outer surface 168.

The aerosol generating material 105 may be located on the outer surface 168 of the layer of granular material 106. Thus, the aerosol generating material 105 may comprise an outer surface 166 that defines an edge or boundary of the at least one air gap 103.

The inner tube 102 may optionally further comprise a carrier 169. The aerosol generating material 105 may be affixed to the carrier 169. Thus, the carrier 169 may be located on the outer surface 168 of the layer of granular material 106. The carrier 169 may be located on the inner surface 165 of the aerosol generating material 105. The aerosol generating material 105 may be an aerosol-generating film provided on the carrier 169. However, it will be appreciated that the carrier 169 may be omitted and that the inner surface 165 of the aerosol generating material 105 may be in direct contact with the outer surface 168 of the layer of granular material 106.

FIG. 8 illustrates a system comprising the consumable 100, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170 and a non-combustible aerosol provision device 200. The non-combustible aerosol provision device 200 comprises an area 201 for receiving the consumable 100 and an aerosol generator 202. The aerosol generator 202 is configured to heat the aerosol-generating material A of the consumable 100 when it is received in the area 201 to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user.

The non-combustible aerosol provision device 200 further comprises a power source 203, a controller 204, and a puff sensor 205. In use, a user inserts a consumable 100 distal end B first into the area for receiving the consumable 201 and activates the aerosol generator 202 to generate an aerosol for inhalation. The user may then draw on the mouth end C of the consumable 100 or, alternatively, on a mouthpiece (not shown) of the non-combustible aerosol provision device 200 to inhale the aerosol.

In the illustrated example, the consumable 100 and the non-combustible aerosol provision device 200 are configured so that the mouth end C protrudes from the area 201 for receiving the consumable 100 when fully inserted into the non-combustible aerosol provision device 200. Therefore, the mouth end C is available for placing between the lips of the user while the user holds the device.

The puff sensor 205 is configured to detect when a user is drawing on the mouth end C of the consumable 100 within the non-combustible aerosol provision device 200 and to send a signal to the controller 204 to activate the aerosol generator 202. Therefore, aerosol is generated concurrently with the user inhaling on the consumable. Alternatively, the non-combustible aerosol provision device 200 may be provided with a user interface-such as a button (not shown)-that the user may press to cause the activation of the aerosol generator 202.

The aerosol generator 202 comprises any suitable means for heating the aerosol generating material A of a consumable 100 received in said area 201 of the non-combustible aerosol provision device 200. Power for the aerosol generator 202 is provided by the power source 203, which in the illustrated example is an electrical power source 203, such as a battery 203.

In one example, the aerosol generator 202 comprises a magnetic field generator configured to generate a varying magnetic field that penetrates the area 201 for receiving the consumable 100. The varying magnetic field heats a susceptor that is placed within the area 201 for receiving the consumable 100. This example is used where the consumable 100 comprises a susceptor in thermal contact with the aerosol-generating material A. Therefore, when such a consumable 100 is placed within the non-combustible aerosol provision device 200 and the aerosol generator 202 is activated, a carrying magnetic field penetrates the susceptor of the consumable 100 and causes heating of aerosol-generating material A in thermal contact with the susceptor, generating an aerosol for inhalation by a user.

In another example, the aerosol generator 202 comprises a susceptor in thermal contact with the area 201 for receiving the consumable 100; and a magnetic field generator for generating a varying magnetic field that penetrates the susceptor. The varying magnetic field heats the susceptor by magnetic hysteresis. The susceptor in turn heats the area 201 for receiving the consumable Therefore, when a consumable 100 is placed within the non-combustible aerosol provision device 200 and the aerosol generator 202 is activated, a varying magnetic field penetrates the susceptor and causes heating of the area 201 in which the consumable 100 is received. The heat is transferred to the aerosol-generating material A of the consumable 100, generating an aerosol for inhalation by the user.

In such embodiments, the susceptor may be a wall of the area 201 for receiving the consumable 100 and the consumable 100 may be configured for direct contact with the wall for efficient heat transfer. Alternatively, the susceptor may comprise one or more protrusions (not shown) that upstand within the area 201 for receiving the consumable. Therefore, the susceptor may be directly locatable within the consumable 100.

The susceptor may be directly locatable within one or more of the outer channels 13, or within the central channel 14, depending on the configuration of the susceptor. In one example the susceptor comprises protrusions configured for location within the outer channels 13. In such an example, the susceptor is optimised for use with consumables 100 comprising a section 1 as illustrated in the example of FIG. 1, or FIG. 3a. In another example, the susceptor comprises protrusions configured for location only in select outer channels 13. In such an example, the susceptor is optimised for use with consumables 100 comprising a section 1 as illustrated in the example of FIG. 4a. In particular, the protrusions may be configured for location only in outer channels 14 adjacent outer channels 14 comprising aerosol generating material 15. In another example, the susceptor comprises a protrusion configured for location within the central channel 14. In such an example, the susceptor is optimised for use with consumables 100 comprising a section 1 as illustrated in the examples of FIG. 4a, 5a or 6a.

In each of the above example susceptor configurations, it will be appreciated that the susceptor is configured for location in close proximity to the aerosol generating material A, but prevented from coming into direct contact with the aerosol generating material A.

In another example, the aerosol generator 202 comprises a material heatable by electrical conduction, the material being provided in thermal contact with the area 201 for receiving the consumable 100. Therefore, when a consumable is placed within the non-combustible aerosol provision device 200 and the aerosol generator 202 is activated, a current is passed through the material to heat the area 201 in which the consumable 100 is received. The heat is transferred to the aerosol-generating material A of the consumable 100, generating an aerosol for inhalation by the user. In such embodiments, the material may be a wall of the area 201 for receiving the consumable 100 and the consumable 100 may be configured for direct contact with the wall for efficient heat transfer.

The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the inventions as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combination of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc, other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not present claimed, but which may be in the future.