Smoking Substitute Consumable

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-forming article (e.g., a smoking substitute article such as an HNB consumable) comprising an aerosol-forming substrate and a filter element wherein the filter element is at least partly circumscribed by a flavored sleeve.

Claims

1. An aerosol-forming article comprising: an aerosol-forming substrate; and a filter element; wherein the filter element is at least partly circumscribed by a flavored sleeve.

2. An article according to claim 1, wherein the article is a heat not burn (HNB) consumable.

3. An article according to claim 1 or 2 wherein at least a portion of the flavored sleeve is formed of an absorbent material impregnated with flavorant.

4. An article according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein filter element further comprises at least one flavor pod.

5. An article according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, the filter element is a terminal filter element provided at the downstream axial end of the aerosol-forming article.

6. An article according to claim 5 wherein the terminal filter element is circumscribed by a tipping layer and the sleeve is interposed between the terminal filter element and the tipping layer.

7. An article according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the filter element is an upstream filter element, upstream from the downstream axial end of the article and axially adjacent the aerosol-forming substrate.

8. An article according to claim 7 wherein the upstream filter element is circumscribed by a wrapping layer and the sleeve is interposed between the upstream filter element and the wrapping layer.

9. An article according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the article comprises a terminal filter element and an upstream filter element wherein the flavored sleeve circumscribes one of the filter elements.

10. An article according to claim 9 wherein the upstream and terminal filter elements are axially spaced by an aerosol-cooling element and/or a spacer element.

11. A smoking substitute system comprising an article according to any one of claims 1-10 and a device comprising a heating element.

12. A system according to claim 11 wherein the device comprises a main body for housing the heating element and the heating element comprises an elongated heating element.

13. A method of using the system according to claim 11 or 12, the method comprising: inserting the article into the device; and heating the article using the heating element.

14. A method according to claim 13 comprising inserting the article into a cavity within a main body of the device and penetrating the article with the heating element upon insertion of the article.

15. A method according to claim 13 or 14 comprising releasing flavorant from the flavor pod before or during heating of the article by rupturing or melting an outer shell of the flavor pod.

16. An aerosol-forming article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate and at least one filter element downstream of the substrate wherein the article has at least one unimpeded flow path along the outer surface of the filter element and wherein the filter element comprises a flavorant additive.

17. The article according to claim 16 wherein the article is a heat-not-burn (HNB) consumable.

18. The article according to claim 16 or 17 wherein the filter element is a solid filter element.

19. The article of any of 16-18 wherein the filter element has an outer surface comprising a plurality of longitudinally-extending channels.

20. The article according to any one of claims 16-19 further comprising a sleeve circumscribing the filter element.

21. The article according to any one of claims 16-20, wherein the filter element comprises a longitudinally-extending thread carrying the flavorant additive.

22. The article according to any one of claims 16-21, wherein the filter element is a terminal filter element provided at the downstream axial end of the article.

23. The article/consumable according to claim 22 further comprising an upstream filter element upstream from the terminal filter element.

24. The article according to claim 23 wherein the upstream filter element is a hollow bore filter element.

25. The article/consumable according to claim 23 or 24 wherein the terminal filter element and the upstream filter element are axially spaced by an aerosol-cooling element and/or a spacer element.

26. A system comprising a smoking substitute article according to any one of claims 16-25, and a device comprising a heating element.

27. A system according to claim 26 wherein the device comprises a main body for housing the heating element and the heating element comprises an elongated heating element.

28. A method of using the system according to claim 26 or 27, the method comprising: inserting the article into the device; and heating the article using the heating element.

29. A method according to claim 28 comprising inserting the article into a cavity within a main body of the device and penetrating the article with the heating element upon insertion of the article.

30. An aerosol-forming article comprising a spacer element adapted to impart flavor to a vapor/aerosol.

31. An article according to claim 30 comprising: an aerosol-forming substrate and a spacer element downstream of the substrate; wherein the spacer element comprises a flavorant.

32. An article according to claim 30 wherein the article is a heat not burn consumable.

33. An article according to any one of claims 30 to 32 further comprising a terminal filter element at an axially downstream end of the article.

34. An article according to claim 33 wherein the spacer element is provided axially adjacent and upstream of the terminal filter element.

35. An article according to claim 33 or 34 further comprising an upstream filter element and wherein the spacer element is provided between the terminal filter element and the upstream filter element.

36. An article according to any one of claims 30-35, wherein the spacer element is a tubular spacer element.

37. An article according to claim 36 wherein the spacer element comprises a tube formed of cardboard or extruded plastic material.

38. An article according to any one of claims 30-37, wherein spacer element is impregnated with flavorant or comprises a layer of flavorant on an inside surface.

39. A system comprising an article according to any one of claims 30-38, and a device comprising a heating element.

40. A system according to claim 39 wherein the device comprises a main body for housing the heating element and the heating element comprises an elongated heating element.

41. A method of using the system according to claim 39 or 40, the method comprising: inserting the article into the device; and heating the article using the heating element.

42. A method according to claim 41 comprising inserting the article into a cavity within a main body of the device and penetrating the article with the heating element upon insertion of the article.

43. An aerosol-forming article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate and at least one of a downstream filter element, spacer element and aerosol-cooling element, wherein the article is circumscribed by a flavored outer wrapper and wherein at least one of the substrate, the filter element, the spacer element, and the cooling element comprises a flavorant additive.

44. An article according to claim 43 wherein the article is a heat-not-burn (HNB) consumable.

45. An article according to claim 43 or 44 wherein the outer wrapper comprises a wrapping layer circumscribing the aerosol-forming substrate.

46. An article according to claim 45 wherein the wrapping layer further circumscribes one or more of the filter element, aerosol-cooling element and spacer element.

47. An article according to claim 46 wherein the wrapping layer is flavored on its inner surface at a portion overlying one or more of the substrate, the upstream filter element, cooling element and spacer element.

48. An article according to any one of claims 45 to 47 wherein the outer wrapper further comprises a tipping layer at its axial downstream end which overlies a portion of the wrapping layer.

49. An article according to claim 48 wherein at least a portion of the tipping paper is flavored on its outer surface.

50. An article according to claim 49 wherein the tipping paper circumscribes a terminal filter element.

51. An article according to claim 50 further comprising an upstream filter element circumscribed by the wrapping layer.

52. An article according to claim 51 wherein the terminal and upstream filter elements are axially spaced by the cooling element and/or the spacer element.

53. An article according to any one of claims 43-52, wherein the spacer element comprises a tubular element having the flavorant additive coated/sprayed on its inside surface or being impregnated with the flavorant additive.

54. An article according to anyone of claims 43-53 wherein the cooling element comprises a flavorant additive.

55. An article according to any one of claims 50 to 54 wherein the filter element, upstream filter element and/or terminal filter element comprises a frangible capsule containing the flavorant additive and/or a flavored additive-soaked thread.

56. A system comprising a smoking substitute article according to any one of claims 43-55, and a device comprising a heating element.

57. A system according to claim 56 wherein the device comprises a main body for housing the heating element and the heating element comprises an elongated heating element.

58. A method of using the system according to claim 56 or 57, the method comprising: inserting the article into the device; and heating the article using the heating element.

59. A method according to claim 56 comprising inserting the article into a cavity within a main body of the device and penetrating the article with the heating element upon insertion of the article.

60. An aerosol-forming article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate and a layer of non-combustible material comprising a flavorant, wherein the layer of non-combustible material encloses at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate.

61. An aerosol-forming article according to claim 60, comprising: a wrapping layer with a laminate structure comprising a first layer and a second layer, the first layer being an inner layer adjacent the aerosol-forming substrate and the second layer lying outside the first layer; wherein the first layer comprises the non-combustible material.

62. An aerosol-forming article according to claim 61 wherein the second layer consists of cellulosic material.

63. An aerosol-forming article according to claim 62 wherein the cellulosic material comprises paper.

64. An aerosol-forming article according to any one of claims 60 to 63 wherein the non-combustible material comprises a metallic foil.

65. An aerosol-forming article according to claim 64 wherein the metallic foil is aluminum foil.

66. An aerosol-forming article according to any one of claims 60 to 65, wherein an inner surface of the layer of non-combustible material adjacent to the aerosol-forming substrate carries the flavorant.

67. An aerosol-forming article according to any one of claims 60 to 66, wherein the flavorant is applied to a surface of the layer of non-combustible material by spraying.

68. An aerosol-forming article according to any one of claims 60 to 67, wherein the flavorant comprises menthol.

69. An aerosol-forming article according to any one of claims 60 to 68, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a cylindrical rod of plant material.

70. An aerosol-forming article according to claim 69, wherein the layer of non-combustible material circumscribes the axially extending curved surface of the cylindrical rod of plant material.

71. An aerosol-forming article according to any one of claims 60 to 70 wherein the aerosol-forming article is a heat-not-burn consumable.

72. A system comprising an aerosol-forming article according to any one of the preceding claims and a device comprising a heating element.

73. A system according to claim 72 wherein the device comprises: a main body for housing the heating element; and the heating element comprises an elongated heating element.

74. A method of using the system according to claim 72 or 73, the method comprising: inserting the aerosol-forming article into the device; and heating the aerosol-forming article using the heating element.

75. A method according to claim 74 comprising inserting the aerosol-forming article into a cavity within a main body of the device main body and penetrating the aerosol-forming article with the heating element upon insertion of the aerosol-forming article.

76. An aerosol-forming article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate and at least one hollow bore filter element downstream from the aerosol-forming substrate wherein the at least one hollow bore filter element comprises a flavorant additive.

77. The article according to claim 76 wherein the article is a heat-not-burn (HNB) consumable.

78. The article according to claim 76 or claim 77 comprising a terminal hollow bore filter element at the downstream axial end of the article and/or an upstream hollow bore filter element upstream from the downstream axial end of the article comprising the flavorant additive.

79. The article according to claim 78 comprising a terminal hollow bore filter element with the flavorant additive and further comprising an upstream filter element.

80. The article according to claim 79 wherein the upstream filter element is a hollow bore filter element.

81. The article according to claim 78 comprising an upstream hollow bore filter element with the flavorant additive and further comprising a terminal filter element.

82. The article according to claim 81 wherein the terminal filter element is a hollow bore filter element.

83. The article according to any one of claims 78 to 82 wherein the terminal filter and element upstream filter elements are axially spaced by a spacer element and/or a cooling element.

84. The article according to any one of claims 76-83, wherein the or each hollow bore filter comprises cellulose acetate tow, activated charcoal, paper, or polymer tow.

85. The article according to any one of claims 76-84, wherein the or each hollow bore filter element has a bore diameter of between 2 and 4 mm.

86. The article according to any one of claims 76-85, wherein the flavorant additive is evenly dispersed throughout the hollow bore filter element.

87. A system, comprising: a smoking substitute article according to any one of the preceding claims; and a device comprising a heating element.

88. A system according to claim 87 wherein the device comprises a main body for housing the heating element and the heating element comprises an elongated heating element.

89. A method of using the system according to claim 87 or 88, the method comprising: inserting the article into the device; and heating the article using the heating element.

90. A method according to claim 89 comprising inserting the article into a cavity within a main body of the device and penetrating the article with the heating element upon insertion of the article.

91. An aerosol-forming article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises at least one discrete region of a first aerosol-forming material within a matrix of a second aerosol-forming material.

92. An article according to claim 91 comprising a plurality of discrete regions of the first aerosol-forming material dispersed within the matrix of the second aerosol-forming material.

93. An article according to claim 92 wherein the plurality of discrete regions of first aerosol-forming material is evenly spaced within the matrix of the second aerosol-forming material.

94. An article according to claim 92 or 93 wherein the plurality of discrete regions of first aerosol-forming material are entirely embedded within the matrix of the second aerosol-forming material.

95. An article according to any one of claims 91-94, wherein the first and/or second aerosol-forming material each comprise plant material.

96. An article according to claim 95 wherein the first aerosol-forming material and the second aerosol-forming material each comprises tobacco.

97. An article according to claim 96 wherein the second aerosol-forming material comprises one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, shredded tobacco and/or reconstituted tobacco.

98. A smoking substitute article according to claim 96 or 97 wherein the first aerosol-forming material comprises extruded tobacco.

99. An article according to claim 98 wherein the second aerosol-forming material comprises reconstituted tobacco and the first aerosol-forming material comprises extruded tobacco.

100. An article according to claim 98 or 99 wherein the first aerosol-forming material comprises pellet, granules or chips of extruded tobacco.

101. An article according to any one of claims 91-100, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises one or more additives selected from humectants, flavorants and/or binders.

102. A smoking substitute system comprising an article according to any one of claims 91-101, and a device comprising a heating element.

103. A system according to claim 102 wherein the device comprises a main body for housing the heating element and the heating element comprises an elongated heating element.

104. A method of using the system according to claim 102 or 103, the method comprising: inserting the article into the device; and heating the article using the heating element.

105. A method according to claim 104 comprising inserting the article into a cavity within a main body of the device and penetrating the article with the heating element upon insertion of the article.

106. A packaging for a plurality of aerosol-forming articles, the packaging comprising: a base and an opposing lid spaced by one or more walls so as to define a cavity for the aerosol-forming articles; and an internal liner, the liner lining at least a portion of the one or more walls, wherein the packaging comprises a first flavorant source provided on the liner and a second flavorant source provided on pad disposed on an internal surface of the packaging.

107. Packaging according to claim 106 wherein the internal liner lines the base, lid and one or more walls so as to enclose the aerosol-forming articles when received therein.

108. Packaging according to claim 106 or 107 wherein the pad is disposed on an internal surface of the lid or the base.

109. Packaging according to claim 107 wherein the pad is disposed on an internal surface of the liner.

110. Packaging according to claim 109 wherein the pad is disposed on an internal surface of the liner that lines the lid or base.

111. Packaging according to any one of claims 106-110, wherein the flavorant is coated, sprayed or painted onto the internal liner and/or the pad.

112. Packaging according to any one of claims 106-111 wherein both the first and second flavorant sources comprise menthol.

113. An aerosol-forming article package comprising: a base and an opposing lid spaced by one or more walls so as to define a cavity containing a plurality of aerosol-forming articles, each article comprising an outer wrapping layer comprising a flavorant; an internal liner comprising a flavorant and lining at least a portion of the one or more walls.

114. A package according to claim 113 wherein each aerosol-forming article comprises an aerosol-forming substrate and a terminal filter element downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate.

115. A package according to claim 114 wherein the outer wrapper of each aerosol-forming article comprises a wrapping layer at least partly circumscribing the aerosol-forming substrate, the wrapping layer comprising the flavorant.

116. A package according to claim 114 or 115 wherein the outer wrapper of each aerosol-forming article comprises a tipping layer at least partly circumscribing the terminal filter of the aerosol-forming article, the tipping layer comprising the flavorant.

117. A package according to claim 116 wherein the flavorant is applied to an outer surface of the tipping layer of each aerosol-forming article.

118. A package according to any one of claims 113 to 117 wherein the flavorant is coated, sprayed or painted onto the outer wrapper of each aerosol-forming article.

119. A package according to any one claim 113 to 118 wherein each aerosol-forming article is a heat-not-burn (HNB) consumable.

120. A method of flavoring an aerosol-forming article, the method comprising: providing a packaging according to any one of claims 106 to 112; and sealing an unflavored aerosol-forming article within the packaging for a period of time such that the aerosol-forming article acquires the flavor of the first and/or second flavorant source.

121. An aerosol-forming article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate wherein the article further comprises an additive carrier downstream and adjacent the aerosol-forming substrate.

122. An article according to claim 121 wherein the additive carrier is housed in a cavity which is downstream and axially adjacent the aerosol-forming substrate.

123. An article according to claim 122 wherein the cavity is dimensioned such that the additive carrier is held in abutment/contact with the downstream end of the aerosol-substrate.

124. An article according to claim 121 wherein the additive carrier is embedded in an upstream end of a filter element axially adjacent the aerosol-forming substrate.

125. An article according to any one of claims 121-124, wherein the additive carrier a crushable or meltable capsule or micro-molding.

126. An article according to any one of claims 121-125, wherein the additive carrier carries a liquid additive.

127. An article according to any one of claims 121-126, wherein the additive carrier carries an additive selected from humectants or flavorants.

128. An article according to any one of claims 121-127, wherein the additive carrier carries one or more of propylene glycol (PG), triethylene glycol, 1, 2-butane diol, vegetable glycerin (VG) and their esters.

129. An article according to any one of claims 121-128, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises tobacco.

130. A smoking substitute system comprising an article according to any one of claims 121-129, and a device comprising a heating element.

131. A system according to claim 129 wherein the device comprises a main body for housing the heating element and the heating element comprises an elongated heating element.

132. A method of using the system according to claim 130 or 131, the method comprising: inserting the article into the device; and heating the article using the heating element.

133. A method according to claim 132 comprising inserting the article into a cavity within a main body of the device and penetrating the article with the heating element upon insertion of the article.

134. A method according to claim 132 or 133 comprising releasing additive from the additive carrier during heating of the article by rupturing or melting an outer shell of the additive carrier.

135. An aerosol-forming article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate wherein the article further comprises a liquid pod enclosed within the aerosol-forming substrate and adapted to be ruptured mechanically upon coupling with a heating element.

136. An article according to claim 134 wherein the liquid pod comprises one or more humectant and/or flavorant.

137. An article according to claim 134 or 135 wherein the liquid pod carries one or more of propylene glycol (PG), triethylene glycol, 1, 2-butane diol, vegetable glycerin (VG) and their esters.

138. An article according to any one of claims 135-137, wherein the liquid pod comprises an outer shell which is mechanically rupturable by the heating element.

139. An article according to any one of claims 135-138, wherein the liquid pod is axially spaced from the upstream end of the substrate by a distance that is less than the penetration depth of the heating element during coupling with the consumable.

140. An article according to any one of claims 135-139, wherein the liquid pod is closer to the upstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate than the downstream end.

141. An article according to any one of claims 135-140, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises tobacco.

142. A smoking substitute system comprising an article according to any one of claims 135-141, and a device comprising a heating element.

143. A system according to claim 142 wherein the device comprises a main body for housing the heating element within a cavity and the heating element comprises an elongated heating element which projects into the cavity.

144. A system according to claim 143 wherein the liquid pod is axially spaced from the upstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate by a distance that is less than the distance that the heating element projects into the cavity.

145. A method of using the system according to claim 143 or 144, the method comprising: inserting the article into the device such that the heating element penetrates the article and mechanically ruptures the liquid pod; and heating the article using the heating element.

146. An aerosol-forming article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate dosed with a coating of flavorant, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate is a slurry-type reconstituted plant material, and wherein the flavorant content is up to 20% by weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

147. An article according to claim 146, wherein the flavorant is selected from menthol, peppermint, spearmint, licorice, chocolate, fruit flavor, vanilla, spice, coffee, Eucalyptus, and tobacco flavor.

148. An article according to any one claim 146 or claim 147 wherein the flavorant is a non-tobacco flavorant

149. An article according to any one of claims 146-148 wherein the plant material is tobacco.

150. An article according to any one of claims 146-149 wherein the article is a heat-not-burn (HNB) consumable.

151. A system comprising a smoking substitute article according to any one of claims 146-150 and a device comprising a heating element.

152. A system according to claim 151 wherein the device comprises a main body for housing the heating element and the heating element comprises an elongated heating element.

153. A method of using the system according to claim 151 or 152, the method comprising: inserting the article into the device; and heating the article using the heating element.

154. A method according to claim 153 comprising inserting the article into a cavity within a main body of the device; and penetrating the article with the heating element upon insertion of the article.

155. A method for manufacturing an aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the aerosol forming substrate is a slurry-type reconstituted plant material, the method comprising: combining a ground plant material with an aqueous medium to form a slurry; casting the slurry on a surface to form a sheet; and applying a flavorant to the sheet to provide a coating.

156. A method according to claim 155, wherein the flavorant is applied by spray-coating.

157. A method according to either claim 155 or claim 156, wherein the flavorant is selected from menthol, peppermint, spearmint, licorice, chocolate, fruit flavor, vanilla, spice, coffee, Eucalyptus, and tobacco flavor.

158. A method according to any one of claims 155 to 157, wherein the flavorant is a non-tobacco flavor.

159. A method according to any of claims 155 to 158, wherein the flavorant is synthetically derived menthol.

160. A method according to any of claims 155 to 159, comprising a step of drying the sheet, wherein the flavorant is applied to the sheet after drying.

161. A method according to any of claim 155 to 160, comprising a step of winding the sheet onto a bobbin, wherein the flavorant is applied to the sheet after winding.

162. A method according to any of claims 155 to 161, wherein the plant material is tobacco.

163. An aerosol-forming substrate for an HNB device produced by a process according to any of claims 155 to 162.

164. The aerosol-forming substrate according to claim 163, wherein the dosed flavorant content is up to 20% by weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

165. A method for manufacturing a heat-not-burn (HNB) consumable comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the aerosol forming substrate is a slurry-type reconstituted plant material, the method comprising: combining a ground plant material with an aqueous medium to form a slurry; providing a flavorant in the slurry; casting the slurry to form a sheet; drying the sheet to form an aerosol-forming substrate; and incorporating a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate into an HNB consumable.

166. A method according to claim 165, wherein the flavorant is selected from menthol, peppermint, spearmint, licorice, chocolate, fruit flavor, vanilla, spice, coffee, Eucalyptus, and tobacco flavor.

167. A method according to claim 166, wherein the flavorant is a non-tobacco flavorant.

168. A method according to any one of claims 165-167, wherein the flavorant is synthetically derived menthol.

169. A method according to any one of claims 165-168 wherein the flavorant is provided in an amount resulting in a level of up to 20% by weight of the dried aerosol-forming substrate.

170. A method according to any one of claims 165-169 wherein the plant material is tobacco.

171. A method according to any one of claims 165-170 wherein the flavorant is provided in a base liquid.

172. A method according to claim 171, wherein the base liquid is a polyhydric alcohol.

173. An HNB consumable formed by a method according to any one of claims 165-172.

174. A system comprising an HNB consumable according to claim 173 and a device comprising a heating element.

175. A system according to claim 174 wherein the device comprises a main body for housing the heating element and the heating element comprises an elongated heating element.

176. A method of using the system according to claim 174 or 175, the method comprising: inserting the HNB consumable into the device; and heating the HNB consumable using the heating element.

177. A method according to claim 176 comprising inserting the HNB consumable into a cavity within a main body of the device and penetrating the HNB consumable with the heating element upon insertion of the HNB consumable.

178. A method for manufacturing a heat-not-burn (HNB) consumable comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the aerosol forming substrate is a slurry-type reconstituted plant material, the method comprising: combining a ground plant material with an aqueous medium to form a slurry; providing a casing component in the slurry; casting the slurry to form a sheet; drying the sheet to form an aerosol-forming substrate; and incorporating a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate into an HNB consumable.

179. A method according to claim 178, wherein the casing component is selected from sugars, non-sugar casings, and combinations thereof.

180. A method according to claim 178 or 179, wherein the casing component comprises a sugar selected from sucrose, fructose, lactose, glucose, dextrose, mannose, galactose, rhamnose, maltose and xylose, and unrefined sugars selected from maple sugar, cane sugar, molasses, date sugar, honey, agave nectar, and brown rice syrup; and combinations thereof.

181. A method according to claim 178 or 179, wherein the casing component comprises a non-sugar casing selected from cocoa, carob bean extract, licorice, fruit extracts.

182. A method according to any of claims 178-181, wherein the casing component is provided in a base liquid.

183. A method according to claim 182, wherein the base liquid is water and the casing component is provided as an aqueous solution.

184. A method according to any of claims 178-183, wherein the casing component is provided in an amount suitable to result in an amount of up to 20% by weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

185. A method according to any one of claims 178-184 claims wherein the plant material is tobacco.

186. An HNB consumable produced by a method according to any of claims 178-185.

187. A system comprising an HNB consumable according to claim 186 and a device comprising a heating element.

188. A system according to claim 187, wherein the device comprises a main body for housing the heating element and the heating element comprises an elongated heating element.

189. A method of using the system according to claim 187 or 188, the method comprising: inserting the HNB consumable into the device; and heating the HNB consumable using the heating element.

190. A method according to claim 189, comprising inserting the HNB consumable into a cavity within a main body of the device and penetrating the HNB consumable with the heating element upon insertion of the HNB consumable.

Description

SUMMARY OF THE FIGURES

[0875] So that the invention may be understood, and so that further aspects and features thereof may be appreciated, embodiments illustrating the principles of the invention will now be discussed in further detail with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0876] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the first mode of an HNB consumable;

[0877] FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the first mode of an HNB consumable;

[0878] FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment of the first mode of an HNB consumable; and

[0879] FIG. 4 shows the first embodiment of the first mode within a device forming an HNB system.

[0880] FIG. 5 shows a first embodiment of the second mode of an HNB consumable.

[0881] FIG. 6 shows the terminal filter element of the first embodiment of the second mode.

[0882] FIG. 7 shows the first embodiment of the second mode within a device forming an HNB system.

[0883] FIG. 8 shows a first embodiment of the third mode of an HNB consumable.

[0884] FIG. 9 shows a second embodiment of the third mode of an HNB consumable.

[0885] FIG. 10 shows a third embodiment of the third mode of an HNB consumable.

[0886] FIG. 11 shows the first embodiment of the third mode within a device forming an HNB system.

[0887] FIG. 12 shows a first embodiment of the fourth mode of an HNB consumable.

[0888] FIG. 13 shows a second embodiment of the fourth mode of an HNB consumable.

[0889] FIG. 14 shows a third embodiment of the fourth mode of an HNB consumable.

[0890] FIG. 15 shows the first embodiment of the fourth mode within a device forming an HNB system.

[0891] FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the fifth mode of an HNB consumable.

[0892] FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the fifth mode of an HNB consumable.

[0893] FIG. 18 shows a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the fifth mode of an HNB consumable.

[0894] FIG. 19 shows a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of an HNB consumable.

[0895] FIG. 20 shows a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the fifth mode within a device forming an HNB system.

[0896] FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of the first embodiment of the fifth mode with the paper wrapper layer cut away.

[0897] FIG. 22 shows a close-up view of the upstream axial end of the first embodiment of the fifth mode.

[0898] FIG. 23 shows a first embodiment of the sixth mode of an HNB consumable.

[0899] FIG. 24 shows a second embodiment of the sixth mode of an HNB consumable.

[0900] FIG. 25 shows a third embodiment of the sixth mode of an HNB consumable.

[0901] FIG. 26 shows the first embodiment of the sixth mode within a device forming an HNB system.

[0902] FIG. 27 shows a first embodiment of the seventh mode of an HNB consumable.

[0903] FIG. 28 shows a second embodiment of the seventh mode of an HNB consumable.

[0904] FIG. 29 shows a third embodiment of the seventh mode of an HNB consumable.

[0905] FIG. 30 shows the first embodiment of the seventh mode within a device forming an HNB system.

[0906] FIG. 31 shows a first embodiment of the eighth mode of an HNB consumable package.

[0907] FIG. 32 shows a second embodiment of the eighth mode of an HNB consumable package.

[0908] FIG. 33 shows a third embodiment of the eighth mode of an HNB consumable package.

[0909] FIG. 34 shows a first embodiment of the eighth mode of a HNB consumable.

[0910] FIG. 35 shows a second embodiment of the eighth mode of a HNB consumable.

[0911] FIG. 36 shows a first embodiment of the ninth mode of an HNB consumable.

[0912] FIG. 37 shows a second embodiment of the ninth mode of an HNB consumable.

[0913] FIG. 38 shows a third embodiment of the ninth mode of an HNB consumable.

[0914] FIG. 39 shows the first embodiment of the ninth mode within a device forming an HNB system.

[0915] FIG. 40 shows a first embodiment of the tenth mode of an HNB consumable.

[0916] FIG. 41 shows a second embodiment of the tenth mode of an HNB consumable.

[0917] FIG. 42 shows a third embodiment of the tenth mode of an HNB consumable.

[0918] FIG. 43 shows the first embodiment of the tenth mode within a device forming an HNB system.

[0919] FIG. 44 shows a first embodiment of the eleventh mode of an HNB consumable.

[0920] FIG. 45 shows a second embodiment of the eleventh mode of an HNB consumable.

[0921] FIG. 46 shows a third embodiment of the eleventh mode of an HNB consumable.

[0922] FIG. 47 shows the first embodiment of the eleventh mode within a device forming an HNB system.

[0923] FIG. 48 shows an illustrative diagram of an embodiment of the manufacturing process of the eleventh mode.

[0924] FIG. 49 shows a first embodiment of the twelfth mode of an HNB consumable formed by the present methods.

[0925] FIG. 50 shows a second embodiment of the twelfth mode of an HNB consumable formed by the present methods.

[0926] FIG. 51 shows a third embodiment of the twelfth mode of an HNB consumable formed by the present methods.

[0927] FIG. 52 shows the first embodiment within a device forming an HNB system of the twelfth mode.

[0928] FIG. 53 shows an illustrative diagram of an embodiment of the present methods of the twelfth mode.

[0929] FIG. 54 shows a first embodiment of the thirteenth mode of an HNB consumable formed by the present methods.

[0930] FIG. 55 shows a second embodiment of the thirteenth mode of an HNB consumable formed by the present methods.

[0931] FIG. 56 shows a third embodiment of the thirteenth mode of an HNB consumable formed by the present methods.

[0932] FIG. 57 shows the first embodiment within a device forming an HNB system of the thirteenth mode.

[0933] FIG. 58 shows an illustrative diagram of an embodiment of the present methods of the thirteenth mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0934] First Mode: A Consumable Providing at Least One Flavored Sleeve Downstream of an Aerosol Forming Substrate

[0935] As shown in FIG. 1, the HNB consumable 10 comprises an aerosol-forming substrate 14 at the upstream end of the HNB consumable 10.

[0936] The aerosol-forming substrate 14 comprises 65 wt % tobacco which is provided in the form of gathered shreds produced from a sheet of slurry/paper recon tobacco. The tobacco is dosed with 20 wt % of a humectant such as propylene glycol (PG) or vegetable glycerin (VG) and has a moisture content of between 7-9 wt %. The aerosol-forming substrate further comprises cellulose pulp filler and guar gum binder.

[0937] The aerosol-forming substrate 14 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape such that the consumable resembles a conventional cigarette. It has diameter of around 7 mm and an axial length of around 12 mm. The cavity 13 has an axial length of around 4 mm.

[0938] The aerosol-forming substrate 14 is circumscribed by a paper wrapping layer 18.

[0939] The HNB consumable 10 comprises an upstream filter element 22 and a downstream (terminal) filter element 26. The two filter elements 22, 26 and spaced by a cardboard spacer tube 30. Both filter elements 22, 26 are formed of cellulose acetate tow and wrapped with a respective paper plug layer (not shown).

[0940] Both filter elements have a substantially cylindrical shape. The diameter of the upstream filter element 22 matches the diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate 14. The diameter of the terminal filter element 26 is slightly larger and matches the combined diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate 14 and the paper wrapping layer 18. The upstream filter element 22 is slightly shorter in axial length than the terminal filter element 26 at an axial length of 10 mm compared to 12 mm for the terminal filter element 26.

[0941] The upstream filter element 22 contains an embedded crush ball 34 (i.e., a spherical capsule with a solid, crushable outer wall) containing menthol flavorant. The crush ball 34 has a diameter of around 3.5 mm and is positioned at the axial center of the upstream filter element 22. The upstream filter element 22 is circumscribed by a tubular flavored paper sleeve 38 which is impregnated with menthol flavorant.

[0942] The cardboard tube spacer 30a is longer than each of the two filter portions having an axial length of around 14 mm.

[0943] The terminal filter element 26 is a hollow bore filter element with a hollow, longitudinally extending bore having a diameter of 2 mm.

[0944] The cardboard spacer tube 30, the upstream filter element 22, and the flavored sleeved 38 are circumscribed by the paper wrapping layer 18.

[0945] The terminal filter element 26 is joined to the upstream elements forming the consumable by a circumscribing paper tipping layer 42. The paper tipping layer 42 encircles the terminal filter portion and has an axial length of around 20 mm such that it overlays a portion of the cardboard tube spacer 30a.

[0946] FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of a HNB consumable 10′ which is the same as that shown in FIG. 1 except that the crush ball 34 embedded at the axial center of a terminal filter element 26′ which is a solid filter element whilst the upstream filer element 22′ is a hollow bore filter element having a bore diameter of 3 mm.

[0947] FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment of a HNB consumable 10″ which is the same as that shown in FIG. 1 except that the upstream filer element 22′ is a hollow bore filter element having a bore diameter of 3 mm without any crush ball 34 and the terminal filter element 26 is a hollow bore filter element having a bore diameter of 2 mm. The terminal filter element 26 is circumscribed by a second tubular flavored paper sleeve 46 which is impregnated with menthol flavorant.

[0948] FIG. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of a HNB consumable 10′″ which is the same as the first embodiment except that the paper wrapping layer 18 does not completely circumscribe the cardboard spacer tube 30 such that there is an annular gap 50 between the paper tipping layer 42 and the cardboard spacer tube 30 downstream of the end of the paper wrapping layer 18.

[0949] FIG. 4 shows the first embodiment inserted into an HNB device 54 comprising a rod-shaped heating element (not shown). The heating element projects into a cavity 58 within a main body 62 of the device.

[0950] The HNB consumable 10 is inserted into the cavity 58 of the main body 62 of the device 54 such that the heating rod penetrates the aerosol-forming substrate 14. Heating of the reconstituted tobacco in the aerosol-forming substrate 14 is effected by powering the heating element (e.g., with a rechargeable battery (not shown)). As the tobacco is heated, moisture and volatile compound (e.g., nicotine) within the tobacco and the humectant are released as a vapor and entrained within an airflow generated by inhalation by the user at the terminal filter portion 26.

[0951] The crush ball 34 containing VG can be ruptured by pressure to allow the VG to wick into the aerosol-forming substrate to modify the amount of visible vapor during smoking of the consumable. As the vapor cools within the upstream filter element 22 and the cardboard spacer tube 30, it condenses to form an aerosol containing the volatile compounds for inhalation by the user.

[0952] Second Mode: A Consumable Providing an Unimpeded Flow Passage Around a Filter Element

[0953] As shown in FIG. 5, an HNB consumable 10a comprises an aerosol-forming substrate 14a at the upstream end of the HNB consumable 10a.

[0954] The aerosol-forming substrate 14a comprises reconstituted tobacco which includes nicotine as a volatile compound.

[0955] The aerosol-forming substrate 14a comprises 65 wt % tobacco which is provided in the form of gathered shreds produced from a sheet of slurry/paper recon tobacco. The tobacco is dosed with 20 wt % of a humectant such as propylene glycol (PG) or vegetable glycerin (VG) and has a moisture content of between 7-9 wt %. The aerosol-forming substrate further comprises cellulose pulp filler and guar gum binder.

[0956] The aerosol-forming substrate 14a is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape such that the consumable 10a resembles a conventional cigarette. It has diameter of around 7 mm and an axial length of around 12 mm.

[0957] The aerosol-forming substrate 14a is circumscribed by a paper wrapping layer 18a.

[0958] The HNB consumable 10a comprises an upstream filter element 22a and a downstream (terminal) filter element 26a. The two filter elements 22a, 26a and spaced by a cardboard tube spacer 30a. Both filter elements 22a, 26a are formed of cellulose acetate tow and wrapped with a respective paper plug layer (not shown).

[0959] Both filter elements have a substantially cylindrical shape. The diameter of the upstream filter element 22a matches the diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate 14a. The upstream filter element 22a is slightly shorter in axial length than the terminal filter element 26a at an axial length of 10 mm compared to 12 mm for the terminal filter element 26a.

[0960] The cardboard tube spacer 30a is longer than each of the two filter elements 22a, 26a having an axial length of around 14 mm.

[0961] The upstream filter element 22a is a hollow bore filter element with a hollow, longitudinally extending bore. The diameter of the bore in the upstream filter 22a is around 3 mm.

[0962] The cardboard tube spacer 30a and the upstream filter element 22a are circumscribed by the paper wrapping layer 18a.

[0963] The terminal filter element 26a is a solid filter and has a corrugated outer surface 86a (discussed below) comprising a series of longitudinally-extending channels 74a. The terminal filter element 26a is circumscribed by a paper sleeve 70a which lies against the peaks of the corrugations on the outer surface of the terminal filter element 26a but leaves the longitudinally-extending channels 74a unimpeded.

[0964] The terminal filter element 26a is joined to the upstream elements forming the HNB consumable 10a by a circumscribing paper tipping layer 42a. The paper tipping layer 42a encircles the terminal filter element 26a (and the paper sleeve 70a) and has an axial length of around 20 mm such that it overlays a portion of the cardboard tube spacer 30a.

[0965] The terminal filter element 26a comprises a longitudinally-extending thread 78a soaked with a liquid menthol or cherry or vanilla flavorant. It is positioned along the axial center of the terminal filter element 26a.

[0966] FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of the terminal filter element 26a comprising a plug wrap 82a which has corrugations matching those in the corrugated outer surface 86a of the terminal filter element 26a. The paper sleeve 70a overlays the corrugated outer surface 86a and plug wrap 82a and rests against the peaks in the corrugations leaving the longitudinally-extending channels 74a unimpeded. The paper tipping layer 42a circumscribes the paper sleeve 70a.

[0967] FIG. 7 shows the second embodiment inserted into an HNB device 54a comprising a rod-shaped heating element 90a. The heating element 90a projects into a cavity 58a within the main body 62a of the device 54a.

[0968] The HNB consumable 10a is inserted into the cavity 58a of the main body 62a of the device 54a such that the heating rod 90a penetrates the aerosol-forming substrate 14a. Heating of the reconstituted tobacco in the aerosol-forming substrate 14a is effected by powering the heating element (e.g. with a rechargeable battery (not shown)). As the tobacco is heated, moisture and volatile compounds (e.g., nicotine) within the tobacco and the humectant are released as a vapor and entrained within an airflow generated by inhalation by the user at the terminal filter element 26a.

[0969] As the vapor cools within the upstream filter element 22a and the cardboard tube spacer 30a, the vapor condenses to form an aerosol containing the volatile compounds for inhalation by the user.

[0970] Some of the aerosol passes through the terminal filter element 26a where it is flavored by the flavorant-soaked longitudinally-extending thread 78a. The remainder of the aerosol passes unimpeded through the longitudinally-extending channels 74a in the corrugated outer surface 86a of the filter element 26a thus increasing the visible vapor at the downstream axial end (mouth-end) of the consumable.

[0971] Third Mode: A Consumable Providing a Spacer Element Adapted to Impart Flavor to the Vapor/Aerosol

[0972] As shown in FIG. 8, the HNB consumable 10b comprises an aerosol-forming substrate 14b at the upstream end of the consumable 10b.

[0973] The aerosol-forming substrate 14b comprises reconstituted tobacco which includes nicotine as a volatile compound.

[0974] The aerosol-forming substrate 14b comprises 65 wt % tobacco which is provided in the form of gathered shreds produced from a sheet of slurry/paper recon tobacco. The tobacco is dosed with 20 wt % of a humectant such as propylene glycol (PG) or vegetable glycerin (VG) and has a moisture content of between 7-9 wt %. The aerosol-forming substrate 14b further comprises cellulose pulp filler and guar gum binder.

[0975] The aerosol-forming substrate 14b is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape such that the consumable 10b resembles a conventional cigarette. The consumable 10b has diameter of around 7 mm and an axial length of around 12 mm.

[0976] The aerosol-forming substrate 14b is circumscribed by a paper wrapping layer 18b.

[0977] The consumable 10b comprises an upstream filter element 22b and a downstream (terminal) filter element 26b. The two filter elements 22b, 26b and spaced by a cardboard tube spacer 30b. Both filter elements 22b, 26b are formed of cellulose acetate tow and wrapped with a respective paper plug layer (not shown).

[0978] Both filter elements 22b, 26b have a substantially cylindrical shape. The diameter of the upstream filter element 22b matches the diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate 14b. The diameter of the terminal downstream filter element 26b is slightly larger and matches the combined diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate 14b and the paper wrapping layer 18b. The upstream filter element 22b is slightly shorter in axial length than the terminal downstream filter element 26b at an axial length of 10 mm compared to 12 mm for the terminal filter element 26b.

[0979] The cardboard tube spacer 30b is longer than each of the two filter elements 22b, 26b having an axial length of around 14 mm. It is coated with a layer of menthol flavorant 13.

[0980] Each filter element 22b, 26b is a hollow bore filter element with a hollow, longitudinally extending bore. The diameter of the bore in the upstream filter 22b is slightly larger than the diameter of the bore in the terminal filter 26b having a diameter of 3 mm compared to 2 mm for the terminal downstream filter element 26b.

[0981] The cardboard tube spacer 30b and the upstream filter element 22b are circumscribed by the paper wrapping layer 18b.

[0982] The terminal downstream filter element 26b is joined to the upstream elements forming the consumable by a circumscribing paper tipping layer 42b. The tipping layer 42b encircles the terminal downstream filter element 26b and has an axial length of around 20 mm such that it overlays a portion of the cardboard tube spacer 30b.

[0983] FIG. 9 shows a second embodiment of a consumable 10b′ which is the same as that shown in FIG. 8 except that the terminal downstream filter element 26b is a solid filter element and comprises a crushable capsule 34b (crush-ball 34b) having a shell wall containing a liquid menthol or cherry or vanilla flavorant. The capsule 34b is spherical and has a diameter of 3.5 mm. The capsule 34b is positioned within the axial center of the terminal downstream filter element 26b. Furthermore, the cardboard tube spacer 30b′ is impregnated with menthol, cherry or vanilla flavorant.

[0984] FIG. 10 shows a third embodiment of a consumable 10b″ which is the same as the first embodiment except that the tube spacer 30b″ is formed of an extruded plastic tube and the paper wrapping layer 18b does not completely circumscribe the tube spacer 30b″ such that there is an annular gap 50b between the tipping layer 42b and the cardboard tube spacer 30b″ downstream of the end of the paper wrapping layer 18b.

[0985] The coated cardboard tube spacer 30b of FIG. 8, the impregnated cardboard tube spacer 30b′ and the coated extruded plastic tube 30b″ are all interchangeable.

[0986] FIG. 11 shows the first embodiment of FIG. 8 inserted into an HNB device 54b comprising a rod-shaped heating element 90b. The heating element 90b projects into a cavity 58b within the main body 62b of the device.

[0987] The consumable 10b is inserted into the cavity 58b of the main body 62b of the device 54b such that the heating rod 90b penetrates the aerosol-forming substrate 14b. Heating of the reconstituted tobacco in the aerosol-forming substrate 14b is effected by powering the heating element 90b (e.g., with a rechargeable battery (not shown)). As the tobacco is heated, moisture and volatile compounds (e.g., nicotine) within the tobacco and the humectant are released as a vapor and entrained within an airflow generated by inhalation by the user at the terminal downstream filter element 26b.

[0988] The menthol coating 100 on the cardboard tube spacer 30b prevents imparts menthol flavor to the aerosol/vapor prior to the terminal filter element for inhalation by the user.

[0989] Fourth Mode: A Consumable Providing an Aerosol-Forming Substrate at the Upstream End of the Consumable

[0990] As shown in FIG. 12, the HNB consumable 10c comprises an aerosol-forming substrate 14c at the upstream end of the consumable 10c.

[0991] The aerosol-forming substrate 14c comprises reconstituted tobacco which includes nicotine as a volatile compound.

[0992] The aerosol-forming substrate 14c comprises 65 wt % tobacco which is provided in the form of gathered shreds produced from a sheet of slurry/paper recon tobacco. Prior to shredding, the sheet of recon tobacco is sprayed with menthol flavorant additive so that the substrate 14c has menthol flavorant additive equally distributed throughout. The tobacco is dosed with 20 wt % of a humectant such as propylene glycol (PG) or vegetable glycerin (VG) and has a moisture content of between 7-9 wt %. The aerosol-forming substrate further comprises cellulose pulp filler and guar gum binder.

[0993] The aerosol-forming substrate 14c is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape such that the consumable resembles a conventional cigarette. It has diameter of around 7 mm and an axial length of around 12 mm.

[0994] The aerosol-forming substrate 14c is circumscribed by a paper wrapping layer 18c.

[0995] The consumable 10c comprises an upstream filter element 22c and a downstream (terminal) filter element 26c. The two filter elements 22c, 26c and spaced by a cardboard tube spacer 30c. Both filter elements 22c, 26c are formed of cellulose acetate tow and wrapped with a respective paper plug layer (not shown).

[0996] Both filter elements 22c, 26c have a substantially cylindrical shape. The diameter of the upstream filter element 22c matches the diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate 14c. The diameter of the terminal filter element 26c is slightly larger and matches the combined diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate 14c and the wrapping layer 18c. The upstream filter element 22c is slightly shorter in axial length than the terminal filter element 26c at an axial length of 10 mm compared to 12 mm for the terminal filter element 26c.

[0997] The cardboard tube spacer 30c is longer than each of the two filter elements 22c, 26c having an axial length of around 14 mm.

[0998] Each filter element 22c, 26c is a hollow bore filter element with a hollow, longitudinally extending bore. The diameter of the bore in the upstream filter element 22c is slightly larger than the diameter of the bore in the terminal filter element 26c having a diameter of 3 mm compared to 2 mm for the terminal filter element 26c.

[0999] The cardboard tube spacer 30c and the upstream filter element 22c are circumscribed by the wrapping layer 18c.

[1000] The terminal filter element 26c is joined to the upstream elements forming the consumable by a circumscribing paper tipping layer 42c. The tipping layer 42c encircles the terminal filter element 26c and has an axial length of around 20 mm such that it overlays a portion of the cardboard tube spacer 30c. The outer surface of the tipping layer 42c is coated with menthol flavorant.

[1001] FIG. 13 shows a second embodiment of a consumable 10c′ which is the same as that shown in FIG. 12 except that the terminal filter element 26c is a solid filter element and comprises a crushable capsule 34c (crush-ball 34c) having a shell wall containing a liquid menthol or cherry or vanilla flavorant. The capsule 34c is spherical and has a diameter of 3.5 mm. It is positioned within the axial center of the terminal filter element 26c. Furthermore, instead of the tipping paper 42c being flavored on its outer surface, the wrapping layer 18c is flavored on its inner surface in the portion 104a, overlying the aerosol-forming substrate 14c.

[1002] FIG. 14 shows a third embodiment of a consumable 10c″ which is the same as the first embodiment except that the wrapping layer 18c does not completely circumscribe the cardboard tube spacer 30c such that there is an annular gap 50c between the tipping layer 42c and the cardboard tube spacer 30c downstream of the end of the wrapping layer 18c. Furthermore, instead of flavorant within the substrate, the cardboard tube spacer 30c is impregnated with liquid menthol flavorant.

[1003] FIG. 15 shows the first embodiment inserted into an HNB device 54c comprising a rod-shaped heating element 90c. The heating element 90c projects into a cavity 58c within the main body 62c of the device 54c.

[1004] The consumable 10c is inserted into the cavity 58c of the main body 62c of the device 54c such that the heating rod 90c penetrates the aerosol-forming substrate 14c. Heating of the reconstituted tobacco in the aerosol-forming substrate 14c is effected by powering the heating element (e.g., with a rechargeable battery (not shown)). As the tobacco is heated, moisture and volatile compound (e.g., nicotine) within the tobacco, the humectant and menthol flavorant are released as a vapor and entrained within an airflow generated by inhalation by the user at the terminal filter element 26c.

[1005] As the vapor cools within the upstream filter element 22c and the cardboard tube spacer 30c, the vapor condenses to form an aerosol containing the volatile compounds for inhalation by the user.

[1006] The menthol flavorant on the outer surface of the tipping paper 42c is delivered to the user's mouth during inhalation (by virtue of inserting the terminal filter element 26c into their mouth) thus further enhancing the menthol flavor perceived by the user.

[1007] Fifth Mode: A Consumable Providing a Means to Prevent Ignition of the Article and Provide Flavor

[1008] As shown in FIG. 16, the HNB consumable 10d comprises an aerosol-forming substrate 14d at the upstream end of the consumable 10d.

[1009] The aerosol-forming substrate 14d comprises reconstituted tobacco which includes nicotine as a volatile compound.

[1010] The aerosol-forming substrate 14d comprises 65 wt % tobacco which is provided in the form of gathered shreds produced from a sheet of slurry/paper recon tobacco. The tobacco is dosed with 20 wt % of a humectant such as propylene glycol (PG) or vegetable glycerin (VG) and has a moisture content of between 7-9 wt %. The aerosol-forming substrate further comprises cellulose pulp filler and guar gum binder.

[1011] The aerosol-forming substrate 14d is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape such that the consumable 10d resembles a conventional cigarette. It has diameter of around 7 mm and an axial length of around 12 mm.

[1012] The aerosol-forming substrate 14d is circumscribed by a layer of aluminum foil 108a, which in turn is circumscribed by a paper wrapping layer 18d. The aerosol-forming substrate is therefore circumscribed by a laminate wrapper comprising two layers: the inner aluminum foil layer 108a and the outer paper layer 108b. The inner surface of the aluminum foil layer 108a carries menthol flavorant which is applied by spray coating prior to assembly of the consumable. The layer of aluminum foil 108a extends to cover the curved external surface of the aerosol-forming substrate 14d but does not cover any of the planar circular end face of the aerosol-forming substrate 14d.

[1013] The consumable 10d comprises an upstream filter element 22d and a downstream (terminal) filter element 26d. The two filter elements 22d, 26d are spaced by a cardboard tube spacer 30d. Both filter elements 22d, 26d are formed of cellulose acetate tow and wrapped with a respective paper plug layer (not shown).

[1014] Both filter elements 22d, 26d have a substantially cylindrical shape. The diameter of the upstream filter 22d matches the diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate 14d. The diameter of the terminal filter element 26d is slightly larger and matches the combined diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate 14d and the wrapping layer 18d. The upstream filter element 22d is slightly shorter in axial length than the terminal filter element 26d at an axial length of 10 mm compared to 12 mm for the terminal filer element 26d.

[1015] The cardboard tube spacer is longer than each of the two filter elements having an axial length of around 14 mm.

[1016] Each filter element 22d, 26d is a hollow bore filter element with a hollow, longitudinally extending bore. The diameter of the bore in the upstream filter 22d is slightly larger than the diameter of the bore in the terminal filter 26d having a diameter of 3 mm compared to 2 mm for the terminal filter element 26d.

[1017] The cardboard tube spacer 30d and the upstream filter element 22d are circumscribed by the wrapping layer 18d.

[1018] The terminal filter element 26d is joined to the upstream elements forming the consumable by a circumscribing paper tipping layer 42d. The tipping layer 42d encircles the terminal filter element 26d and has an axial length of around 20 mm such that it overlays a portion of the cardboard tube spacer 30d.

[1019] FIG. 17 shows a second embodiment of a consumable 10d′ which is the same as that shown in FIG. 16 except that the aluminum foil layer 108a extends to circumscribe not only the aerosol-forming substrate 14d but also the upstream filter element 22d.

[1020] FIG. 18 shows a third embodiment of a consumable 10d″ which is the same as that shown in FIG. 16 except that the terminal filter element 26d is a solid filter element and comprises a crushable capsule 34d (crush-ball 34d) having a shell wall containing a liquid menthol or cherry or vanilla flavorant. The capsule 34d is spherical and has a diameter of 3.5 mm. The capsule 34d is positioned within the axial center of the terminal filter element 26d.

[1021] FIG. 19 shows a fourth embodiment of a consumable 10d′″ which is the same as the first embodiment except that the wrapping layer 18d does not completely circumscribe the cardboard tube spacer 30d such that there is an annular gap 50d between the tipping layer 42d and the cardboard tube spacer 30d downstream of the end of the wrapping layer 18d.

[1022] FIG. 20 shows the first embodiment inserted into an HNB device 54d comprising a rod-shaped heating element 90d. The heating element 90d projects into a cavity 58d within the main body 62d of the device 54d.

[1023] The consumable 10d is inserted into the cavity 58d of the main body 62d of the device 54d such that the heating rod 90d penetrates the aerosol-forming substrate 14d. Heating of the reconstituted tobacco in the aerosol-forming substrate 14d is effected by powering the heating element (e.g., with a rechargeable battery (not shown)).

[1024] As the tobacco is heated, moisture and volatile compound (e.g., nicotine) within the tobacco and the humectant are released as a vapor and entrained within an airflow generated by inhalation by the user at the terminal filter element 26d. Additionally, the menthol present within the coating applied to the inner surface of the aluminum foil layer 108a is volatilized and becomes entrained within the airflow to provide flavor to the user.

[1025] As the vapor cools within the upstream filer element 22d and the cardboard tube spacer 30d, it condenses to form an aerosol containing the volatile compounds for inhalation by the user.

[1026] FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of the structure of the wrapping layer 18d in the first embodiment. The wrapping layer 18d consists of the inner aluminum foil layer 108a and the outer paper layer 108b. The layer of aluminum foil 108a extends to cover only the curved surface of the aerosol-forming substrate 14d, without extending to cover the adjacent upstream filter element 22d or the planar circular end-surface of the aerosol-forming substrate 14d. The paper wrapping layer 18d then lies over the entire length of the consumable 10d, including the aluminum foil layer 108a.

[1027] FIG. 22 is a close-up view of the upstream end of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 21.

[1028] Sixth Mode: A Consumable Providing a Flavored Filter Element

[1029] As shown in FIG. 23, the HNB consumable 10e comprises an aerosol-forming substrate 14e at the upstream end of the consumable 10e.

[1030] The aerosol-forming substrate comprises reconstituted tobacco which includes nicotine as a volatile compound.

[1031] The aerosol-forming substrate 14e comprises 65 wt % tobacco which is provided in the form of gathered shreds produced from a sheet of slurry/paper recon tobacco. The tobacco is dosed with 20 wt % of a humectant such as propylene glycol (PG) or vegetable glycerin (VG) and has a moisture content of between 7-9 wt %. The aerosol-forming substrate 14e further comprises cellulose pulp filler and guar gum binder.

[1032] The aerosol-forming substrate 14e is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape such that the consumable 10e resembles a conventional cigarette. It has diameter of around 7 mm and an axial length of around 12 mm.

[1033] The aerosol-forming substrate 14e is circumscribed by a paper wrapping layer 18e.

[1034] The consumable 10e comprises an upstream filter element 22e and a downstream (terminal) filter element 26e. The two filter elements 22e, 26e and spaced by a cardboard tube spacer 30e. Both filter elements 22e, 26e are formed of cellulose acetate tow and wrapped with a respective paper plug layer (not shown).

[1035] Both filter elements 22e, 26e have a substantially cylindrical shape. The diameter of the upstream filter 22e matches the diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate 14e. The diameter of the terminal filter element 26e is slightly larger and matches the combined diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate 14e and the wrapping layer 18e. The upstream filter element 22e is slightly shorter in axial length than the terminal filter element 26e at an axial length of 10 mm compared to 12 mm for the terminal filter element 26e.

[1036] The cardboard tube spacer 30e is longer than each of the two filter elements 22e, 26e having an axial length of around 14 mm.

[1037] Each filter element 22e, 26e is a hollow bore filter element with a hollow, longitudinally extending bore. The diameter of the bore in the upstream filter 22e is slightly larger than the diameter of the bore in the terminal filter 26e having a diameter of 3 mm compared to 2 mm for the terminal filter element 26e.

[1038] The cardboard tube spacer 30e and the upstream filter element 22e are circumscribed by the wrapping layer 18e.

[1039] The terminal filter element 26e is joined to the upstream elements forming the consumable 10e by a circumscribing paper tipping layer 42e. The tipping layer 42e encircles the terminal filter element 26e and has an axial length of around 20 mm such that it overlays a portion of the cardboard tube spacer 30e.

[1040] The terminal hollow bore filter element 26e is dosed with liquid menthol flavorant additive.

[1041] FIG. 24 shows a second embodiment of a consumable 10e′ which is the same as that shown in FIG. 23 except that the terminal filter element 26e′ is a solid filter element and comprises a crushable capsule 34e (crush-ball 34e) having a shell wall containing a liquid menthol or cherry or vanilla flavorant. The capsule 34e is spherical and has a diameter of 3.5 mm. The capsule 34e is positioned within the axial center of the terminal filter element 26e′. In this embodiment, the upstream filter element 22e′ is dosed with liquid flavorant which may or may not be the same flavor as the flavorant in the crush-ball 34e.

[1042] FIG. 25 shows a third embodiment of a consumable 10e″ which is the same as the first embodiment except that the wrapping layer 18e does not completely circumscribe the cardboard tube spacer 30e such that there is an annular gap 50e between the tipping layer 42e and the cardboard tube spacer 30e downstream of the end of the wrapping layer 18e. In this embodiment, both the upstream hollow bore filter 22e′ and the terminal hollow bore filter 26e are dosed with liquid flavorant which may or may not be the same.

[1043] FIG. 26 shows the first embodiment inserted into an HNB device 54e comprising a rod-shaped heating element 90e. The heating element 90e projects into a cavity 58e within the main body 62e of the device 54e.

[1044] The consumable 10e is inserted into the cavity 58e of the main body 62e of the device 54e such that the heating rod 90e penetrates the aerosol-forming substrate 14e. Heating of the reconstituted tobacco in the aerosol-forming substrate 14e is effected by powering the heating element (e.g., with a rechargeable battery (not shown)). As the tobacco is heated, moisture and volatile compound (e.g., nicotine) within the tobacco and the humectant are released as a vapor and entrained within an airflow generated by inhalation by the user at the terminal filter element 26e.

[1045] As the vapor cools within the upstream filter element 22e and the cardboard tube spacer 30e, it condenses to form an aerosol containing the volatile compounds for inhalation by the user.

[1046] As the aerosol passes through the flavored terminal filter element 26e, some of the aerosol picks up menthol flavorant as it passes through the cellulose acetate tow. The remainder of the aerosol passes through the axial bore of the terminal filter element 26e so that it remains substantially unflavored. This provides the user with an aerosol for inhalation that comprises a mix of flavored and unflavored aerosol that provides milder flavor than some other known consumables.

[1047] Seventh Mode: A Consumable Providing Two Different Aerosol-Forming Materials

[1048] As shown in FIG. 27, the HNB consumable 10f comprises an aerosol-forming substrate 14f at the upstream end of the consumable 10f.

[1049] The aerosol-forming substrate 14f comprises a matrix of reconstituted tobacco 112 throughout which discrete regions 116 of extruded tobacco are interspersed. The extruded tobacco is in the form of macroscopic granules/chips/pellets 120.

[1050] The extruded tobacco granules/chips/pellets 120 are evenly spaced and entirely embedded within the matrix of reconstituted tobacco 112.

[1051] The aerosol-forming substrate 14f is dosed with 20 wt % of a humectant such as propylene glycol (PG) or vegetable glycerin (VG) and has a moisture content of between 7-9 wt %. The aerosol-forming substrate further comprises cellulose pulp filler and guar gum binder.

[1052] The aerosol-forming substrate 14f is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape such that the consumable resembles a conventional cigarette. It has diameter of around 7 mm and an axial length of around 12 mm.

[1053] The aerosol-forming substrate 14f is circumscribed by a paper wrapping layer 18f.

[1054] The consumable 10f comprises an upstream filter element 22f and a downstream (terminal) filter element 26f. The two filter elements 22f, 26f and spaced by a cardboard spacer tube 30f. Both filter elements 22f, 26f are formed of cellulose acetate tow and wrapped with a respective paper plug layer (not shown).

[1055] Both filter elements 22f, 26f have a substantially cylindrical shape. The diameter of the upstream filter 22f matches the diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate 14f. The diameter of the terminal filter element 26f is slightly larger and matches the combined diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate 14f and the wrapping layer 18f. The upstream filter element 22f is slightly shorter in axial length than the terminal filter element 26f at an axial length of 10 mm compared to 12 mm for the terminal filter element 26f.

[1056] The cardboard tube spacer is longer than each of the two filter portions having an axial length of around 14 mm.

[1057] Each filter element 22f, 26f is a hollow bore filter element with a hollow, longitudinally extending bore. The diameter of the bore in the upstream filter 22f is slightly larger than the diameter of the bore in the terminal filter 26f having a diameter of 3 mm compared to 2 mm for the terminal filter element 26f.

[1058] The cardboard spacer tube 30f and the upstream filter portion 22f are circumscribed by the wrapping layer 18f.

[1059] The terminal filter element 26f is joined to the upstream elements forming the consumable by a circumscribing paper tipping layer 42f. The tipping layer 42f encircles the terminal filter portion and has an axial length of around 20 mm such that it overlays a portion of the cardboard tube spacer 30f.

[1060] FIG. 28 shows a second embodiment of a consumable 10f′ which is the same as that shown in FIG. 27 except that the terminal filter element 26f comprises a crushable capsule 34f (crush-ball 34f) having a shell wall containing a liquid menthol or cherry or vanilla flavorant. The capsule 34f is spherical and has a diameter of 3.5 mm. It is positioned within the axial center of the terminal filter portion 26f.

[1061] FIG. 29 shows a third embodiment of a consumable 10f″ which is the same as the first embodiment except that the wrapping layer 18f does not completely circumscribe the cardboard spacer tube 30f such that there is an annular gap 50f between the tipping layer 42f and the cardboard spacer tube 30f downstream of the end of the wrapping layer 18f.

[1062] FIG. 30 shows the first embodiment inserted into an HNB device 54f comprising a rod-shaped heating element (not shown). The heating element projects into a cavity 58f within the main body 62f of the device 54f.

[1063] The consumable 10f is inserted into the cavity 58f of the main body 62f of the device 54f such that the heating rod penetrates the aerosol-forming substrate 14f. Heating of the reconstituted tobacco 112 in the aerosol-forming substrate 14f is effected by powering the heating element (e.g., with a rechargeable battery (not shown)). As the tobacco is heated, moisture and volatile compound (e.g., nicotine) within the tobacco and the humectant are released as a vapor and entrained within an airflow generated by inhalation by the user at the terminal filter portion 26f.

[1064] As the vapor cools within the upstream filter element 22f and the cardboard spacer tube 30f, it condenses to form an aerosol containing the volatile compounds for inhalation by the user.

[1065] Eighth Mode: A Package for Aerosol-Forming Articles

[1066] As shown in FIG. 31, the package 140 comprises a packaging 144 containing a plurality of aerosol-forming articles in the form of HNB consumables 10g.

[1067] The packaging 144 comprises a base 152 and an opposing lid 156, spaced by four (side) walls 160 that define a cavity 164 containing the consumables 10g. The walls 160, lid 156 and base 152 define a generally cuboid or box form, such that the cavity 164 has a rectangular profile. The lid 156 is hingable between a closed position, in which it encloses the consumables 10g within the cavity 164, and an open position (as is shown in the FIG. 31).

[1068] The packaging 144 further comprises an internal liner 168 that lines the four walls 160 and the base 152. As is apparent from the figure, a portion of the liner 168 extends beyond the walls 160 of the packaging 144 when the lid 156 is in the open position. The internal liner 168 comprises a foil that has a flavorant applied as a coating (on an internal surface of the internal liner 168). In the present embodiment the flavorant comprises a menthol flavoring.

[1069] The packaging 144 further comprises two pads 172 that are mounted (by way of an adhesive) to an internal surface of the lid 156 of the packaging 144. Each pad 172 is rectangular and is impregnated with a flavorant, which is also in the form of a menthol flavoring. The pads 172 are arranged such that when the lid 156 is in the closed position, they are in contact with ends of the consumables 10g.

[1070] The consumables 10g are elongate and aligned side-by-side in the cavity 164 such that their longitudinal axes are generally parallel. Although the consumables will be described in further detail below, each consumable comprises an outer wrapper 176 that comprises a flavorant. In this case, the flavorant is sprayed onto the outer wrapper and is in the form of a menthol flavoring.

[1071] FIG. 32 shows a second embodiment of the package 140′ that is similar to the first embodiment, except that the internal liner 168 lines the base 152, lid 156 and walls 160 so as to completely enclose the consumables 10g. Although not shown, the liner 168 comprises a flap that can be opened so as to provide access to the consumables 10g. In this embodiment, the packaging 144 comprises a single pad 172 that is releasably mounted to an internal surface of the liner 168 that lines the lid 156 (i.e., such that the pad 172 is also enclosed by the liner 168). Unlike the previous embodiment, the pad 172 is spaced from the consumables 10g, thus the consumables 10g acquire the flavoring from the pad 172 by way of release of the flavorant into the air in the vicinity of the ends of the consumables 10g.

[1072] FIG. 33 shows a third embodiment of the package 140″ that is similar to the previously described embodiments, except that the liner 168 lines the lid 156 and walls 160 (but not the base 152). Further, this embodiment comprises two pads 172 (only one is apparent from the figure) extending transversely across the base 152 of the packaging 144 such that each pad 172 is aligned with a respective row of consumables 10g. In the present embodiment, the pads 172 are in contact with the ends of the consumables 10g. Thus, the consumables 10g may acquire the flavor of the pads 172 by transfer of the flavorant from the pads 172 to the ends (e.g., comprising the filter or substrate) of the consumables 10g. In the present case, the flavorant is vanilla, which is different to the menthol flavorant of the internal liner 168.

[1073] FIG. 34 shows an exemplary HNB consumable 10g that may be contained in the packaging described above. The consumable 10g comprises an aerosol-forming substrate 14g at the upstream end of the consumable 10g.

[1074] The aerosol-forming substrate 14g comprises reconstituted tobacco which includes nicotine as a volatile compound.

[1075] The aerosol-forming substrate 14g comprises 65 wt % tobacco which is provided in the form of gathered shreds produced from a sheet of slurry/paper recon tobacco. The tobacco is dosed with 20 wt % of a humectant such as propylene glycol (PG) or vegetable glycerin (VG) and has a moisture content of between 7-9 wt %. The aerosol-forming substrate further comprises cellulose pulp filler and guar gum binder.

[1076] The aerosol-forming substrate 14g is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape such that the consumable 10g resembles a conventional cigarette. It has diameter of around 7 mm and an axial length of around 12 mm.

[1077] The aerosol-forming substrate 14g is circumscribed by a paper wrapping layer 18g. The paper wrapping layer 18g comprises a (cherry) flavorant applied as a coating to the wrapping layer 18g.

[1078] The consumable 10g comprises an upstream filter element 22g and a downstream (terminal) filter element 26g. The two filter elements 22g, 26g are spaced by a cardboard tube spacer 30g. Both filter elements 22g, 26g are formed of cellulose acetate tow and wrapped with a respective paper plug layer (not shown).

[1079] Both filter elements 22g, 26g have a substantially cylindrical shape. The diameter of the upstream filter element 22g matches the diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate 14g. The diameter of the terminal filter element 26g is slightly larger and matches the combined diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate 14g and the wrapping layer 18g. The upstream filter element 22g is slightly shorter in axial length than the terminal filter element 26g at an axial length of 10 mm compared to 12 mm for the terminal filter element 26g.

[1080] The cardboard tube spacer 30g is longer than each of the two filter elements 22g, 26g having an axial length of around 14 mm.

[1081] Each filter element 22g, 26g is a hollow bore filter element with a hollow, longitudinally extending bore. The diameter of the bore in the upstream filter 22g is slightly larger than the diameter of the bore in the terminal filter 26g having a diameter of 3 mm compared to 2 mm for the terminal filter element 26g.

[1082] The cardboard tube spacer 30g and the upstream filter element 22g are circumscribed by the wrapping layer 18g.

[1083] The terminal filter element 26g is joined to the upstream elements forming the consumable by a circumscribing paper tipping layer 42g. The tipping layer 42g encircles the terminal filter element 26g and has an axial length of around 20 mm such that it overlays a portion of the cardboard tube spacer 30g. Like the wrapping layer 18g, the tipping layer 42g comprises a cherry flavorant. However, the tipping layer 42g is impregnated (rather than coated) with the flavorant.

[1084] FIG. 35 shows a second embodiment of a consumable 10g′ which is the same as that shown in FIG. 34 except that the terminal filter element 26g is a solid filter element and comprises a crushable capsule 34g (crush-ball 34g) having a shell wall containing a liquid menthol or cherry or vanilla flavorant. The capsule 34g is spherical and has a diameter of 3.5 mm. It is positioned within the axial center of the terminal filter 26g.

[1085] Ninth Mode: A Consumable Providing an Additive Carrier Downstream of an Aerosol-Forming Substrate

[1086] As shown in FIG. 36, the HNB consumable 10h comprises an aerosol-forming substrate 14h at the upstream end of the consumable 10h with a cavity 180 immediately adjacent and axially downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate 14h.

[1087] The aerosol-forming substrate 14h comprises 65 wt % tobacco which is provided in the form of gathered shreds produced from a sheet of slurry/paper recon tobacco. The tobacco is dosed with 20 wt % of a humectant such as propylene glycol (PG) or vegetable glycerin (VG) and has a moisture content of between 7-9 wt %. The aerosol-forming substrate further comprises cellulose pulp filler and guar gum binder.

[1088] The aerosol-forming substrate 14h is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape such that the consumable 10h resembles a conventional cigarette. It has diameter of around 7 mm and an axial length of around 12 mm. The cavity 180 has an axial length of around 4 mm.

[1089] The aerosol-forming substrate 14h and cavity 180 are circumscribed by a paper wrapping layer 18h.

[1090] The cavity 180 houses a crush ball 188 (i.e., a spherical capsule with a solid, crushable outer wall) containing vegetable glycerin. The crush ball 188 has a diameter of around 3.5 mm and is held within the cavity 180 in abutment with a downstream end 184 of the aerosol-forming substrate 14h.

[1091] The consumable 10h comprises an upstream filter element 22h and a downstream (terminal) filter element 26h. The two filter elements 22h, 26h and spaced by a cardboard spacer tube 30h. Both filter elements 22h, 26h are formed of cellulose acetate tow and wrapped with a respective paper plug layer (not shown).

[1092] Both filter elements 22h, 26h have a substantially cylindrical shape. The diameter of the upstream filter 22h matches the diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate 14h. The diameter of the terminal filter element 26h is slightly larger and matches the combined diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate 14h and the wrapping layer 18h. The upstream filter element 22h is slightly shorter in axial length than the terminal filter element 26h at an axial length of 10 mm compared to 12 mm for the terminal filter element 26h.

[1093] The cardboard tube spacer 30h is longer than each of the two filter portions having an axial length of around 14 mm.

[1094] The terminal filter element 26h is a hollow bore filter element with a hollow, longitudinally extending bore having a diameter of 2 mm.

[1095] The cardboard spacer tube 30h and the upstream filter element 22h are circumscribed by the wrapping layer 18h.

[1096] The terminal filter element 26h is joined to the upstream elements forming the consumable by a circumscribing paper tipping layer 42h. The tipping layer 42h encircles the terminal filter portion and has an axial length of around 20 mm such that it overlays a portion of the cardboard tube spacer 30h.

[1097] FIG. 37 shows a second embodiment of a consumable 10h′ which is the same as that shown in FIG. 36 except that there is no cavity and the crush ball 188 is held in abutment with the aerosol-forming substrate 14h embedded within and at the upstream axial end of the upstream filter element 22h. Furthermore, the terminal filter element 26h comprises a further crushable capsule 34h (crush-ball 34h) having a shell wall containing a liquid menthol or cherry or vanilla flavorant. The capsule 34h is spherical and has a diameter of 3.5 mm. It is positioned within the axial center of the terminal filter portion 26h. The capsule 34h may be omitted from the FIG. 37 embodiment and may be included in the FIG. 36 embodiment.

[1098] FIG. 38 shows a third embodiment of a consumable 10h″ which is the same as the first embodiment except that the wrapping layer 18h does not completely circumscribe the cardboard spacer tube 30h such that there is an annular gap 50h between the tipping layer 42h and the cardboard spacer tube 30h downstream of the end of the wrapping layer 18h.

[1099] FIG. 39 shows the first embodiment inserted into an HNB device 54h comprising a rod-shaped heating element (not shown). The heating element projects into a cavity 58h within the main body 62h of the device 54h.

[1100] The consumable 10h is inserted into the cavity 58h of the main body 62h of the device 54h such that the heating rod penetrates the aerosol-forming substrate 14h. Heating of the reconstituted tobacco in the aerosol-forming substrate 14h is effected by powering the heating element (e.g., with a rechargeable battery (not shown)). As the tobacco is heated, moisture and volatile compound (e.g., nicotine) within the tobacco and the humectant are released as a vapor and entrained within an airflow generated by inhalation by the user at the terminal filter portion 26h. The crush ball 188 containing VG can be ruptured by pressure to allow the VG to wick into the aerosol-forming substrate to modify the amount of visible vapor during smoking of the consumable.

[1101] As the vapor cools within the upstream filter element 22h and the cardboard spacer tube 30h, it condenses to form an aerosol containing the volatile compounds for inhalation by the user.

[1102] Tenth Mode: A Consumable Providing Liquid-Containing Capsule that can be Ruptured Mechanically by a Heater Element

[1103] As shown in FIG. 40, the HNB consumable 10i comprises an aerosol-forming substrate 14i at the upstream end of the consumable 10i.

[1104] The aerosol-forming substrate 14i comprises 65 wt % tobacco which is provided in the form of gathered shreds produced from a sheet of slurry/paper recon tobacco. The tobacco is dosed with 20 wt % of a humectant such as propylene glycol (PG) or vegetable glycerin (VG) and has a moisture content of between 7-9 wt %. The aerosol-forming substrate further comprises cellulose pulp filler and guar gum binder.

[1105] The aerosol-forming substrate 14i is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape such that the consumable resembles a conventional cigarette. It has diameter of around 7 mm and an axial length of around 12 mm.

[1106] The aerosol-forming substrate 14i is circumscribed by a paper wrapping layer 18i.

[1107] A crush ball 188i (i.e., a spherical capsule with a solid, crushable outer wall) containing vegetable glycerin is embedded within the aerosol-forming substrate 14i. The crush ball has a diameter of around 3.5 mm and is axially spaced from the upstream end 192 of the aerosol-forming substrate 14i by a distance of less than 12 mm, e.g., between 5-10 mm such as around 7 mm.

[1108] The consumable 10i comprises an upstream filter element 22i and a downstream (terminal) filter element 26i. The two filter elements 22i, 26i and spaced by a cardboard spacer tube 30i. Both filter elements 22i, 26i are formed of cellulose acetate tow and wrapped with a respective paper plug layer (not shown).

[1109] Both filter elements 22i, 26i have a substantially cylindrical shape. The diameter of the upstream filter 22i matches the diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate 14i. The diameter of the terminal filter element 26i is slightly larger and matches the combined diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate 14i and the wrapping layer 18i. The upstream filter element 22i is slightly shorter in axial length than the terminal filter element 26i at an axial length of 10 mm compared to 12 mm for the terminal filter element 26i.

[1110] The cardboard tube spacer 30i is longer than each of the two filter portions having an axial length of around 14 mm.

[1111] Each filter element 22i, 26i is a hollow bore filter element with a hollow, longitudinally extending bore. The diameter of the bore in the upstream filter is slightly larger than the diameter of the bore in the terminal filter having a diameter of 3 mm compared to 2 mm for the terminal filter element.

[1112] The cardboard spacer tube 30i and the upstream filter portion 4 are circumscribed by the wrapping layer 18i.

[1113] The terminal filter element 26i is joined to the upstream elements forming the consumable by a circumscribing paper tipping layer 42i. The tipping layer 42i encircles the terminal filter portion and has an axial length of around 20 mm such that it overlays a portion of the cardboard tube spacer 30i.

[1114] FIG. 41 shows a second embodiment of a consumable 10i′ which is the same as that shown in FIG. 40 except that the terminal filter element 26i comprises a further crushable capsule 34i (crush-ball 34i) having a shell containing a liquid menthol or cherry or vanilla flavorant. The capsule 34i is spherical and has a diameter of 3.5 mm. It is positioned within the axial center of the terminal filter portion 26i.

[1115] FIG. 42 shows a third embodiment of a consumable 10i″ which is the same as the first embodiment except that the wrapping layer 18i does not completely circumscribe the cardboard spacer tube 30i such that there is an annular gap 50i between the tipping layer 42i and the cardboard spacer tube 30i downstream of the end of the wrapping layer 18i.

[1116] FIG. 43 shows the first embodiment inserted into an HNB device 54i comprising a rod-shaped heating element 90i. The heating element 16 projects into a cavity 58i within the main body 62i of the device by a distance of around 12 mm.

[1117] The consumable 10i is inserted into the cavity 58i of the main body 62i of the device 54i such that the heating rod 90i penetrates the aerosol-forming substrate 14i from the upstream axial end 192. Given that the axial spacing of the crush ball 188i from the upstream axial end 192 of the aerosol-forming substrate 14i is less than the length of the heating element 90i/less than the length that the heating element projects into the cavity, as the heating element 16 penetrates the aerosol-forming substrate, the heating element mechanically ruptures the crush ball 188i so that the VG is released into the tobacco of the aerosol-forming substrate 14i.

[1118] Heating of the reconstituted tobacco in the aerosol-forming substrate 14i is effected by powering the heating element (e.g., with a rechargeable battery (not shown)). As the tobacco is heated, moisture and volatile compound (e.g., nicotine) within the tobacco and the VG released from the ruptured liquid pod are released as a vapor and entrained within an airflow generated by inhalation by the user at the terminal filter portion 26i. The VG released from the crush ball 188i increases the amount of visible vapor during smoking of the consumable.

[1119] As the vapor cools within the upstream filter element 22i and the cardboard spacer tube 30i, it condenses to form an aerosol containing the volatile compounds for inhalation by the user.

[1120] Eleventh Mode: A Consumable Providing an Increased Concentration of Volatile Compound

[1121] As shown in FIG. 44, the HNB consumable 10k comprises an aerosol-forming substrate 14k at the upstream end of the consumable 10k.

[1122] The aerosol-forming substrate 14k comprises reconstituted tobacco which includes nicotine as a volatile compound and which is dosed with up to 20 wt % of a flavorant coating, where the flavorant is selected from menthol, peppermint, spearmint, licorice, chocolate, fruit flavor, vanilla, spice, coffee, Eucalyptus, and tobacco flavor.

[1123] The aerosol-forming substrate 14k comprises 65 wt % tobacco which is provided in the form of gathered shreds produced from a sheet of slurry-type reconstituted tobacco. The tobacco is dosed with 20 wt % of a humectant such as propylene glycol (PG) or vegetable glycerin (VG) and has a moisture content of between 7-9 wt %. The aerosol-forming substrate further comprises cellulose pulp filler and guar gum binder.

[1124] The aerosol-forming substrate 14k is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape such that the consumable 10k resembles a conventional cigarette. It has diameter of around 7 mm and an axial length of around 12 mm.

[1125] The aerosol-forming substrate 14k is circumscribed by a paper wrapping layer 18k.

[1126] The consumable 10k comprises an upstream filter element 22k and a downstream (terminal) filter element 26k. The two filter elements 22k, 26k and spaced by a cardboard tube spacer 6. Both filter elements 22k, 26k are formed of cellulose acetate tow and wrapped with a respective paper plug layer (not shown).

[1127] Both filter elements 22k, 26k have a substantially cylindrical shape. The diameter of the upstream filter 22k matches the diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate 14k. The diameter of the terminal filter element 26k is slightly larger and matches the combined diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate 14k and the wrapping layer 18k. The upstream filter element 22k is slightly shorter in axial length than the terminal filter element 26k at an axial length of 10 mm compared to 12 mm for the terminal filer element 26k.

[1128] The cardboard tube spacer 30k is longer than each of the two filter portions having an axial length of around 14 mm.

[1129] Each filter element 22k, 26k is a hollow bore filter element with a hollow, longitudinally extending bore. The diameter of the bore in the upstream filter 22k is slightly larger than the diameter of the bore in the terminal filter 26k having a diameter of 3 mm compared to 2 mm for the terminal filter element 26k.

[1130] The cardboard tube spacer 30k and the upstream filter portion 22k are circumscribed by the wrapping layer 18k.

[1131] The terminal filter element 26k is joined to the upstream elements forming the consumable by a circumscribing paper tipping layer 42k. The tipping layer 42k encircles the terminal filter portion and has an axial length of around 20 mm such that it overlays a portion of the cardboard tube spacer 30k.

[1132] FIG. 45 shows a second embodiment of a consumable 10k′ which is the same as that shown in FIG. 44 except that the terminal filter element 26k comprises a crushable capsule 34k (crush-ball 34k) containing a liquid menthol or cherry or vanilla flavorant. The capsule 34k is spherical and has a diameter of 3.5 mm. It is positioned within the axial center of the terminal filter portion 26k.

[1133] FIG. 46 shows a third embodiment of a consumable 10k″ which is the same as the first embodiment except that the wrapping layer 18k does not completely circumscribe the cardboard tube spacer 30k such that there is an annular gap 50k between the tipping layer 42k and the cardboard tube spacer 30k downstream of the end of the wrapping layer 18k.

[1134] FIG. 47 shows the first embodiment inserted into an HNB device 54k comprising a rod-shaped heating element (not shown). The heating element projects into a cavity 58k within the main body 62k of the device 54k.

[1135] The consumable 10k is inserted into the cavity 58k of the main body 62k of the device 54k such that the heating rod penetrates the aerosol-forming substrate 14k. Heating of the reconstituted tobacco in the aerosol-forming substrate 14k is effected by powering the heating element (e.g., with a rechargeable battery (not shown)). As the tobacco is heated, moisture and volatile compound (e.g., nicotine) within the tobacco and the aerosol former are released as a vapor and entrained within an airflow generated by inhalation by the user at the terminal filter portion 26k.

[1136] As the vapor cools within the upstream filer element 22k and the cardboard tube spacer 30k, it condenses to form an aerosol containing the volatile compounds for inhalation by the user.

[1137] FIG. 48 shows an illustrative diagram of an embodiment of the manufacturing process 200. Tobacco is ground to reduce the particle size to less than 120 microns (step 204).

[1138] The ground tobacco step 204 is then combined with a guar gum binder, cellulose pulp filler, propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin to form a mixture in step 208.

[1139] The mixture from step 208 is combined with an aqueous medium to form a slurry in step 212. Mixing of the mixture from step 208 with the aqueous medium is carried out in a high shear mixer. The tobacco content of the slurry is approximately 50 to 90% of the total solids content of the slurry, where the total solids content is 15 to 30 weight % of the slurry.

[1140] The resultant slurry from step 212 is cast onto a dryer belt to form a sheet in step 216. The sheet from step 216 is dried using a steam drying apparatus to remove excess moisture content from the sheet until the sheet is self-supporting in step 220.

[1141] After step 220, the sheet is wound onto a bobbin for storage in step 224. The moisture content of the cast sheet at winding is about 7 to 15 percent of dry weight of the tobacco sheet. After step 224, a flavorant is applied to the sheet using spray-coating to provide a flavorant coating on the sheet at step 228.

[1142] After step 228, the sheet can subsequently be made into a whole or part of an HNB consumable suitable for an HNB device in step 232. Step 232 is achieved by cutting the sheet to an appropriate size. After step 232, the sheet may be used as whole or part of an HNB consumable for an HNB device in step 236. In particular, it is a slurry-type reconstituted tobacco product for use in an HNB device.

[1143] In an alternative embodiment the flavorant is applied (step 228) to the dry sheet after step 220 and before winding onto a bobbin for storage (step 224).

[1144] Twelfth Mode: A Consumable Providing Aerosol-Forming Substrate Having an Increased Concentration of Volatile Compound

[1145] As shown in FIG. 49, the HNB consumable 10m comprises an aerosol-forming substrate 14m at the upstream end of the consumable 10m.

[1146] The aerosol-forming substrate 14m comprises reconstituted tobacco which includes nicotine as a volatile compound and which is dosed with up to 20 wt % of flavorant selected from menthol, peppermint, spearmint, licorice, chocolate, fruit flavor, vanilla, spice, coffee, Eucalyptus, and tobacco flavor.

[1147] The aerosol-forming substrate 14m comprises 65 wt % tobacco which is provided in the form of gathered shreds produced from a sheet of slurry tobacco. The tobacco is dosed with 20 wt % of a humectant such as propylene glycol (PG) or vegetable glycerin (VG) and has a moisture content of between 7-9 wt %. The aerosol-forming substrate further comprises cellulose pulp filler and guar gum binder.

[1148] The aerosol-forming substrate 14m is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape such that the consumable resembles a conventional cigarette. It has diameter of around 7 mm and an axial length of around 12 mm.

[1149] The aerosol-forming substrate 14m is circumscribed by a paper wrapping layer 18m.

[1150] The consumable 10m comprises an upstream filter element 22m and a downstream (terminal) filter element 26m. The two filter elements 22m, 26m and spaced by a cardboard tube spacer 30m. Both filter elements 22m, 26m are formed of cellulose acetate tow and wrapped with a respective paper plug layer (not shown).

[1151] Both filter elements 22m, 26m have a substantially cylindrical shape. The diameter of the upstream filter element 22m matches the diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate 14m. The diameter of the terminal filter element 26m is slightly larger and matches the combined diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate 14m and the wrapping layer 18m. The upstream filter element 22m is slightly shorter in axial length than the terminal filter element 26m at an axial length of 10 mm compared to 12 mm for the terminal filter element 26m.

[1152] The cardboard tube spacer 30m is longer than each of the two filter portions having an axial length of around 14 mm.

[1153] Each filter element 22m, 26m is a hollow bore filter element with a hollow, longitudinally extending bore. The diameter of the bore in the upstream filter element 22m is slightly larger than the diameter of the bore in the terminal filter element 26m having a diameter of 3 mm compared to 2 mm for the terminal filter element 26m.

[1154] The cardboard tube spacer 30m and the upstream filter portion 22m are circumscribed by the wrapping layer 18m.

[1155] The terminal filter element 26m is joined to the upstream elements forming the consumable 10m by a circumscribing paper tipping layer 42m. The tipping layer 42m encircles the terminal filter portion and has an axial length of around 20 mm such that it overlays a portion of the cardboard tube spacer 30m.

[1156] FIG. 50 shows a second embodiment of a consumable 10m′ which is the same as that shown in FIG. 49 except that the terminal filter element 26m comprises a crushable capsule 34m (crush-ball 34m) containing a liquid menthol or cherry or vanilla flavorant. The capsule 34m is spherical and has a diameter of 3.5 mm. It is positioned within the axial center of the terminal filter portion 26m.

[1157] FIG. 51 shows a third embodiment of a consumable 10m″ which is the same as the first embodiment except that the wrapping layer 18m does not completely circumscribe the cardboard tube spacer 30m such that there is an annular gap 50m between the tipping layer 42m and the cardboard tube spacer 30m downstream of the end of the wrapping layer 18m.

[1158] FIG. 52 shows the first embodiment inserted into an HNB device 54m comprising a rod-shaped heating element (not shown). The heating element projects into a cavity 58m within the main body 62m of the device.

[1159] The consumable 10m is inserted into the cavity 58m of the main body 62m of the device 54m such that the heating rod penetrates the aerosol-forming substrate 14m. Heating of the reconstituted tobacco in the aerosol-forming substrate 14m is effected by powering the heating element (e.g., with a rechargeable battery (not shown)). As the tobacco is heated, moisture and volatile compound (e.g., nicotine) within the tobacco and the aerosol former are released as a vapor and entrained within an airflow generated by inhalation by the user at the terminal filter portion 26m.

[1160] As the vapor cools within the upstream filer element 22m and the cardboard tube spacer 30m, it condenses to form an aerosol containing the volatile compounds for inhalation by the user.

[1161] FIG. 53 shows an illustrative diagram of an embodiment of the manufacturing method 200m. Tobacco is ground to reduce the particle size to less than 120 microns in step 204m.

[1162] The ground tobacco from step 204m is then combined with a guar gum binder, cellulose pulp filler, propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin to form a mixture in step 208m.

[1163] The mixture from step 208m is combined with an aqueous medium to form a slurry in step 212m. Mixing of the mixture in step 212m with the aqueous medium is carried out in a high shear mixer. The tobacco content of the slurry is approximately 50 to 90% of the total solids content of the slurry, where the total solids content is 15 to 30 weight % of the slurry.

[1164] A flavorant contained within a propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin base liquid, where the flavorant content is within the range 1 to 50 weight % of total weight of flavorant and base liquid, is combined with the slurry in step 214m.

[1165] The resultant slurry of step 214m is cast onto a dryer belt to form a sheet in step 216m. The sheet is then dried using a steam drying apparatus to remove excess moisture content from the sheet until the sheet is self-supporting in step 220m.

[1166] The sheet from step 220m is wound onto a bobbin for storage in step 224m. The moisture content of the cast sheet at winding is about 7 to 15 percent of dry weight of the tobacco sheet.

[1167] The sheet from step 224m can subsequently be made into a whole or part of an HNB consumable suitable for an HNB device in step 232m. This is achieved by cutting the sheet to an appropriate size. The sheet may be used as whole or part of an HNB consumable for an HNB device of step 232m. In particular, it is a slurry-type reconstituted tobacco product for use in an HNB device 54m.

[1168] Thirteenth Mode: A Consumable Providing an Aerosol-Forming Substrate Having an Increased Concentration of Volatile Compound

[1169] As shown in FIG. 54, the HNB consumable 10n comprises an aerosol-forming substrate 14n at the upstream end of the consumable 10n.

[1170] The aerosol-forming substrate 14n comprises reconstituted tobacco which includes nicotine as a volatile compound and which is dosed with up to 20 wt % of a casing component selected from sugars, cocoa, carob bean extract, licorice, and fruit extracts.

[1171] The aerosol-forming substrate 14n comprises 65 wt % tobacco which is provided in the form of gathered shreds produced from a sheet of slurry tobacco. The tobacco is dosed with 20 wt % of a humectant such as propylene glycol (PG) or vegetable glycerin (VG) and has a moisture content of between 7-9 wt %. The aerosol-forming substrate further comprises cellulose pulp filler and guar gum binder.

[1172] The aerosol-forming substrate 14n is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape such that the consumable resembles a conventional cigarette. It has diameter of around 7 mm and an axial length of around 12 mm.

[1173] The aerosol-forming substrate 14n is circumscribed by a paper wrapping layer 18n.

[1174] The consumable 10n comprises an upstream filter element 22n and a downstream (terminal) filter element 26n. The two filter elements 22n, 26n and spaced by a cardboard tube spacer 30n. Both filter elements 22n, 26n are formed of cellulose acetate tow and wrapped with a respective paper plug layer (not shown).

[1175] Both filter elements 22n, 26n have a substantially cylindrical shape. The diameter of the upstream filter element 22n matches the diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate 14n. The diameter of the terminal filter element 26n is slightly larger and matches the combined diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate 14n and the wrapping layer 18n. The upstream filter element 22n is slightly shorter in axial length than the terminal filter element 26n at an axial length of 10 mm compared to 12 mm for the terminal filter element 26n.

[1176] The cardboard tube spacer 30n is longer than each of the two filter portions having an axial length of around 14 mm.

[1177] Each filter element 22n, 26n is a hollow bore filter element with a hollow, longitudinally extending bore. The diameter of the bore in the upstream filter element 22n is slightly larger than the diameter of the bore in the terminal filter element 26n having a diameter of 3 mm compared to 2 mm for the terminal filter element 26n.

[1178] The cardboard tube spacer 30n and the upstream filter portion 22n are circumscribed by the wrapping layer 18n.

[1179] The terminal filter element 26n is joined to the upstream elements forming the consumable by a circumscribing paper tipping layer 42n. The tipping layer 42n encircles the terminal filter portion 26n and has an axial length of around 20 mm such that it overlays a portion of the cardboard tube spacer 30n.

[1180] FIG. 55 shows a second embodiment of a consumable 10n′ which is the same as that shown in FIG. 54 except that the terminal filter element 26n comprises a crushable capsule 34n (crush-ball 34n) containing a liquid menthol or cherry or vanilla flavorant. The capsule 34n is spherical and has a diameter of 3.5 mm. It is positioned within the axial center of the terminal filter portion 26n.

[1181] FIG. 56 shows a third embodiment of a consumable 10n″ which is the same as the first embodiment except that the wrapping layer 18n does not completely circumscribe the cardboard tube spacer 30n such that there is an annular gap 50n between the tipping layer 42n and the cardboard tube spacer 30n downstream of the end of the wrapping layer 18n.

[1182] FIG. 57 shows the first embodiment inserted into an HNB device 54n comprising a rod-shaped heating element (not shown). The heating element projects into a cavity 58n within the main body 62n of the device 54n.

[1183] The consumable 10n is inserted into the cavity 58n of the main body 62n of the device 54n such that the heating rod penetrates the aerosol-forming substrate 14n. Heating of the reconstituted tobacco in the aerosol-forming substrate 14n is effected by powering the heating element (e.g., with a rechargeable battery (not shown)). As the tobacco is heated, moisture and volatile compound (e.g., nicotine) within the tobacco and the aerosol former are released as a vapor and entrained within an airflow generated by inhalation by the user at the terminal filter portion 26n.

[1184] As the vapor cools within the upstream filer element 22n and the cardboard tube spacer 30n, it condenses to form an aerosol containing the volatile compounds for inhalation by the user.

[1185] FIG. 58 shows an illustrative diagram of an embodiment of the manufacturing method 200n. Tobacco is ground to reduce the particle size to less than 120 microns in step 204n

[1186] The ground tobacco of step 204n is then combined with a guar gum binder, cellulose pulp filler, propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin to form a mixture in step 208n.

[1187] The mixture from step 208n is combined with an aqueous medium to form a slurry in step 212n. Mixing of the mixture of step 212n with the aqueous medium is carried out in a high shear mixer. The tobacco content of the slurry is approximately 50 to 90% of the total solids content of the slurry, where the total solids content is 15 to 30 weight % of the slurry.

[1188] A casing component selected from sugars, cocoa, carob bean extract, licorice, and fruit extracts is combined with the slurry of step 212n and mixed to homogenize in step 215n. The amount of casing component is selected so as to ultimately provide a casing component content of up to 20 weight % in the dried tobacco sheet. The resultant slurry of step 215n is cast onto a dryer belt to form a sheet in step 216n. The sheet is dried using a steam drying apparatus to remove excess moisture content from the sheet until the sheet is self-supporting in step 220n.

[1189] The sheet is wound onto a bobbin for storage in step 224n. The moisture content of the cast sheet at winding is about 7 to 15 percent of dry weight of the tobacco sheet.

[1190] The sheet can subsequently be made into a whole or part of an HNB consumable suitable for an HNB device 54n in step 232n. This is achieved by cutting the sheet to an appropriate size. The sheet may be used as whole or part of an HNB consumable 10n for an HNB device 54n. In particular, it is a slurry-type reconstituted tobacco product for use in an HNB device 54n.

[1191] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for obtaining the disclosed results, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilized for realizing the invention in diverse forms thereof.

[1192] While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

[1193] For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are provided for the purposes of improving the understanding of a reader. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

[1194] Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

[1195] Throughout this specification, including the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words “have”, “comprise”, and “include”, and variations such as “having”, “comprises”, “comprising”, and “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[1196] It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by the use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term “about” in relation to a numerical value is optional and means, for example, +/−10%.

[1197] The words “preferred” and “preferably” are used herein refer to embodiments of the invention that may provide certain benefits under some circumstances. It is to be appreciated, however, that other embodiments may also be preferred under the same or different circumstances. The recitation of one or more preferred embodiments therefore does not mean or imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the disclosure, or from the scope of the claims.