AEROSOL-GENERATING ARTICLE WITH HOLLOW TUBULAR ELEMENT

Abstract

An aerosol-generating article (1) comprising: a first element (10) comprising an aerosol-forming substrate (12); a susceptor element (20) arranged within the first element (10); and a hollow tubular element (100) disposed downstream of the first element (10). The hollow tubular element (100) comprises: a peripheral portion (110) defining a hollow inner region (120) of the hollow tubular element (100); and a support element (130) formed from a paper sheet and extending from a first point (131) at the peripheral portion (110) across the hollow inner region (120) to a second point (132) at the peripheral portion (110).

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating article comprising: a first element comprising an aerosol-forming substrate; a susceptor element arranged within the first element; and a hollow tubular element disposed downstream of the first element, wherein the hollow tubular element comprises: a peripheral portion defining a hollow inner region of the hollow tubular element; and a support element formed from a paper sheet and extending from a first point at the peripheral portion across the hollow inner region to a second point at the peripheral portion.

2. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral portion is formed from a sheet.

3. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 2, wherein the peripheral portion and the support element are integrally formed from a sheet.

4. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, wherein the first point at the peripheral portion and the second point at the peripheral portion are adjacent to each other.

5. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, wherein the support element comprises a tip, the tip being positioned within the hollow inner region.

6. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, wherein the support elements depends from the peripheral portion along a first fold line of the sheet, wherein the first fold line resides at the first point at the peripheral portion.

7. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 6, wherein the support element depends from the peripheral portion along a second fold line of the sheet, wherein the second fold line resides at the second point at the peripheral portion.

8. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 7, wherein the support element comprises a third fold line of the sheet.

9. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, wherein a cross section of the support element comprises a curved portion.

10. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, wherein the support element comprises a plurality of peaks and troughs, when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element.

11. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, wherein the support element is configured so that the hollow inner region consists of a single channel.

12. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, wherein the support element extends through the radial centre of the hollow tubular element.

13. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, wherein the hollow tubular element comprises a plurality of support elements.

14. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, wherein the hollow tubular element comprises an adhesive.

15. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, wherein the susceptor is arranged within the aerosol-forming substrate.

Description

[0417] Embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0418] FIG. 1 shows a schematic side sectional view of an aerosol-generating article in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0419] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of some of the components of the aerosol-generating article of FIG. 1;

[0420] FIG. 3 shows a partially transparent perspective view of a hollow tubular element of the aerosol-generating article of FIG. 1;

[0421] FIGS. 4A and 4B show a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of the hollow tubular element of the aerosol-generating article of FIG. 1;

[0422] FIG. 4C shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating article at the hollow tubular element of FIG. 1;

[0423] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a hollow tubular element for an aerosol-generating article in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0424] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of the hollow tubular element of FIG. 5;

[0425] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of a hollow tubular element for an aerosol-generating article in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0426] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of a hollow tubular element for an aerosol-generating article in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0427] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of a hollow tubular element for an aerosol-generating article in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0428] FIG. 10 shows a side view of an apparatus for forming a hollow tubular element for an aerosol-generating article, for example, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0429] FIG. 11A shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 10 as taken along plane A-A of FIG. 10;

[0430] FIG. 11B shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 10 as taken along plane B-B of FIG. 10;

[0431] FIG. 12A shows a cross-sectional view of a hollow tube used to form a hollow tubular element for an aerosol-generating article, for example, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0432] FIG. 12B shows a cross-sectional view of a hollow tubular element for an aerosol-generating article formed from the hollow tube of FIG. 12A and using the apparatus of FIG. 10;

[0433] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a hollow tubular element for an aerosol-generating article in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

[0434] FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of the hollow tubular element of FIG. 13;

[0435] FIG. 15 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of a hollow tubular element for an aerosol-generating article in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

[0436] FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of a hollow tubular element for an aerosol-generating article in accordance with a eight embodiment of the present invention;

[0437] FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of a hollow tubular element for an aerosol-generating article in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present invention;

[0438] FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of a hollow tubular element for an aerosol-generating article in accordance with an tenth embodiment of the present invention;

[0439] FIG. 19 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of the hollow tubular element of FIG. 18; and

[0440] FIG. 20 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of a hollow tubular element for an aerosol-generating article in accordance with an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0441] FIG. 1 shows an aerosol-generating article 1 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol-generating article 1 comprises a first element 10 comprising an aerosol-forming substrate 12; a susceptor element 20 arranged within the first element 10; a hollow tubular element 100 disposed downstream of the first element 10; and a mouth end element 30. Thus, the aerosol-generating article extends from an upstream or distal end 2 to a downstream or mouth end 4.

[0442] The aerosol-generating article has an overall length of about 45 millimetres.

[0443] The first element 10 is in the form of a rod comprising the aerosol-forming substrate 12 of one of the types described above. The structure and dimensions of the first element 10 are defined by the aerosol-forming substrate 12, which is also in the form of a rod. The first element 10 comprising the aerosol-forming substrate 12 has an outer diameter of about 7.25 millimetres and a length of about 12 millimetres.

[0444] The susceptor element 20 is an elongate susceptor element 20. The susceptor element 20 is arranged substantially longitudinally within the first element 10, such as to be approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first element 10. The susceptor element 20 is positioned in a radially central position within the first element 10 and extends effectively along the entire longitudinal axis of the first element 10. In particular, the susceptor element 20 is arranged substantially longitudinally within the aerosol-forming substrate 12 and positioned in a radially central position with the aerosol-forming substrate 12. The susceptor element 20 extends all the way from an upstream end to a downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate 12. In effect, the susceptor element 20 has substantially the same length as the first element 10 and the aerosol-forming substrate 12.

[0445] The susceptor element 20 is provided in the form of a strip and has a length of about 12 millimetres, a thickness of about 60 micrometres, and a width of about 4 millimetres.

[0446] The hollow tubular element 100 is disposed immediately downstream of the first element 10, the hollow tubular element 100 being in longitudinal alignment with the first element 10. The upstream end of the hollow tubular element 100 abuts the downstream end of the first element 10 and in particular, the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate 10. This advantageously prevents or restricts movement of both the first element 10 and the susceptor element 20.

[0447] The mouthpiece element 30 is disposed immediately downstream of the hollow tubular element 100, the mouthpiece element 30 being in longitudinal alignment with the hollow tubular element. The upstream end of the mouthpiece element 30 abuts the downstream end of the hollow tubular element 100.

[0448] The mouthpiece element 30 is provided in the form of a cylindrical plug of low-density cellulose acetate. The mouthpiece element 30 has a length of about 12 millimetres and an outer diameter of about 7.25 millimetres. The RTD of the mouthpiece element 30 is about 12 millimetres H.sub.2O.

[0449] The hollow tubular element 100 is best seen in the exploded perspective view of some of the components of the aerosol-generating article 1 in FIG. 2 and in the partially transparent perspective view of the hollow tubular element in FIG. 3.

[0450] The hollow tubular element 100 comprises a peripheral portion 110 of material defining a hollow inner region 120 of the hollow tubular element 100. The hollow tubular element 100 also comprises a support element 130 formed from a sheet and extending from a first point 131 at the peripheral portion 110 across the hollow inner region 120 to a second point 132 at the peripheral portion 110.

[0451] The peripheral portion 110 and the support element 130 are integrally formed from the same sheet of paper. The paper sheet has a basis weight of about 78 grams per square metre. Substantially the entirety of the portion of the sheet forming the peripheral portion 110 forms a curved outer surface of the hollow tubular element 100.

[0452] To form the support element 130 the paper sheet comprises a seam (not shown), wherein two layers of the paper sheet overlap each other. The seam may be a part of one or both of the peripheral portion 110 and the support element 130. The seam extends over a small portion of one or both of the peripheral portion 110 and the support element 130. As such, substantially the entirety of the peripheral portion 110 is formed from a single layer of the sheet. In addition, substantially the entirety of the support element 130 is formed from a single layer of the sheet.

[0453] The support element 130 depends from the peripheral portion 110 along a first fold line 141 of the sheet, wherein the first fold line 141 resides at the first point 131 at the peripheral portion 110, and wherein the first fold line 141 extends along substantially the entire length of the hollow tubular element 100. The support element 130 also depends from the peripheral portion 110 along a second fold line 142 of the sheet, wherein the second fold line 142 resides at the second point 132 at the peripheral portion 110, and wherein the second fold line 142 extends along substantially the entire length of the hollow tubular element 100.

[0454] As such, the support element 130 also extends along substantially the entire length of the hollow tubular element 100. In effect, the support element 130 has substantially the same length as the hollow tubular element 100.

[0455] The hollow tubular element 100 has a length of about 8 millimetres.

[0456] The hollow tubular element 100 has a total weight of about 34 milligrams. As such, the hollow tubular element has an average weight of about 4.25 milligrams grams per millimetre.

[0457] The hollow tubular element 100 has a constant cross section along the entire length of the hollow tubular element 100.

[0458] The first fold line 141 and the second fold line 142 are both parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element 100. As such, the first fold line 141 and the second fold line 142 are parallel to each other.

[0459] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the support element 130 comprises a third fold line 143 of the sheet, wherein the third fold line 143 is parallel to and equidistant between the first fold line 141 and the second fold line 142. This helps to provide a strong support barrier to prevent or reduce movement of the first element 10, in particular the aerosol-forming substrate 12, and the susceptor element 20. The third fold line 143 defines the tip of the support element.

[0460] FIGS. 4A and 4B show a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of the hollow tubular element 100.

[0461] The first fold line 141 and the third fold line 143 together define a first side wall 151 of the support element 130, wherein the first side wall 151 is substantially straight and the outer surface 153 of the first side wall 151 forms an outer surface of the hollow tubular element 100. The second fold line 142 and the third fold line 143 together define a second side wall 151 of the support element 130, wherein the second side wall 152 is substantially straight and the outer surface 154 of the second side wall 152 forms an outer surface of the hollow tubular element.

[0462] The support element 130 has a generally triangular cross section.

[0463] The first point 131 at the peripheral portion 110 and the second point 132 at the peripheral portion 110 are spaced apart from each other by a distance 160 of about 1 millimetres. As such, the first fold line 141 and the second fold line 142 are also spaced apart from each other by a distance of about 1 millimetre.

[0464] The first side wall 151 and the second side wall 152 define an angle of about 30 degrees therebetween.

[0465] The depth of the support element 130 is about 2 millimetres. That is, the distance between the first point 131 at the peripheral portion and the tip of the support element 130 is about 2 millimetres. As such, the distance between the first fold line 141 and the third fold line 143 is also about 2 millimetres.

[0466] The tip of the support element 130 is spaced apart from the radial centre 162 of the hollow tubular element 100 by a distance of about 1.5 millimetres. As such, the support element 130 is spaced apart from the radial centre 162 of the hollow tubular element by a distance of about 1.5 millimetres.

[0467] The outer diameter 164 of the hollow tubular element is about 7.2 millimetres. As such, the support element 130 is spaced apart from the radial centre 162 of the hollow tubular element 100 by a distance of about 42 percent of the radius of the hollow tubular element 100.

[0468] FIG. 4C shows a wrapper 190 circumscribing the hollow tubular element 100.

[0469] The support element 130 is a first support element 130 and the hollow tubular element comprises two additional support elements: a second support element 170 and a third support element 180. This may advantageously provide the hollow tubular element 100 with additional strength and stiffness in both the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction to prevent or restrict movement of the first element 110, in particular the aerosol-forming substrate 112, and the susceptor element 120; whilst avoiding deformation of the hollow tubular element 100.

[0470] Each of the support elements 130, 170, 180 are identical to one another and are equally spaced around the circumference of the hollow tubular element 100. The circumference of the hollow tubular element 100 is illustrated by the dashed curved lines in FIG. 4B.

[0471] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a hollow tubular element 200 for an aerosol-generating article in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. The hollow tubular element 200 of the second embodiment differs from the hollow tubular element 100 of the first embodiment in that the first point 231 at the peripheral portion and the second point 232 at the peripheral portion are positioned closer to one another. In particular, the first point 231 at the peripheral portion and the second point 232 at the peripheral portion are spaced apart from each other by a distance of about zero millimetres. As such, the first fold line 241 and the second fold line 242 are also spaced apart from each other by a distance of about zero millimetres. The depth of the support element 230 is the same as the depth of the support element 130 and is about 2 millimetres.

[0472] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of the hollow tubular element 200. The angle formed between the first side wall 251 and the second side wall 252 is approximately zero degrees. Substantially the entirety of the first side wall 251 and substantially the entirety of the second side wall 252 are in contact with each other and are attached to each other by an adhesive. This may significantly increase the strength and the stiffness of the hollow tubular element in both the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction. This may also avoid the need to circumscribe the hollow tubular element 200 with a wrapper. As such, this may minimise the weight of the hollow tubular element 200 such that it is able to be assembled in the aerosol-generating article 1 using existing high speed aerosol-generating article assembly machines.

[0473] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of a hollow tubular element 300 for an aerosol-generating article in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. The hollow tubular element 300 of the third embodiment is generally the same as the hollow tubular element 100 of the first embodiment. However, the hollow tubular element 300 of the third embodiment differs from the hollow tubular element 100 of the first embodiment in that the support element 330 has a depth equal to about the radius of the hollow tubular element 300. As such, the support element 330 extends to the radial centre of the hollow tubular element 300. In particular, the tip of the support element 330 resides at or is adjacent to the radial centre of the hollow tubular element 300. In a similar manner to the hollow tubular element 100 of the first embodiment, the hollow tubular element 300 of the third embodiment comprises three identical support elements 330, 370, 380 equally spaced around the circumference of the hollow tubular element 300. As such, the support elements 330, 370, 380 divide the hollow inner region into three channels. In particular, the tips of the support elements 330, 370, 380 are adjacent to one another at the radial centre of the hollow tubular element 300.

[0474] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of a hollow tubular element 400 for an aerosol-generating article in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The hollow tubular element 400 is generally the same as the hollow tubular element 400 of the first embodiment, with the exception that the first point 431 at the peripheral portion and the second point 432 at the peripheral portion are positioned closer to one another. In particular, the first point 431 at the peripheral portion and the second point 432 at the peripheral portion are spaced apart from each other by a distance of about 0.8 millimetres. Furthermore, in FIG. 8, the depth of the support element 430 is now about 3 millimetres. In addition, in FIG. 8, the first side wall and the second side wall define an angle of about 15 degrees therebetween.

[0475] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of a hollow tubular element 500 for an aerosol-generating article in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The hollow tubular element 500 is generally the same as the hollow tubular element 200 of the second embodiment, with the exception that the depth of the hollow tubular element 200 is about the same as the radius of the hollow tubular element 500. As such, the support element 530 extends to the radial centre of the hollow tubular element 500. In particular, the tip of the support element 530 resides at or is adjacent to the radial centre of the hollow tubular element 500. Similarly to the hollow tubular element 100 of the first embodiment and the hollow tubular element 200 of the second embodiment, the hollow tubular element 500 of the fifth embodiment comprises three identical support elements. As such, the three support elements of the hollow tubular element 500 divides the hollow region of the hollow tubular element 500 into three channels. In particular, the tips of the support elements 530, 370, 580 are adjacent to one another at the radial centre of the hollow tubular element 300.

[0476] FIG. 10 illustrates a method for forming a hollow tubular element for an aerosol-generating article, such as the hollow tubular element 100 of the first embodiment described above. The method comprises providing an apparatus 105 for forming the hollow tubular element. The apparatus 105 comprises a device 107. The device 107 has an internal surface 115 defining a channel 125. The channel 125 extends from an upstream opening 117 of the device 107 to a downstream opening 118 of the device 107.

[0477] The device 107 comprises a first section 126, a second section 127 and a third section 128. The first section is located between the second section 127 and the third section 128, as shown in FIG. 10.

[0478] The first section 126 of the device 107 comprises an internal projection 135 projecting into the channel 125. The internal projection 135 extends from an upstream end of the first section 126 of the device 107 to a downstream end of the first section 126 of the device 107. The channel 125 in the first section 126 of the device 107 is substantially frustoconical, wherein a diameter of the channel 125 at the upstream end of the first section 126 is greater than the diameter of the channel 125 at the downstream end of the first section 126.

[0479] The internal projection 135 is substantially pyramidal. The internal projection 125 has a substantially triangular cross section in both the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction. The internal projection 135 has a maximum transverse cross-sectional area at an apex of the internal projection 135 and tapers off at the upstream end of the first section 126 of the device 107. The internal projection comprises a first edge, wherein the first edge is adjacent to a portion of the internal surface of the device 107 that defines the channel 125. The first edge extends from the upstream end of the first section 126 of the device 107. The internal projection also comprises a second edge, wherein the second edge is also adjacent to the internal surface 115 of the device 107 that defines the channel. The second edge extends from the upstream end of the first section 126 of the device 107. The internal projection further comprises a third edge, wherein the third edge resides within the channel 125 and also extends from the upstream end of the first section 126 of the device 107.

[0480] A cross section of the internal projection 135 taken along plane A-A is shown in FIG. 11A. A cross section of the internal projection 135 taken along plane B-B is shown in FIG. 11B. As such, FIG. 11B shows a cross section of the internal projection 135 at the apex of the internal projection 135.

[0481] The second section 127 of the device 107 extends from the upstream opening 117 of the device 107 to the first section 126 of the device 107. The part of the channel 125 extending through the second section 127 of the device 107 is substantially cylindrical and has a diameter about the same as the diameter of the channel 125 at the upstream end of the first section 126.

[0482] The third section 128 of the device 107 extends from the first section 126 of the device 107 to the downstream opening 118 of the device 107. The part of the channel 125 extending through the third section 128 of the device 107 is substantially cylindrical and has a diameter about the same as the diameter of the channel 125 at the downstream end of the first section 126.

[0483] The method also comprises providing a hollow tube 145 formed from a sheet, wherein a circumference of the hollow tube 145 is about equal to the internal perimeter of a transverse cross section of the device 107 at the apex of the internal projection 135. A cross section of the hollow tube 145 is shown in FIG. 11A. The diameter of the channel 125 at the upstream end of the first section 126 is about the same as a diameter of the hollow tube 145. As such, the diameter of the hollow tube 145 is also about the same as the diameter of the part of the channel 125 extending through the second section 127 of the device 107.

[0484] The method further comprises passing the hollow tube 145 through the upstream opening 117 of the device 107, into the second section 127 of the device 107, along the channel 125.

[0485] The method further comprises passing the hollow tube 145 along the channel 125 and into contact with the internal projection 135 at the upstream end of the first section 126 of the device 107.

[0486] The method further comprises passing the hollow tube 145 along the channel 125 through the first section 126 of the device 107, such that an outer surface of the hollow tube 145 is in contact with the internal surface 115 of the device 107. In particular, such that an outer surface of the hollow tube 145 is in contact with the internal projection 135. Due to the configuration of the first section 126 of the device 107, passing the hollow tube 145 along the first section 126 of the device 107 causes the hollow tube 145 to deform and conform to the internal shape of the first section of the device 107. In particular, the frustoconical shape of the channel 125 in the first section 126 when combined with the presence of the internal projection 135 in the first section 126, helps to shape the hollow tube 145 into a form having a reduced diameter and an internal folded projection forming a support element 130 as shown in FIG. 12B. Consequently, passing the hollow tube 145 through the first section 126 of the device 107 causes the hollow tube 145 to form: a first fold line at the first edge of the internal projection 135, a second fold line at the second edge of the internal projection 135; and a third fold line at the third edge of the internal projection 135. As such, passing the hollow tube 145 through the first section 126 of the device 107 forms a hollow tubular element formed from a sheet, the hollow tubular element comprising: a peripheral portion 110 defining a hollow inner region, and a support element 130; wherein the support element 130 depends from the peripheral portion along both a first fold line of the sheet and a second fold line of the sheet; and wherein the support element comprises a third fold line of the sheet residing within the hollow inner region. The hollow tube 145 and the hollow tubular element are shown in dotted lines in FIG. 10.

[0487] The method further comprises passing the hollow tubular element through the third section 128 of the device 107 and out of the channel 117 through the downstream opening 118 of the device 107. The third section 128 of the device 107 may assist with the exiting of the hollow tubular element out of the device 107. In addition, the third section 128 of the device 107 may help to retain the desired shape of the hollow tubular element after folding of the hollow tubular element.

[0488] As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the internal projection 135 is a first internal projection 135 and the first section 126 of the device 107 comprises two additional internal projections: a second internal projection 175 and a third internal projection 185. Each of the internal projections 135, 175, 185 are identical to one another and are equally spaced around the circumference of the first section 126 of the device 107.

[0489] As such, as shown in FIG. 12B, the support element 130 of the hollow tubular element formed by passing the hollow tube 145 through the first section 126 of the device 107 is a first support element 130 and the hollow tubular element comprises two additional support elements: a second support element 170 and a third support element 180. Each of the support elements 130, 170, 180 are identical to one another and are equally spaced around the circumference of the hollow tubular element.

[0490] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a hollow tubular element 600 for an aerosol-generating article in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The hollow tubular element 600 comprises a peripheral portion 610, which defines a hollow inner region 620 of the hollow tubular element 600; and a support element 630.

[0491] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the peripheral portion 610 and the support element 630 are formed integrally from the same sheet of paper. In particular, the peripheral portion 610 is formed from between two and four parallel wound layers of the paper sheet, and the support element 630 is formed from a single layer of the paper sheet. More specifically, a section of the peripheral portion 610 is formed from two layers of the paper sheet, another section of the peripheral portion 610 is formed from three layers of the paper sheet, and a further section of the peripheral portion 610 is formed from four layers of the paper sheet.

[0492] As illustrated by FIG. 14, the support element 630 extends from a first point 631 at the peripheral portion 610 across the hollow inner region 620 through the radial centre of the hollow tubular element 600 to a second point 632 at the peripheral portion 610. The first point 631 at the peripheral portion 610 and the second point 632 at the peripheral portion 610 are about diametrically opposed to each other. The inner diameter of the hollow tubular element is about 6.9 millimetres. As such, the first point 631 at the peripheral portion 610 and the second point 632 at the peripheral portion 610 is spaced apart from each other by about 6.9 millimetres. The outer diameter of the hollow tubular element is about 7.2 millimetres.

[0493] The support element 630 comprises a substantially straight portion which extends from the first point 631 at the peripheral portion 610 to the second point 632 at the peripheral portion 610, when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element 600, as shown in FIG. 14.

[0494] The support element 630 depends from the peripheral portion 610 along a first fold line of the sheet, wherein the first fold line resides at the first point 631 at the peripheral portion 610. The support element 630 also depends from the peripheral portion 610 along a second fold line of the sheet, wherein the second fold line resides at the second point 632 at the peripheral portion 610. As such, the substantially straight portion also extends from the first fold line of the sheet to the second fold line of the sheet.

[0495] FIG. 15 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of a hollow tubular element 700 for an aerosol-generating article in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The hollow tubular element 700 comprises a peripheral portion 710 and a support element 730. The peripheral portion 710 and the support element 730 are formed integrally from the same sheet of paper. The peripheral portion 710 is formed from parallel wound layers of the sheet such that a section of the peripheral portion is formed from two layers of the sheet and another section of the peripheral portion 710 is formed from a single layer of the sheet.

[0496] The support element 730 extends from a first point 731 at the peripheral portion 710 across the hollow inner region to a second point 732a at the peripheral portion 710. In particular, the support element 730 comprises an end of the sheet, wherein the end of the sheet is in contact with the peripheral portion 710 at the second point 732a at the peripheral portion 710.

[0497] The support element 730 is substantially sinusoidal, when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element 700. The support element 730 comprises a plurality of peaks and troughs; in particular, the support element 730 comprises a peak and two troughs. The peak of the support element 730 is in contact with the peripheral portion 710 at a further point 732b at the peripheral portion 710.

[0498] As such, it will be appreciated that the portion of the sheet extending from the first point 731 at the peripheral portion 710 to the further point 732b at the peripheral portion 710 may be a first support element. In addition, the portion of the sheet extending from the further point 732b at the peripheral portion 710 to the second point 732a at the peripheral portion 710 may be a second support element.

[0499] FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of a hollow tubular element 800 for an aerosol-generating article in accordance with an eight embodiment of the present invention. The hollow tubular element 800 comprises a peripheral portion 810 and a support element 830 formed integrally from the same sheet of paper. The sheet extends from a first end 833 of the sheet to a second end 834 of the sheet. The peripheral portion 810 is formed from parallel wound layers of the sheet such that a section of the peripheral portion 810 is formed from a single layer of the sheet and another section of the peripheral portion 810 is formed from two layers of the sheet.

[0500] The support element 830 extends from a first point 831 at the peripheral portion 810 across the hollow inner region to a second point 832 at the peripheral portion 810. In particular, the support element 830 depends from the peripheral portion 810 from both a first fold line and a second fold line of the sheet, wherein the first fold line resides at the first point 831 at the peripheral portion 810, and the second fold line resides at the second point 832 at the peripheral portion 810. The first point 831 at the peripheral portion 810 and the second point 832 at the peripheral portion 810 are about diametrically opposed to each other.

[0501] The portion of the sheet extending from the first end 833 of the sheet to the first point 831 at the peripheral portion 810, and the portion of the sheet extending from the second point 832 at the peripheral portion 810 to the second end 1034 of the sheet define the hollow inner region of the hollow tubular element 800. Accordingly, the peripheral portion 810 comprises the portion of the sheet extending from the first end 833 of the sheet to the first point 831 at the peripheral portion 810, and the portion of the sheet extending from the second point 832 at the peripheral portion 810 to the second end 834 of the sheet.

[0502] As shown in FIG. 16, the support element 830 is substantially sinusoidal, when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element 800. The support element 830 comprises a plurality of peaks and troughs; in particular, the support element 830 comprises two peaks and three troughs. This increases the surface area of the hollow tubular element 800 that may be in contact with the first element 10, in particular the aerosol-forming substrate 12, and the susceptor element 20. As such, this may increase the ability of the hollow tubular element 800 to prevent or restrict movement of both the first element 10, in particular the aerosol-forming substrate 12, and the susceptor element 20.

[0503] FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of a hollow tubular element 900 for an aerosol-generating article in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present invention. The hollow tubular element 900 is generally the same as the hollow tubular element 800 of the eighth embodiment, with the exception that a second end of the sheet resides at the second point 932 at the peripheral portion 910. As such, there is no portion of the sheet extending from the second point 932 at the peripheral portion 910 to the second end of the sheet. Accordingly, the support element 930 does not depend from the peripheral portion 910 along a second fold line of the sheet, wherein the second fold line resides at the second point 932 of the peripheral portion 910. In addition, the peripheral portion 910 does not comprise a portion of the sheet extending from the second point 932 at the peripheral portion 910 to the second end of the sheet.

[0504] Furthermore, the hollow tubular element 900 differs from the hollow tubular element 800 in that the support element 930 is substantially s-shaped, when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element 900.

[0505] The support element 930 extends through the radial centre of the hollow tubular element 900.

[0506] FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of a hollow tubular element 1000 for an aerosol-generating article in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present invention. The hollow tubular element 1000 comprises a peripheral portion 1010 which defines a hollow inner region 1020 of the hollow tubular element 1000. The hollow tubular element 1000 also comprises a support element 1030 formed from a sheet of paper. The peripheral portion 1010 comprises a tube that is distinct from the sheet which forms the support element 1030. That is, the tube is not integrally formed with the support element 1030.

[0507] As shown in FIG. 19, a first end 1033 of the sheet is in contact with the tube up to a first point 1031 at the peripheral portion 1010, where it deflects away from the tube and into the hollow inner region 1020. A second end 1034 of the sheet is in contact with the tube up to a second point 1032a at the peripheral portion 1010, where it deflects away from the tube and into the hollow inner region 1020. As such, the support element 1030 extends from the first point 1031 at the peripheral portion 1010 across the hollow inner region 1020 to the second point 1032a at the peripheral portion 1010. In addition, the peripheral portion 1010 comprises: the tube, the portion of the sheet extending from the first end 1033 of the sheet to the first point 1031 at the peripheral portion 1010; and the portion of the sheet extending from the second point 1032a at the peripheral portion 1010 to the second end 1034 of the sheet.

[0508] The support element 1030 comprises a curved portion, when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element 100. In particular, the support element 1033 is substantially omega-shaped, when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element 1000. The support element 1030 is also in contact with the tube at a further point 1032b at the peripheral portion 1010. The support element 1030 divides the hollow inner region 1020 into four channels.

[0509] It will be appreciated that the portion of the sheet extending from the first point 1031 at the peripheral portion 1010 to the further point 1032b at the peripheral portion 1010 may be a first support element. In addition, the portion of the sheet extending from the further point 1032b at the peripheral portion 1010 to the second point 1032a at the peripheral portion 1010 may be a second support element. The first and second support elements divide the hollow inner region 1020 into four channels.

[0510] The sheet may be attached to the tube by an adhesive. In particular, the sheet may be attached to the tube at points where the sheet is in contact with the tube.

[0511] FIG. 20 shows a cross sectional view of the upstream end face of a hollow tubular element 1100 for an aerosol-generating article in accordance with an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. Similarly to the hollow tubular element 1000 of the tenth embodiment, the peripheral portion 1110 comprises a tube that is distinct from the sheet which forms the support element 1130. The support element 1130 is in contact with the peripheral portion 1110 at both a first point 1131 at the peripheral portion 1110 and a second point 1132 at the peripheral portion 1110. The support element extends from the first point 1131 at the peripheral portion 1110 across the hollow inner region to the second point 1132 at the peripheral portion 1110.

[0512] The support element 1130 has a wave profile, when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element 1100. In particular, the support element 1130 is substantially sinusoidal and comprises one peak and two troughs, when viewed from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element 1100.