Abstract
An inhaler article is provided, including: a cavity; a capsule located in the cavity, the capsule containing dry powder; and a hollow tubular element disposed downstream of the capsule, the hollow tubular element including: a peripheral portion defining a hollow inner region of the hollow tubular element, and a support element formed from a sheet and extending from a first point at the peripheral portion across the hollow inner region to a second point at the peripheral portion. An inhaler system, including the inhaler article and a holder configured to receive the inhaler article, is also provided.
Claims
1.-15. (canceled)
16. An inhaler article, comprising: a cavity; a capsule located in the cavity, the capsule containing dry powder; and a hollow tubular element disposed downstream of the capsule, 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 sheet and extending from a first point at the peripheral portion across the hollow inner region to a second point at the peripheral portion.
17. The inhaler article according to claim 16, wherein the peripheral portion is formed from a sheet.
18. The inhaler article according to claim 17, wherein the peripheral portion and the support element are integrally formed from a sheet.
19. The inhaler article according to claim 18, wherein the peripheral portion and the support element are formed from separate sheets.
20. The inhaler article according to claim 16, wherein the first point at the peripheral portion and the second point at the peripheral portion are spaced apart from each other.
21. The inhaler article according to claim 16, wherein the support element depends from the peripheral portion along a first fold line of the sheet, and wherein the first fold line is located at the first point at the peripheral portion.
22. The inhaler article according to claim 21, wherein the support element depends from the peripheral portion along a second fold line of the sheet, and wherein the second fold line is located at the second point at the peripheral portion.
23. The inhaler article according to claim 16, wherein a cross section of the support element comprises a curved portion.
24. The inhaler article according to claim 23, wherein a cross section of the support element is substantially omega-shaped.
25. The inhaler article according to claim 16, wherein the support element divides the hollow inner region into a plurality of channels.
26. The inhaler article according to claim 16, wherein the support element is spaced apart from the from a radial center of the hollow tubular element by a distance of between about 5 percent and about 90 percent of a radius of the hollow tubular element.
27. The inhaler article according to claim 16, wherein the hollow tubular element is configured to sustain a force of up to 15 Newtons being applied to an upstream end of the hollow tubular element without deforming substantially.
28. The inhaler article according to claim 16, wherein a Young's modulus of a material of the hollow tubular element is greater than 10 MPa.
29. The inhaler article according to claim 16, wherein the hollow tubular element extends from the cavity to a downstream end of the inhaler article.
30. An inhaler system, comprising an inhaler article according to claim 16 and a holder configured to receive the inhaler article, the holder comprising: a housing defining a housing cavity configured to receive the inhaler article; and a piercing element configured to extend into the housing cavity and to pierce the capsule of the inhaler article.
Description
[0357] Embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0358] FIG. 1 shows a schematic side sectional view of an inhaler article in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0359] FIG. 2 shows a cutaway perspective view of the inhaler article of FIG. 1;
[0360] FIG. 3 shows a partially transparent perspective view of a hollow tubular element of the inhaler article of FIG. 1;
[0361] FIGS. 4A and 4B show a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of the hollow tubular element of the inhaler article of FIG. 1;
[0362] FIG. 4C shows a cross-sectional view of the inhaler article at the hollow tubular element of FIG. 1;
[0363] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a hollow tubular element for an inhaler article in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;
[0364] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of the hollow tubular element of FIG. 5;
[0365] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of a hollow tubular element for an inhaler article in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;
[0366] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of a hollow tubular element for an inhaler article in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
[0367] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of a hollow tubular element for an inhaler article in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention;
[0368] FIG. 10 shows a side view of an apparatus for forming a hollow tubular element for an inhaler article, for example, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0369] FIG. 11A shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 10 as taken along plane A-A of FIG. 10;
[0370] FIG. 11B shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 10 as taken along plane B-B of FIG. 10;
[0371] FIG. 12A shows a cross-sectional view of a hollow tube used to form a hollow tubular element for an inhaler article, for example, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0372] FIG. 12B shows a cross-sectional view of a hollow tubular element for an inhaler article formed from the hollow tube of FIG. 12A and using the apparatus of FIG. 10;
[0373] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a hollow tubular element for an inhaler article in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention;
[0374] FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of the hollow tubular element of FIG. 13;
[0375] FIG. 15 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of a hollow tubular element for an inhaler article in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention;
[0376] FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of a hollow tubular element for an inhaler article in accordance with an eight embodiment of the present invention;
[0377] FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of a hollow tubular element for an inhaler article in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present invention;
[0378] FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of a hollow tubular element for an inhaler article in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present invention;
[0379] FIG. 19 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of the hollow tubular element of FIG. 18;
[0380] FIG. 20 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of a hollow tubular element for an inhaler article in accordance with an eleventh embodiment of the present invention;
[0381] FIG. 21 shows a cross-sectional view of a hollow tubular element both before and after a load has been applied for determining the hardness of the hollow tubular element;
[0382] FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of an apparatus for determining the hardness of a hollow tubular element for a smoking article, in a first configuration;
[0383] FIG. 23 illustrates a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 22, in a first configuration;
[0384] FIG. 24 illustrates a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 22, in a second configuration;
[0385] FIG. 25 shows a cutaway perspective view of an inhaler article comprising the hollow tubular element of FIG. 18;
[0386] FIG. 26 shows a schematic side sectional view of an inhaler system;
[0387] FIG. 27 shows a schematic side sectional view of the sleeve of the inhaler system of FIG. 26; and
[0388] FIG. 28 shows a schematic side sectional view of the inhaler article of FIG. 18 received in the sleeve of FIG. 27.
[0389] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an inhaler article 10 in accordance with the present disclosure. The inhaler article 10 extends between its upstream end 1 and its downstream (or mouth) end 2. The inhaler article 10 comprises an upstream section 3 and a downstream section 4 located downstream of the upstream section 3 and spaced apart from the upstream section 3. A cavity 7 configured to receive a capsule 9 containing inhalable material is between the upstream and downstream sections 3, 4 of the inhaler article 10. The inhalable material comprises nicotine.
[0390] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the upstream section 3 comprises a folded end 5 of a hollow tube 12 and the downstream section 4 comprises a hollow tubular element 100. The hollow tubular element 100 extends from the cavity 7, or the downstream portion thereof, to the downstream end 2 of the inhaler article 10.
[0391] The inhaler article 10 further comprises an overall wrapper 8 wrapping both the hollow tube 12 and the hollow tubular element 100. The hollow tube 12 contains the cavity 7. The hollow tube 12 and the upstream end of the hollow tubular element 100 define the cavity 7. The downstream end of the hollow tube 12 abuts the upstream end of the hollow tubular element 100 of the downstream section 4. The hollow tubular element 100 forms the downstream section 4. The overall wrapper 8 circumscribes both the hollow tube 12 and the downstream section 4. The wrapper 8 secures the downstream section 4 in axial alignment with the hollow tube 12.
[0392] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the overall length of the inhaler article is about 45 mm. The length of the cavity 7 is about 28 mm and the length of the hollow tubular element 100 is about 17 mm. The length of the hollow tube 12 surrounding the cavity 7 is between about 25 mm and about 28 mm. The inner diameter of the hollow tube 12 is about 6.6 mm and the outer diameter of the hollow tube 12 is about 7.1 mm. The length of the wrapping material 8 is about 45 mm. The diameter of the inhaler article 10 is about 7 mm. The relative RTD, or RTD per unit length, of the hollow tubular element 100 is about 0.02 mm of water per mm. The RTD of the hollow tubular element 100 is about 0.34 mm of water. A diameter of the capsule 9 is about 6 mm and the length of the capsule 9 is about 16 mm.
[0393] The folded end 5 of the hollow tube 12 defines a central channel or passage 55 extending through the centre of the folded end 5 from the upstream end of the folded end 5.
[0394] The central channel 55 of the folded end 5 is arranged to provide access to the cavity 7 to a piercing element 101, for example, a piercing element 101 of a holder for the inhaler article 10. Such a piercing element is configured to pierce or puncture the capsule 9 in order to activate it for consumption. A diameter of the central channel 55 is less than about 6 mm. The central channel is structured to accommodate a piercing element or needle from 27 gauge (outer diameter=0.42 mm) to 4 gauge (outer diameter=5 mm).
[0395] As best seen from FIG. 3, the hollow tubular element 100 of the first embodiment 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.
[0396] 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.
[0397] 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.
[0398] 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.
[0399] 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.
[0400] The hollow tubular element 100 has a length of about 17 millimetres.
[0401] The hollow tubular element 100 has a total weight of about 72 milligrams. As such, the hollow tubular element has an average weight of about 4.2 milligrams grams per millimetre.
[0402] The hollow tubular element 100 has a constant cross section along the entire length of the hollow tubular element 100.
[0403] 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.
[0404] 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 capsule 9, for example, when the capsule is being pierced by a piercing element. The third fold line 143 defines the tip of the support element.
[0405] FIGS. 4A and 4B show a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of the hollow tubular element 100.
[0406] 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.
[0407] The support element 130 has a generally triangular cross section.
[0408] 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 millimetre. 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.
[0409] The first side wall 151 and the second side wall 152 define an angle of about 30 degrees therebetween.
[0410] 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.
[0411] 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 100 by a distance of about 1.5 millimetres.
[0412] 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.
[0413] FIG. 4C shows a wrapper 190 circumscribing the hollow tubular element 100.
[0414] 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 advantageously provides 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 capsule 9, for example, when the capsule 9 is being pierced by a piercing element.
[0415] 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.
[0416] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a hollow tubular element 200 for an inhaler 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.
[0417] 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 can significantly increases the strength and the stiffness of the hollow tubular element in both the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction. This can also avoids the need to circumscribe the hollow tubular element 200 with a wrapper. As such, this can minimise the weight of the hollow tubular element 200 such that it is able to be assembled in the inhaler article 10 using existing high speed inhaler article assembly machines.
[0418] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of a hollow tubular element 300 for an inhaler 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.
[0419] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of a hollow tubular element 400 for an inhaler 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.
[0420] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of a hollow tubular element 500 for an inhaler 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.
[0421] FIG. 10 illustrates a method for forming a hollow tubular element for an inhaler 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.
[0422] 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.
[0423] 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.
[0424] 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.
[0425] 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.
[0426] 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.
[0427] 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.
[0428] 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.
[0429] 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.
[0430] 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.
[0431] 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.
[0432] 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.
[0433] 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.
[0434] 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.
[0435] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a hollow tubular element 600 for an inhaler 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.
[0436] 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.
[0437] 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.
[0438] 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.
[0439] 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.
[0440] FIG. 15 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of a hollow tubular element 700 for an inhaler 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.
[0441] 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.
[0442] 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.
[0443] 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.
[0444] FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of a hollow tubular element 800 for an inhaler 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.
[0445] 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.
[0446] 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.
[0447] 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 can be in contact with the capsule 9, for example, when the capsule 9 is being pierced by a piercing element. As such, this can increase the ability of the hollow tubular element 800 to prevent or restrict movement of the capsule 9, for example, when the capsule 9 is being pierced by a piercing element.
[0448] FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of the upstream end face of a hollow tubular element 900 for an inhaler 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.
[0449] 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.
[0450] The support element 930 extends through the radial centre of the hollow tubular element 900.
[0451] FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of a hollow tubular element 1000 for an inhaler article in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present invention. An inhaler article comprising the hollow tubular element 1000 is shown in FIG. 25. 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.
[0452] 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.
[0453] 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.
[0454] 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.
[0455] 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.
[0456] FIG. 20 shows a cross sectional view of the upstream end face of a hollow tubular element 1100 for an inhaler 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.
[0457] 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.
[0458] FIG. 21 shows a cross-sectional view of an upstream end face of a hollow tubular element 50 before a load F is applied, the hollow tubular element 50 before the load F has been applied has an original (undepressed) outer diameter D.sub.S. FIG. 21 also shows a cross-sectional view of an upstream end face of the same hollow tubular element 52 after applying a set load for a set duration (but with the load still applied), the hollow tubular element 52 after the set load has been applied for the set duration (but with the load still applied) has a (reduced) diameter D.sub.d. The depression is d=D.sub.SD.sub.d.
[0459] The apparatus for testing the hardness of the smoking articles filters is shown in FIGS. 22, 23 and 24.
[0460] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an apparatus 60, such as a DD60A Densimeter device, for determining the hardness of a hollow tubular element for an inhaler article. The apparatus 60 includes two parallel load applying rods 70 positioned over a support plate 80. The support plate 80 includes two parallel, spaced apart walls 82, with each wall 82 having ten equally spaced recesses. The recesses are arranged to prevent the hollow tubular elements 54 from contacting one another during testing.
[0461] As can be seen in FIG. 22, ten identically designed hollow tubular elements 54 are aligned parallel in a plane, and placed on underlying cylindrical rods 84. The hollow tubular elements 54 extend between corresponding recesses in the walls 82 to hold the hollow tubular elements 54 in place. The underlying cylindrical rods 84 extend parallel to the walls 82. Each hollow tubular element 54 contacts the underlying rods 84 at two points, making for twenty total points of contact between the hollow tubular elements 54 to be tested and the underlying rods 84.
[0462] If the hollow tubular element 54 is too short and does not contact both underlying rods 84 or contacts the underlying rods 84 very close to the ends of the hollow tubular elements 54 to be tested, then it would appreciated that this could be achieved by using twenty hollow tubular elements 54 in a back-to-back configuration, such as that shown in FIG. 23.
[0463] As shown, the concept of the DD60A Test is that the underlying cylindrical rods 84 contact the sample material 54 to be tested at twenty contact points. If the hollow tubular element 54 is sufficiently long to extend across the underlying rods 84, then the twenty contact points can be provided with ten samples (as shown in FIG. 22). If the hollow tubular element 54 is not sufficiently long, then the twenty contact points can be provided with twenty samples, as shown in FIG. 23.
[0464] The apparatus is shown in FIG. 23 in a first configuration, in which the two load applying cylindrical rods 70 are raised above and out of contact from the hollow tubular elements 54. To test the hardness of the hollow tubular element 54, the load applying cylindrical rods 70 are lowered to a second configuration, to come into contact with the hollow tubular elements 54, as shown in FIG. 24. When in contact with the hollow tubular elements 54, the load applying rods 70 impart an overall load of 2 kg across the twenty contact points of the hollow tubular element 54 for a duration of 20 seconds. After 20 seconds have elapsed (and with the load still being applied to the hollow tubular elements 54), the depression in the load applying cylindrical rods 70 across the hollow tubular element 54 is determined, and then used to calculate the hardness.
[0465] FIG. 25 illustrates an inhaler article 1050 in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present invention. The inhaler article 1050 of the tenth embodiment is generally the same as the inhaler article 10 of the first embodiment. However, the inhaler article 1050 of the tenth embodiment differs from the inhaler article 10 of the first embodiment in that the hollow tubular element 1000 of the inhaler article 1050 of the tenth embodiment is that shown in FIG. 18.
[0466] FIG. 26 illustrates an inhaler system 1200. The inhaler system 1200 includes an inhaler article 1050 and a separate holder 1210. The inhaler article 1050 may be received within the holder 1210 to activate or pierce the capsule 9 disposed within the inhaler article 1050. The inhaler article 1050 remains in the holder 1210 during use by the consumer. The holder 1210 is configured to induce swirling inhalation airflow entering the received inhaler article 1050. The holder 1210 is configured to fold back or breach or open the folded end 5 of the inhaler article 1050.
[0467] The inhaler system 1200 includes the inhaler article 1050 and the holder 1210. The inhaler article 1050 extends along an inhaler longitudinal axis LA. The holder 1210 includes a movable sleeve 1220 that retains the inhaler article 1050 received in the sleeve cavity 122.
[0468] The holder 1210 for the inhaler article 1050 includes a housing 111 comprising a housing cavity 112 for receiving the inhaler article 1050 and the sleeve 1220 configured to retain the inhaler article 1050 within the housing cavity 112. The sleeve 1220 defines a sleeve cavity 122 and is movable within the housing cavity 112 along the longitudinal axis LA of the housing 111. The sleeve 1220 comprises a first open end 124 and a second opposing end 1226. The second opposing end 1226 of the sleeve 1220 is configured to allow air to enter the sleeve cavity 122. The second opposing end 1226 of the sleeve 1220 is configured to induce a swirl on the air entering the sleeve cavity 122.
[0469] The holder 1210 may include a piercing element 101 fixed to and extending from a housing inner surface 109. The piercing element 101 may be configured to extend through the second opposing end 1226 of the sleeve 1220 and into the sleeve cavity 122 along a longitudinal axis of the housing 111. The holder 1210 may include a spring element 102 configured to bias the sleeve 1220 away from the piercing element 101.
[0470] The sleeve 1220 may include an elongated slot extending along a longitudinal length of the sleeve 1220. The housing 111 may further comprise a pin 127 extending from an inner surface 109 of the housing cavity 112. The pin 127 may be configured to mate with the elongated slot.
[0471] FIG. 27 shows a schematic side sectional view of the sleeve 1220. The second opposing end 1226 of the sleeve 1220 comprises a sleeve tubular element 1230 defining a central passage 1232, an end surface 136 and an open end 134. The central passage 1232 in fluid communication with the sleeve cavity 122. The sleeve tubular element 1230 open end 134 may extend into the sleeve cavity 122. The sleeve tubular element 1230 includes at least one air inlet 138 allowing air to enter into the central passage 1232. The at least one air inlet 138 extends in a direction that is tangential to the central passage 1232.
[0472] The distal end 156 of the inhaler article 1250 may slide onto the sleeve tubular element 1230 as illustrated in FIG. 28. The sleeve tubular element 1230 open end 134 changes the folded end 5 from a closed configuration to an open configuration allowing swirling or rotating inhalation air to flow directly into the inhaler article 1250 capsule cavity 7. Upon insertion of the inhaler article 1250 into the holder 1210, the sleeve tubular element 1230 open end 134 deforms and urges through the folded end 5 so that the sleeve tubular element 1230 extends into the received inhaler article 1250 hollow tube 12. The folded end 5 may be biased towards the longitudinal axis of the inhaler article in the open configuration so that the inhaler article 1250 grips onto the holder, thus holding the inhaler article 1250 in place in the holder 1210.
[0473] Inhalation air inlets 138 enter the sleeve tubular element 1230 at a tangent to the central passage 1232 and form swirling inhalation airflow to the capsule cavity 7 of a received inhaler article 1250. The swirling inhalation airflow flows along the capsule cavity 7 of a received inhaler article 1250 to induce capsule rotation and release particles into the inhalation airflow.
[0474] The sleeve tubular element 1230 may extend into the sleeve cavity 122 and forms an annular recess 1231 with the sleeve cavity 122 configured to receive a distal end 156 of an inhaler article 1250. The projection formed by the sleeve tubular element 1230 slides into the inhaler article 1250 capsule cavity 7. The sleeve tubular element 1230 is configured here to extend into a distal end 156 of an inhaler article 1250 received within the sleeve cavity 122.
[0475] The sleeve tubular element 1230 may extend into the sleeve cavity 122 about 5 mm and have an outer diameter of about 6.5 mm and an inner diameter of about 4 mm. The capsule cavity 7 of a received inhaler article 1250 may have an inner diameter of about 6.6 mm to provide an interference fit with the sleeve tubular element 1230 and annular recess 1231.
[0476] The sleeve 1220 defines a first air inlet zone 1270 comprising at least one air aperture 129 through the sleeve 1220. The first air inlet zone 1270 proximate to the first open end 124 of the sleeve 1220. The first air inlet zone 1270 is configured to allow air to flow to an airflow channel formed between the sleeve 1220 and the housing 111. The sleeve comprises a second air inlet zone 1280 in downstream from the first air inlet zone 1270. The second air inlet zone 1280 comprising the second opposing end 1226 of the sleeve 1220 configured to allow air to enter the sleeve cavity 122. The second air inlet zone 1280 comprising at least one air aperture or air inlet 138 through the sleeve 1220 and into the sleeve tubular element 1230 having a central passage 1232.
[0477] FIG. 28 shows a schematic side sectional view of the inhaler article 1250 of FIG. 18 received in the sleeve 1220 of FIG. 27. As illustrated in FIG. 28, the capsule cavity 7 of the inhaler article 1250 aligns and mates with and extends into the central passage 1232 of the sleeve tubular element 1230. The sleeve tubular element 1230 forms the upstream end of the capsule cavity 7. The folded end 5 is opened up back on to the capsule cavity 7 sidewall and providing an interference fit within the annular recess 1231.
