A CONSUMABLE

Abstract

A consumable for use with an aerosol provision device including an area for receiving the consumable, wherein the consumable includes a mouth end and a distal end opposite the mouth end, wherein the distal end is shaped for insertion into the area and the mouth end is shaped to prevent insertion into the area; and/or wherein a portion of the consumable is shaped for insertion into the area in at least one predetermined orientation about a longitudinal axis of the consumable.

Claims

1. A consumable for use with an aerosol provision device comprising an area for receiving the consumable, wherein the consumable comprises a mouth end and a distal end opposite the mouth end, wherein the distal end is shaped for insertion into the area and the mouth end is shaped to prevent insertion into the area; and/or wherein a portion of the consumable is shaped for insertion into the area in at least one predetermined orientation about a longitudinal axis of the consumable.

2. A consumable according to claim 1, wherein when said portion is inserted into said area in said predetermined orientation, the consumable is fixed in said predetermined orientation to prevent rotation of the consumable about the longitudinal axis.

3. A consumable according to claim 1, wherein said portion of the consumable is shaped for insertion into the area in one and only one orientation about the longitudinal axis of the consumable.

4. A consumable according to claim 1, wherein the cross sectional shape of said portion comprises rotational symmetry of order 1 or order 2.

5. A consumable according to claim 1, wherein said portion is wrapped in an outer wrapper, the outer wrapper being configured so that edges of the outer wrapper overlap to form a lap seam, said lap seam extending along the longitudinal axis of the consumable.

6. A consumable according to claim 5, wherein the outer wrapper has a thickness of between 0.7 mm and 1.2 mm.

7. A consumable according to claim 1, wherein said portion is wrapped in an outer wrapper so that edges of the outer wrapper form a fin seal, said fin seal comprising edge-adjacent portions of the outer wrapper that abut to upstand radially from an outer surface of said portion of the consumable.

8. A consumable according to claim 1, wherein the cross sectional shape of the mouth end is oval.

9. A consumable according to claim 1, wherein the cross sectional shape of said portion is oval.

10. A consumable according to claim 1, wherein the consumable comprises an aerosol generating material.

11. A consumable according to claim 10, wherein the aerosol generating material is provided in said portion.

12. A consumable according to claim 10, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises: an aerosol former a binder; optionally a filler; and optionally an active and/or a flavorant.

13. A consumable according to claim 12, wherein the aerosol generating material comprises an aerosol generating film and wherein the aerosol generating film is up to about 1 mm thick and, optionally, up to 500 microns thick and, optionally, 50 to 500 microns thick.

14. A consumable according to claim 1, wherein the consumable comprises a susceptor embedded in the aerosol generating material, the susceptor being a material heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, wherein the susceptor comprises a flat plate that extends along the longitudinal axis of the consumable.

15. A consumable according to claim 14, wherein the susceptor is embedded in the aerosol generating material in a predetermined orientation about the longitudinal axis of the consumable so that insertion of the consumable into the device in said predetermined orientation causes the susceptor to adopt a predetermined orientation relative to the device.

16. A consumable according to claim 1, wherein the mouth end is configured to allow a user to draw directly on the mouth end to draw air through the consumable during in use.

17. A non-combustible aerosol provision system comprising: the consumable of claim 1; and a non-combustible aerosol provision device for heating the aerosol generating material of the consumable to generate an aerosol, the device comprising an area for receiving the consumable, and an aerosol generator for causing said heating of the aerosol generating material when the consumable is in said area.

18. A system according to claim 17, wherein the area comprises a cross sectional shape configured to allow insertion of said portion of the consumable into the area in the at least one predetermined orientation.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009] FIG. 1 shows an example consumable;

[0010] FIG. 2 is an end on view of the consumable of FIG. 1;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a cross section taken through the consumable of FIG. 1;

[0012] FIG. 4 shows another example consumable;

[0013] FIG. 5 is a cross section taken through the consumable of FIG. 4;

[0014] FIG. 6 shows another example consumable;

[0015] FIG. 7 shows another example consumable;

[0016] FIG. 8 shows another example consumable;

[0017] FIG. 9 is an end on view of an example device configured for use with the example consumable of FIG. 6;

[0018] FIG. 10 is a cross section taken through the example consumable of FIG. 6;

[0019] FIG. 11 is an end on view of an example device configured for use with the example consumable of FIG. 7;

[0020] FIG. 12 is a cross section taken through the example consumable of FIG. 7;

[0021] FIG. 13 is an end on view of an example device configured for use with the example consumable of FIG. 8;

[0022] FIG. 14 is a cross section taken through the example consumable of FIG. 8;

[0023] FIG. 15 is a schematic illustration of an example system comprising a consumable and a device;

[0024] FIG. 16 is a schematic illustration of an example system comprising the consumable of FIG. 8 and a device configured for use with the consumable of FIG. 8;

[0025] FIG. 17 is a detail view of the system of FIG. 16;

[0026] FIG. 18 is a schematic illustration of an example system comprising the consumable of FIG. 6 and a device configured for use with the consumable of FIG. 6; and

[0027] FIG. 19 is a schematic illustration of an example system comprising the consumable of FIG. 7 and a device configured for use with the consumable of FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] As used herein, the term delivery system is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user, and includes: non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds from an aerosol-generating material without combusting the aerosol-generating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials.

[0029] According to the present disclosure, a non-combustible aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0030] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.

[0031] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system.

[0032] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0033] The non-combustible aerosol provision systems described herein comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device.

[0034] The disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0035] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energized so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.

[0036] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.

[0037] In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosol-modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0038] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material or a material that is not intended to be aerosolized. As appropriate, either material may comprise one or more active constituents, one or more flavors, one or more aerosol-former materials, and/or one or more other functional materials.

[0039] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance.

[0040] The active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical.

[0041] In one embodiment the active substance is a legally permissible recreational drug

[0042] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.

[0043] As noted herein, the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.

[0044] The active substance may be CBD or a derivative thereof

[0045] As noted herein, the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term botanical includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibrers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like. Alternatively, the material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like. Example botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination thereof. The mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v., Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v., Mentha piperita c. v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Memtha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens

[0046] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is tobacco.

[0047] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp.

[0048] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel.

[0049] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a flavor.

[0050] As used herein, the terms flavor and flavorant refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. They may include naturally occurring flavor materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gas.

[0051] In some embodiments, the flavor comprises menthol, spearmint and/or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and/or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor components extracted from cannabis.

[0052] In some embodiments, the flavor may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucolyptol, WS-3.

[0053] Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or semi-solid (such as a gel) which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavorants.

[0054] The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and/or flavors, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.

[0055] The aerosol-generating material may comprise a binder, such as a gelling agent, and an aerosol former. Optionally, a substance to be delivered and/or filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, is also present and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free from botanical material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.

[0056] The aerosol-generating material may comprise or be in the form of an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may comprise a binder, such as a gelling agent, and an aerosol former. Optionally, a substance to be delivered and/or filler may also be present. The aerosol-generating film may be substantially free from botanical material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.

[0057] The aerosol-generating film may have a thickness of about 0.015 mm to about 1 mm. The aerosol-generating film may be up to 0.5 mm thick, preferably 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm microns thick. For example, the thickness may be in the range of about 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm or 0.15 mm to about 0.5 mm or 0.3 mm.

[0058] Aerosol generating films described herein may comprise an aerosol former, a binder, optionally a filler and optionally an active and/or a flavorant.

[0059] The aerosol-generating film may be continuous. For example, the film may comprise or be a continuous sheet of material. The sheet may be in the form of a wrapper, it may be gathered to form a gathered sheet or it may be shredded to form a shredded sheet. The shredded sheet may comprise one or more strands or strips of aerosol-generating material.

[0060] The aerosol-generating film may be discontinuous. For example, the aerosol-generating film may comprise one or more discrete portions or regions of aerosol-generating material, such as dots, stripes or lines, which may be supported on a support. In such embodiments, the support may be planar or non-planar.

[0061] The aerosol-generating film may be formed by combining a binder, such as a gelling agent, with a solvent, such as water, an aerosol-former and one or more other components, such as one or more substances to be delivered, to form a slurry and then heating the slurry to volatilize at least some of the solvent to form the aerosol-generating film.

[0062] The slurry may be heated to remove at least about 60 wt %, 70 wt %, 80 wt %, 85 wt % or 90 wt % of the solvent.

[0063] The aerosol-generating material may comprise or be an amorphous solid. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material comprises an aerosol-generating film that is an amorphous solid. The amorphous solid may be a monolithic solid. The amorphous solid may be substantially non-fibrous. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may, for example, comprise from about 50wt %, 60wt % or 70wt % of amorphous solid, to about 90wt %, 95wt % or 100wt % of amorphous solid.

[0064] The amorphous solid may be substantially free from botanical material. The amorphous solid may be substantially tobacco free.

[0065] The aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0066] The one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more of a pH regulators, coloring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.

[0067] The aerosol generating material may be present on or in a support, the support forming a substrate. The support may, for example, be or comprise paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, a plastics material, a ceramic material, a composite material, glass, a metal, or a metal alloy. In some embodiments, the support comprises a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or either side of the material.

[0068] A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.

[0069] An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance, typically located downstream of the aerosol generation area, that is configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example by changing the taste, flavor, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosol-modifying agent may be provided in an aerosol-modifying agent release component, that is operable to selectively release the aerosol-modifying agent

[0070] The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be an additive or a sorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, comprise one or more of a flavorant, a colorant, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol-modifying agent may be in powder, thread or granule form. The aerosol-modifying agent may be free from filtration material.

[0071] An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol.

[0072] FIG. 1 illustrates a consumable 100 for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision device, such as the non-combustible aerosol provision device 200 schematically illustrated by FIG. 15. The non-combustible aerosol provision device 200 comprises an area 201 for receiving the consumable 100 and an aerosol generator 202. The aerosol generator 202 is configured to heat aerosol generating material of the consumable 100 when it is received in the area 201 to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user, as will be explained further below.

[0073] The consumable 100 is elongate and comprises a mouth end 101 and a distal end 102 opposite the mouth end 101. The distal end 102 is defined as a portion 102 of the consumable 100 configured for insertion into the area 201 of the aerosol provision device 200.

[0074] In some examples described herein, the distal end 102 is shaped for insertion into said area 201 in at least one predetermined orientation about a longitudinal axis X-X of the consumable 100. By predetermined orientation it is meant at least one rotational position about the longitudinal axis X-X of the consumable 100 relative to the device 200. Additionally or alternatively, in other examples described herein, the mouth end 101 is shaped to prevent insertion into the area 201 for receiving the consumable. In other words, the cross sectional profile of the mouth end 101 is different to the cross sectional profile of the distal end 102 in size, shape or both. An example of this is illustrated by FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 2 is an end on view of the consumable of FIG. 1. In this example, it can be seen that mouth end 101 comprises an oval cross sectional profile, while the distal end 102 comprises a circular cross sectional profile. The width W of the oval cross sectional profile of the mouth end 101 is greater than the diameter D of circular cross sectional profile of the distal end 102. Therefore, the consumable 100 is configured for use with a device 200 having an area 201 for receiving the consumable 100 in which the cross sectional profile of said area 201 is substantially the same in size and shape as the cross sectional profile of the distal end 102 of the consumable 100. This means that the distal end 102 of the consumable 100 can be inserted into said area 201, but the mouth end 101 cannot. An advantage of this is that a user cannot inadvertently insert the mouth end 101 into said area 201.

[0075] A cross section taken through FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 3. The cross section is projected onto a plane that bisects the consumable 100 perpendicular to its longitudinal axis X-X. The cross section is taken through the distal end 102 of the consumable 100. It can be seen that the distal end 102 comprises a rod 103 formed of a cylindrical support 104 that surrounds an air gap 106. Aerosol generating material 105 is provided as a film on an inner surface of the support 104 such that the aerosol generating material 105 forms an inner surface of the rod 103. The aerosol generating material 105 may be an amorphous solid comprising a binder, gelling agent and an aerosol former, as described above. In use, when the consumable 100 and device 200 are combined and the aerosol generating material 105 is heated by the aerosol generator 202, the aerosol generating material 105 forms an aerosol in the air gap 106 for inhalation by a user. In the example illustrated by FIG. 3, the support 104 is a laminate comprising a first and second layers 107, 108. The second layer 108 is disposed in between the first layer 107 and the aerosol generating material 105 and comprises a material heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field. Said material heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field is herein referred to as a susceptor 108. Such consumables 100 are configured for use with a device 200 comprising an aerosol generator 202 configured to generate a varying magnetic field that penetrates the area 201 for receiving the consumable 100, as explained further below. However, it will be appreciated that the susceptor 108 is optional and that, in some examples, the support 104 comprises only a single layer and aerosol generating material 105 provided directly on said single layer. In addition to the optional susceptor 108, the support 104 may comprise a card or paper based material that is spirally wound into the hollow tube 103 during manufacturing of the consumable 100 in the usual way, for example, about a mandrel. The aerosol generating material 105 may be added to the support prior to being wound into the rod 103, or after.

[0076] The mouth end 101 of the example of FIG. 1 may be a moulded fibrous material. In some such examples, the mouth end 101 may be cellulose acetate. Such a mouth end 101 is air permeable to allow a user to place their lips around the mouth end 101 and draw air through the distal end 102 in use. Alternatively or additionally, the mouth end 101 may comprise an aperture (not shown) configured to allow air to pass through the mouth end 101 in use. The mouth end 101 may be attached to the distal end 102 by a wrapping material that overlaps the mouth end 101 and distal end 102 to hold the two together. The mouth end 101 may comprise an end with circular profile, opposite the end with the oval profile. This enables the wrapping material to extend over at least a portion of the mouth end 101 and be flush with the distal end 102. In one example, the mouth end 101 is formed from a cylindrical plug of fibrous material with the same external diameter as the distal end 102 to allow the wrapping material to overlap at least a portion of the mouth end 101 and the distal end 102 to attach the two 101, 102 together. The oval shape may then be provided by compressing the mouth end 101 opposite to where it is attached to the distal end 102. Plasticizer or another hardening solution can then be applied to the compressed section of the mouth end 101 so that it retains the oval shape.

[0077] Another example consumable 100 is illustrated by FIG. 4. The consumable 100 of FIG. 4 may be the same as the consumable 100 of FIG. 1 with the exception that the consumable of FIG. 4 comprises a differently shaped mouth end 101 to the mouth end 101 of the example of FIG. 1. In the example of FIG. 4, the mouth end 101 is the same shape as the distal end 102, but has a greater diameter. Therefore, the consumable 100 is configured for use with a device 200 having an area 201 for receiving the consumable 100 in which the cross sectional profile of said area 201 is substantially the same in diameter as the cross sectional profile of the distal end 102 of the consumable 100. As in the example of FIG. 1, this means that the distal end 102 of the consumable 100 of FIG. 4 can be inserted into said area 201, but the mouth end 101 cannot.

[0078] A cross section of the mouth end 101 of the example of FIG. 4 is shown in FIG. 5. The cross section is projected onto a plane that bisects the consumable 100 perpendicular to its longitudinal axis X-X. The mouth end 101 comprises an outer sheath 109. The outer sheath 109 is a cylindrical component that may be push fit onto the distal end 102 of the consumable to form the mouth end 101. The outer sheath 109 may be formed of a fibrous material such as card, paper or cellulosed acetate.

[0079] It will be appreciated that, while the examples of FIGS. 1 and 4 comprise distal ends 102 with an air gap 106, in other examples the distal ends 102 may be filled with aerosol generating material. For example, the distal ends 102 may comprise cut or crimped reconstituted tobacco paper that fills the rod 103. In particular, such distal ends 102 may be formed by gathering cut or crimped aerosol generating material 105 on a garniture and thereafter wrapping the aerosol generating material 105 with the support 104 in the conventional way. The support 104 may be a cigarette paper or similar.

[0080] FIG. 6 shows an example consumable 100 comprising a distal end 102 shaped for insertion into the device 200 in at least one predetermined orientation about a longitudinal axis X-X of the consumable 100. The distal end 102 of the consumable 100 comprises an outer wrapper 110 that is wrapped about the distal end 102 so that edges 114 of the outer wrapper form a fin seal 111. By fin seal 111 it is meant that edge-adjacent portions 112 of the outer wrapper 110 abut to upstand radially away from the outer surface 113 of the outer wrapper 110. While not illustrated, the example consumable of FIG. 6 may further comprise an oval shaped mouth end 101 attached to the distal end 102 by the outer wrapper 110 in the manner described above. Therefore, the outer wrapper 110 forming the fin seal 111 also serves as the wrapping material for attaching the mouth end 101.

[0081] FIG. 9 shows an end view of an example device 200 configured to accept the consumable of FIG. 6 in said predetermined orientation. In particular, the area 201 for receiving the consumable is defined by a wall 207 with a cross sectional profile substantially the same in size and shape as the cross sectional profile of the distal end 102 of the consumable 100 of FIG. 6. Due to the fin seal 111, the cross sectional profile of the distal end 102 of the consumable 100 has a rotational symmetry of order 1. This means that there is only one predetermined orientation of the consumable 100 relative to the device 200 in which the distal end 102 of the consumable is insertable into said area 201.

[0082] A cross section taken through FIG. 6 is shown in FIG. 10. The cross section is projected onto a plane that bisects the distal end 102 of consumable 100 perpendicular to its longitudinal axis X-X. It can be seen that, in the present example, the aerosol generating material 105 comprises a crimped and gathered tobacco paper 105 that fills the outer wrapper 110. However, it will be appreciated that an outer wrapper 110 comprising a fin seal 111 may be provided in other examples, such as around the rod 103 of the example of FIG. 3. In the example of FIG. 6, the distal end 102 further comprises a material heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field. Said material is herein referred to as a susceptor 115. The susceptor 115 is flat strip that extends along the longitudinal axis X-X of the consumable. Such consumables 100 are configured for use with a device 200 comprising an aerosol generator 202 configured to generate a varying magnetic field that penetrates the area 201 for receiving the consumable 100.

[0083] The example consumable 100 of FIG. 6 enables the design of a more efficient device 200 and consumable 100 system. As the consumable 100 can only be inserted into the device 200 in one predetermined orientation, it is possible to design the consumable 100 so that the susceptor 115 orientation relative to the aerosol generator 202 is known. In particular, by orienting the susceptor 115 within the consumable 100 in a predetermined orientation relative to the fin seal 111 it is possible to determine the susceptor's 115 orientation relative to the device 200 and, therefore, relative to the aerosol generator 202. This means that an aerosol generator 202 can be used that generates only the magnetic field required for penetrating the susceptor 115 in the single predetermined orientation. In turn, the aerosol generator 202 may generate a smaller magnetic field than would otherwise be required and, therefore, the aerosol generator 202 may consume less power for a given level of heating. It follows that such devices 200 will consume less electrical energy during heating of the consumable 100. It will be appreciated that this effect can be extended to other example consumables. What is important is that the distal end 102 of the consumable 100 comprises rotational symmetry of order 1 or order 2 and the susceptor 115 comprises a flat strip in a predetermined orientation relative to the distal end 102. Example consumables falling within this description are illustrated by FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0084] FIG. 7 shows another example consumable 100 comprising a distal end 102 shaped for insertion into the device 200 in single predetermined orientation relative to the device 200. The distal end 102 of the consumable 100 comprises an outer wrapper 110 that is wrapped about the distal end 102 so that edges 114 of the outer wrapper 110 form a lap seam 116. By lap seam 116 it is meant that the edges 114 of the outer wrapper 110 overlap. This creates a lip 117 in the outer surface 113 of the distal end 102 equivalent to the thickness of the outer wrapper 110. While not illustrated, the example consumable of FIG. 7 may again further comprise an oval shaped mouth end 101 attached to the distal end 102 by the outer wrapper 110 in the manner described above. Therefore, the outer wrapper 110 forming the lap seam also serves as the wrapping material for attaching the mouth end 101.

[0085] The outer wrapper 110 of the example of FIG. 7 is required to have a thickness sufficient to enable the lip 117 to serve as a guide for orientation of the consumable. It will be appreciated that the thickness of the outer wrapper 110 equates to the height of the lip 117. In one example, the outer wrapper 110 comprises a thickness of greater than 0.7 mm. In another example, the thickness of the outer wrapper is greater than 0.9 mm. In another example, the thickness of the outer wrapper is between 0.7 mm and 1.2 mm.

[0086] FIG. 11 shows an end view of an example device 200 configured to accept the consumable of FIG. 7 in said predetermined orientation. In particular, the area 201 for receiving the consumable is defined by a wall 207 with a cross sectional profile substantially the same in size and shape as the cross sectional profile of the distal end 102 of the consumable 100 of FIG. 7. Due to the lip 117, the cross sectional profile of the distal end 102 of the consumable 100 has a rotational symmetry of order 1. This means that there is only one predetermined orientation of the consumable 100 relative to the device 200 in which the distal end 102 of the consumable is insertable into said area 201.

[0087] A cross section taken through FIG. 7 is shown in FIG. 12. The cross section is projected onto a plane that bisects the distal end 102 of consumable 100 perpendicular to its longitudinal axis X-X. It can be seen that, in the present example, as in the example of FIG. 6, the aerosol generating material 105 comprises a crimped and gathered tobacco paper 105 that fills the outer wrapper 110. However, it will be appreciated that an outer wrapper 110 comprising a lap seam may be provided in other examples, such as around the rod 103 of the example of FIG. 3. The distal end 102 further comprises a susceptor 115 in a predetermined orientation relative to the lip 117 such that the consumable 100 of FIG. 7 affords the same advantages in system design as discussed above. In particular, the system may use an aerosol generator 202 that generates a smaller magnetic field than would otherwise be required if the susceptor were not in said predetermined orientation and, therefore, the aerosol generator 202 may consume less power for a given level of heating.

[0088] FIG. 8 shows another example consumable 100 comprising a distal end 102 shaped for insertion into the device 200 in single predetermined orientation relative to the device 200. The distal end of the consumable 100 comprises an oval cross section. Therefore, the cross section of the distal end 102 comprises rotational symmetry of order two.

[0089] FIG. 13 shows an end view of an example device 200 configured to accept the consumable of FIG. 8 in said predetermined orientation. In particular, the area 201 for receiving the consumable is defined by a wall 207 with a cross sectional profile substantially the same in size and shape as the cross sectional profile of the distal end 102 of the consumable 100 of FIG. 8. As the cross sectional profile of the distal end 102 of the consumable 100 has a rotational symmetry of order two, there are two predetermined orientations of the consumable 100 relative to the device 200 in which the distal end 102 of the consumable is insertable into said area 201.

[0090] A cross section taken through FIG. 8 is shown in FIG. 13. The cross section is projected onto a plane that bisects the distal end 102 of consumable 100 perpendicular to its longitudinal axis X-X. It can be seen that, in the present example, as in the examples of FIGS. 6 and 7, the aerosol generating material 105 comprises a crimped and gathered tobacco paper 105. However, it will be appreciated that consumable 100 may instead comprise a hollow oval section comprising a film of aerosol generating material coated on its inner surface. In such examples, the consumable 100 would instead comprise an air gap in which aerosol is generated when the aerosol generating material is heated in use. In the illustrated example, the distal end 102 further comprises a susceptor 115 in a predetermined orientation relative to oval cross section. It is important that the susceptor 115 lies in a plane P that is coincident with the long axis of the oval cross section. Therefore, irrespective of whether the consumable 100 is in either of the two predetermined orientations when inserted into the device 200, the orientation of the susceptor 115 relative to the device will be the same. This means that the consumable 100 of FIG. 7 affords the same advantages in system design as discussed above. In particular, the system may use an aerosol generator 202 that generates a smaller magnetic field than would otherwise be required if the susceptor were not in said known orientation and, therefore, the aerosol generator 202 may consume less power for a given level of heating.

[0091] FIG. 15 illustrates a system comprising the consumable 100 and a non-combustible aerosol provision device 200. The device comprises a power source 203, a controller 204 and a puff sensor 205. In use, a user inserts a consumable 100 into the area 201 for receiving the consumable and activates the aerosol generator 202 to generate an aerosol for inhalation. The user may then draw on the consumable 100 or, alternatively, on a mouthpiece (not shown) of the device 200 to inhale the aerosol. In the illustrated example, the consumable 100 and device 200 are configured so that mouth end 101 of the consumable 100 protrudes from the area 201 for receiving the consumable 100 when fully inserted into the device 200. Therefore, the consumable 100 is available for placing between the lips of the user while the user holds the device 200.

[0092] The puff sensor 205 is configured to detect when a user is drawing on the consumable 100 within the device 200 and to send a signal to the controller 204 to activate the aerosol generator 202. Therefore, aerosol is generated concurrently with the user inhaling on the consumable 100. Alternatively, the device 200 may be provided with a user interfacesuch as a button (not shown)that the user may interact with to cause activation of the aerosol generator 202.

[0093] The area 201 for receiving the consumable 100 is provided with an inlet (not shown) to allow air into the area 201 for passing through the consumable 100 when a user inhales on the mouth end 101 of the consumable 100. Therefore, a flow of air is directed through the consumable 100 when a user draws on the consumable 100. The flow of air entrains the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating material 105 of the consumable 100 when heated by the aerosol generator 202.

[0094] The aerosol generator 202 comprises any suitable means for heating the aerosol generating material 105 of a consumable received in said area 201 of the device 200. Power for the aerosol generator 202 is provided by the power source 203, which in the illustrated example is an electrical power source 203, such as a battery 203.

[0095] In one example, the aerosol generator 202 comprises a magnetic field generator configured to generate a varying magnetic field that penetrates the area 201 for receiving the consumable 100. The varying magnetic field heats a susceptor 107, 115 that is placed within the area 201 for the receiving the consumable 100 by magnetic hysteresis. This example may be used, therefore, with a consumable 100 comprising a material heatable by a varying magnetic field, as described above. Therefore, when such a consumable 100 is placed within the device 200 and the aerosol generator 202 is activated, a varying magnetic field penetrates said material of the consumable 100 and causes heating of aerosol generating material 105 in thermal contact with said material, generating an aerosol for inhalation by a user.

[0096] In another example, the aerosol generator 202 comprises a susceptor in thermal contact with the area 201 for receiving the consumable; and a magnetic field generator for generating a varying magnetic field that penetrates the susceptor. The varying magnetic field heats the susceptor by magnetic hysteresis. The susceptor in turn heats the area 201 for receiving the consumable. Therefore, when a consumable 100 is placed within the device 200 and the aerosol generator 202 is activated, a varying magnetic field penetrates the susceptor and causes heating of area 201 in which the consumable 100 is received. The heat is transferred to the aerosol generating material 105 of the consumable 100, generating an aerosol for inhalation by the user. In such embodiments, the susceptor may be the wall 207 of the area 201 for receiving the consumable 100 and the consumable 100 may be configured for direct contact with the wall 207 for efficient heat transfer.

[0097] In another example, the aerosol generator 202 comprises a material heatable by electrical conduction, the material being provided in thermal contact with the area 201 for receiving the consumable 100. Therefore, when a consumable 100 is placed within the device 200 and the aerosol generator 202 is activated, a current is passed through the material to heat area 201 in which the consumable 100 is received. The heat is transferred to the aerosol generating material 105 of the consumable 100, generating an aerosol for inhalation by the user. In such embodiments, the material may be the wall 207 of the area 201 for receiving the consumable 100 and the consumable 100 may be configured for direct contact with the wall 207 for efficient heat transfer. FIG. 16 schematically illustrates an example device 200 in which the aerosol generator 202 comprises a magnetic field generator configured to generate a varying magnetic field that penetrates the area 201 for receiving the consumable 100. The aerosol generator 202 of FIG. 16 is configured to generate only the magnetic field required for penetrating the susceptor 115 in a predetermined orientation. It will be appreciated that, if the susceptor could be received within the device in any orientation, the aerosol generator would be required to surround the area for receiving the consumable. Instead, because the susceptor 115 is received within the device 200 in a predetermined orientation, the aerosol generator 202 may extend only around a portion of the area 201 for receiving the consumable. In the present example, the aerosol generator 202 comprises two induction heaters 208 disposed on opposite sides of the area 201 for receiving the consumable 100. FIG. 17 shows elements 209 of the induction heaters 208 and their position relative to the susceptor 115 in its predetermined orientation. Other details of the device have been omitted from FIG. 17 for clarity. Each element 209 comprise a flat spiral shaped coil that lies in a plane parallel to a plane in which the susceptor 115 lies in its predetermined orientation. During activation of the device 200, a current is induced in each element causing a magnetic field to penetrate the susceptor 115 and heat it by magnetic hysteresis. Each element comprises connection points 210 for electrical connection to the battery 203. The receiving area 201 of the example of FIG. 6 may be replaced by the receiving areas of the examples of FIGS. 9 and 11.

[0098] The particular example of FIG. 16 illustrates a device 200 comprising a receiving area 201 for use with the consumable of FIG. 14 (i.e. a device 200 comprising a receiving area shaped as illustrated in FIG. 13), however it will be appreciated that the teaching of the example of FIG. 16 can be extended to devices 200 with receiving areas 201 shaped as illustrated in FIG. 9 or FIG. 11 for receiving the consumables 100 of FIG. 10 and FIG. 12, respectively. The susceptor 115 will be effectively heated as long as each of the two elements 209 lie in a plane parallel to a plane in which the susceptor 115 lies in its predetermined orientation. This is illustrated by FIGS. 18 and 19 which show the relative position of the elements 209 and the susceptor 115 for systems configured for use with the consumables of FIGS. 6 and 7, respectively.