WO2024245967A1

WO2024245967A1 - Article with compartment sealing members

Info

Publication number: WO2024245967A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/064451
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matteo Bologna; Jerome Uthurry
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products S.A.
Priority date: 2023-05-26
Filing date: 2024-05-24
Publication date: 2024-12-05

Abstract

An article (200) for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating, the article (200) comprising: a body (202) having an open mouth end (204) and a closed distal end (206), the body (202) comprising an outer tube (208) and an inner tube (210), the inner tube (210) being disposed within the outer tube (208) to define a space (216) between an internal surface (212) of the outer tube (208) and an external surface (214) of the inner tube (210), the body (202) comprising an aerosol-generating substrate compartment (218) for holding an aerosol-generating substrate (220), the aerosol-generating substrate compartment (218) being located towards the closed distal end (206) of the body (202), the body (202) comprising an air intake (228) provided on the outer tube (208), the air intake (228) for providing fluid communication between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment (218) and an exterior of the article (200), the body (202) comprising an air outlet (232), the air outlet (232) for providing fluid communication between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment (218) and the open mouth end (204) through the inner tube (210), the body (202) comprising an air flow passageway (230) extending through the space from the air intake (228) to the aerosol-generating substrate compartment (218) and to the air outlet (232). The outer tube (208) comprising an outer tube sealing member (236), the inner tube (210) comprising an inner tube sealing member (238), wherein the inner tube (210) and the outer tube (208) are movable relative to one another between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration the inner tube sealing member (238) and the outer tube sealing member (236) cooperate with one another to substantially prevent flow of air through the air flow passageway (230).

Description

ARTICLE WITH COMPARTMENT SEALING MEMBERS

The present invention relates to an article for generating an aerosol. In particular, the present invention relates to an article for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating. The article comprises an aerosol-generating substrate compartment for holding an aerosolgenerating substrate, which produces an inhalable aerosol upon heating.

Articles in which an aerosol-generating substrate, such as a tobacco-containing substrate, is heated rather than combusted, are known in the art. Typically, in such heated smoking articles an aerosol is generated by the transfer of heat from a heat source to a physically separate aerosol-generating substrate or material, which may be located, for example, in contact with, within, around, or downstream of the heat source. During use of the article, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-generating substrate by heat transfer from the heat source and are entrained in air drawn through the article. As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol.

A number of prior art documents disclose aerosol-generating devices for consuming articles. Such devices include, for example, electrically heated aerosol-generating devices in which an aerosol is generated by the transfer of heat from one or more electrical heater elements of the aerosol-generating device to the aerosol-generating substrate of a heated article. For example, electrically heated aerosol-generating devices have been proposed that comprise an internal heater blade which is adapted to be inserted into the aerosol-generating substrate. Use of an article in combination with an external heating system is also known. For example, WO 2020/115151 A1 describes the provision of one or more heating elements arranged around the periphery of the article when the article is received in a cavity of the aerosol-generating device. As an alternative, inductively heatable articles comprising an aerosol-generating substrate and a susceptor arranged within the aerosol-generating substrate have been proposed by WO 2015/176898 A1.

Air is typically drawn into articles through an air intake. Prior to use of the article, air may enter the article through the air intake. Air entering the article before use of the article may degrade the quality of aerosol-generating substate contained within the article, which may reduce the quality of the aerosol delivered to a user during subsequent use of the article.

In particular, in humid environments, the aerosol-generating substate may absorb water from air entering the article prior to use of the article. This may increase the temperature of aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating substrate during initial puffs by a user, which may be uncomfortable for the user. As a consequence, aerosol delivered to the user during the initial puffs may differ from aerosol delivered to the user during subsequent puffs. It would be desirable to provide an article in which the quality and consistency of aerosol delivered to a user is improved compared to known articles.

There is provided an article for generating an aerosol. In particular, there is provided an article for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating The article may comprise a body. The body may have an open mouth end and a closed distal end. The body may comprise an outer tube and an inner tube. The inner tube may be disposed within the outer tube to define a space between an internal surface of the outer tube and an external surface of the inner tube. The body may comprise an aerosol-generating substrate compartment for holding an aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating substrate compartment may be located towards the closed distal end of the body. The body may comprise an air intake provided on the outer tube. The air intake may be suitable for providing fluid communication between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment and an exterior of the article. The body may comprise an air outlet. The air outlet may be suitable for providing fluid communication between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment and the open mouth end through the inner tube. The body may comprise an air flow passageway extending from the air intake, to the aerosol-generating substrate compartment and to the air outlet. The outer tube may comprise an outer tube sealing member. The inner tube may comprise an inner tube sealing member. The inner tube and the outer tube may be movable relative to one another between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration the inner tube sealing member and the outer tube sealing member may cooperate with one another to substantially prevent flow of air through the air flow passageway.

There is provided an article for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating, the article comprising: a body having an open mouth end and a closed distal end, the body comprising: an outer tube and an inner tube, the inner tube being disposed within the outer tube to define a space between an internal surface of the outer tube and an external surface of the inner tube, an aerosol-generating substrate compartment for holding an aerosolgenerating substrate, the aerosol-generating substrate compartment being located towards the closed distal end of the body, an air intake provided on the outer tube, the air intake for providing fluid communication between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment and an exterior of the article, an air outlet, the air outlet for providing fluid communication between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment and the open mouth end through the inner tube, an air flow passageway extending from the air intake, to the aerosol-generating substrate compartment and to the air outlet, wherein the outer tube comprises an outer tube sealing member, wherein the inner tube comprises an inner tube sealing member, wherein the inner tube and the outer tube are movable relative to one another between a first configuration and a second configuration, and wherein in the first configuration the inner tube sealing member and the outer tube sealing member cooperate with one another to substantially prevent flow of air through the air flow passageway.

There is provided an aerosol-generating system. The aerosol-generating system may comprise an article for generating an aerosol. In particular, the aerosol-generating system may comprise an article for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating The article may comprise a body. The body may have an open mouth end and a closed distal end. The body may comprise an outer tube and an inner tube. The inner tube may be disposed within the outer tube to define a space between an internal surface of the outer tube and an external surface of the inner tube. The body may comprise an aerosol-generating substrate compartment for holding an aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating substrate compartment may be located towards the closed distal end of the body. The body may comprise an air intake provided on the outer tube. The air intake may be suitable for providing fluid communication between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment and an exterior of the article. The body may comprise an air outlet. The air outlet may be suitable for providing fluid communication between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment and the open mouth end through the inner tube. The body may comprise an air flow passageway extending from the air intake, to the aerosol-generating substrate compartment and to the air outlet. The outer tube may comprise an outer tube sealing member. The inner tube may comprise an inner tube sealing member. The inner tube and the outer tube may be movable relative to one another between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration the inner tube sealing member and the outer tube sealing member may cooperate with one another to substantially prevent flow of air through the air flow passageway. The aerosol-generating system may comprise an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a heating element. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a power supply for supplying electrical power to the heating element. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a controller. The controller may be configured to control a supply of power from the power supply to the heating element.

There is provided an aerosol-generating system comprising: an article for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating, the article comprising: a body having an open mouth end and a closed distal end, the body comprising: an outer tube and an inner tube, the inner tube being disposed within the outer tube to define a space between an internal surface of the outer tube and an external surface of the inner tube, an aerosol-generating substrate compartment for holding an aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosol-generating substrate compartment being located towards the closed distal end of the body, an air intake provided on the outer tube, the air intake for providing fluid communication between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment and an exterior of the article, an air outlet, the air outlet for providing fluid communication between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment and the open mouth end through the inner tube, an air flow passageway extending from the air intake, to the aerosol-generating substrate compartment and to the air outlet, wherein the outer tube comprises an outer tube sealing member, wherein the inner tube comprises an inner tube sealing member, wherein the inner tube and the outer tube are movable relative to one another between a first configuration and a second configuration, and wherein in the first configuration the inner tube sealing member and the outer tube sealing member cooperate with one another to substantially prevent flow of air through the air flow passageway; and an aerosol-generating device comprising: a heating element; a power supply for supplying electrical power to the heating element; and a controller configured to control a supply of power from the power supply to the heating element.

Advantageously, the article is provided with a means of preventing air from the exterior of the article from contacting with an aerosol-generating substrate that may be stored within the aerosol-generating substrate compartment, until a user wants use the article to generate an aerosol. By sealing the aerosol-generating substrate compartment from the exterior of the article before use, absorption of water from humid air by the aerosol-generating substrate prior to use of the article is substantially reduced. Reducing the amount of water that is absorbed by the aerosol-generating substrate before use of the article may help to avoid undesirably warm aerosol being delivered to a user during the initial puffs, which may help to achieve a more consistent aerosol between the initial puffs and subsequent puffs.

A further advantage of reducing the amount of water that is absorbed by the aerosolgenerating substrate is that the shelf life of substrate stored within the aerosol-generating substrate compartment may be longer, and the quality of aerosol delivered to a user may be improved.

As used herein with reference to the invention, the term “article” or “article for generating an aerosol” is used to describe an article configured to hold or receive an aerosolgenerating substrate. The aerosol-generating substrate compartment of an article may comprise an aerosol-generating substrate. The article may be an aerosol-generating article. Unless otherwise stated, features associated with an “article” are equally applicable to an “aerosol-generating article” and an “article for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating”.

As used herein with reference to the invention, the term “aerosol-generating article” is used to describe an article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate that is heated to generate an inhalable aerosol for delivery to a user. As used herein with reference to the invention, the term “aerosol-generating substrate” is used to describe a substrate comprising aerosol-generating material that is capable of releasing upon heating volatile compounds that can generate an aerosol.

As used herein with reference to the invention, the term “aerosol” is used to describe a dispersion of solid particles, or liquid droplets, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets, in a gas. The aerosol may be visible or invisible. The aerosol may include vapours of substances that are ordinarily liquid or solid at room temperature as well as solid particles, or liquid droplets, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets.

As used herein with reference to the invention, the term “aerosol-generating device” is used to describe a device that interacts with the aerosol-generating substrate in an article to generate an aerosol.

Articles according to the invention have a mouth end through which, in use, an aerosol exits the article for delivery to a user. The mouth end of the article may also be referred to as the downstream end or proximal end of the article. In use, a user draws directly or indirectly on the mouth end of the article in order to inhale an aerosol generated by the article.

Articles according to the invention have a distal end. The distal end is opposite the mouth end. The distal end of the article may be the upstream end of the article.

As used herein with reference to the invention, the term “longitudinal” is used to describe the direction between the distal end and the mouth end of the article.

The article may be an aerosol-generating article.

The article may have a distal end and a mouth end.

The body may extend from the distal end of the article towards the mouth end of the article. The body may extend from the mouth end of the article towards the distal end of the article. The body of the article may extend from the distal end of the article to the mouth end of the article. The distal end of the body may be the distal end of the article. The article may have a closed distal end.

The mouth end of the body may be the mouth end of the article. The article may have an open mouth end.

The article may comprise a mouthpiece element. The mouthpiece element may be located at a mouth end of the article. The mouthpiece element may be a mouthpiece filter element.

The aerosol-generating substrate compartment may be a cavity within the body. The aerosol-generating substrate compartment may be a solid storage portion. The aerosolgenerating substrate compartment may be a liquid storage portion. The aerosol-generating substrate compartment may be located at the closed distal end of the body.

The aerosol-generating substrate compartment may be defined by the closed distal end of the body. The aerosol-generating substrate compartment may be a chamber defined as a cavity between the inner tube and the outer tube at the closed distal end of the body.

The aerosol-generating substrate compartment may comprise an aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating substrate may be a solid aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating substrate may be a liquid aerosol-generating substrate.

The inner tube may comprise a distal end and a mouth end.

The space may be an annular space. The annular space may extend longitudinally along the article.

The inner tube may be movable relative to the outer tube. The outer tube may be movable relative to the inner tube.

The inner tube and the outer tube may be movable relative to one another along the longitudinal axis of the article. Movement of the inner tube and the outer tube relative to one another along the longitudinal axis of the article may move the inner tube and the outer tube between the first configuration and the second configuration.

The inner tube and the outer tube may be slidable relative to one another along the longitudinal axis of the article. Slidable movement of the inner tube and the outer tube relative to one another along the longitudinal axis may move the inner tube and the outer tube between the first configuration and the second configuration.

The inner tube and the outer tube may be rotatable relative to one another about the longitudinal axis of the article. Rotational movement of the inner tube or the outer tube relative to one another, about longitudinal axis of the article, may move the inner tube and the outer tube between the first configuration and the second configuration.

The inner tube may be an inner casing.

The inner tube may have a distal end and a mouth end. The inner tube may have an open distal end. The inner tube may have an open mouth end. The open mouth end of the inner tube may define the open mouth end of the body.

The external diameter of the inner tube may vary along the length of the inner tube. The internal diameter of the inner tube may vary along the length of the inner tube.

The inner tube may comprise one or more sections. Adjacent sections of the inner tube may have different external diameters. Adjacent sections of the inner tube may have different internal diameters. Each section of the inner tube may have a substantially constant external diameter. Each section of the inner tube may have a substantially constant internal diameter.

The inner tube may comprise a mouth end section. The mouth end section may be located towards the mouth end of the inner tube. The mouth end section may be located at the mouth end of the inner tube. The mouth end section of the inner tube may be used as a mouthpiece.

The inner tube may comprise a distal end section. The distal end section may be located towards the distal end of the inner tube. The distal end section may be located at the distal end of the inner tube. The distal end section of the inner tube may be disposed within the outer tube.

The inner tube may comprise a middle section. The middle section may be located between the mouth end section and the distal end section. The middle section may extend between the mouth end section and the distal end section. The middle section may extend from the mouth end section towards the distal end section. The middle section may extend from the distal end section towards the mouth end section. The middle section may extend from the distal end section to the mouth end section.

The mouth end section of the inner tube may have an external diameter that is substantially the same as an internal diameter of the outer tube. Advantageously, the mouth end section of the inner tube having an external diameter that is substantially the same as the internal diameter of the outer tube may provide an airtight fit between the external surface of the inner tube and the inner surface of the outer tube at a position along the mouth end section of the inner tube.

The distal end section of the inner tube may have an external diameter that is smaller than the external diameter of the mouth end section.

Advantageously, the mouth end section having an external diameter that is larger than the external diameter of the distal end section may increase homogenization and cooling of an aerosol generated by vaporising an aerosol-generating substrate held in the aerosolgenerating substrate compartment.

The distal end section of the inner tube may have an internal diameter that is smaller than the internal diameter of the mouth end section.

The distal end section of the inner tube may have an external diameter that is smaller than the internal diameter of the outer tube.

The middle section of the inner tube may have an external diameter that is in between the external diameter of the mouth end section and the external diameter of the distal end section. The middle section of the inner tube may have an internal diameter that is in between the internal diameter of the mouth end section and the internal diameter of the distal end section.

The external diameter of the middle section may be is smaller than the internal diameter of the outer tube.

The middle section of the inner tube may have a larger internal volume than the distal end section of the inner tube. The mouth section of the inner tube may have a larger internal volume than the middle section of the inner tube.

When the outer tube and the inner tube are in the first configuration, the mouth end of the inner tube may protrude out of the outer tube. When the outer tube and the inner tube are in the first configuration, the mouth end section of the inner tube may protrude out of the outer tube. Advantageously, the inner tube protruding out of the outer tube may provide the user with an easily activatable means of moving the outer and the inner tube from the first configuration to the second configuration.

When the outer tube and the inner tube are in the second configuration, the inner tube may protrude out of the outer tube by a greater extent than when the outer tube and the inner tube are in the first configuration.

The length of the inner tube may be greater than the length of the outer tube. The length of the inner tube may be greater than an internal length of the outer tube. In otherwords, the length of the outer tube extending from the internal surface of a distal end wall of the outer tube to the mouth end of the outer tube.

The length of the mouth end section may be greater than a length of the outer tube extending from the air intake to the mouth end of the outer tube. This may be such that the mouth end section of the inner tube protrudes out of the outer tube in the first configuration while also obstructing the air intake to substantially prevent air flow through the air intake in the first configuration.

The one or more portions of the inner tube may be integrally formed or may be individually formed and connected together to form a single piece.

The inner tube may be formed from a substantially air-impermeable material. The inner tube may be formed from a plastic.

The inner tube may comprise a distal end wall. The distal end wall may form a closed end of the inner tube.

The outer tube may comprise a distal end and a mouth end.

The inner tube and the outer tube may have the same longitudinal axis. The outer tube may have a substantially constant external diameter along the entire length of the outer tube. The outer tube may have a substantially constant internal diameter along the entire length of the outer tube.

The outer tube may have a substantially cylindrical shape.

The outer tube may be an outer casing.

The outer tube has a distal end and a mouth end. The outer tube may have a closed distal end. The closed distal end of the outer tube may define the closed distal end of the body. The outer tube may have an open mouth end.

The inner tube may be insertable into the outer tube via the open mouth end of the outer tube.

The outer tube may comprise a distal end wall. The distal end wall may form a closed distal end of the outer tube.

The outer tube may be formed from a substantially air-impermeable material. The outer tube may be formed from a plastic .

The air intake may provide fluid communication between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment and an exterior of the outer tube.

The air intake may be configured such that, when the inner tube and the outer tube are in the second configuration, air may flow substantially transversely into the outer tube.

The air intake may be provided through the outer tube. The air intake may be provided through a wall of the outer tube. The air intake may be provided in the outer tube.

The air intake may be provided on the outer tube at a location that is spaced away from the mouth end of the article. Advantageously, providing the air intake on the outer tube at a location that is spaced away from the mouth end of the article may help to avoid a user’s lips occluding the air intake during use of the article.

The air intake may comprise one or more air openings or holes. For example, the air intake may comprise one or more openings provided on the outer tube.

The air intake may comprise a single opening. The air intake may comprise a plurality of openings. For example, the air intake may comprise a plurality of openings arranged circumferentially around the outer tube, such as in a row around the circumference of the outer tube.

The air intake may comprise an annular opening at the mouth end of the body. The annular opening may be located between the external surface of the inner tube and the internal surface of the outer tube.

The air outlet may provide fluid communication between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment and an open mouth end of the inner tube. The air outlet may provide fluid communication between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment and an open mouth end of the inner tube through an open distal end of the inner tube.

The air outlet may be configured such that, when the inner tube and the outer tube are in the second configuration, air may flow through the air outlet substantially longitudinally into the inner tube.

The air outlet may be provided at the distal end of the inner tube.

The air outlet may be provided through the distal end face of the inner tube. For example, the air outlet may be provided by one or more openings or holes extending through the distal end face of the inner tube. The air outlet may be provided by one or more openings of the inner tube defining the open distal end of the inner tube.

The air outlet may be provided by a single opening or a plurality of openings.

The inner tube may comprise an opening at the distal end of the inner tube, wherein the opening is defined by the peripheral wall of the inner tube. The air outlet may be provided by an opening of the inner tube defined by the peripheral wall of the inner tube.

The space may be an annular space. In other words, the empty space may circumscribe the inner tube.

The space may be empty.

The inner tube may comprise a distal end section having an external diameter less than an internal diameter of the outer tube. The distal end section of the inner tube may be located within the outer tube. The internal surface of the outer tube and the external surface of the distal end section of the inner tube may define a space therebetween.

The inner tube may comprise a middle section having an external diameter less than an internal diameter of the outer tube. The middle section of the inner tube may be located within the outer tube. The internal surface of the outer tube and the external surface of the middle section of the inner tube may define a space therebetween.

The inner tube may be disposed within the outer tube to define a space between an internal surface of the wall of the outer tube and an external surface of the wall of inner tube.

The space may be defined between an internal surface of the side wall of the outer tube and an external surface of the side wall of inner tube.

The body may comprise an air flow passageway extending between the air intake to the air outlet. The airflow passageway may extend between the air intake and the open mouth end of the body.

When the inner tube and the outer tube are in the second configuration, an air flow passageway of the article may be defined between the air intake and air outlet. The air flow passageway may extend from the air intake to the aerosol-generating substrate compartment and to the air outlet. When the inner tube and the outer tube are in the second configuration, the air flow passageway may be open so as to allow air to flow between the air intake and the air outlet. When the inner tube and the outer tube are in the second configuration, the air flow passageway may be open so as to allow air to flow between the air intake and the air outlet along the air flow passageway.

When the inner tube and the outer tube are in the second configuration, an air flow passageway of the article may be defined between the air intake and open mouth end of the body. When the inner tube and the outer tube are in the second configuration, the air flow passageway may be open so as to allow air to flow between the air intake and the open mouth end of the body. When the inner tube and the outer tube are in the second configuration, the air flow passageway may be open so as to allow air to flow between the air intake and the open mouth end of the body along the air flow passageway.

The air flow passageway may extend through the space defined between the internal surface of the outer tube and the external surface of the inner tube.

The air flow passageway may comprise a first air flow passageway and a second air flow passageway.

The air flow passageway may extend through the air intake. The air flow passageway may extend through the aerosol-generating substrate compartment. The air flow passageway may extend through the air outlet. The air flow passageway may extend through the open mouth end of the body. The air flow passageway may extend through an interior of the inner tube.

The first air flow passageway may extend between the air intake and the aerosolgenerating substrate compartment. When the inner tube and the outer tube are in the second configuration, the first airflow passageway may extend between the air intake and the aerosolgenerating substrate compartment. When the inner tube and the outer tube are in the second configuration, the first air flow passageway may be open so as to allow air to flow between the air intake and the aerosol-generating substate compartment. When the inner tube and the outer tube are in the second configuration, the first air flow passageway may be open so as to allow air to flow between the air intake and the aerosol-generating substate compartment along the first air flow passageway.

The first air flow passageway may extend through the space defined between the internal surface of the outer tube and the external surface of the inner tube.

The first air flow passageway may be external to the inner tube.

The first air flow passageway may extend through the air intake. The first air flow passageway may extend through the aerosol-generating substrate compartment The second air flow passageway may extend through the space defined between the internal surface of the outer tube and the external surface of the inner tube.

The second air flow passageway may extend between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment and the air outlet. When the inner tube and the outer tube are in the second configuration, the second air flow passageway may extend between the aerosolgenerating substrate compartment and the air outlet.

When the inner tube and the outer tube are in the second configuration, the second air flow passageway may be open so as to allow air to flow between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment and the air outlet. When the inner tube and the outer tube are in the second configuration, the second air flow passageway may be open so as to allow air to flow between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment and the air outlet along the second air flow passageway.

The second air flow passageway may extend between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment and the open mouth end of the body. When the inner tube and the outer tube are in the second configuration, the second air flow passageway may extend between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment and the open mouth end of the body.

When the inner tube and the outer tube are in the second configuration, the second air flow passageway may be open so as to allow air to flow between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment and the open mouth end of the body. When the inner tube and the outer tube are in the second configuration, the second air flow passageway may be open so as to allow air to flow between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment and the open mouth end of the body along the second air flow passageway.

The second airflow passageway may extend through the aerosol-generating substrate compartment. The second air flow passageway may extend through the air outlet. The second air flow passageway may extend through the open mouth end of the body. The second air flow passageway may extend through an interior of the inner tube.

The outer tube sealing member may extend into the space defined between the inner tube and the outer tube. The outer tube sealing member may extend in to the annular space defined between the inner tube and the outer tube.

The outer tube sealing member may be located on the outer tube at a position between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment and the closed distal end of the body. The outer tube sealing member may be located on the outer tube at a position between the aerosolgenerating substrate compartment and the mouth end of the body.

The outer tube sealing member may be located on the outer tube at a position between the air intake and the aerosol-generating substrate compartment. The outer tube sealing member may be located on the outer tube at a position between the air intake and the closed distal end of the body.

The outer tube sealing member may extend radially inward from the internal surface of the outer tube.

The outer tube sealing member may be located on the outer tube. The outer tube sealing member may be attached to the outer tube.

The outer tube sealing member may be integrally formed with the outer tube.

Advantageously, integrally forming the outer tube sealing member with the outer tube may help to reduce manufacturing complexity, and consequently increase the speed of manufacture of the article.

The outer tube sealing member may comprise a plurality of outer tube sealing members.

The outer tube sealing member may extend below the height of the inner tube sealing member.

The outer tube sealing member may have a height that is greater than or equal to the height of the inner tube sealing member. The outer tube sealing member may have a height that is greater than the height of the inner tube sealing member.

The outer tube sealing member may extend radially inwardly from the outer tube to a depth that is beyond an end face of the inner tube sealing member extending radially outwardly from the inner tube.

The outer tube sealing member may be resilient. The outer tube sealing member may comprise a resilient material. The outer tube sealing member may comprise a coating of a resilient material. At least a part of the outer tube sealing member may be formed from one or more of: rubber, plastic or foam. The outer tube sealing member may be formed from one or more of: rubber, plastic or foam.

Advantageously, the outer tube sealing member being resilient may help to prevent the outer tube sealing member causing damage to the inner tube sealing member when the inner tube and/or the outer tube is moved between the first configuration and the second configuration. In addition, the outer tube sealing member being resilient may help to provide a more airtight seal when the outer tube sealing member cooperates with the inner tube sealing member to block air from flowing through the air flow passageway.

At least a part of the outer tube sealing member may comprise a soft material The outer tube sealing member may comprise a soft material. The outer tube sealing member may comprise a coating of a soft material. Advantageously, the outer tube sealing member being formed from a soft material may help to prevent the outer tube sealing member causing damage to the inner tube sealing member when the inner tube and/or the outer tube is moved between the first configuration and the second configuration. In addition, the outer tube sealing member being formed from a soft material may help to provide a more airtight seal when the outer tube sealing member cooperates with the inner tube sealing member to block air from flowing through the air flow passageway.

The outer tube sealing member may comprise an outer tube sealing ring. The outer tube sealing ring may be provided on an internal surface of the outer tube. The outer tube sealing ring may be provided on an internal circumferential surface of the outer tube. The outer tube sealing ring may extend around an internal surface of the outer tube The outer tube sealing ring may extend around an internal surface of the outer tube. The outer tube sealing ring may extend around the whole circumference of the internal surface of the outer tube.

The outer tube sealing ring may comprise a disc having a central bore.

The outer tube sealing member may comprise an outer tube sealing disc. The outer tube sealing disc may comprise one or more openings. The outer tube sealing disc comprise a segmented disc. In other words, the outer tube sealing disc may comprise one or more openings between one or more segments.

The inner tube sealing member may extend into the space defined between the inner tube and the outer tube. The inner tube sealing member may extend in to the annular space defined between the inner tube and the outer tube.

The inner tube sealing member may be located on the inner tube at a position between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment and the closed distal end of the body. The inner tube sealing member may be located on the inner tube at a position between the aerosolgenerating substrate compartment and the mouth end of the body.

The inner tube sealing member may be located on the inner tube at a position between the air outlet and the aerosol-generating substrate compartment. The inner tube sealing member may be located on the inner tube at a position between the air outlet and the closed distal end of the body. The inner tube sealing member may be located on the inner tube at a position between the air outlet and the mouth end of the body.

The inner tube sealing member may be located on the inner tube at a position between the air intake and the aerosol-generating substrate compartment.

The inner tube sealing member may extend radially outward from the internal surface of the inner tube. The inner tube sealing member may be located on the inner tube. The inner tube sealing member may be attached to the inner tube.

The inner tube sealing member may be integrally formed with the inner tube.

Advantageously, integrally forming the inner tube sealing member with the inner tube may help to reduce manufacturing complexity, and consequently increase the speed of manufacture of the article.

The inner tube sealing member may comprise a plurality of inner tube sealing members.

The inner tube sealing member may be resilient. The inner tube sealing member may comprise a resilient material. The inner tube sealing member may comprise a coating of a resilient material. At least a part of the inner tube sealing member may be formed from one or more of: rubber, plastic or foam. The inner tube sealing member may be formed from one or more of: rubber, plastic or foam.

Advantageously, the inner tube sealing member being resilient may help to prevent the inner tube sealing member causing damage to the outer tube sealing member when the inner tube and/or the outer tube is moved between the first configuration and the second configuration. In addition, the inner tube sealing member being resilient may help to provide a more airtight seal when the inner tube sealing member cooperates with the outer tube sealing member to block air from the flowing through the air flow passageway.

At least a part of the inner tube sealing member may comprise a soft material. The inner tube sealing member may comprise a soft material. The inner tube sealing member may comprise a coating of a soft material.

Advantageously, the inner tube sealing member being formed from a soft material may help to prevent the inner tube sealing member causing damage to the outer tube sealing member when the inner tube and/or the outer tube is moved between the first configuration and the second configuration. In addition, the inner tube sealing member being formed from a soft material may help to provide a more airtight seal when the inner tube sealing member cooperates with the outer tube sealing member to block air from flowing through the air flow passageway.

The inner tube sealing member may comprise an inner tube sealing ring. The inner tube sealing ring may comprise a disc having a central bore.

The inner tube sealing member may comprise an inner tube sealing disc. The inner tube sealing disc may comprise one or more openings. The inner tube sealing disc comprise a segmented disc. In other words, the inner tube sealing disc may comprise one or more openings between one or more segments. The inner tube sealing member may extend above the height of the outer tube sealing member.

The inner tube sealing member may have a height that is less than or equal to the height of the outer tube sealing member. The inner tube sealing member may have a height that is less than the height of the outer tube sealing member. The inner tube sealing member may be spaced apart from the outer tube such that a radial gap is provided between the inner tube sealing member and the outer tube. The inner tube sealing member may be spaced apart from the internal surface of the outer tube such that a radial gap is provided between the inner tube sealing member and the internal surface of the outer tube.

The inner tube sealing member may extend radially outwardly from the external surface of the inner tube to a height that is beyond an end face of the outer tube sealing member extending radially inwardly from an internal surface of the outer tube.

The inner tube sealing member may comprise an inner tube sealing ring. The inner tube sealing ring may be provided on an external surface of the inner tube. The inner tube sealing ring may be provided on an external circumferential surface of the inner tube. The inner tube sealing ring may extend around an external circumferential surface of the inner tube. The inner tube sealing ring may extend around the whole circumference of the external surface of the inner tube.

The inner tube and the outer tube may be movable longitudinally relative to one another between a first configuration and a second configuration, along the longitudinal axis of the article. Movement of the inner tube or the outer tube relative to one another along the longitudinal axis of the article may move the inner tube and the outer tube between the first configuration and the second configuration.

The inner tube and the outer tube may be slidable longitudinally relative to one another between a first configuration and a second configuration, along the longitudinal axis of the article. Sliding movement of the inner tube or the outer tube relative to one another along the longitudinal axis of the article may move the inner tube and the outer tube between the first configuration and the second configuration.

The inner tube and the outer tube may be rotatable relative to one another between a first configuration and a second configuration, about the longitudinal axis of the article. Rotational movement of the inner tube or the outer tube relative to one another about the longitudinal axis of the article may move the inner tube and the outer tube between the first configuration and the second configuration.

The inner tube and the outer tube may be configured to be reversibly movable relative to one another from the first configuration to the second configuration. This may provide the article with a means to re-seal the aerosol-generating substrate compartment from air external to the article following a first use of the article. A means to re-seal the aerosol-generating substrate compartment may advantageously allow use of the article to be interrupted and then subsequently resumed without adversely affecting the quality and consistency of aerosol delivered to a user.

In the first configuration, the inner tube sealing member and the outer tube sealing member cooperate to substantially prevent flow of air through the air flow passageway. In the first configuration, the inner tube sealing member and the outer tube sealing member cooperate to prevent flow of air through the air flow passageway.

In the first configuration, the inner tube sealing member and the outer tube sealing member may cooperate to substantially prevent flow of air along the air flow passageway. In the first configuration, the inner tube sealing member and the outer tube sealing member may cooperate to prevent flow of air along the air flow passageway.

In the first configuration, the inner tube sealing member and the outer tube sealing member may cooperate to substantially prevent flow of air through the first air flow passageway. In the first configuration, the inner tube sealing member and the outer tube sealing member may cooperate to prevent flow of air through the first air flow passageway.

In the first configuration, the inner tube sealing member and the outer tube sealing member may cooperate to substantially prevent flow of air through the second air flow passageway. In the first configuration, the inner tube sealing member and the outer tube sealing member may cooperate to prevent flow of air through the second airflow passageway.

In the first configuration the inner tube sealing member and the outer tube sealing member may abut one another to substantially prevent the flow of air through the air flow passageway. In the first configuration the inner tube sealing member and the outer tube sealing member may abut one another to substantially prevent the flow of air through the first air flow passageway. In the first configuration the inner tube sealing member and the outer tube sealing member may abut one another to substantially prevent the flow of air through the second air flow passageway.

In the first configuration, the inner tube sealing member and the outer tube sealing member may engage with one another to form a seal that substantially prevents prevent air flow along the air flow passageway. In the first configuration, the inner tube sealing member and the outer tube sealing member may engage with one another to form a seal that substantially prevents prevent air flow along the first air flow passageway. In the first configuration, the inner tube sealing member and the outer tube sealing member may engage with one another to form a seal that substantially prevents prevent air flow along the second air flow passageway.

In the first configuration, the outer tube sealing member may be located between the inner tube sealing member and the aerosol-generating substrate compartment.

In the first configuration, the outer tube sealing member may be located between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment and the closed distal end of the body.

When the inner tube and the outer tube are in the first configuration, the inner tube may obstruct the air intake to substantially prevent airflow through the air intake. This may provide a mechanism to substantially prevent airflow to the aerosol-generating substrate compartment which is simple to manufacture.

In the second configuration the outer tube sealing member and the inner tube sealing member may provide at least one opening between the outer tube sealing member and the inner tube sealing member, the at least one opening permitting flow of air through the air flow passageway.

In the second configuration the outer tube sealing member and the inner tube sealing member may provide at least one opening between the outer tube sealing member and the inner tube sealing member, the at least one opening permitting flow of air through the first air flow passageway.

In the second configuration the outer tube sealing member and the inner tube sealing member may provide at least one opening between the outer tube sealing member and the inner tube sealing member. The at least one opening may permit flow of air through the second air flow passageway.

In the second configuration the outer tube sealing member and the inner tube sealing member may be spaced apart to provide at least one opening between the outer tube sealing member and the inner tube sealing member. The at least one opening may permit flow of air through the air flow passageway.

In the second configuration, a distal end of the inner tube may abut with a distal end of the outer tube. Advantageously, a sound generated due to the distal end of the inner tube impacting with the distal end of the outer tube may act as an alert to inform the user that the inner tube and the outer tube are now in the second configuration.

The inner tube may be located at least partially within the outer tube when the inner tube and the outer tube are in the second configuration.

In the second configuration, the inner tube sealing member may be located between the outer tube sealing member and the closed distal end of the body. In the second configuration, the inner tube sealing member may be located between the air intake and the closed distal end of the body.

In the second configuration, the inner tube sealing member may be located between the air intake and the outer tube sealing member.

When the inner tube and the outer tube are in the second configuration, the inner tube may be spaced apart from the air intake to allow airflow through the air intake. The second position may be referred to as an open position. The article may be in the second configuration during use of the article.

When the inner tube and the outer tube are in the second configuration, the inner tube may be transversely spaced apart from the air intake to allow airflow through the air intake. For example, when the inner tube and the outer tube are in the second configuration, the inner tube may be located at least partially within the outer tube, and the inner tube may be transversely spaced apart from the air intake to allow airflow through the air intake.

When the inner tube and the outer tube are in the second configuration, a space may be defined between the air intake and the inner tube. The space defined between the air intake and the inner tube may be an empty space.

When the inner tube and the outer tube are in the second configuration, the inner tube may be transversely spaced away from the air intake.

In the second configuration the inner tube and the outer tube may be displaced longitudinally from one another along the longitudinal axis of the article relative to the first configuration. In this example, in the second configuration, the outer tube sealing member and the inner tube sealing member may be spaced apart from one another to provide an opening between the outer tube sealing member and the inner tube sealing member. In the second configuration, the outer tube sealing member and the inner tube sealing member may be spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal axis of the article to provide an opening between the outer tube sealing member and the inner tube sealing member. The opening may be a gap.

Providing an opening between the outer tube sealing member and the inner tube sealing member may open the first air flow passageway to allow air flow along the first air flow passageway.

In the second configuration the inner tube and the outer tube may be displaced rotationally from one another, about the longitudinal axis of the article, relative to the first configuration. In this example, in the second configuration, the outer tube sealing member and the inner tube sealing member may abut one another. In between the first configuration and the second configuration, the inner tube sealing member and the outer tube sealing member may cooperate with one another to restrict flow of air through the air flow passageway.

Restricting air flow through the air flow passageway may allow for adjustment of the resistance to draw of the article.

Restriction of air flow through the flow passageway may be adjustable by adjusting the size of the at least one opening between the outer tube sealing member and the inner tube sealing member. Increasing the size of the at least one opening may allow for increased air flow through the air flow passageway. Reducing the size of the at least one opening may decrease air flow through the air flow passageway.

In one example, moving the outer tube and the inner tube from the first configuration to the second configuration increases the size of the at least one opening, thereby allowing for increased air flow through the air flow passageway. In one example, moving the outer tube and the inner tube from the second configuration to the first configuration decreases the size of the at least one opening, thereby allowing for decreased air flow through the air flow passageway.

In one example, as the outer tube and the inner tube are moved from the first configuration to the second configuration, the size of the at least one opening increases, thereby allowing for increased air flow through the air flow passageway. In one example, as the outer tube and the inner tube are moved from the second configuration to the first configuration, the size of the at least one opening decreases, thereby allowing for decreased air flow through the air flow passageway.

In one example, increasing the gap between the outer tube sealing member and the inner tube sealing member allows for increased air flow through the air flow passageway. In one example, reducing the gap between the outer tube sealing member and the inner tube sealing member allows for decreased air flow through the air flow passageway.

The article may comprise a cap for sealing the open mouth end of the body. The cap may be a removable cap. The cap may be removably attachable to the mouth end of the body.

When the cap is attached to the mouth end of the body, air is obstructed frow flowing through the mouth end of the body, between the air outlet and the exterior of the article.

When the cap is removed from the mouth end of the body, air can flow through the mouth end of the body, between the air outlet and the exterior of the article.

The cap may comprise a tab.

The air passageway may be defined at least in part by one or more grooves provided in the external surface of the inner tube. The air passageway may be defined by one or more grooves provided in the external surface of the inner tube. The air passageway may be defined at least in part by one or more grooves provided in the internal surface of the outer tube. The air passageway may be defined by one or more grooves provided in the internal surface of the outer tube.

A ratio of the resistance to draw through the air intake to the overall resistance to draw of the article may be at least 0.5. The ratio of the resistance to draw through the air intake to the overall resistance to draw of the article may be at least 0.6. The ratio of the resistance to draw through the air intake to the overall resistance to draw of the article may be at least 0.7. The ratio of the resistance to draw through the air intake to the overall resistance to draw of the article may be at least 0.75. The ratio of the resistance to draw through the air intake to the overall resistance to draw of the article may be at least 0.8. The ratio of the resistance to draw through the air intake to the overall resistance to draw of the article may be at least 0.9. The ratio of the resistance to draw through the air intake to the overall resistance to draw of the article may be at least 0.95.

The ratio of the resistance to draw of the air intake to the overall resistance to draw of the article may be at least 0.5. The ratio of the resistance to draw of the air intake to the overall resistance to draw of the article may be at least 0.6. The ratio of the resistance to draw of the air intake to the overall resistance to draw of the article may be at least 0.7. The ratio of the resistance to draw of the air intake to the overall resistance to draw of the article may be at least 0.75. The ratio of the resistance to draw of the air intake to the overall resistance to draw of the article may be at least 0.8. The ratio of the resistance to draw of the air intake to the overall resistance to draw of the article may be at least 0.9. The ratio of the resistance to draw of the air intake to the overall resistance to draw of the article may be at least 0.95.

The ratio of the resistance to draw of the outer tube to the overall resistance to draw of the article may be at least 0.5. The ratio of the resistance to draw of the outer tube to the overall resistance to draw of the article may be at least 0.6. The ratio of the resistance to draw of the outer tube to the overall resistance to draw of the article may be at least 0.7. The ratio of the resistance to draw of the outer tube to the overall resistance to draw of the article may be at least 0.75. The ratio of the resistance to draw of the outer tube to the overall resistance to draw of the article may be at least 0.8. The ratio of the resistance to draw of the outer tube to the overall resistance to draw of the article may be at least 0.9. The ratio of the resistance to draw of the outer tube to the overall resistance to draw of the article may be at least 0.95.

Such a ratio may be calculated based on measuring a resistance to draw of the article in an assembled state (in other words, the inner tube being assembled with the outer tube) while in the second configuration, measuring a resistance to draw of the outer tube by drawing air flow through the air intake from the mouth end, when the article is in the second configuration, and then dividing such a measured resistance to draw of the outer tube by the measured resistance to draw of the article in an assembled state.

The air intake may comprise one or more air intake holes.

Each of the one or more air intake holes may an opening area of at least about 0.01 square millimetres.

The article may comprise a substantially air-impermeable wrapper comprising a cover portion. The cover portion may overlie at least one of the one or more air intake holes to substantially prevent the ingress of air into the article through the at least one of the one or more air intake holes.

The article may be configured such that at least a part of the cover portion is movable away from the at least one of the one or more air intake holes to facilitate the ingress of air into the article through the at least one of the one or more air intake holes.

The article may further comprise a transverse line of weakness provided in the substantially air-impermeable wrapper. The cover portion may extend to the transverse line of weakness. The substantially air-impermeable wrapper may be breakable along the transverse line of weakness to facilitate the movement of at least a part of the cover portion away from the at least one of the plurality of one or more air intake holes.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a housing. The housing may extend between a first end and a second end. The housing may be a rigid housing. The housing may define a heating chamber for removably receiving the article. The heating chamber may be defined by a closed first end and an open second end. The open second end of the heating chamber may be located at the second end of the aerosol-generating device.

The heating chamber may extend between its closed first end and its open second end. An article may be inserted into the heating chamber, via the open end of the heating chamber. The heating chamber may be cylindrical in shape.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a heater or a heating element for heating the aerosol-generating substrate when the article is received within the heating chamber.

The heater may comprise an inductive heating arrangement. The inductive heating arrangement may comprise an inductor coil and a power supply configured to provide high frequency oscillating current to the inductor coil.

The heater may comprise at least one resistive heating element. The heater may comprise a plurality of resistive heating elements. The resistive heating elements may be electrically connected in a parallel arrangement. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a power source for supplying power to the heater.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a controller configured to control the supply of power from the power source to the heater. The controller may be configured to cause the heater to controllably heat the aerosol-generating substrate compartment of the article during use. The controller may be configured to cause the heater to controllably heat the aerosol-generating substrate compartment of the article when the article is received within the heating chamber.

The aerosol-generating device may be configured so that the heater is arranged to externally heat the article.

One or more features of one aspect or embodiment described above may be combined with one or more features of another aspect of embodiment described above.

The invention is defined in the claims. However, below there is provided a non- exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

Example Ex1. An article for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating, the article comprising: a body having an open mouth end and a closed distal end, the body comprising: an outer tube and an inner tube, the inner tube being disposed within the outer tube to define a space between an internal surface of the outer tube and an external surface of the inner tube, an aerosol-generating substrate compartment for holding an aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosol-generating substrate compartment being located towards the closed distal end of the body, an air intake provided on the outer tube, the air intake for providing fluid communication between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment and an exterior of the article, an air outlet, the air outlet for providing fluid communication between the aerosolgenerating substrate compartment and the open mouth end through the inner tube, an air flow passageway extending through the space from the air intake to the aerosolgenerating substrate compartment and to the air outlet, wherein the outer tube comprises an outer tube sealing member, wherein the inner tube comprises an inner tube sealing member, wherein the inner tube and the outer tube are movable relative to one another between a first configuration and a second configuration, and wherein in the first configuration the inner tube sealing member and the outer tube sealing member cooperate with one another to substantially prevent flow of air through the air flow passageway.

Example Ex2. An article according to Example Ex1 , wherein the outer tube sealing member is located on the outer tube at a position between the air intake and the aerosolgenerating substrate compartment.

Example Ex3. An article according to Example Ex1 , wherein the outer tube sealing member is located on the outer tube at a position between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment and the closed distal end of the body.

Example Ex4. An article according to Example Ex1 , wherein the outer tube sealing member is located on the outer tube at a position between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment and the mouth end of the body.

Example Ex5. An article according to Example Ex1 , wherein the outer tube sealing member is located on the outer tube at a position between the air intake and the closed distal end of the body.

Example Ex6. An article according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex6, wherein the inner tube sealing member is located on the inner tube at a position between the air intake and the aerosol-generating substrate compartment.

Example Ex7. An article according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex6, wherein the inner tube sealing member is located on the inner tube at a position between the aerosolgenerating substrate compartment and the closed distal end of the body.

Example Ex8. An article according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex6, wherein the inner tube sealing member is located on the inner tube at a position between the aerosolgenerating substrate compartment and the mouth end of the body.

Example Ex9. An article according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex6, wherein the inner tube sealing member is located on the inner tube at a position between the air outlet and the aerosol-generating substrate compartment.

Example Ex10. An article according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex6, wherein the inner tube sealing member is located on the inner tube at a position between the air outlet and the closed distal end of the body.

Example Ex11 . An article according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex6, wherein the inner tube sealing member is located on the inner tube at a position between the air outlet and the mouth end of the body.

Example Ex12. An article according to any preceding Example, wherein the outer tube sealing member extends radially inward from the internal surface of the outer tube. Example Ex13. An article according to any preceding Example, wherein the inner tube sealing member extends radially outward from the external surface of the inner tube.

Example Ex14. An article according to any preceding Example, wherein the space between the internal surface of the outer tube and the external surface of the inner tube is an annular space.

Example Ex15. An article according to any preceding Example, wherein in the first configuration the inner tube sealing member and the outer tube sealing member abut one another to substantially prevent the flow of air through the first air flow passageway.

Example Ex16. An article according to any preceding Example, wherein in the second configuration the outer tube sealing member and the inner tube sealing member provide at least one opening between the outer tube sealing member and the inner tube sealing member, the at least one opening permitting flow of air through the first air flow passageway.

Example Ex17. An article according to any of Examples Ex15 or Ex16, wherein in the second configuration the outer tube sealing member and the inner tube sealing member provide at least one opening between the outer tube sealing member and the inner tube sealing member, the at least one opening permitting flow of air through the second air flow passageway.

Example Ex18. An article according to any preceding Example, wherein in the second configuration the outer tube sealing member and the inner tube sealing member are spaced apart to provide at least one opening between the outer tube sealing member and the inner tube sealing member, the at least one opening permitting flow of air through the first air flow passageway.

Example Ex19. An article according to any preceding Example, wherein the outer tube sealing member is integrally formed with the outer tube.

Example Ex20. An article according to any preceding Example, wherein the inner tube sealing member is integrally formed with the inner tube.

Example Ex21. An article according to any preceding Example, wherein the outer tube sealing member comprises an outer tube sealing ring.

Example Ex22. An article according to any of Examples Ex1 to Ex20, wherein the outer tube sealing member comprises an outer tube sealing disc.

Example Ex23. An article according to any preceding Example, wherein the inner tube sealing member comprises an inner tube sealing ring.

Example Ex24. An article according to any of Examples Ex1 to Ex22, wherein the inner tube sealing member comprises an inner tube sealing disc. Example Ex25. An article according to any preceding Example, wherein the inner tube and the outer tube are slidable longitudinally relative to one another such that sliding movement of the inner tube or the outer tube relative to one another along the longitudinal axis of the article moves the inner tube and the outer tube between the first configuration and the second configuration.

Example Ex26. An article according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex25, wherein the inner tube and the outer tube are movable rotationally relative to one another about longitudinal axis of the article, such that rotational movement of inner tube or the outer tube relative to one another about the longitudinal axis of the article moves the inner tube and the outer tube between the first configuration and the second configuration.

Example Ex27. An article according to any preceding Example, wherein the outer tube sealing member is resilient.

Example Ex28. An article according to Example Ex27, wherein the outer tube sealing member comprises a resilient material.

Example Ex29. An article according to Example Ex27 or Example Ex28, wherein the outer tube sealing member comprises a coating of a resilient material.

Example Ex30. An article according to Example Ex28 or Example Ex29, wherein at least a part of the outer tube sealing member is formed from one or more of: rubber, plastic or foam.

Example Ex31. An article according to Example Ex30, wherein the outer tube sealing member is formed from one or more of: rubber, plastic or foam.

Example Ex32. An article according to any preceding Example, wherein the inner tube sealing member is resilient.

Example Ex33. An article according to Example Ex32, wherein the inner tube sealing member comprises a resilient material.

Example Ex34. An article according to Example Ex32 or Example Ex33, wherein the inner tube sealing member comprises a coating of a resilient material.

Example Ex35. An article according to Example Ex33 or Example Ex34, wherein at least a part of the inner tube sealing member is formed from one or more of: rubber, plastic or foam.

Example Ex36. An article according to Example Ex35, wherein the inner tube sealing member is formed from one or more of: rubber, plastic or foam.

Example Ex37. An article according to any preceding Example, wherein the air intake comprises one or more air intake holes. Example Ex38. An article according to Example Ex37, wherein the one or more air intake holes are provided through the outer tube.

Example Ex39. An article according to any of Examples Ex1 to Ex36, wherein the air intake comprises an annular opening at the mouth end of the body.

Example Ex40. An article according to any preceding Example, wherein the inner tube comprises a distal end section and a mouth end section, wherein the distal end section has an external diameter that is smaller than the external diameter of the mouth end section.

Example Ex41. An article according to any preceding Example, wherein in between the first configuration and the second configuration, the inner tube sealing member and the outer tube sealing member cooperate with one another to restrict flow of air through the first air flow passageway.

Example Ex42. An aerosol-generating system comprising: the article of any preceding Example; and an aerosol-generating device comprising: a heating element; a power supply for supplying electrical power to the heating element; and a controller configured to control a supply of power from the power supply to the heating element.

In the following, the invention will be further described with reference to the drawings of the accompanying Figures, wherein:

Figure 1 shows a schematic side sectional view of an article;

Figure 2 shows a schematic side sectional view of a first example of an article in accordance with the present disclosure, the article being in a first configuration;

Figure 3 shows a schematic side sectional view of the article of Figure 2 when in a second configuration;

Figure 4 shows a schematic side sectional view of a second example of an article in accordance with the present disclosure, the article being in a first configuration;

Figure 5 shows a schematic side sectional view of the article of Figure 4 when in a second configuration;

Figure 6 shows a schematic side sectional view of a third example of an article in accordance with the present disclosure, the article being in a first configuration;

Figure 7 shows a schematic side sectional view of the article of Figure 6 when in a second configuration;

Figure 8 shows a schematic side sectional view of an aerosol-generating system including the article of Figure 2 when inserted into an aerosol-generating device; Figure 9 shows a schematic side sectional view of a fourth example of an article in accordance with the present disclosure, the article being in a first configuration;

Figure 10 shows a schematic sectional view of the article of Figure 9 along the line A-

A, when in a second configuration;

Figure 11 shows a schematic sectional view of the article of Figure 9 along the line EBES, when in a second configuration;

Figure 12 shows a schematic sectional view of the article of Figure 9 along the line B-

B, when in a first configuration;

Figure 13 shows a schematic sectional view of the article of Figure 9 along the line B- B, when in transition between a first configuration and a second configuration;

Figure 14 shows a schematic side sectional view of a fifth example of an article in accordance with the present disclosure, the article being in a first configuration; and

Figure 15 shows a schematic side sectional view of the article of Figure 14 when in a second configuration.

Figure 1 shows a schematic illustration of an article 100 for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating. The article 100 has a body 102. The body 102 has a mouth end 104 and a distal end 106. In this example, the mouth end 104 of the body 102 is open, and the distal end 106 of the body 102 is closed. In other words, air can flow out of the body 102 at the mouth end 104, but air cannot easily flow out of the distal end 106 of the body 102.

The body 102 has an outer tube 108 and an inner tube 110. The outer tube 108 has an internal surface 112, and the inner tube 110 has an external surface 114. The inner tube 110 is disposed inside of the outer tube 108. A space 116 is defined between an internal surface 112 of the outer tube 108 and an external surface 114 of the inner tube 110. In the example of Figure 1 , the space is an annular space 116.

The body 102 has an aerosol-generating substrate compartment 118 located towards the distal end 106 of the body 102. In the example of Figure 1 , the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 118 is defined by the annular space 116 at the closed distal end 106 of the body 102. The aerosol-generating substrate compartment 118 is a cavity that is suitable for holding a quantity of an aerosol-generating substrate, such as a solid aerosol-generating substrate. In this example, the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 118 is holding a quantity of a solid aerosol-generating substrate 120.

The outer tube 108 has a generally cylindrical shape.

The inner tube 110 may be formed form one or more sections. In the example of Figure 1 , the inner tube 110 has a mouth end section 122, a distal end section 124 and a middle section 126. The three sections 122, 124, 126 of the inner tube 108 are formed individually and connected together to form a single piece. In this example, the mouth end section 122 is located at the mouth end 104 of the body 102, the distal end section 124 is located at the distal end 106 of the body 102, and the middle section 126 extends between the mouth end section 122 and the distal end section 124.

The mouth end section 122 of the inner tube 110 has an external diameter that is substantially the same as an internal diameter of the outer tube 108. Consequently, at the mouth end 104, the internal surface 112 of the outer tube 108 and the external surface 114 of the inner tube 110 abut with one another so that air is substantially prevented from escaping from between the inner tube 110 and outer tube 108 at the mouth end 104.

The distal end section 124 of the inner tube 110 has an external diameter that is much smaller than the external diameter of the mouth end section 122. The distal end section 124 of the inner tube 110 has an external diameter that is much smaller than the internal diameter of the outer tube 108. Consequently, at the distal end 106, the internal surface 112 of the outer tube 108 and the external surface 114 of the inner tube 110 are spaced spart from one another.

The middle section 126 of the inner tube 110 has an external diameter that is in between the external diameter of the mouth end section 122 and the distal end section 124. The external diameter of the middle section 126 is smaller than the internal surface 112 of the outer tube 108.

The annular space 116 is provided in the space defined between the internal surface 112 of the outer tube 108 and the external surfaces of the distal end section 124 and the middle section 126.

The body 102 has an air intake 128. In the example of Figure 1 , the air intake is a plurality of air intake holes provided in a wall of the outer tube 108. The air intake holes are arranged in a row around the circumference of the outer tube 108.

The body 102 has an air outlet 132. In the example of Figure 1 , the air outlet 132 is a plurality of air outlet holes provided in a wall of the inner tube 110.

An air flow passageway is defined extending between the air intake 128 and the open mouth end 104 of the body 102. The air flow passageway extends from the air intake 128, through the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 118, through the air outlet 132 and to the open mouth end 104.

In the example of Figure 1 , the air flow passageway comprises a first air flow passageway 130 and a second air flow passageway 134.

The first air flow passageway 130 extends between the air intake 128 and the aerosolgenerating substrate compartment 118. The first air flow passageway 130 passes through the annular space 116 defined between the internal surface 112 of the outer tube 108 and the external surface 114 of the inner tube 110. In this way, the air intake 128 provides fluid communication between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 118 and an exterior of the article 100.

The second air flow passageway 134 extends between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 118 and the open mouth end 104 of the body 102. The second air flow passageway 134 passes through an interior space defined by the inner tube 110, through the air outlet 132, and to the open mouth end 104. In this way, the air outlet 132 provides fluid communication between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 118 and the open mouth end 104 of the body 102.

Figure 2 shows a schematic illustration of a first example of an article 200 for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating.

The article 200 has a body 202. The body 202 has a mouth end 204 and a distal end 206. In this example, the mouth end 204 of the body 202 is open, and the distal end 206 of the body 202 is closed. In other words, air can flow out of the body 202 at the mouth end 204, but air cannot easily flow out of the distal end 206 of the body 202.

The body 202 has an outer tube 208 and an inner tube 210. The outer tube 208 has an internal surface 212, and the inner tube 210 has an external surface 214. The inner tube 210 is disposed inside of the outer tube 208. A space 216 is defined between an internal surface 212 of the outer tube 208 and an external surface 214 of the inner tube 210. In the example of Figure 1 , the space is an annular space 216.

The body 202 has an aerosol-generating substrate compartment 218 located towards the distal end 206 of the body 202. In the example of Figure 2, the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 218 is defined by the annular space 216 at the closed distal end 206 of the body 202. The aerosol-generating substrate compartment 218 is a cavity that is suitable for holding a quantity of an aerosol-generating substrate, such as a solid aerosol-generating substrate. In this example, the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 218 is holding a quantity of a solid aerosol-generating substrate 220.

The outer tube 208 has a generally cylindrical shape.

The inner tube 210 may be formed form one or more sections. In the example of Figure 2, the inner tube 210 has a mouth end section 222, a distal end section 224 and a middle section 226. The three sections 222, 224, 226 of the inner tube 208 are formed individually and connected together to form a single piece. In this example, the mouth end section 222 is located at the mouth end 204 of the body 202, the distal end section 224 is located at the distal end 206 of the body 202, and the middle section 226 extends between the mouth end section 222 and the distal end section 224. The mouth end section 222 of the inner tube 210 has an external diameter that is substantially the same as an internal diameter of the outer tube 208. Consequently, at the mouth end 204, the internal surface 212 of the outer tube 208 and the external surface 214 of the inner tube 210 abut with one another so that air is substantially prevented from escaping from between the inner tube 210 and outer tube 208 at the mouth end 204.

The distal end section 224 of the inner tube 210 has an external diameter that is much smaller than the external diameter of the mouth end section 222. The distal end section 224 of the inner tube 210 has an external diameter that is much smaller than the internal diameter of the outer tube 208. Consequently, at the distal end 206, the internal surface 212 of the outer tube 208 and the external surface 214 of the inner tube 210 are spaced spart from one another.

The middle section 226 of the inner tube 210 has an external diameter that is in between the external diameter of the mouth end section 222 and the distal end section 224. The external diameter of the middle section 226 is smaller than the internal surface 212 of the outer tube 208.

The annular space 216 is provided in the space defined between the internal surface 212 of the outer tube 208 and the external surfaces of the distal end section 224 and the middle section 226.

The body 202 has an air intake 228. In the example of Figure 2, the air intake is a plurality of air intake holes provided in a wall of the outer tube 208. The air intake holes are arranged in a row around the circumference of the outer tube 208.

The body 202 has an air outlet 232. In the example of Figure 2, the air outlet 232 is a plurality of air outlet holes provided in a wall of the inner tube 210.

An air flow passageway is defined extending between the air intake 228 and the open mouth end 204 of the body 202. The air flow passageway extends from the air intake 228, through the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 218, through the air outlet 232 and to the open mouth end 204.

In the example of Figure 2, the air flow passageway comprises a first air flow passageway 230 and a second air flow passageway 234.

The first air flow passageway 230 extends between the air intake 228 and the aerosolgenerating substrate compartment 218. The first air flow passageway 230 passes through the annular space 216 defined between the internal surface 212 of the outer tube 208 and the external surface 214 of the inner tube 210. In this way, the air intake 228 provides fluid communication between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 218 and an exterior of the article 200. The second air flow passageway 234 extends between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 218 and the open mouth end 204 of the body 202. The second air flow passageway 234 passes through an interior space defined by the inner tube 210, through the air outlet 232, and to the open mouth end 204. In this way, the air outlet 232 provides fluid communication between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 218 and the open mouth end 204 of the body 202.

The outer tube 208 includes an outer tube sealing member 236. In the example of Figure 2, the outer tube sealing member 236 extends radially inward from the internal surface 212 of the outer tube 208. In other words, the outer tube sealing member 236 protrudes towards the inner tube 210. In the example of Figure 2, the outer tube sealing member 236 is an outer tube sealing ring that is integrally formed with the outer tube 208. The outer tube sealing ring extends circumferentially around the internal surface 212 of the outer tube 208.

The inner tube 210 includes an inner tube sealing member 238. In the example of Figure 2, the inner tube sealing member 238 extends radially outward from the external surface 214 of the inner tube 210. In other words, the inner tube sealing member 238 protrudes towards the outer tube 208. In the example of Figure 2, the inner tube sealing member 238 is an inner tube sealing ring that is integrally formed with the inner tube 210. The inner sealing ring extends circumferentially around the external surface 214 of the inner tube 210.

The outer tube 208 and the inner tube 210 are movable relative to one another between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the example of Figure 2, the outer tube 208 and the inner tube 210 are movable relative to one another longitudinally. In other words, the outer tube 208 and/or the inner tube 210 can be displaced relative to one another along the longitudinal axis of the article 200.

Figure 2 shows the article 200 with the outer tube 208 and the inner tube 210 in the first configuration. In this first configuration, the outer tube sealing member 236 and the inner tube sealing member 238 cooperate with one another to substantially prevent the flow of air through the airflow passageway. In the example of Figure 2, in the first configuration, the outer tube sealing member 236 and the inner tube sealing member 238 abut with one another to create a seal that is substantially airtight. The seal created by the outer tube sealing member 236 and the inner tube sealing member 238 abutting with one another substantially prevents air from flowing between the air intake 228 and the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 218.

In the example of Figure 2, when the outer tube 208 and the inner tube 210 are in the first configuration, the inner tube 210 protrudes out of the outer tube 208. The inner tube 210 protruding out of the outer tube 208 may provide the user with an easily activatable means of moving the outer 208 and the inner tube 210 from the first configuration to the second configuration.

Figure 3 shows a schematic illustration of the article 200 when the outer tube 208 and the inner tube 210 are in the second configuration. The article 200 has the same features as are described above with reference to Figure 2.

To move the outer tube 208 and the inner tube 210 between the first configuration and the second configuration, the user may, for example, slide the inner tube 210 longitudinally relative to the outer tube 208.

As the outer tube 208 and the inner tube 210 move from the first configuration to the second configuration, the inner tube 210 is pushed past the outer tube 208 and towards the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 218. As shown in Figure 2, when the outer tube 208 and the inner tube 210 are in the first configuration, the outer tube sealing member 236 is nearer to the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 218 than the inner tube sealing member 238. As shown in Figure 3, when the outer tube 208 and the inner tube 210 are in the second configuration, the inner tube sealing member 238 is nearer to the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 218 than outer tube sealing member 236. In order to assist with the inner tube sealing member 238 pushing past the outer tube sealing member 236, in the example of Figures 2 and 3, the outer tube sealing member 236 and the inner tube sealing member 238 are both formed from a resilient material such as rubber. Forming the outer tube sealing member 236 and the inner tube sealing member 238 helps the outer tube sealing member 236 and the inner tube sealing member 238 to flex as the outer tube 208 and the inner tube 210 move from the first configuration to the second configuration.

In the example of Figure 3, in the second configuration, the outer tube sealing member 236 and the inner tube sealing member 238 are spaced apart longitudinally. When the outer tube sealing member 236 and the inner tube sealing member 238 are spaced apart, a gap is opened up between the outer tube sealing member 236 and the inner tube sealing member 238. Opening a gap between the outer tube sealing member 236 and the inner tube sealing member 238 allows air to flow through the first air flow passageway 230 between the air intake 228 and the aerosol-generating substate compartment 218.

When the outer tube 208 and the inner tube 210 are in a configuration that is between the first configuration and the second configuration, the opening between the outer tube sealing member 236 and the inner tube sealing member 238 restricts air flow through the first air flow passageway 230, reducing air flow between the air intake 228 and the aerosolgenerating substrate compartment 218. When the outer tube 208 and the inner tube 210 are in a configuration that is between the first configuration and the second configuration, the opening between the outer tube sealing member 236 and the inner tube sealing member 238 also restricts air flow through the second air flow passageway 234, reducing air flow between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 218 and the open mouth end 204 of the body 202.

The outer tube 208 and the inner tube 210 can be slidably moved with respect to one another along the longitudinal axis of the article 200 in order to adjust the size of the opening between the outer tube sealing member 236 and the inner tube sealing member 238. Adjusting the size of the opening between the outer tube sealing member 236 and the inner tube sealing member 238 allows for the restriction in the air flow through the first air flow passageway 230 to be adjusted. In the example of Figure 3, adjusting the size of the opening between the outer tube sealing member 236 and the inner tube sealing member 238 also allows for the restriction in the air flow through the second air flow passageway 234 to be adjusted.

Consequently, by moving the outer tube 208 and the inner tube 210 with respect to one another along the longitudinal axis of the article 200, the resistance to draw of the article 200 can be adjusted.

Figure 4 shows a schematic illustration of a second example of an article 300 for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating.

The article 300 has a body 302. The body 302 has a mouth end 304 and a distal end 306. In this example, the mouth end 304 of the body 302 is open, and the distal end 306 of the body 302 is closed. In other words, air can flow out of the body 302 at the mouth end 304, but air cannot easily flow out of the distal end 306 of the body 302.

The body 302 has an outer tube 308 and an inner tube 310. The outer tube 308 has an internal surface 312, and the inner tube 310 has an external surface 314. The inner tube 310 is disposed inside of the outer tube 308. A space 316 is defined between an internal surface 312 of the outer tube 308 and an external surface 314 of the inner tube 310. In the example of Figure 4, the space is an annular space 116.

The body 302 has an aerosol-generating substrate compartment 318 located towards the distal end 306 of the body 302. In the example of Figure 4, the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 318 is defined by the annular space 316 towards the closed distal end 306 of the body 302. The aerosol-generating substrate compartment 318 is a cavity that is suitable for holding a quantity of an aerosol-generating substrate, such as a solid aerosolgenerating substrate. In this example, the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 318 is holding a quantity of a solid aerosol-generating substrate 320.

The outer tube 308 has a generally cylindrical shape. The inner tube 310 may be formed form one or more sections. In the example of Figure 4, the inner tube 310 has a mouth end section 322, a distal end section 324 and a middle section 326. The three sections 322, 324, 326 of the inner tube 308 are formed individually and connected together to form a single piece. In this example, the mouth end section 322 is located towards the mouth end 304 of the body 302, the distal end section 324 is located towards the distal end 306 of the body 302, and the middle section 326 extends between the mouth end section 322 and the distal end section 324.

The mouth end section 322 of the inner tube 310 has an external diameter that is substantially the same as an internal diameter of the outer tube 308. Consequently, at the mouth end 304, the internal surface 312 of the outer tube 308 and the external surface 314 of the inner tube 310 abut with one another so that air is substantially prevented from escaping from between the inner tube 310 and outer tube 308 at the mouth end 304.

The distal end section 324 of the inner tube 310 has an external diameter that is much smaller than the external diameter of the mouth end section 322. The distal end section 324 of the inner tube 310 has an external diameter that is much smaller than the internal diameter of the outer tube 308. Consequently, at the distal end 306, the internal surface 312 of the outer tube 308 and the external surface 314 of the inner tube 310 are spaced spart from one another.

The middle section 326 of the inner tube 310 has an external diameter that is in between the external diameter of the mouth end section 322 and the distal end section 324. The external diameter of the middle section 326 is smaller than the internal surface 312 of the outer tube 308.

The annular space 316 is provided in the space defined between the internal surface 312 of the outer tube 308 and the external surfaces of the distal end section 324 and the middle section 326.

The body 302 has an air intake 328. In the example of Figure 4, the air intake is a plurality of air intake holes provided in a wall of the outer tube 308. The air intake holes are arranged in a row around the circumference of the outer tube 308.

The body 302 has an air outlet 332. In the example of Figure 4, the air outlet 332 is a plurality of air outlet holes provided in a wall of the distal end section 324 of the inner tube 310.

An air flow passageway is defined extending between the air intake 328 and the open mouth end 304 of the body 302. The air flow passageway extends from the air intake 328, through the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 318, through the air outlet 332 and to the open mouth end 304. In the example of Figure 4, the air flow passageway comprises a first air flow passageway 330 and a second air flow passageway 334.

The first air flow passageway 330 extends between the air intake 328 and the aerosolgenerating substrate compartment 318. The first air flow passageway 330 passes through the annular space 316 defined between the internal surface 312 of the outer tube 308 and the external surface 314 of the inner tube 310. In this way, the air intake 328 provides fluid communication between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 318 and an exterior of the article 300.

The second air flow passageway 334 extends between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 318 and the open mouth end 304 of the body 302. The second air flow passageway 334 passes through an interior space defined by the inner tube 310, through the air outlet 332, and to the open mouth end 304. In this way, the air outlet 332 provides fluid communication between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 318 and the open mouth end 304 of the body 302.

The outer tube 308 includes an outer tube sealing member 336. The outer tube sealing member 336 extends radially inward from the internal surface 312 of the outer tube 308. In other words, the outer tube sealing member 336 protrudes towards the inner tube 310. In the example of Figure 4, the outer tube sealing member 336 is an outer tube sealing ring that is integrally formed with the outer tube 308. The outer tube sealing ring extends circumferentially around the internal surface 312 of the outer tube 308.

The inner tube 310 includes an inner tube sealing member 338. The inner tube sealing member 338 extends radially outward from the external surface 314 of the inner tube 310. In other words, the inner tube sealing member 338 protrudes towards the outer tube 308. In the example of Figure 4, the inner tube sealing member 338 is an inner tube sealing ring that is integrally formed with the inner tube 310. The inner sealing ring extends circumferentially around the external surface 314 of the inner tube 310.

The outer tube 308 and the inner tube 310 are movable relative to one another between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the example of Figure 4, the outer tube 308 and the inner tube 310 are movable relative to one another longitudinally. In other words, the outer tube 308 and/or the inner tube 310 can be displaced relative to one another along the longitudinal axis of the article 300.

Figure 4 shows the article 300 with the outer tube 308 and the inner tube 310 in the first configuration. In this first configuration, the outer tube sealing member 336 and the inner tube sealing member 338 cooperate with one another to substantially prevent the flow of air through the first air flow passageway. In the example of Figure 4, in the first configuration, the outer tube sealing member 336 and the inner tube sealing member 338 abut with one another to create a seal that is substantially airtight. The seal created by the outer tube sealing member 336 and the inner tube sealing member 338 abutting with one another substantially prevents air from flowing between the air intake 328 and the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 318.

In addition, in the first configuration, the inner tube 310 obstructs the air intake 328 to substantially prevent airflow through the air intake 328.

In the example of Figure 4, when the outer tube 308 and the inner tube 310 are in the first configuration, the inner tube 310 protrudes out of the outer tube 308. The inner tube 310 protruding out of the outer tube 308 may provide the user with an easily activatable means of moving the outer 308 and the inner tube 310 from the first configuration to the second configuration.

In the example of Figure 4, the air outlet 332 is located between the inner tube sealing member 338 and the distal end 306 of the body 302. Advantageously, locating the air outlet 332 between the inner tube sealing member 338 and the distal end 306 of the body 302 may increase the circulation of air through the air flow passageway when the outer tube 308 and the inner 310 are in the second configuration.

Figure 5 shows a schematic illustration of the article 300 when the outer tube 308 and the inner tube 310 are in the second configuration. The article 300 has the same features as are described above with reference to Figure 4.

To move the outer tube 308 and the inner tube 310 between the first configuration and the second configuration, the user may, for example, slide the inner tube 310 longitudinally relative to the outer tube 308.

As the outer tube 308 and the inner tube 310 move from the first configuration to the second configuration, the inner tube 310 is pushed past the outer tube 308 and towards the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 318. As shown in Figure 5, when the outer tube 308 and the inner tube 310 are in the first configuration, the outer tube sealing member 336 is nearer to the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 318 than the inner tube sealing member 338. As shown in Figure 5, when the outer tube 308 and the inner tube 310 are in the second configuration, the inner tube sealing member 338 is nearer to the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 318 than outer tube sealing member 336. In order to assist with the inner tube sealing member 338 pushing past the outer tube sealing member 336, in the example of Figures 4 and 5, the outer tube sealing member 336 and the inner tube sealing member 338 are both formed from a resilient material such as rubber. Forming the outer tube sealing member 336 and the inner tube sealing member 338 helps the outer tube sealing member 336 and the inner tube sealing member 338 to flex as the outer tube 308 and the inner tube 310 move from the first configuration to the second configuration.

In the example of Figure 5, in the second configuration, the outer tube sealing member 336 and the inner tube sealing member 338 are spaced apart longitudinally. When the outer tube sealing member 336 and the inner tube sealing member 338 are spaced apart, a gap is opened up between the outer tube sealing member 336 and the inner tube sealing member 338. Opening a gap between the outer tube sealing member 336 and the inner tube sealing member 338 allows air to flow through the first air flow passageway 330 between the air intake 328 and the aerosol-generating substate compartment 318.

When the outer tube 308 and the inner tube 310 are in a configuration that is between the first configuration and the second configuration, the opening between the outer tube sealing member 336 and the inner tube sealing member 338 restricts air flow through the first air flow passageway 330, reducing air flow between the air intake 328 and the aerosolgenerating substrate compartment 318. When the outer tube 308 and the inner tube 310 are in a configuration that is between the first configuration and the second configuration, the opening between the outer tube sealing member 336 and the inner tube sealing member 338 also restricts air flow through the second air flow passageway 334, reducing air flow between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 318 and the open mouth end 304 of the body 302.

The outer tube 308 and the inner tube 310 can be slidably moved with respect to one another along the longitudinal axis of the article 300 in order to adjust the size of the opening between the outer tube sealing member 336 and the inner tube sealing member 338. Adjusting the size of the opening between the outer tube sealing member 336 and the inner tube sealing member 338 allows for the restriction in the air flow through the first air flow passageway 330 to be adjusted. In the example of Figure 5, adjusting the size of the opening between the outer tube sealing member 336 and the inner tube sealing member 338 also allows for the restriction in the air flow through the second air flow passageway 334 to be adjusted.

Consequently, by moving the outer tube 308 and the inner tube 310 with respect to one another along the longitudinal axis of the article 300, the resistance to draw of the article 300 can be adjusted.

Figure 6 shows a schematic illustration of a third example of an article 400 for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating.

The article 400 has a body 402. The body 402 has a mouth end 404 and a distal end 406. In this example, the mouth end 404 of the body 402 is open, and the distal end 406 of the body 402 is closed. In other words, air can flow out of the body 402 at the mouth end 404, but air cannot easily flow out of the distal end 406 of the body 402.

The body 402 has an outer tube 408 and an inner tube 410. The outer tube 408 has an internal surface 412, and the inner tube 410 has an external surface 414. The inner tube 410 is disposed inside of the outer tube 408. A space 416 is defined between an internal surface 412 of the outer tube 408 and an external surface 414 of the inner tube 410. In the example of Figure 6, the space is an annular space 416.

The body 402 has an aerosol-generating substrate compartment 418 located towards the distal end 406 of the body 402. In the example of Figure 6, the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 418 is defined by the annular space 416 towards the closed distal end 406 of the body 402. The aerosol-generating substrate compartment 418 is a cavity that is suitable for holding a quantity of an aerosol-generating substrate, such as a solid aerosolgenerating substrate. In this example, the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 418 is holding a quantity of a solid aerosol-generating substrate 420.

The outer tube 408 has a generally cylindrical shape.

The inner tube 410 may be formed form one or more sections. In the example of Figure 6, the inner tube 410 has a mouth end section 422, a distal end section 424 and a middle section 426. The three sections 422, 424, 426 of the inner tube 408 are formed individually and connected together to form a single piece. In this example, the mouth end section 422 is located towards the mouth end 404 of the body 402, the distal end section 424 is located towards the distal end 406 of the body 402, and the middle section 426 extends between the mouth end section 422 and the distal end section 424.

The mouth end section 422 of the inner tube 410 has an external diameter that is substantially the same as an internal diameter of the outer tube 408. Consequently, at the mouth end 404, the internal surface 412 of the outer tube 408 and the external surface 414 of the inner tube 410 abut with one another so that air is substantially prevented from escaping from between the inner tube 410 and outer tube 408 at the mouth end 404.

The distal end section 424 of the inner tube 410 has an external diameter that is much smaller than the external diameter of the mouth end section 422. The distal end section 424 of the inner tube 410 has an external diameter that is much smaller than the internal diameter of the outer tube 408. Consequently, at the distal end 406, the internal surface 412 of the outer tube 408 and the external surface 414 of the inner tube 410 are spaced spart from one another.

The middle section 426 of the inner tube 410 has an external diameter that is in between the external diameter of the mouth end section 422 and the distal end section 424. The external diameter of the middle section 426 is smaller than the internal surface 412 of the outer tube 408.

The annular space 416 is provided in the space defined between the internal surface 412 of the outer tube 408 and the external surfaces of the distal end section 424 and the middle section 426.

The body 402 has an air intake 428. In the example of Figure 6, the air intake is a plurality of air intake holes provided in a wall of the outer tube 408. The air intake holes are arranged in a row around the circumference of the outer tube 408.

The body 402 has an air outlet 432. In the example of Figure 6, the air outlet 432 is an air outlet hole provided through an end wall of the inner tube 410 and located towards the distal end 406 of the body 402.

An air flow passageway is defined extending between the air intake 428 and the open mouth end 404 of the body 402. The air flow passageway extends from the air intake 428, through the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 418, through the air outlet 432 and to the open mouth end 404.

In the example of Figure 6, the air flow passageway comprises a first air flow passageway 430 and a second air flow passageway 434.

The first air flow passageway 430 extends between the air intake 428 and the aerosolgenerating substrate compartment 418. The first air flow passageway 430 passes through the annular space 416 defined between the internal surface 412 of the outer tube 408 and the external surface 414 of the inner tube 410. In this way, the air intake 428 provides fluid communication between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 418 and an exterior of the article 400.

The second air flow passageway 434 extends between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 418 and the open mouth end 404 of the article 400. The second air flow passageway 434 passes through an interior space defined by the inner tube 410, through the air outlet 432, and to the open mouth end 404. In this way, the air outlet 432 provides fluid communication between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 418 and the open mouth end 404 of the body 402.

Advantageously, providing the air outlet 432 through the end wall of the inner tube 410 may increase the circulation of air through the air flow passageway when the outer tube 408 and the inner 410 are in the second configuration.

The outer tube 408 includes an outer tube sealing member 436. The outer tube sealing member 436 extends radially inward from the internal surface 412 of the outer tube 408. In other words, the outer tube sealing member 436 protrudes towards the inner tube 410. In the example of Figure 6, the outer tube sealing member 436 is an outer tube sealing ring that is integrally formed with the outer tube 408. The outer tube sealing ring extends circumferentially around the internal surface 412 of the outer tube 408.

The inner tube 410 includes an inner tube sealing member 438. The inner tube sealing member 438 extends radially outward from the external surface 414 of the inner tube 410. In other words, the inner tube sealing member 438 protrudes towards the outer tube 408. In the example of Figure 6, the inner tube sealing member 438 is an inner tube sealing ring that is integrally formed with the inner tube 410. The inner sealing ring extends circumferentially around the external surface 414 of the inner tube 410.

The outer tube 408 and the inner tube 410 are movable relative to one another between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the example of Figure 6, the outer tube 408 and the inner tube 410 are movable relative to one another longitudinally. In other words, the outer tube 408 and/or the inner tube 410 can be displaced relative to one another along the longitudinal axis of the article 400.

Figure 6 shows the article 400 with the outer tube 408 and the inner tube 410 in the first configuration. In this first configuration, the outer tube sealing member 436 and the inner tube sealing member 438 cooperate with one another to substantially prevent the flow of air through the first air flow passageway. In the example of Figure 6, in the first configuration, the outer tube sealing member 436 and the inner tube sealing member 438 abut with one another to create a seal that is substantially airtight. The seal created by the outer tube sealing member 436 and the inner tube sealing member 438 abutting with one another substantially prevents air from flowing between the air intake 428 and the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 418.

In the example of Figure 6, when the outer tube 408 and the inner tube 410 are in the first configuration, the inner tube 410 protrudes out of the outer tube 408. The inner tube 410 protruding out of the outer tube 408 may provide the user with an easily activatable means of moving the outer 408 and the inner tube 410 from the first configuration to the second configuration.

Figure 7 shows a schematic illustration of the article 400 when the outer tube 408 and the inner tube 410 are in the second configuration. The article 400 has the same features as are described above with reference to Figure 6.

To move the outer tube 408 and the inner tube 410 between the first configuration and the second configuration, the user may, for example, slide the inner tube 410 longitudinally relative to the outer tube 408. As the outer tube 408 and the inner tube 410 move from the first configuration to the second configuration, the inner tube 410 is pushed past the outer tube 408 and towards the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 418. As shown in Figure 6, when the outer tube 408 and the inner tube 410 are in the first configuration, the outer tube sealing member 436 is nearer to the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 418 than the inner tube sealing member 438. As shown in Figure 7, when the outer tube 408 and the inner tube 410 are in the second configuration, the inner tube sealing member 438 is nearer to the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 418 than outer tube sealing member 436. In order to assist with the inner tube sealing member 438 pushing past the outer tube sealing member 436, in the example of Figures 6 and 7, the outer tube sealing member 436 and the inner tube sealing member 438 are both formed from a resilient material such as rubber. Forming the outer tube sealing member 436 and the inner tube sealing member 438 helps the outer tube sealing member 436 and the inner tube sealing member 438 to flex as the outer tube 408 and the inner tube 410 move from the first configuration to the second configuration.

In the example of Figure 7, in the second configuration, the outer tube sealing member 436 and the inner tube sealing member 438 are spaced apart longitudinally. When the outer tube sealing member 436 and the inner tube sealing member 438 are spaced apart, a gap is opened up between the outer tube sealing member 436 and the inner tube sealing member 438. Opening a gap between the outer tube sealing member 436 and the inner tube sealing member 438 allows air to flow through the first air flow passageway 430 between the air intake 428 and the aerosol-generating substate compartment 418.

When the outer tube 408 and the inner tube 410 are in a configuration that is between the first configuration and the second configuration, the opening between the outer tube sealing member 436 and the inner tube sealing member 438 restricts air flow through the first air flow passageway 430, reducing air flow between the air intake 428 and the aerosolgenerating substrate compartment 418. When the outer tube 408 and the inner tube 410 are in a configuration that is between the first configuration and the second configuration, the opening between the outer tube sealing member 436 and the inner tube sealing member 438 also restricts air flow through the second air flow passageway 434, reducing air flow between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 418 and the open mouth end 404 of the BODY 402.

The outer tube 408 and the inner tube 410 can be slidably moved with respect to one another along the longitudinal axis of the article 400 in order to adjust the size of the opening between the outer tube sealing member 436 and the inner tube sealing member 438. Adjusting the size of the opening between the outer tube sealing member 436 and the inner tube sealing member 438 allows for the restriction in the air flow through the first air flow passageway 430 to be adjusted. In the example of Figure 7, adjusting the size of the opening between the outer tube sealing member 436 and the inner tube sealing member 438 also allows for the restriction in the air flow through the second air flow passageway 434 to be adjusted.

Consequently, by moving the outer tube 408 and the inner tube 410 with respect to one another along the longitudinal axis of the article 400, the resistance to draw of the article 400 can be adjusted.

Figure 8 shows a schematic illustration of an aerosol-generating system 500. The aerosol-generating system 500 includes the article 200 and an aerosol-generating device 502.

The aerosol-generating device 502 comprises a housing 504, extending between a first end 506 and a second end 508. The housing 504 has a peripheral wall 510. The peripheral wall 510 defines a heating chamber for receiving the article 200. The heating chamber is defined by a closed first end and an open second end. The second end of the heating chamber is located at the second end of the aerosol-generating device 502. In use, the article 200 is received through the second end of the heating chamber and may abut the first end of the heating chamber. In the example shown in Figure 8, the article 200 is received in the heating chamber.

When the article 200 is received in the heating chamber, the air intake 228 remains outside of the heating chamber. The air intake 228 being outside of the heating chamber allows for air to be easily drawn into the article 200 through the air intake 228.

The aerosol-generating device 502 also includes a heater 512 and a power source 514 for supplying power to the heater. The aerosol-generating device 502 also includes a controller 516 to control the supply of power from the power source 514 to the heater 512. The controller 516 is configured to cause the heater 512 to controllably heat the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 218 of the article 200 during use, when the article 200 is received within the heating chamber.

In the example shown in Figure 8, the heater 512 is arranged to externally heat the article 200.

In use, the aerosol-generating substrate 220 is placed into the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 218. The inner tube 210 is then slid inside the outer tube 208 until the inner tube sealing member 238 contacts with the outer tube sealing member 236, thereby putting the outer tube 208 and the inner tube 210 into the first configuration. In the first configuration, the seal between the inner tube sealing member 238 and the outer tube sealing member 236 prevents air from flowing along air flow passageway. Specifically, in the example of Figure 8, In the first configuration, the seal between the inner tube sealing member 238 and the outer tube sealing member 236 prevents air from flowing along the first air flow passageway 230 between the air intake 228 and the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 218.

In order to generate an aerosol, the inner tube 210 is first move within the outer tube 208 towards the distal end 206 and outer tube 208 and the inner tube 210 into the second configuration.

Sliding the inner tube 210 relative to the outer tube 208 pushes the inner tube sealing member 238 towards the distal end 206 and past the outer tube sealing member 236. To allow the inner tube sealing member 238 to push past the outer tube sealing member 236, at least one of the inner tube sealing member 238 and the outer tube sealing member 236 may flex. As the inner tube sealing member 238 is moved towards the distal end 206 and away from the outer tube sealing member 236, the air flow passageway is opened to allow air to flow between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 218 and the open mouth end of the body 202. Specifically, in the example of Figure 8, as the inner tube sealing member 238 is moved towards the distal end 206 and away from the outer tube sealing member 236, the second air flow passageway 234 is opened to allow air to flow between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 218 and the open mouth end 204 of the body 202. In this example, when the outer tube 208 and the inner tube 210 are in the second configuration, a distal end of the inner tube 210 contacts with a distal end of the outer tube 208. In the second configuration, an aerosol generated by vaporising the aerosol-generating substrate 220 can be drawn from the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 218 and out of the article 200 through open mouth end 204 of the body 202.

After moving the outer tube 208 and the inner tube 210 to the second configuration, the article 200 is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device 502. The aerosol-generating device 502 is then activated. On activation of the aerosol-generating device 502, the controller 516 causes the heater to increase in temperature and externally heat the article 200. Heating of the article 200 at the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 218 causes volatile components of the aerosol-generating substrate 220 to vaporise. The vaporised volatile components can be drawn along the second air flow passageway and out of the article through the open mouth end 204 of the body 202.

Figure 9 shows a schematic illustration of a fourth example of an article 600 for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating.

The article 600 has a body 602. The body 602 has a mouth end 604 and a distal end 606. In this example, the mouth end 604 of the body 602 is open, and the distal end 606 of the body 602 is closed. In other words, air can flow out of the body 602 at the mouth end 604, but air cannot easily flow out of the distal end 606 of the body 602.

The body 602 has an outer tube 608 and an inner tube 610. The outer tube 608 has an internal surface 612, and the inner tube 610 has an external surface 614. The inner tube 610 is disposed inside of the outer tube 608. A space 616 is defined between an internal surface 612 of the outer tube 608 and an external surface 614 of the inner tube 610. In the example of Figure 9, the space is an annular space 616.

The body 602 has an aerosol-generating substrate compartment 618 located towards the distal end 606 of the body 602. In the example of Figure 9, the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 618 is defined by the annular space 616 at the closed distal end 606 of the body602. The aerosol-generating substrate compartment 618 is a cavity that is suitable for holding a quantity of an aerosol-generating substrate, such as a solid aerosol-generating substrate. In this example, the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 618 is holding a quantity of a solid aerosol-generating substrate 620.

The outer tube 608 has a generally cylindrical shape.

The inner tube 610 may be formed form one or more sections. In the example of Figure 9, the inner tube 610 has a mouth end section 622, a distal end section 624 and a middle section 626. The three sections 622, 624, 626 of the inner tube 608 are formed individually and connected together to form a single piece. In this example, the mouth end section 622 is located at the mouth end 604 of the body 602, the distal end section 624 is located at the distal end 606 of the body 602, and the middle section 626 extends between the mouth end section 622 and the distal end section 624.

The mouth end section 622 of the inner tube 610 has an external diameter that is substantially the same as an internal diameter of the outer tube 608. Consequently, at the mouth end 604, the internal surface 612 of the outer tube 608 and the external surface 614 of the inner tube 610 abut with one another so that air is substantially prevented from escaping from between the inner tube 610 and outer tube 608 at the mouth end 604.

The distal end section 624 of the inner tube 610 has an external diameter that is much smaller than the external diameter of the mouth end section 622. The distal end section 624 of the inner tube 610 has an external diameter that is much smaller than the internal diameter of the outer tube 608. Consequently, at the distal end 606, the internal surface 612 of the outer tube 608 and the external surface 614 of the inner tube 610 are spaced spart from one another.

The middle section 626 of the inner tube 610 has an external diameter that is much smaller than the external diameter of the mouth end section 622. The middle section 626 of the inner tube 610 has an external diameter that is much smaller than the internal diameter of the outer tube 608. Consequently, at the middle, the internal surface 612 of the outer tube 608 and the external surface 614 of the inner tube 610 are spaced spart from one another.

The annular space 616 is provided in the space defined between the internal surface 612 of the outer tube 608 and the external surfaces of the distal end section 624 and the middle section 626.

The body 602 has an air intake 628. In the example of Figure 9, the air intake is a plurality of air intake holes provided in a wall of the outer tube 608. The air intake holes are arranged in a row around the circumference of the outer tube 608.

The body 602 has an air outlet 632. In the example of Figure 9, the air outlet 632 is a plurality of air outlet holes provided in a wall of the inner tube 610.

An air flow passageway is defined extending between the air intake 628 and the open mouth end 604 of the body 602. The air flow passageway extends from the air intake 628, through the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 618, through the air outlet 632 and to the open mouth end 604.

In the example of Figure 9, the air flow passageway comprises a first air flow passageway 630 and a second air flow passageway 634.

The first air flow passageway 630 extends between the air intake 628 and the aerosolgenerating substrate compartment 618. The first air flow passageway 630 passes through the annular space 616 defined between the internal surface 612 of the outer tube 608 and the external surface 614 of the inner tube 610. In this way, the air intake 628 provides fluid communication between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 618 and an exterior of the article 600.

The second air flow passageway 634 extends between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 618 and the open mouth end 604 of the body 602. The second air flow passageway 634 passes through an interior space defined by the inner tube 610, through the air outlet 632, and to the open mouth end 604. In this way, the air outlet 632 provides fluid communication between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 618 and the open mouth end 604 of the body 602.

The outer tube 608 includes an outer tube sealing member 636. In the example of Figure 9, the outer tube sealing member 636 extends radially inward from the internal surface 612 of the outer tube 608. In other words, the outer tube sealing member 636 protrudes towards the inner tube 610. In the example of Figure 9, the outer tube sealing member 636 is an outer tube sealing disc that is integrally formed with the outer tube 608. The outer tube sealing disc extends circumferentially around the internal surface 612 of the outer tube 608. The inner tube 610 includes an inner tube sealing member 638. In the example of Figure 9, the inner tube sealing member 638 extends radially outward from the external surface 614 of the inner tube 610. In otherwords, the inner tube sealing member 638 protrudes towards the outer tube 608. In the example of Figure 9, the inner tube sealing member 638 is an inner tube sealing disc that is integrally formed with the inner tube 610. The inner sealing disc extends circumferentially around the external surface 614 of the inner tube 610.

The outer tube 608 and the inner tube 610 are movable relative to one another between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the example of Figure 9, the outer tube 608 and the inner tube 610 are movable relative to one another rotationally about longitudinal axis of the article 600. In other words, the outer tube 608 and/or the inner tube 610 can be displaced relative to one another by rotating the outer tube 608 and/or the inner tube 610 with respect to the longitudinal axis of the article 600.

Figure 10 shows a cross-section along the line A-A in Figure 9.

The cross-section of Figure 10 shows the outer tube 608 and the outer tube sealing member 636 extending radially inward from the outer tube 608. In the example of Figure 9, the outer tube sealing member 636 is an outer tube sealing disc. The outer tube sealing disc is a segmented disc having openings 640 between segments of the disc. The outer tube sealing member 636 is formed integrally with the outer tube 608. Consequently, the outer tube sealing member 636 rotates as the outer tube 608 is rotated about the longitudinal axis of the article 600. Rotating the outer tube sealing member 636 rotates the segments of the segmented disc and consequently changes the size of the openings 640.

Figure 11 shows a cross-section along the line B-B in Figure 9. In Figure 11 , the outer tube 608 and the inner tube 610 are in the second configuration.

The cross-section of Figure 11 shows the inner tube 610 and the inner tube sealing member 638 extending radially outward from the inner tube 610. In the example of Figure 9, the inner tube sealing member 638 is an inner tube sealing disc. The inner tube sealing disc is a segmented disc having openings 642 between segments of the disc. The inner tube sealing member 638 is formed integrally with the inner tube 610. Consequently, the inner tube sealing member 638 rotates as the inner tube 610 is rotated about the longitudinal axis of the article 600. Rotating the inner tube sealing member 638 rotates the segments of the segmented disc and consequently changes the size of the openings 642.

In Figure 11 , the outer tube 608 and the inner tube 610 are in the second configuration. In the second configuration, the outer tube 608 and the inner tube 610 are rotated about the longitudinal axis of the article 600 such that the outer tube sealing member 636 and the inner tube sealing member 638 are in the same radial position. As such, in the view of Figure 11 , the outer tube sealing member 636 is hidden behind the innertube sealing member 638. When the outer tube sealing member 636 and the inner tube sealing member 638 are in the same radial position, the openings 640 in the outer tube sealing disc and the openings 642 in the innertube sealing disc align with one another. Alignment of the openings 640 and the openings 642 allows air to flow through the air flow passageway. In particular, alignment of the openings 640 and the openings 642 allows air to flow through the first air flow passageway 630 between the air intake 628 and the aerosol-generating substate compartment 618.

Figure 12 shows a cross-section along the line B-B in Figure 9. In Figure 12, the outer tube 608 and the inner tube 610 are in the first configuration.

In the first configuration, the outer tube 608 and the inner tube 610 are positioned such that the outer tube sealing member 636 and the inner tube sealing member 638 cooperate with one another to substantially prevent the flow of air through the air flow passageway. In particular, in the first configuration, the outer tube 608 and the inner tube 610 are positioned such that the outer tube sealing member 636 and the inner tube sealing member 638 cooperate with one another to substantially prevent the flow of air through the first air flow passageway 630. In the example of Figure 12, in the first configuration, the outer tube sealing member 636 and the inner tube sealing member 638 abut with one another to create a seal that is substantially airtight. The seal created by the outer tube sealing member 636 and the inner tube sealing member 638 substantially prevents air from flowing between the air intake 628 and the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 618.

Specifically, in the example of Figure 9, when in the first configuration, the outer tube sealing member 636 and the inner tube sealing member 638 are in different radial positions. In the first configuration, the openings 640 in the outer tube sealing disc 636 are substantially blocked by the inner tube sealing disc 638, and the openings 642 in the inner tube sealing disc 638 are substantially blocked by the outer tube sealing disc 636. Blocking air flow through the openings 640 and the openings 642 closes the air flow passageway and substantially prevents air from flowing between the air intake 628 and the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 618.

In addition, in the example of Figure 9, when in the first configuration, the openings 642 in the inner tube sealing disc 638 being blocked by the outer tube sealing disc 636 further closes the air flow passageway In particular, when in the first configuration, the openings 642 in the inner tube sealing disc 638 being blocked by the outer tube sealing disc 636 closes the second air flow passageway 634. Closing the second air flow passageway 634 substantially prevents air from flowing between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 618 and the open mouth end 604 of the body 602.

Figure 13 shows a cross-section along the line B-B in Figure 9. In Figure 13, the outer tube 608 and the inner tube 610 are moved such that they are in a configuration that is between the first configuration and the second configuration.

When the outer tube 608 and the inner tube 610 are in a configuration that is between the first configuration and the second configuration, the outer tube sealing disc 636 partially aligns with the openings 642 in the inner tube sealing disc 638, which partially blocks the openings 642. Partially blocking the openings 642 restricts air flow through the openings 642. Restricting air flow through the openings 642 restricts air flow through the air flow passageway and reduces air flow between the air intake 628 and the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 618, and between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 618 and the open mouth end 604 of the body 602.

In the example of Figure 13, restricting air flow through the openings 642 restricts air flow through the first air flow passageway 630 and air flow through the second air flow passageway 634. Restricting air flow through the second air flow passageway 634 reduces air flow between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 618 and the open mouth end 604 of the body 602.

The outer tube 608 and the inner tube 610 can be rotated with respect to one another about the longitudinal axis of the article 600 in order to adjust the proportion of the openings 642 that is blocked by the inner tube sealing disc 638. Adjusting the proportion of the openings 642 that is blocked by the inner tube sealing disc 638 allows for the restriction in the air flow through the air flow passageway to be adjusted.

Consequently, by rotating the outer tube 608 and the inner tube 610 with respect to one another about the longitudinal axis of the article 600, the resistance to draw of the article 600 can be adjusted.

Figure 14 shows a schematic illustration of a fifth example of an article 700 for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating.

The article 700 has a body 702. The body 702 has a mouth end 704 and a distal end 706. In this example, the mouth end 704 of the body 702 is open, and the distal end 706 of the body 702 is closed. In other words, air can flow out of the body 702 at the mouth end 704, but air cannot easily flow out of the distal end 706 of the body 702.

The body 702 has an outer tube 708 and an inner tube 710. The outer tube 708 has an internal surface 712, and the inner tube 710 has an external surface 714. The inner tube 710 is disposed inside of the outer tube 708. A space 716 is defined between an internal surface 712 of the outer tube 708 and an external surface 714 of the inner tube 710. In the example of Figure 14, the space is an annular space 716.

The body 702 has an aerosol-generating substrate compartment 718 located towards the distal end 706 of the body 702. In the example of Figure 14, the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 718 is defined by the annular space 716 at the closed distal end 706 of the body 702. The aerosol-generating substrate compartment 718 is a cavity that is suitable for holding a quantity of an aerosol-generating substrate, such as a solid aerosol-generating substrate. In this example, the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 718 is holding a quantity of a solid aerosol-generating substrate 720.

The outer tube 708 has a generally cylindrical shape.

The inner tube 710 may be formed form one or more sections. In the example of Figure 14, the inner tube 710 has a mouth end section 722, a distal end section 724 and a middle section 726. The three sections 722, 724, 726 of the inner tube 708 are formed individually and connected together to form a single piece. In this example, the mouth end section 722 is located at the mouth end 704 of the body 702, the distal end section 724 is located at the distal end 706 of the body 702, and the middle section 726 extends between the mouth end section 722 and the distal end section 724.

The mouth end section 722 of the inner tube 710 has an external diameter that is substantially the same as an internal diameter of the outer tube 708. Consequently, at the mouth end 704, the internal surface 712 of the outer tube 708 and the external surface 714 of the inner tube 710 abut with one another so that air is substantially prevented from escaping from between the inner tube 710 and outer tube 708 at the mouth end 704.

The distal end section 724 of the inner tube 710 has an external diameter that is much smaller than the external diameter of the mouth end section 722. The distal end section 724 of the inner tube 710 has an external diameter that is much smaller than the internal diameter of the outer tube 708. Consequently, at the distal end 706, the internal surface 712 of the outer tube 708 and the external surface 714 of the inner tube 710 are spaced spart from one another.

The middle section 726 of the inner tube 710 has an external diameter that is much smaller than the external diameter of the mouth end section 722. The middle section 726 of the inner tube 710 has an external diameter that is much smaller than the internal diameter of the outer tube 708. Consequently, at the middle, the internal surface 712 of the outer tube 708 and the external surface 714 of the inner tube 710 are spaced spart from one another.

The annular space 716 is provided in the space defined between the internal surface 712 of the outer tube 708 and the external surfaces of the distal end section 724 and the middle section 726. The body 702 has an air intake 728. In the example of Figure 14, the air intake is a plurality of air intake holes provided in a wall of the outer tube 708. The air intake holes are arranged in a row around the circumference of the outer tube 708.

The body 702 has an air outlet 732. In the example of Figure 14, the air outlet 732 is an air outlet hole provided through an end wall of the inner tube 710 located towards the distal end 706 of the body 702.

An air flow passageway is defined extending between the air intake 728 and the open mouth end 704 of the body 702. The air flow passageway extends from the air intake 728, through the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 718, through the air outlet 732 and to the open mouth end 704.

In the example of Figure 14, the air flow passageway comprises a first air flow passageway 730 and a second air flow passageway 734.

The first air flow passageway 730 extends between the air intake 728 and the aerosolgenerating substrate compartment 718. The first air flow passageway 730 passes through the annular space 716 defined between the internal surface 712 of the outer tube 708 and the external surface 714 of the inner tube 710. In this way, the air intake 728 provides fluid communication between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 718 and an exterior of the article 700.

The second air flow passageway 734 extends between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 718 and the open mouth end 704 of the body 702. The second air flow passageway 734 passes through an interior space defined by the inner tube 710, through the air outlet 732, and to the open mouth end 704. In this way, the air outlet 732 provides fluid communication between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 718 and the open mouth end 704 of the body 702.

The outer tube 708 includes an outer tube sealing member 736. In the example of Figure 14, the outer tube sealing member 736 extends radially inward from the internal surface 712 of the outer tube 708. In other words, the outer tube sealing member 736 protrudes towards the inner tube 710. In the example of Figure 14, the outer tube sealing member 736 is an outer tube sealing disc that is integrally formed with the outer tube 708. The outer tube sealing disc extends circumferentially around the internal surface 712 of the outer tube 708.

The outer tube 708 has an end face sealing member 744. In the example of Figure 14, the end face sealing member 744 is located on the end face of the outer tube 708 towards the distal end 706 of the body 702. The end face sealing member 744 protrudes towards the mouth end 704 of the body 702, along the longitudinal axis of the article 700. The end face sealing member 744 is offset from the centre of the end wall of the outer tube 708. The inner tube 710 includes an inner tube sealing member 738. In the example of Figure 14, the inner tube sealing member 738 extends radially outward from the external surface 714 of the inner tube 710. In otherwords, the inner tube sealing member 738 protrudes towards the outer tube 708. In the example of Figure 14, the inner tube sealing member 738 is an inner tube sealing disc that is integrally formed with the inner tube 710. The inner sealing disc extends circumferentially around the external surface 714 of the inner tube 710.

The outer tube 708 and the inner tube 710 are movable relative to one another between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the example of Figure 14, the outer tube 708 and the inner tube 710 are movable relative to one another rotationally about longitudinal axis of the article 700. In other words, the outer tube 708 and/or the inner tube 710 can be displaced relative to one another by rotating the outer tube 708 and/or the inner tube 710 with respect to the longitudinal axis of the article 700.

In the example of Figures 14 and 15, the outer tube sealing member 736 and the inner tube sealing member 738 have the same configuration as described above with respect to Figures 10, 11 , 12 and 13.

In particular, the outer tube sealing member 736 extends radially inward from the outer tube 708. In the example of Figures 14 and 15, the outer tube sealing member 736 is an outer tube sealing disc. The outer tube sealing disc is a segmented disc having openings between segments of the disc. The outer tube sealing member 736 is formed integrally with the outer tube 708. Consequently, the outer tube sealing member 736 rotates as the outer tube 708 is rotated about the longitudinal axis of the article 700. Rotating the outer tube sealing member 736 rotates the segments of the segmented disc and consequently changes the size of the openings.

In particular, the inner tube sealing member 738 extends radially outward from the inner tube 710. In the example of Figure 14 and 15, the inner tube sealing member 738 is an inner tube sealing disc. The inner tube sealing disc is a segmented disc having openings between segments of the disc. The inner tube sealing member 738 is formed integrally with the inner tube 710. Consequently, the inner tube sealing member 738 rotates as the inner tube 710 is rotated about the longitudinal axis of the article 700. Rotating the inner tube sealing member 738 rotates the segments of the segmented disc and consequently changes the size of the openings.

In the example of Figure 14, the outer tube 708 and the inner tube 710 are in the first configuration. In the first configuration, the outer tube 708 and the inner tube 710 are positioned such that the outer tube sealing member 736 and the inner tube sealing member 738 cooperate with one another to substantially prevent the flow of air through the air flow passageway.

In particular, in the first configuration, the outer tube 708 and the inner tube 710 are positioned such that the outer tube sealing member 736 and the inner tube sealing member 738 cooperate with one another to substantially prevent the flow of air through the first air flow passageway 730.

In the example of Figures 14 and 15, in the first configuration, the outer tube sealing member 736 and the inner tube sealing member 738 abut with one another to close the openings and create a seal that is substantially airtight. The seal created by the outer tube sealing member 736 and the inner tube sealing member 738 substantially prevents air from flowing between the air intake 728 and the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 718.

In addition, in the example of Figure 14, in the first configuration, the outer tube 708 and the inner tube 710 are positioned such that the end face sealing member 744 cooperates with the inner tube 710 to further prevent the flow of air through the air flow passageway. In particular, in the first configuration, the outer tube 708 and the inner tube 710 are positioned such that the end face sealing member 744 substantially blocks air flow through the air outlet 732. Blocking air flow through the air outlet 732 substantially prevents air from flowing between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 718 and an exterior of the article 700. In other words, blocking air flow through the air outlet 732 substantially prevents air from flowing along the second air flow passage way 734.

Figure 15 shows a schematic illustration of the article 700 when the outer tube 708 and the inner tube 710 are in the second configuration. The article 700 has the same features as are described above with reference to Figure 14.

To move the outer tube 708 and the inner tube 710 between the first configuration and the second configuration, the user may, for example, rotate the inner tube 710 longitudinally relative to the outer tube 708.

Rotating the inner tube 710 relative to the outer tube 708 rotates the inner tube sealing member 738 about the longitudinal axis of the article 700. Rotating the inner tube sealing member 738 causes the openings in the inner tube sealing member 738 to align with the openings in the outer tube sealing member 736, thereby opening the air flow passageway between the air intake 728 and the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 718.

At the same time, rotating the inner tube 710 relative to the outer tube 708 causes the air outlet 732 to move away from the end wall sealing member 744, thereby opening the air flow passageway between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment 718 and an exterior of the article 700.

Consequently, by rotating the inner tube 710 with respect to the outer tube 708 about the longitudinal axis of the article 700, air flow through the air flow passageway can be controlled.

For the purpose of the present description and of the appended claims, except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and so forth, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein. In this context, therefore, a number A is understood as A ± 10 percent (10%) of A. Within this context, a number A may be considered to include numerical values that are within general standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A, in some instances as used in the appended claims, may deviate by the percentages enumerated above provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein.

Claims

1 . An article for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating, the article comprising: a body having an open mouth end and a closed distal end, the body comprising: an outer tube and an inner tube, the inner tube being disposed within the outer tube to define a space between an internal surface of the outer tube and an external surface of the inner tube, an aerosol-generating substrate compartment for holding an aerosolgenerating substrate, the aerosol-generating substrate compartment being located towards the closed distal end of the body, an air intake provided on the outer tube, the air intake for providing fluid communication between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment and an exterior of the article, an air outlet, the air outlet for providing fluid communication between the aerosol-generating substrate compartment and the open mouth end through the inner tube, an air flow passageway extending through the space from the air intake to the aerosol-generating substrate compartment and to the air outlet, wherein the outer tube comprises an outer tube sealing member, wherein the inner tube comprises an inner tube sealing member, wherein the inner tube and the outer tube are movable relative to one another between a first configuration and a second configuration, and wherein in the first configuration the inner tube sealing member and the outer tube sealing member cooperate with one another to substantially prevent flow of air through the air flow passageway.

2. An article according to claim 1 , wherein the outer tube sealing member is located on the outer tube at a position between the air intake and the aerosol-generating substrate compartment.

3. An article according to any one of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the inner tube sealing member is located on the inner tube at a position between the air intake and the aerosolgenerating substrate compartment.

4. An article according to any preceding claim, wherein the outer tube sealing member extends radially inward from the internal surface of the outer tube.

5. An article according to any preceding claim, wherein the inner tube sealing member extends radially outward from the external surface of the inner tube.

6. An article according to any preceding claim, wherein the space between the internal surface of the outer tube and the external surface of the inner tube is an annular space.

7. An article according to any preceding claim, wherein in the first configuration the inner tube sealing member and the outer tube sealing member abut one another to substantially prevent the flow of air through the first air flow passageway.

8. An article according to any preceding claim, wherein the outer tube sealing member is integrally formed with the outer tube.

9. An article according to any preceding claim, wherein the inner tube sealing member is integrally formed with the inner tube.

10. An article according to any preceding claim, wherein the outer tube sealing member comprises an outer tube sealing ring.

11. An article according to any preceding claim, wherein the inner tube sealing member comprises an inner tube sealing ring.

12. An article according to any preceding claim, wherein the inner tube and the outer tube are slidable longitudinally relative to one another such that sliding movement of the inner tube or the outer tube relative to one another along the longitudinal axis of the article moves the inner tube and the outer tube between the first configuration and the second configuration.

13. An article according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the inner tube and the outer tube are movable rotationally relative to one another about longitudinal axis of the article, such that rotational movement of inner tube or the outer tube relative to one another about the longitudinal axis of the article moves the inner tube and the outer tube between the first configuration and the second configuration.

14. An article according to any preceding claim, wherein the air intake comprises one or more air intake holes.

15. An aerosol-generating system comprising: the article of any preceding claim; and an aerosol-generating device comprising: a heating element; a power supply for supplying electrical power to the heating element; and a controller configured to control a supply of power from the power supply to the heating element.