Apparatus for heating smokable material

Abstract

The present application relates to an apparatus for heating smokable material, the apparatus (1) being arranged to heat smokable material to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material. The apparatus comprises a housing (9) having a first opening (20) at a first end (3) through which a consumable (21) containing smokable material can be removably inserted into the apparatus; at least one heater arrangement (23) arranged within the housing (9) for heating smokable material within the consumable (21) in use; and a hollow chamber (35) between the first opening (20) and the at least one heater (23). The hollow chamber (35) surrounds at least a portion of the consumable (21) when the consumable is inserted into the apparatus, and the inner wall of the chamber and at least a portion of the consumable define an air gap (36) therebetween. Hot vapour escaping from the consumable in use can condense on the inner wall of the chamber.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese invention patent application with the application date of May 12, 2017, application number 201780029308.0, and name “Device for heating smokeable materials” (the application number of the corresponding PCT international application is PCT / EP2017 / 061519). Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to apparatus arranged to heat smokeable material. Background Art

[0003] Products such as cigarettes and cigars burn tobacco during use, thereby generating tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these tobacco-burning products by creating products that release compounds without burning them. Examples of such products are so-called heat-not-burn products, also known as tobacco heating products or tobacco heating devices, which release compounds by heating a material without burning it. For example, the material may be tobacco or other non-tobacco products, or a combination thereof, such as a blend, that may or may not contain nicotine. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device arranged to heat a smokeable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokeable material, the device comprising: a shell; the shell having a first opening at a first end, through which a consumable containing the smokeable material can be removably inserted into the device; at least one heater device, the at least one heater device being arranged in the shell and used to heat the smokeable material in the consumable during use; a hollow chamber between the first opening and the at least one heater, when the consumable is inserted into the device, the hollow chamber surrounds at least a portion of the consumable, wherein the inner wall of the chamber and at least a portion of the consumable define an air gap therebetween.

[0005] In an exemplary embodiment, the hollow chamber includes cooling structures on its outer surface to increase heat flow out of the hollow chamber when the device is in use.

[0006] In an exemplary embodiment, the cooling structure includes at least one cooling fin.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device arranged to heat a smokeable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokeable material, the device comprising: a shell having a first opening at a first end, through which a consumable containing the smokeable material can be removably inserted into the device; at least one heater device arranged in the shell for heating the smokeable material in the consumable during use; a hollow chamber between the first opening and the at least one heater, the hollow chamber surrounding at least a portion of the consumable when the consumable is inserted into the device, the hollow chamber comprising a clamping section arranged to clamp the consumable when the consumable is inserted into the device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009] Figure 1 a perspective view showing an example of an apparatus for heating a smokeable material;

[0010] Figure 2 Shown with inserted consumables Figure 1 A lateral cross-sectional view of a device;

[0011] Figure 3 Shown without inserted consumables Figure 1 A lateral cross-sectional view of a device;

[0012] Figure 4 Show Figure 1 A perspective side view of a device with certain exterior panels removed to illustrate internal components of the device;

[0013] Figure 5a Show Figure 1 a side view of the internal components of the device;

[0014] Figure 5b Show Figure 1 a first perspective view of internal components of the device;

[0015] Figure 5c Show Figure 1 a second perspective view of internal components of the device;

[0016] Figure 5d Show Figure 1 an end view of the internal components of the device;

[0017] Figure 6 Show Figure 1 end views of alternative internal components of the device;

[0018] Figure 7showing a plan view of a top panel of an apparatus for heating a smokeable material;

[0019] Figure 8 Show Figure 7 a side view of a top panel of the device;

[0020] Figure 9 Show Figure 7 a perspective view of a top panel of the device;

[0021] Figure 10 Shown with inserted consumables Figure 7 A plan view of the top panel of the device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] As used herein, the term "smokable material" includes materials that provide volatile components upon heating, which volatile components are generally in the form of an aerosol. "Smokable material" includes any material containing tobacco and may, for example, include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. "Smokable material" may also include other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine depending on the product. "Smokable material" may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid, gel, or wax. "Smokable material" may also be, for example, a combination or blend of materials.

[0023] Devices are known that heat a smokeable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokeable material, typically to form an inhalable aerosol, without burning or incinerating the smokeable material. Such devices are sometimes described as "heat-not-burn" devices, "tobacco heating products," "tobacco heating devices," or similar terms. Similarly, so-called electronic cigarette devices exist, which typically vaporize a smokeable material in liquid form, which may or may not contain nicotine. The smokeable material may be in the form of a rod, cartridge, or cartridge that can be inserted into the device, or may be provided as part of a rod, cartridge, or cartridge. The heater for heating and volatilizing the smokeable material may be provided as a "permanent" part of the device, or as part of a smoking article or consumable material that is discarded and replaced after use. In this context, a "smoking article" is a device, article, or other component that includes or contains a smokeable material, and optionally other components, during use, where the smokeable material is heated during use to volatilize the smokeable material.

[0024] First refer to Figures 1 to 4 , shows an example of a device 1 arranged to heat a smokeable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokeable material, typically to form an inhalable aerosol. The device 1 is a heating device 1 that releases a compound by heating but not burning the smokeable material.

[0025] The first end 3 is sometimes referred to herein as the mouth or proximal end 3 of the device 1 and the second end 5 is sometimes referred to herein as the distal end 5 of the device 1. The device 1 has an on / off button 7 to allow the device 1 to be generally turned on / off as desired by the user.

[0026] Device 1 includes a housing 9 for locating and protecting the various internal components of device 1. In the example shown, housing 9 includes a one-piece sleeve 11 that encompasses the perimeter of device 1, terminating with a top panel 17 that generally defines the "top" of device 1 and a bottom panel 19 that generally defines the "bottom" of device 1. In another example, in addition to top panel 17 and bottom panel 19, the housing also includes a front panel, a rear panel, and a pair of opposing side panels.

[0027] Top panel 17 and / or bottom panel 19 may be removably secured to integral sleeve 11 to allow easy access to the interior of device 1, or may be "permanently" secured to integral sleeve 11 to, for example, prevent a user from accessing the interior of device 1. In one example, panels 17 and 19 are made of a plastic material, including glass-filled nylon formed, for example, by injection molding, and integral sleeve 11 is made of aluminum, although other materials and other manufacturing processes may be used.

[0028] The top panel 17 of the device 1 has an opening 20 at the mouth end 3 of the device 1 through which a consumable product 21 containing smokeable material can be inserted into and removed from the device 1 by a user in use.

[0029] The housing 9 has positioned or secured therein a heater device 23, a control circuit 25, and a power source 27. In this example, the heater device 23, the control circuit 25, and the power source 27 are laterally adjacent (i.e., adjacent when viewed from one end), and the control circuit 25 is positioned generally between the heater device 23 and the power source 27, although other locations are possible.

[0030] The control circuitry 25 may comprise a controller, such as a microprocessor arrangement, configured and arranged to control the heating of the smokeable material in the consumable 21 , as discussed further below.

[0031] The power source 27 can be, for example, a battery, which can be a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, lithium-ion batteries, nickel batteries (such as nickel-cadmium batteries), alkaline batteries, and / or the like. The battery 27 is electrically coupled to the heater device 23 to supply electrical power when needed and heat the smokeable material in the consumable material under the control of the control circuit 25 (as discussed, causing the smokeable material to volatilize without causing the smokeable material to burn).

[0032] An advantage of positioning the power source 27 laterally adjacent to the heater arrangement 23 is that a physically larger power source 25 can be used without causing the overall length of the apparatus 1 to be excessively long. It will be appreciated that, in general, a physically larger power source 25 has a higher capacity (i.e., the total electrical energy that can be supplied, which is typically measured in ampere-hours, etc.), and therefore, the battery life of the apparatus 1 can be longer.

[0033] In one example, the heater device 23 is generally in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube and has a hollow internal heating chamber 29 into which the consumable 21 comprising the smokeable material is inserted for heating during use. Different arrangements of the heater device 23 are possible. For example, the heater device 23 may comprise a single heating element, or may be formed by a plurality of heating elements aligned along the longitudinal axis of the heater device 23. The or each heating element may be annular or tubular, or at least partially annular or partially tubular around its circumference. In one example, the or each heating element may be a thin film heater. In another example, the or each heating element may be made of a ceramic material. Examples of suitable ceramic materials include alumina and aluminum nitride and silicon nitride ceramics that can be laminated and sintered. Other heating arrangements are possible, including inductive heating, infrared heater elements, for example, which heat by emitting infrared radiation, or resistive heating elements formed by, for example, resistive electrical windings.

[0034] In one particular example, the heater arrangement 23 is supported by a stainless steel support tube and comprises a polyimide heating element. The heater arrangement 23 is dimensioned so that when the consumable 21 is inserted into the apparatus 1 , substantially all of the smokeable material is heated in use.

[0035] The or each heating element may be arranged so that selected areas of the smokeable material may be heated independently, for example sequentially (over time) or collectively (simultaneously) as required.

[0036] In this example, the heater arrangement 23 is surrounded by a thermal insulator 31 along at least a portion of its length. The insulator 31 helps to reduce the amount of heat transferred from the heater arrangement 23 to the outside of the apparatus 1. This helps to control the power requirements of the heater arrangement 23 because it reduces heat losses overall. The insulator 31 also helps to keep the outside of the apparatus 1 cool during operation of the heater arrangement 23. In one example, the insulator 31 can be a double-walled sleeve that provides a low pressure area between the two walls of the sleeve. That is, the insulator 31 can be, for example, a "vacuum" tube, that is, a tube that is at least partially evacuated to minimize heat transfer by conduction and / or convection. Other arrangements of the insulator 31 are possible, including the use of a thermally insulating material, including, for example, a suitable foam-type material, in addition to or as an alternative to the double-walled sleeve.

[0037] The housing 9 may further include various internal support structures 37 (in Figure 4 (best seen in ).

[0038] The apparatus 1 further comprises a collar 33 extending around the opening 20 and protruding from the opening 20 to the interior of the housing 9 , and a generally tubular chamber 35 positioned between the collar 33 and one end of the vacuum sleeve 31 .

[0039] One end of the chamber 35 is connected to and supported by the collar 33, and the other end of the chamber 35 is connected to one end of the vacuum sleeve 31, thereby supporting the vacuum sleeve 31. Figure 3 As best seen in FIG. 1 , the collar 33, chamber 35 and vacuum tube 31 / heater assembly 23 are coaxially arranged so that (as in FIG. Figure 2 (best seen in FIG) When the consumable material 21 is inserted into the device 1 , it extends through the collar 33 and chamber 35 into the heater chamber 29.

[0040] As mentioned above, in this example the heater means 23 is generally in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube, and this tube is in fluid communication with the opening 20 at the mouth end 3 of the apparatus 1 via the chamber 35 and the collar 33 .

[0041] Now refer to Figures 5a to 5d In this example, the chamber 35 includes a tubular body 35a having a first open end 35b and a second open end 35c. The tubular body 35a includes a first section 35d extending from the first open end 35b to approximately halfway along the tubular body 35a, and a second section 35e extending from approximately halfway along the tubular body 35a to the second open end 35c. The first section 35d has a substantially constant inner diameter, and the second section 35e has an inner diameter that narrows toward the second open end 35c.

[0042] The chamber 35 further comprises a cooling structure 35 f which, in this example, comprises a plurality of cooling fins 35 f spaced apart along the body 35 , wherein each cooling fin is arranged circumferentially around the body 35 .

[0043] The chamber 35 also includes a flange portion 35g surrounding the second open end 35c, and a plurality of protrusions or clips 35h also arranged around the second open end 35c. Each clip 35h is generally L-shaped and includes a first portion 35h1 coupled to the flange portion 35g, and a second portion 35h2 that is generally perpendicular to the first portion 35h1 and extends in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular body 35. Each second portion 35h2 includes a slightly curved stepped surface 35l that faces an axis extending along the longitudinal axis of the tubular body 35a.

[0044] As in Figure 3 As best seen in Figure 3, in this example, the chamber 35 is positioned in the housing 9 between the collar 33 and the vacuum tube 31 / heater 23. More specifically, (i) at a second end 35c, a flange 35g abuts an end portion of the polyimide tubing of the heater assembly 23 via clamps 35h, which resiliently engage the polyimide tubing via their stepped surfaces 351 and whose outer surfaces mate with the interior of the vacuum sleeve 31, and (ii) at a first open end 35b, the chamber 35 is connected to the collar 33 by means of ridges 60, which form part of the collar 33 and project into the chamber 35. The ridges 60 are angled from a first end 62 to a second end 63 of the collar 33 toward an axis extending along the longitudinal axis of the collar 33 and chamber 35. The ridges are flush with the inner surface of the chamber 35 to form a smooth fit.

[0045] As from Figure 2 As best seen in the figure, the inner diameter of the first section 35d of the hollow chamber 35 is greater than the outer diameter of the consumable. Therefore, when the consumable 2 is inserted into the device along at least a portion of the length of the hollow chamber 35, an air gap 36 exists between the hollow chamber 35 and the consumable 21. In this region, the air gap 36 surrounds the entire circumference of the consumable 21.

[0046] As in Figure 5c and Figure 5dAs best seen in the figure, at the second open end 35c, the chamber 35 includes a plurality (in this example, three) of small blades or ridges 35j arranged circumferentially around the inner surface of the chamber 35 at the periphery of the second open end 35c. Each of the blades 35j extends a small distance in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the chamber 35 and also extends a small amount radially at the second open end 35c. The blades 35j collectively provide a gripping section that grips the consumable 21 so as to properly position and retain the portion of the consumable 21 within the chamber 35 when the consumable 21 is within the device 1. In one or more areas of the consumable contacted by the blades 35j, the blades 35j moderately compress or grip the consumable 21 therebetween. The blades 35j may comprise an elastic material (or be resilient in some other manner) so that they deform slightly (e.g., compress) to better grip the consumable 21 when the consumable 21 is inserted into the device 1, and then return to their original shape when the consumable 21 is removed from the device 1. The blade 35j may be integrally formed with the chamber 35, or may be a separate component attached within the chamber 35. The inner diameter around the blade may be, for example, 5.377 mm.

[0047] exist Figure 6 In the alternative example shown, the elastic clamping section 35k in the hollow chamber 35 defines a substantially elliptical hole 35l, which can extend along the longitudinal axis of the hollow chamber 35 and, when the consumable product 21 is inserted into the device 1, appropriately compresses or clamps the section of the consumable product 21 in the elliptical hole 35l so that this section of the consumable product 21 is deformed from a circular shape to an elliptical shape in a cross section. In one example, the clamping section 35k is positioned toward the first open end 35b. In one example, the width of the elliptical section can be increased or decreased, thereby increasing or decreasing the insertion force / holding force. In another example, a small groove (not shown) can be added to the surface of the elliptical hole 35l that interferes with the consumable product 21, rather than the entire surface area of ​​the elliptical hole 351. This will minimize insertion / removal sensitivity for the transition of various consumable product components (tobacco, tipping paper, paper tube) passing through the clamping section 3k.

[0048] In another example, a combination of blades 35j and an elliptical clamping section 35k can be used to retain the consumable 21 within the hollow chamber 35. For example, the arrangement of the elliptical clamping section 35k and blades 35j can be longitudinally spaced apart within the hollow chamber 35 and function individually to retain the inserted consumable 21 in place, or the blades 35j can be arranged around the surface of the elliptical clamping section 35k.

[0049] The chamber 35 may be formed from, for example, a plastic material, including, for example, polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

[0050] Reference again Figures 2 to 4 In one example, the heating chamber 29 has a region 38 of reduced inner diameter toward the distal end 5. This region 37 provides an end stop for the consumable 21 passing through the opening at the mouth end 3. This region 38 of reduced inner diameter can be provided, for example, by a hollow tube of the type described in detail in co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 185,227, filed June 26, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0051] The apparatus 1 may further include a door 39 at the distal end 5 that opens and closes an opening in the rear panel to provide access to the heating chamber 29, thereby allowing the heating chamber to be cleaned. Examples of suitable doors are also discussed in more detail in our co-pending application No. 62 / 185,227.

[0052] Now refer to Figures 7 to 10 , shows an example of a top panel 17 of the device 1. The top panel 17 generally forms the front end 3 of the housing 9 of the device. The top panel 17 supports a collar 33 which defines an insertion point in the form of an opening 20 via which a consumable product 21 is removably inserted into the device 1 in use.

[0053] The collar 33 extends around the opening 20 and protrudes from the opening 20 into the interior of the housing 9. In one example, the collar 33 is integral with the top panel 17 of the housing such that the collar 33 and the top panel 17 form a single piece. In alternative examples, the collar 33 is a distinct element from the top panel 17 but is attached to the top panel 17 via an attachment such as a locking mechanism, adhesive, screw, or the like. Other attachments suitable for attaching the collar 33 to the top panel 17 may be used.

[0054] In this example, the collar 33 includes a plurality of ridges 60 that are circumferentially arranged around the periphery of the opening 20 and protrude into the opening 20. The ridges 60 occupy space within the opening 20 such that the opening span of the opening 20 at the locations of the ridges 60 is smaller than the opening span of the opening 20 at locations without the ridges 60. The ridges 60 are configured to engage with a consumable 21 inserted into the device to help secure it within the device 1.

[0055] In one example, the ridges 60 are circumferentially equally spaced around the periphery of the opening 20. In one example, there are four ridges 60, and in other examples, there may be more or less than four ridges 60.

[0056] Figure 9A plan view of the top panel 17 of the device is shown with a consumable 21 inserted into the opening 20. Ridges 60 protrude into the opening 20 to engage the consumable 21. The open spaces 61 defined by adjacent pairs of ridges 60 and the consumable 21 form exhaust paths 61 around the exterior of the consumable 21. As will be explained in more detail below, these exhaust paths 61 allow hot vapor escaping from the consumable 21 to exit the device 1 and allow cooling air to flow around the consumable material 21 and into the device 1. Figure 10 The example in FIG shows four fume extraction paths 61 positioned around the periphery of the consumable 21 , which provide fume extraction for the device 1 , but there may be more or fewer such fume extraction paths 61 .

[0057] As mentioned above, the ridges 60 project radially into the opening 20, but as shown from Figure 8 As best seen in FIG, ridges 60 also extend from the top panel 17 into the housing 9. The protrusions of the ridges 60 are angled toward each other so that the distance between the ridges 60 decreases as they extend into the housing. Figure 3 As best seen in FIG, 1 , the ridge 60 protrudes into the housing so that the collar 35 can be connected to the cavity 35 by virtue of the ridge 60 extending through the first open end 35 b of the cavity 35 and engaging the inner wall of the cavity 35 .

[0058] Again specific reference Figure 2 In one example, the consumable 21 is in the form of a cylindrical rod that has or contains a smokeable material 21a at the rear end of the consumable 21 in the section within the heater device 23 when the consumable 21 is inserted into the device 1. The front end of the consumable 21 extends from the device 1 and serves as a mouthpiece assembly 21b, which includes one or more of a filter for filtering the aerosol and / or a cooling element 21c for cooling the aerosol. The filter / cooling element 21c is separated from the smokeable material 21a by a space 21d and is also separated from the tip of the mouthpiece assembly 21b by another space 21e. The consumable 21 is circumferentially wrapped in an outer layer (not shown). In one example, the outer layer of the consumable 21 is permeable, thereby allowing some heated volatile components from the smokeable material to escape from the consumable 21.

[0059] In operation, the heater arrangement 23 will heat the consumable 21 to volatilize at least one component of the smokeable material 21a.

[0060] The primary flow path of the heated volatile components from the smokeable material 21a is axially through the consumable 21, through the space 21d, the filter / cooling element 21c, and another space 21e, and then through the open end of the mouthpiece assembly 21b into the user's oral cavity. However, some volatile components can escape from the consumable 21 through its permeable outer packaging material and into the space 36 surrounding the consumable 21 in the chamber 35.

[0061] It is undesirable that volatile components flowing from the consumable 21 into the chamber 35 be inhaled by the user because these components do not pass through the filter / cooling element 21c and are therefore not filtered and not cooled.

[0062] Advantageously, the volume of air surrounding the consumable 21 in the chamber 35 and the fin-cooled inner wall of the chamber 35 cause at least some of the volatile components that escape from the consumable 21 through the outer layer of the consumable 21 to cool and condense on the inner wall of the chamber 35, thereby preventing these volatile components from being inhaled by the user.

[0063] This cooling effect can be aided by cooling air being able to enter the space 36 surrounding the consumable 21 in the chamber 35 from outside the device 1 via exhaust paths 61, which allow fluid to flow into and out of the device. The exhaust paths 61 are defined between a pair of ridges in the plurality of adjacent ridges 60 to provide exhaust around the exterior of the consumable 21 at the insertion point.

[0064] In one example, a second vent path 61 is provided between the second pair of adjacent ridges to allow at least one heated volatile component to flow from the consumable 21 at a second location. Thus, venting is provided around the exterior of the consumable 21 at the insertion point by the first and second vent paths 61.

[0065] Furthermore, the heated volatile components escaping from the consumable 21 via its outer packaging material will not condense on the inner wall of the chamber 35 and can flow safely out of the device 1 via the smoke exhaust path 61 without being inhaled by the user.

[0066] Both the chamber 35 and the smoke exhaust help to reduce the temperature and composition of the water vapor composition released from the heated volatile components of the smokeable material.

[0067] The various embodiments described herein are intended only to aid understanding and teaching of the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative samples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures and / or other aspects described herein should not be regarded as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on the equivalents of the claims, and that other embodiments may be used and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the present invention may appropriately include, consist of, or essentially consist of suitable combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, devices, etc. in addition to those described herein. In addition, the present disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. An apparatus arranged to heat, without burning, a smokeable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokeable material, the apparatus comprising: case; the housing having a first opening at a first end through which a consumable containing a smokeable material is removably inserted into the device; at least one heater means disposed within the housing for heating, in use, without burning, smokeable material within the consumable; a hollow chamber between the first opening and the at least one heater device, the hollow chamber surrounding at least a portion of the consumable product when the consumable product is inserted into the apparatus, wherein an inner wall of the hollow chamber and the at least a portion of the consumable product define an air gap therebetween; wherein the apparatus comprises one or more exhaust passages which allow air to flow into the air gap between the consumable and the hollow chamber and / or allow hot vapour which has escaped from the consumable to flow out of the apparatus when the apparatus is in use; wherein the apparatus includes a collar defining or surrounding the first opening, wherein the collar includes a plurality of ridges circumferentially arranged about the first opening and projecting into the first opening, wherein at least one of the one or more exhaust passages is defined by a first adjacent pair of the plurality of ridges such that the exhaust passages are disposed circumferentially about the first opening between the ridges; Wherein the hollow chamber comprises cooling structures on its outer surface to increase heat flow out of the hollow chamber when the device is in use.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein The cooling structure includes at least one cooling fin.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The hollow chamber comprises a first open end, and wherein the hollow chamber is arranged such that the first open end is positioned towards the first opening of the device.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein The hollow chamber comprises a second open end, and wherein the hollow chamber is arranged such that the second open end is positioned towards the heater arrangement.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein The heater device comprises a heating tube, and wherein the second open end of the hollow chamber is engaged with one end of the heating tube.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein The hollow chamber includes one or more engagement formations for engaging with the heating tube.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The plurality of ridges are configured to engage the consumable product received within the device in use.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The collar includes one or more engagement elements for engaging with the hollow chamber.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein The plurality of ridges extend into the housing, and the engagement elements are the plurality of ridges.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The hollow chamber comprises a gripping section arranged to grip the consumable product when the consumable product is inserted into the device.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein The clamping section compresses the consumable product in one or more regions of the consumable product contacted by the clamping section.

12. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein The clamping section includes a plurality of blades circumferentially spaced about an inner surface of the hollow chamber, each blade contacting the consumable product such that the consumable product is clamped between the plurality of blades.

13. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein The clamping section defines a generally elliptical hole in the hollow chamber, and wherein the clamping section compresses an area of ​​the consumable product within the elliptical hole into an elliptical shape.

14. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Hot vapour escaping from the consumable product in use condenses on the inner walls of the hollow chamber.

15. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein The hollow chamber includes a flange portion arranged to abut an end portion of the heating tube.

16. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein When in use, the open space defined by adjacent pairs of the plurality of ridges and the consumable product forms the exhaust passage around the exterior of the consumable product.

17. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The heater arrangement comprises a heating tube, and the hollow chamber comprises a flange portion arranged to abut an end of the heating tube.

18. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The heater means comprises an induction heating means.

19. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The housing comprises an integral sleeve encompassing a perimeter of the device, and wherein the integral sleeve terminates with a top panel.

20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein The apparatus includes a collar defining or surrounding the first opening, and wherein the collar is integral with the top panel.

21. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein The apparatus includes a collar defining or surrounding the first opening, and wherein the collar is a distinct element from the top panel, and wherein the collar is attached to the top panel by an attachment.

22. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein The attachment may include a locking mechanism, adhesive, or a screw.

23. An apparatus arranged to heat, without burning, a smokeable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokeable material, the apparatus comprising: case; The housing has a first opening at a first end through which a consumable product containing a smokeable material is removably inserted into the device; at least one heater means disposed within the housing for heating, in use, without burning, smokeable material within the consumable; a hollow chamber between the first opening and the at least one heater means, the hollow chamber surrounding at least a portion of the consumable product when the consumable product is inserted into the apparatus, the hollow chamber comprising a gripping section arranged to grip the consumable product when the consumable product is inserted into the apparatus; wherein the apparatus comprises one or more exhaust passages which allow air to flow into the air gap between the consumable and the hollow chamber and / or allow hot vapour which has escaped from the consumable to flow out of the apparatus when the apparatus is in use; wherein the clamping section comprises a plurality of blades spaced circumferentially around the inner surface of the hollow chamber, each blade contacting the consumable in use so that the consumable is clamped between the plurality of blades, such that the circumferential space between the plurality of blades provides the exhaust passage; Wherein the hollow chamber comprises cooling structures on its outer surface to increase heat flow out of the hollow chamber when the device is in use.

24. The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein The clamping section is configured to, in use, compress the consumable item in one or more regions of the consumable item contacted by the clamping section.

25. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein: The blades are elastic.

26. The apparatus according to claim 23 or 24, wherein The clamping section defines a substantially elliptical hole in the hollow chamber, and wherein the clamping section, in use, compresses an area of ​​the consumable product within the elliptical hole into an elliptical shape.

27. The apparatus according to claim 23 or 24, wherein The heater arrangement comprises a heating tube, and the hollow chamber comprises a flange portion arranged to abut an end of the heating tube.

28. An apparatus arranged to heat, without burning, a smokeable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokeable material, the apparatus comprising: case; the housing having a first opening at a first end through which a consumable containing a smokeable material is removably inserted into the device; at least one heater means disposed within the housing for heating, in use, without burning, smokeable material within the consumable; a hollow chamber between the first opening and the at least one heater device, the hollow chamber surrounding at least a portion of the consumable product when the consumable product is inserted into the apparatus, wherein an inner wall of the hollow chamber and the at least a portion of the consumable product define an air gap therebetween; wherein the housing comprises an integral sleeve encompassing a perimeter of the device, and wherein the integral sleeve terminates with a top panel; Wherein the hollow chamber comprises cooling structures on its outer surface to increase heat flow out of the hollow chamber when the device is in use.

29. The apparatus according to claim 28, wherein The apparatus includes a collar defining or surrounding the first opening, and wherein the collar is integral with the top panel.

30. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein The apparatus includes a collar defining or surrounding the first opening, and wherein the collar is a distinct element from the top panel, and wherein the collar is attached to the top panel by an attachment.

31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein: The attachment may include a locking mechanism, adhesive, or a screw.

32. Apparatus according to any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein The one-piece sleeve is made of aluminum.

33. The apparatus of any one of claims 28 to 30, further comprising a bottom panel.

34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein: The top panel and the bottom panel are made of plastic material.

35. Apparatus according to any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein The heater arrangement comprises a heating tube, and the hollow chamber comprises a flange portion arranged to abut an end of the heating tube.

36. Apparatus according to any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein The heater means comprises an induction heating means.

37. Apparatus according to any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein The heater assembly is surrounded by thermal insulation along at least a portion of its length.

38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein: The thermal insulation comprises a double-walled sleeve.

39. An apparatus arranged to heat, without burning, a smokeable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokeable material, the apparatus comprising: case; the housing having a first opening at a first end through which a consumable containing a smokeable material is removably inserted into the device; a collar defining or surrounding the first opening, wherein the collar includes a plurality of ridges circumferentially arranged about the first opening and projecting into the first opening, wherein a first adjacent pair of the plurality of ridges defines an exhaust passage, and wherein the exhaust passages are disposed circumferentially about the first opening between the ridges; at least one heater means disposed within the housing for heating, in use, without burning, smokeable material within the consumable; a hollow chamber between the first opening and the at least one heater device, the hollow chamber surrounding at least a portion of the consumable product when the consumable product is inserted into the apparatus, wherein an inner wall of the hollow chamber and the at least a portion of the consumable product define an air gap therebetween; wherein the hollow chamber comprises a first open end, and wherein the hollow chamber is arranged such that the first open end is positioned towards the first opening of the device; wherein the first open end is connected to and supported by the collar; wherein the hollow chamber comprises a second open end, and wherein the hollow chamber is arranged such that the second open end is positioned towards the heater arrangement; wherein the hollow chamber comprises a gripping section arranged to grip the consumable when the consumable is inserted into the device, the gripping section comprising a plurality of ridges circumferentially spaced around an inner surface of the hollow chamber, each of the plurality of ridges contacting the consumable such that the consumable is gripped between the plurality of ridges; Wherein the hollow chamber comprises cooling structures on its outer surface to increase heat flow out of the hollow chamber when the device is in use.

40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein When in use, the open space defined by a first adjacent pair of the plurality of ridges and the consumable product forms the exhaust passage around the exterior of the consumable product.

41. The apparatus according to claim 39 or 40, wherein The heater arrangement comprises a heating tube, and the hollow chamber comprises a flange portion arranged to abut an end of the heating tube.

42. The apparatus of claim 39 or 40, wherein: The heater assembly is surrounded by thermal insulation along at least a portion of its length.

43. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein: The thermal insulation comprises a double-walled sleeve.

44. The apparatus of claim 39 or 40, wherein The heater means comprises an induction heating means.

45. Apparatus according to claim 39 or 40, wherein The housing comprises an integral sleeve encompassing a perimeter of the device, and wherein the integral sleeve terminates with a top panel.

46. ​​The apparatus of claim 45, wherein The collar is integral with the top panel.

47. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein The collar is a distinct element from the top panel, and wherein the collar is attached to the top panel by an attachment.

48. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein The attachment may include a locking mechanism, adhesive, or a screw.

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