A device configured to heat smokable material and a system

Abstract

A device configured to heat smokable material and a system are disclosed. The device configured to heat smokable material to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material comprises: an interface configured to cooperate with an article comprising the smokable material and a heating material; and a coil positioned relative to the interface such that, in use, a varying or alternating magnetic field generated by the coil penetrates the interface at a location corresponding to the heating material of the article, and wherein, when the article cooperates with the interface, the article is compressed.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional of the Chinese Patent Application No. 201680048984.8, entitled "Article for use with a device for heating smokable material" (based on the international patent application No. PCT / EP2016 / 070182, international filing date 26 / 08 / 2016, which entered the Chinese national phase on 23 / 02 / 2018) for "Article for use with a device for heating smokable material". TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to an article for use with a device for heating smokable material to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material, and to a method of manufacturing such an article and to a system comprising such an article and a device. BACKGROUND

[0003] Smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars, and the like burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles by creating products which release compounds without burning. An example of such a product is a so-called "heat not burn" product or tobacco heating device or product which releases compounds by heating but not burning material. The material can be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which can or can not contain nicotine. SUMMARY

[0004] A first aspect of the present invention provides an article for use with a device configured to heat smokable material to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material, the article comprising:

[0005] a mass of smokable material; and

[0006] an elongate member within the mass of smokable material, wherein the elongate member comprises a heater or a heating material which is heatable by penetration using a varying magnetic field.

[0007] In an example embodiment, the elongate member extends to opposite longitudinal ends of the mass of smokable material.

[0008] In an example embodiment, the elongate member is surrounded by the mass of smokable material. In an example embodiment, the elongate member is enclosed by the mass of smokable material.

[0009] In an example embodiment, the elongate member is impermeable to air or volatile material, or substantially free of discontinuities. In another example embodiment, the elongate member is permeable to air and / or permeable to volatile material.

[0010] In an example embodiment, the elongate member is entirely or substantially entirely composed of a heating material.

[0011] In various example embodiments, the heater or heating material comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: electrically conductive materials, magnetic materials, and non-magnetic materials. In various example embodiments, the heating material comprises a metal, a metal alloy. In various example embodiments, the heating material comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: aluminum, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, electrically conductive carbon, graphite, plain carbon steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, copper, and bronze.

[0012] In one example embodiment, the heating material is in contact with the smokable material.

[0013] In one example embodiment, the article comprises a thermally conductive barrier separating the elongate member from the smokable material. In some embodiments, the thermally conductive barrier can be a thermally conductive coating on the elongate member.

[0014] In one example embodiment, the elongate member has two opposing major surfaces connected by two minor surfaces. In one example embodiment, the elongate member has a length and a cross-section perpendicular to the length, wherein the cross-section has a width and a depth, and wherein the length is greater than the width, and the width is greater than the depth.

[0015] In one example embodiment, the elongate member is substantially flat. In some embodiments, the elongate member can be a flat strip or ribbon. In another example embodiment, the elongate member is non-flat. In various example embodiments, the elongate member has at least one curved major surface, the elongate member is twisted or corrugated.

[0016] In one example embodiment, a first portion of the elongate member is more susceptible to eddy currents induced therein by penetration by a varying magnetic field than a second portion of the elongate member. In some embodiments, the first portion of the elongate member is made of a first material, the second portion of the elongate member is made of a different second material, and the first material has a higher susceptibility than the second material. In some embodiments, the first portion of the elongate member can have a different thickness than the second portion of the elongate member.

[0017] In one example embodiment, the article comprises a catalytic material on at least a portion of the elongate member.

[0018] In one example embodiment, the article is elongate and the elongate member extends along a longitudinal axis that is generally aligned with a longitudinal axis of the article. Such aligned axes can be parallel to each other or positionally coincident with each other.

[0019] In one example embodiment, the article comprises a mouthpiece defining a passage in fluid communication with a mass of smokable material.

[0020] In an example embodiment, the article comprises a cover around the mass of smokable material and the elongate member. In an example embodiment, the cover comprises a heating material that is heatable by use of a varying magnetic field penetration. In some embodiments, the cover comprises a wrapper. In some embodiments, the wrapper comprises paper. In some embodiments, the cover comprises a mass of insulator. In some embodiments, the elongate member remains out of contact with the cover.

[0021] In an example embodiment, the article is elongate and has a circular cross-section.

[0022] In an example embodiment, the smokable material comprises tobacco and / or one or more humectants.

[0023] In an example embodiment, the article comprises a temperature detector for detecting a temperature of the article. In some embodiments, the article comprises one or more terminals connected to the temperature detector for connection with a temperature monitor of a device in use.

[0024] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method of manufacturing an article for use with a device for heating smokable material to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material, the method comprising:

[0025] providing an elongate element comprising a heating material that is heatable by use of a varying magnetic field penetration; and

[0026] positioning the elongate element within the smokable material.

[0027] In an example embodiment, the positioning comprises moving the smokable material along a path and feeding the elongate element into the smokable material as the smokable material moves along the path to deliver the elongate element into the smokable material.

[0028] In an example embodiment, the providing and positioning form an elongate assembly comprising the elongate element within the smokable material, and the method comprises cutting the elongate assembly along the elongate assembly at a predetermined longitudinal position to form the article.

[0029] In various example embodiments, the article can have any of the features of the above example embodiments of the article of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0030] In an example embodiment, the method comprises providing a covering around the smokable material and the elongate element. In some embodiments, the covering comprises a wrapper. In some embodiments, the wrapper comprises paper. In some embodiments, the covering comprises a mass of insulator. In some embodiments, the elongate element remains out of contact with the covering.

[0031] In one example embodiment, providing the cover comprises wrapping the combination of the smokeable material and the cover with the cover as the combination passes through the tongue of the accessory.

[0032] A third aspect of the application provides a system comprising:

[0033] a device for heating a smokeable material to volatilise at least one component of the smokeable material; and

[0034] An article for use with the device, wherein the article comprises a mass of smokeable material and an elongate member within the mass of smokeable material, wherein the elongate member comprises a heating material that is heatable by penetration using a varying magnetic field.

[0035] In one example embodiment, the device comprises an interface for cooperating with the article and a magnetic field generator to generate a varying magnetic field for penetrating the heating material when the article cooperates with the interface.

[0036] In various example embodiments, the article of the system can have any of the features of the above-described example embodiments of the article of the first aspect of the application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0037] Embodiments of the application will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0038] Figure 1 a schematic perspective view showing an example of an article for use with a device for heating a smokeable material to volatilise at least one component of the smokeable material;

[0039] Figure 2 a schematic cross-sectional view of the article of Figure 1 ;

[0040] Figure 3 a further schematic cross-sectional view of the article of Figure 1 ;

[0041] Figure 4 a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a further article for use with a device for heating a smokeable material to volatilise at least one component of the smokeable material;

[0042] Figure 5 a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a further article for use with a device for heating a smokeable material to volatilise at least one component of the smokeable material;

[0043] Figure 6 a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a further article for use with a device for heating a smokeable material to volatilise at least one component of the smokeable material;

[0044] Figure 7 Figure 10(a) to 10(c) show operations of an example of a method of manufacturing an article for use with a device for heating smokable material to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material.

[0045] Figure 8 Figure 10(a) to 10(c) show operations of an example of a method of manufacturing an article for use with a device for heating smokable material to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material.

[0046] Figure 9 Figure 10(a) to 10(c) show operations of an example of a method of manufacturing an article for use with a device for heating smokable material to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material.

[0047] Figure 10(a) to 10(c) show operations of an example of a method of manufacturing an article for use with a device for heating smokable material to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] As used herein, the term "smokable material" includes a material that typically provides components that volatilise on heating in the form of a vapour or an aerosol. The "smokable material" can be tobacco-free or tobacco-containing. For example, the "smokable material" can include one or more of tobacco itself, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco leaf, tobacco extract, homogenised tobacco or a tobacco substitute. The smokable material can be in the form of tobacco dust, tobacco shreds, extruded tobacco, a liquid, a gel, a gel sheet, a powder or a briquette. The "smokable material" can also include other non-tobacco products, which can or can not contain nicotine depending on the product. The "smokable material" can comprise one or more humectants, such as glycerol or propylene glycol.

[0049] As used herein, the term "heating material" refers to a material that can be heated by penetration using a varying magnetic field.

[0050] As used herein, the terms "flavor" and "flavorant" refer to materials which, when added to a product of an adult consumer, are permitted by local regulations to produce a desired taste or aroma in the product. They can include extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, coriander, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, piment, ginger, anise, cumin, coffee, or a mint oil from any species of Mentha), flavor enhancers, bitter receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath fresheners. They can be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They can be in any suitable form, such as oils, liquids, gels, powders, etc.

[0051] Induction heating is the process of heating an electrically conductive object by using a changing magnetic field to penetrate the object. The process is described by Faraday's Law of Induction and Ohm's Law. An induction heater can include electromagnets and a means for passing a changing current (e.g., alternating current) through the electromagnets. When the electromagnets and the object to be heated are properly opposed so that the combined changing magnetic field produced by the electromagnets penetrates the object, one or more eddy currents are generated inside the object. The object has resistance to the flowing current. Thus, when such eddy currents are generated in the object, they resist the flow of the object's electrical resistance causing the object to be heated. This process is known as Joule, Ohmic, or resistive heating. An object that can be inductively heated is known as a susceptor.

[0052] It has been found that the magnetic coupling between the susceptor and the electromagnets in use is enhanced when the susceptor is in the form of a closed circuit, which results in greater or improved Joule heating.

[0053] Hysteresis heating is the process of heating an object made of a magnetic material by using a changing magnetic field to penetrate the object. A magnetic material can be thought of as comprising many atomic-scale magnets or magnetic dipoles. When a magnetic field penetrates such a material, the magnetic dipoles align with the magnetic field. Thus, when a changing magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field produced by electromagnets, penetrates a magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles changes with the changing applied magnetic field. This reorientation of the magnetic dipoles results in the generation of heat in the magnetic material.

[0054] When an object is both electrically and magnetically conductive, penetration of the object with a varying magnetic field can induce Joule heating and magnetic hysteresis heating in the object. Moreover, the magnetic field can be intensified using magnetic materials, which can exacerbate Joule heating.

[0055] In each of the above processes, because the heat is generated internally within the object itself, rather than by an external heat source through thermal conduction, rapid warming of the object and more uniform heat distribution can be achieved, particularly by selecting appropriate object materials and geometries, and appropriate varying magnetic field magnitudes and orientations relative to the object. Moreover, because inductive heating and magnetic hysteresis heating do not require a physical connection to be provided between the varying magnetic field source and the object, material deposits on the object such as smokable material residue can not be a problem, design freedom and control over the heating profile can be greater, and cost can be lower.

[0056] Referring to Figure 1 , 2 and 3, schematic perspective and two schematic cross-sectional views of an example of an article according to an embodiment of the application are shown, taken at 90 degrees to each other. The article 1 comprises a mass of smokable material 10 and an elongate member 20 within the mass of smokable material 10. The elongate member 20 comprises a heating material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field. The article 1 further comprises a cover 30 surrounding the mass of smokable material 10 and the elongate member 20. The article 1 is for use with a device that heats the smokable material 10 to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material 10 without combusting the smokable material 10. An example of such a device is described below.

[0057] In this embodiment, the article 1 is elongate and is cylindrical with a substantially circular cross-section. However, in other embodiments, the article 1 can have a cross-section other than circular and / or be not elongate and / or be not cylindrical. In this embodiment, the article 1 has proportions close to those of a cigarette.

[0058] In this embodiment, the elongate member 20 extends along a longitudinal axis that is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the article 1. This can help to provide more uniform heating of the smokable material 10 in use, and can also help to manufacture the article 1, as described by way of example below. In this embodiment, the aligned axes coincide. In variations of this embodiment, the aligned axes can be parallel to each other. However, in other embodiments, the axes can be inclined to each other.

[0059] In this embodiment, the elongate member 20 extends to opposite longitudinal ends of the mass of smokable material 10. This can help to provide more uniform heating of the smokable material 10 in use, and can also help to manufacture the article 1, as described by way of example below. However, in other embodiments, the elongate member 20 can not extend to either of the opposite longitudinal ends of the mass of smokable material 10, or can extend to only one of the longitudinal ends of the mass of smokable material 10 and be spaced from the other longitudinal end of the mass of smokable material 10.

[0060] In this embodiment, the elongate member 20 is surrounded by the mass of smokable material 10. That is, the smokable material 10 extends around the elongate member 20. In embodiments where the elongate member 20 does not extend to either of the opposite longitudinal ends of the mass of smokable material 10, the smokable material 10 can extend around the elongate member 20 and also cover the longitudinal ends of the elongate member 20, such that the elongate member 20 is enclosed by the mass of smokable material 10.

[0061] In this embodiment, the elongate member 20 is air and volatile material impermeable, and is substantially free of discontinuities. As a result, the elongate member 20 can be relatively easy to manufacture. However, in variants of this embodiment, the elongate member 20 can be air permeable and / or volatile material permeable, where the volatile material is produced when the smokable material 10 is heated. Such permeable properties of the elongate member 20 can help to draw the volatile material produced when the smokable material 10 is heated through the article 1 by air. Such permeable properties of the elongate member 20 can also act to prevent unwanted heat paths to the longitudinal ends of the elongate member 20, where heat can leak from the article without heating the smokable material 10.

[0062] In this embodiment, the elongate member 20 is entirely or substantially entirely composed of a heating material. The heating material can comprise one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: electrically conductive materials, magnetic materials and non-magnetic materials. The heating material can comprise a metal or a metal alloy. The heating material can comprise one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: aluminium, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, electrically conductive carbon, graphite, plain carbon steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, copper and bronze. The elongate member 20 can comprise, for example, a resistance wire or ribbon, such as a Kanthal (RTM) resistance wire or ribbon. Other heating materials can be used in other embodiments. It has also been found that when a magnetic electrically conductive material is used as the heating material, the magnetic coupling between the elongate member 20 of the device and an electromagnet can be enhanced in use. This can result in greater or improved Joule heating of the heating material, and hence greater or improved heating of the smokable material 10, in addition to potentially enabling hysteresis heating.

[0063] In this embodiment, the heating material of the elongated member 20 is in contact with the extractable material 10. Therefore, when the heating material is heated by a changing magnetic field, heat can be transferred directly from the heating material to the extractable material 10. In other embodiments, the heating material may remain out of contact with the extractable material 10. For example, in some embodiments, the article 1 may include a thermally conductive barrier that does not contain heating material and separates the elongated member 20 from the extractable material 10. In some embodiments, the thermally conductive barrier may be a coating on the elongated member 20. Providing such a barrier may be advantageous to help retain heat in the article 1 after induction heating of the elongated member 20 has ceased.

[0064] In this embodiment, the elongated member 20 has a rectangular or substantially rectangular cross-section perpendicular to its length. The cross-section has a width and a depth. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The combination best illustrates that the length of the elongated member 20 is greater than the width of the cross-section, and the width of the cross-section is greater than the depth of the cross-section. In some embodiments, the elongated member 20 has a length between thirty and fifty millimeters, for example, forty millimeters. In some embodiments, the elongated member 20 has a width between three and six millimeters, for example, 4.5 millimeters. In some embodiments, the elongated member 20 has a depth of less than two millimeters. In some embodiments, the elongated member 20 has a depth of less than one millimeter. In some embodiments, the elongated member 20 has a depth of 0.1 to 0.6 millimeters, for example, 0.3 millimeters.

[0065] In this embodiment, the elongated member 20 has two opposing primary surfaces connected by two secondary surfaces. Therefore, the depth or thickness of the elongated member 20 is relatively small compared to its other dimensions. The heating material may have a skin depth, which is the outer region in which most of the induced current and / or induced reorientation of the magnetic dipoles occurs. By assuming the heating material has a relatively small thickness, a larger proportion of the heating material can be heated by a given varying magnetic field compared to heating materials with a relatively large depth or thickness (compared to the other dimensions of the heating material). Therefore, more efficient use of material is achieved, and in turn, costs are reduced. However, in other embodiments, the elongated member 20 may have a cross-section with a shape other than rectangular, such as circular, elliptical, annular, polygonal, square, triangular, star-shaped, or radially finned.

[0066] In this embodiment, the cross-section of the elongated member 20 is constant along its length. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the elongated member 20 is flat or substantially flat. The elongated member 20 of this embodiment can be considered a flat strip or ribbon. However, in other embodiments, examples of which are discussed below, this may not be the case.

[0067] In this embodiment, the cover 30 defines an outer surface of the article 1 which can contact the device in use. In this embodiment, the cover 30 comprises a wrapper 32 comprising a sheet of material. In this embodiment, the sheet of material comprises paper, but in other embodiments the sheet material can be a material other than paper. In this embodiment, the cover 30 encircles the smokable material 10. In other embodiments, the cover 30 can also cover one or both longitudinal ends of the article. In some embodiments, the wrapper 32 is wrapped around the smokable material 10 such that the free ends of the wrapper 32 overlap one another. The wrapper 32 can then also comprise an adhesive which adheres the overlapping free ends of the wrapper 32 to one another to help prevent them from separating. In other embodiments, the adhesive can be omitted. In this embodiment, the elongate member 20 remains out of contact with the cover 30. This can help to avoid scorching of the cover 30 when the elongate member 20 is heated in use. However, in other embodiments, the elongate member 20 can be in contact with the cover 30.

[0068] In some embodiments, the cover 30 can comprise a bulk of thermally insulating material. The thermally insulating material can comprise one or more materials selected from the group consisting of aerogel, vacuum insulation material, wadding, wool, non-woven material, non-woven wool, woven material, knitted material, nylon, foam, polystyrene, polyester, polyester filaments, polypropylene, a mixture of polyester and polypropylene, cellulose acetate, paper or card and a corrugated stock such as corrugated paper or card. The thermally insulating material can additionally or alternatively comprise air gaps. Such thermally insulating material can help to prevent heat loss from components of the device and provide more efficient heating of the smokable material within the cover 30. In some embodiments, the insulator can have a thickness of up to one millimetre, for example up to 0.5 millimetres.

[0069] While in this embodiment the elongate member 20 is flat or substantially flat, in other embodiments the elongate member 20 can be non-flat. For example, with reference to Figure 4 to Figure 6 Figure 6 shows schematic cross-sectional views of various examples of other articles according to embodiments of the application. The articles 2, 3, 4 of these embodiments are the same as the article 1 of Figures 1 to 3 except for the form of the elongate member 20. Figures 1 to 3 Any of the above possible variations of the article 1 of Figure 4 , 5 and 6 can be made to the articles 2, 3, 4 to form separate individual embodiments.

[0070] In Figure 4In some embodiments, the elongated member 20 is twisted. In this embodiment, the elongated member 20 can be considered to be twisted about a longitudinal axis that coincides with the longitudinal axis of the article 3. The elongated member 20 can still be considered a strip or ribbon, but the two major surfaces of the strip or ribbon are curved.

[0071] In some embodiments, the elongated member 20 is corrugated. In this embodiment, the elongated member 20 can be considered to be advanced along a longitudinal axis that coincides with the longitudinal axis of the article 4. The elongated member 20 can still be considered a strip or ribbon, but the two major surfaces of the strip or ribbon are non-planar. Figure 5

[0072] In some embodiments, the elongated member 20 is twisted. In this embodiment, the elongated member 20 can be considered to be twisted about a longitudinal axis that coincides with the longitudinal axis of the article 3. The elongated member 20 can still be considered a strip or ribbon, but the two major surfaces of the strip or ribbon are curved. Figure 6

[0073] Figure 4 to Figure 6 The non-planar shape of the elongated member 20 of the articles 2, 3, 4 can help air drawn through the article 2, 3, 4 to draw the volatile material produced when the smokable material 10 is heated. The non-planar shape can provide a tortuous path for the air to follow, creating turbulence in the air and resulting in better heat transfer from the heated material to the smokable material 10. The non-planar shape can also increase the surface area of the elongated member 20 per unit length of the elongated member 20. This can result in greater or improved Joule heating of the elongated member 20 and, therefore, greater or improved heating of the smokable material 10. The non-planar elongated member 20 of other embodiments can have shapes other than those discussed above. For example, in some embodiments, the elongated member 20 can be a solenoid, a spiral, a plate or ribbon or strip having protrusions thereon and / or recesses therein, a mesh, including a metal mesh, or have a non-planar shape that is not uniform.

[0074] In some embodiments, the first portion 21 of the elongated member 20 can be more susceptible to eddy currents induced therein by penetration with a varying magnetic field of use than the second portion 22 of the elongated member 20. Figure 7 An example of such an arrangement is shown. Although Figure 7 The article 5 has an elongated member 20 shaped similarly to the article 1 of Figures 1 to 3 In other embodiments, including those having first and second portions 21, 22 with different sensitivities, the elongated member 20 can be shaped similarly to those of the articles 2, 3, 4 of Figures 4 to 6 ​​​

[0075] Since the first portion 21 of the elongated member 20 is made of a first material, and the second portion 22 of the elongated member 20 is made of a different second material, and the first material is more sensitive to the eddies induced therein compared to the second material, the first portion 21 of the elongated member 20 may be more sensitive. For example, one of the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 may be made of iron, and the other of the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 may be made of graphite. Alternatively or additionally, the first portion 21 of the elongated member 20 may be more sensitive because it has a different thickness than the second portion 22 of the elongated member 20.

[0076] Despite Figure 7 In this embodiment, the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 are adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the article 5 or the elongated member 20, but this is not necessarily the case in other embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 may be arranged adjacent to each other in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the article 5 or the elongated member 20.

[0077] The varying sensitivities of the elongated member 20 to the eddies induced therein facilitate the gradual heating of the respirable material 10, thereby gradually generating vapor. For example, the more sensitive portion 21 may be able to heat a first region of the respirable material 10 relatively quickly to initiate the volatilization of at least one component of the respirable material 10 and the formation of vapor in the first region of the respirable material 10. The less sensitive portion 22 may be able to heat a second region of the respirable material 10 relatively slowly to initiate the volatilization of at least one component of the respirable material 10 and the formation of vapor in the second region of the respirable material 10. Thus, vapor can be formed relatively quickly for the user to inhale, and vapor can continue to be formed thereafter for subsequent inhalation by the user, even after the first region of the respirable material 10 has ceased generating vapor. The first region of the respirable material 10 may cease generating vapor when it is depleted of the volatile components of the respirable material 10.

[0078] In other embodiments, the entire elongated member 20 may be equally or substantially equally susceptible to eddy currents induced therein by penetrating through a varying magnetic field. In some embodiments, the elongated member 20 may be less susceptible to such eddy currents. In such embodiments, the heating material may be a non-conductive magnetic material, and thus can be heated by the hysteresis process discussed above.

[0079] In some embodiments, the article can comprise a plurality of elongate members 20 within the mass of smokeable material 10, wherein each of the elongate members 20 comprises a heating material that is heatable by penetration using a varying magnetic field. At least one of the plurality of elongate members 20 can be more susceptible to eddy currents induced therein by penetration using a varying magnetic field than at least one of the others of the plurality of elongate members 20. For example, as described above, this can be achieved by elongate members 20 made of different heating materials and / or having different thicknesses. Again, this differential susceptibility of the elongate members 20 can help to achieve a gradual heating of the smokeable material 10, thereby to produce vapour gradually in a manner corresponding to that described above.

[0080] In some embodiments, the article can comprise catalytic material 40 on at least a portion of the elongate members 20. Figure 8 An example of such an arrangement is shown. Although Figure 8 The article 6 has elongate members 20 shaped similarly to those of the article 1 of Figures 1 to 3 In other embodiments in which such catalytic material is provided therein, the elongate members 20 can be shaped similarly to those of the articles 2, 3, 4 of Figures 4 to 6 The catalytic material 40 can take the form of a coating on the elongate members 20. The catalytic material 40 can be provided on all surfaces of the elongate members 20, or only on some surfaces of the elongate members 20.

[0081] Providing such catalytic material 40 on the elongate members 20 means that, in use, the article 6 can have a heated chemically active surface. In use, the catalytic material 40 can act to convert potential irritants to less irritating substances or to increase the rate of conversion. For example, in use, the catalytic material 40 can act to convert formic acid to methanol or to increase the rate of conversion of formic acid to methanol. In other embodiments, the catalytic material 40 can act to convert other chemicals such as acetylene to ethane by hydrogenation, or to convert ammonia to nitrogen and hydrogen, or to increase the rate of conversion. The catalytic material can additionally or alternatively act to react carbon monoxide and water vapour to form carbon dioxide and hydrogen (the water gas shift reaction, or WGSR) or to increase the rate of reaction.

[0082] In some embodiments, the article comprises a mouthpiece defining a passage in fluid communication with the mass of smokeable material 10. Referring to Figure 9 A schematic partial cross-sectional view of an example of an article 7 according to an embodiment of the application is shown. The portion of the article 7 numbered 71 can comprise Figures 1 to 8Any one of the structures shown in the Figures or any one of the variants discussed above. The mouthpiece 70 and its passage 72 are shown connected to a structure that is aligned with the passage 72, so as to be in fluid communication with the mass of smokable material 10 of the structure. The mouthpiece 70 can be made of any suitable material, such as a plastics material, paperboard or rubber.

[0083] In use, when the smokable material 10 is heated by the heated elongate member 20, the volatile components of the smokable material 10 can be readily inhaled by the user. In embodiments where the article is a consumable article, once all or substantially all of the volatile components of the smokable material 10 in the article have been consumed, the user can remove the mouthpiece along with the remainder of the article. This can be more hygienic than using the same mouthpiece with multiple articles, can help to ensure that the mouthpiece is correctly aligned with the smokable material, and provides the user with a clean, fresh mouthpiece each time they wish to use another article.

[0084] When a mouthpiece is provided, the mouthpiece 70 can contain or be impregnated with a flavourant. The flavourant can be arranged to be carried away by the heated vapour as it passes through the passage 72 of the mouthpiece 70 in use.

[0085] Reference Figures 10a to 10c An example of a method of manufacturing an article for use with a device for heating smokable material to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material according to an embodiment of the application will now be described. The method can be used to manufacture any one of the above described articles 1 to 6 of Figures 1 to 8 .

[0086] Reference Figure 10a The method comprises providing an elongate element 200 comprising a heatable material that is heatable by penetration using a varying magnetic field. In this embodiment, a portion of the elongate element 200 will eventually form the elongate member 20 of the article 8. However, the elongate element 200 is longer than the final elongate member 20. The cross-section of the elongate element 200 can take any form, such as the form of any one of the above described elongate members 20, i.e. flat, non-flat, undulating, twisted, corrugated, solenoid, spiral or uneven non-planar shape.

[0087] Reference Figure 10bThe elongated element 200 is positioned within the smokable material 100. A portion of the smokable material 100 will eventually form the mass of smokable material 10 of the article 8. The provision of the elongated element 200 and its positioning within the smokable material 100 forms an elongated assembly 80 comprising the elongated element 200 within the smokable material 100. Also, in this embodiment, a cover 300 is provided around the smokable material 100 and the elongated element 200. A portion of the cover 300 will eventually form the cap 30 of the article 8. In this embodiment, the cover 300 comprises a wrapper 320 and forms part of the elongated assembly 80. In embodiments where the article 8 to be manufactured does not have a cap 30, the provision of the cover 300 around the smokable material 100 and the elongated element 200 can be omitted.

[0088] In some embodiments, Figure 10b The creation of the assembly 80 shown in FIG. 2 can comprise moving the smokable material 100 along a path and feeding the elongated element 200 from a source, such as a spool, into the smokable material 100 through an outlet to carry the elongated element 200 into the smokable material 100 as the smokable material moves along the path. The feeding of the elongated element 200 can be achieved, for example, using a mechanical or electromechanical delivery device such as a feed roller or conveyor. Such a mechanical or electromechanical delivery device can adjust its rate of conveyance so as to meter the elongated element 200 into the smokable material 100 at an appropriate rate, for example based on the speed of the smokable material 100 through the outlet. The combination of the elongated element 200 and the smokable material 100 can pass through a tongue of the fitment, where it is wrapped by the cover 300 to form the assembly 80.

[0089] Referring to Figure 10c The elongated assembly 80 is then cut along the elongated assembly 80 at predetermined longitudinal positions to form the articles 8. In the articles 8 so formed, the elongated members 20 extend to opposite longitudinal ends of the mass of smokable material 10. In embodiments where the articles 8 have a mouthpiece as described above, the mouthpiece can be connected to the elongated assembly 80 before, during or after the assembly 80 is so cut. For example, the connection of the mouthpiece to the assembly 80 can be achieved by adhesive or by clamping the mouthpiece to the assembly 80.

[0090] In other embodiments, the formation of the articles can not require cutting of the elongated assembly. In some such embodiments, the elongated element 200 can be the elongated member 20 of the article being manufactured, the smokable material 100 itself can form the mass of smokable material 10 of the article being manufactured, and the cover 300 can be the cap 30 of the article being manufactured. In some such embodiments, the elongated member 20 can not extend to opposite longitudinal ends of the mass of smokable material 10.

[0091] In some embodiments, which can be respective variations of the above-described embodiments, the cover 30 can comprise a heating material that can be heated by use of a varying magnetic field penetration. For example, in some embodiments, the cover 30 can be constructed entirely or substantially entirely of a heating material. In some embodiments, the cover 30 can comprise a closed circuit of heating material that encircles the smokable material 10. The heating material of the cover 30 can comprise any one or more of the materials described above for the heating material of the elongate member 20.

[0092] Each of the above-described articles 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and variations thereof described can be used with a device for heating smokable material 10 to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material 10. The device can heat the smokable material 10 to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material 10 without combusting the smokable material 10. Any one of the articles 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and such a device can be provided together as a system. The system can take the form of a kit, in which the article 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 is separate from the device. Alternatively, the system can take the form of an assembly, in which the article 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 is combined with the device.

[0093] The device can comprise a magnetic field generator for generating a varying magnetic field for heating the heating material of the elongate member 20 of the article 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Such a magnetic field generator can comprise a power source, a coil, means for passing a varying current, such as an alternating current, through the coil, a controller, and a user interface for user operation of the controller. The power source can be a rechargeable battery, a non-rechargeable battery, a connection to a mains power supply, or the like.

[0094] The coil can take any suitable form, for example a helical coil of electrically conductive material such as copper. The magnetic field generator can comprise a magnetically permeable core around which the coil is wound to concentrate the magnetic flux generated by the coil and to produce a stronger magnetic field. For example, the magnetically permeable core can be made of iron. In some embodiments, the magnetically permeable core can extend only part way along the length of the coil to concentrate the magnetic flux in only a particular region.

[0095] The device for causing varying current through the coil can be electrically connected between a power source and the coil. A controller can be electrically connected to the power source and communicably connected to the device to control the device, and thereby control the supply of power from the power source to the coil. In some embodiments, the controller can comprise an integrated circuit (IC), such as an IC on a printed circuit board (PCB). In other embodiments, the controller can take different forms. In some embodiments, the device can have a single electrical or electronic component comprising the device and the controller. The controller can be operated by user operation of a user interface, which can comprise buttons, toggle switches, dials, touchscreens, and the like. User operation of the user interface can cause the controller to cause the device to apply an alternating current to the coil, thereby causing the coil to generate an alternating magnetic field.

[0096] The device can have a recess or other interface for receiving the article 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and the coil can be arranged relative to the recess or interface such that the varying or alternating magnetic field generated by the coil in use when the article 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 is in the recess or interfacing with the interface penetrates the recess or interface at a location corresponding to the heating material of the article 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. When the heating material of the article 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 is an electrically conductive material, this can result in one or more eddy currents being generated in the heating material of the elongate member 20 of the article 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. The eddy currents cause the heating material of the elongate member 20 of the article 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 to be heated by Joule heating. When the heating material of the elongate member 20 of the article 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 is a magnetic material, the orientation of magnetic dipoles in the heating material changes with the variation of the applied magnetic field, which results in heat being generated in the heating material of the elongate member 20 of the article 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 by hysteresis heating.

[0097] The device can have a mechanism for compressing the article 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 when the article 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 is inserted into the recess or interfacing with the interface. Such compression of the article 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 can compress the smokable material 10, thereby increasing the thermal conductivity of the smokable material 10. In other words, compression of the smokable material 10 can provide for higher heat transfer through the article 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.

[0098] The device can have a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the recess, interface, or article 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 in use. The temperature sensor can be communicably connected to the controller 117 so that the controller can monitor the temperature. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor can be arranged to make an optical temperature measurement of the recess, interface, or article. In some embodiments, the article 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 can include a temperature detector, such as a resistance temperature detector (RTD), for detecting the temperature of the article 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. The article 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 can also include one or more terminals connected, such as electrically connected, to the temperature detector. The terminals can be used to make a connection, such as an electrical connection, with a temperature monitor of the device when the article 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 is in the recess or mated with the interface. The controller can include the temperature monitor. Thus, the temperature monitor of the device can determine the temperature of the article 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 during use of the article 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 with the device.

[0099] In some embodiments, by providing that the heating material of the article 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 has a suitable electrical resistance, the response of the heating material to a change in temperature is sufficient to give information about the temperature inside the article 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. The temperature sensor of the device can then include a probe for analysing the heating material.

[0100] Based on the signal(s) received from the temperature sensor or temperature detector, the controller can cause the device to adjust the characteristics of the varying or alternating current through the coil as needed to ensure that the temperature is maintained within a predetermined temperature range. The characteristic can be, for example, the amplitude or the frequency. Within the predetermined temperature range, in use, the smokable material 10 within the article 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 inserted into the recess or mated with the interface is heated sufficiently to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material 10 without combusting the smokable material 10. In some embodiments, the temperature range is from about 50°C to about 250°C, such as between about 50°C and about 150°C, between about 50°C and about 120°C, between about 50°C and about 100°C, between about 50°C and about 80°C, or between about 60°C and about 70°C. In some embodiments, the temperature range is between about 170°C and about 220°C. In other embodiments, the temperature range can be different from this range. The device can have a delivery device for delivering the volatilised components of the smokable material 10 to a user.

[0101] The device can define an air inlet that fluidly connects the recess or interface with the exterior of the device. A user can be able to inhale the volatilised components of the smokable material by drawing the volatilised components through a passage, such as the passage of a mouthpiece of the device. Air can be drawn into the recess or interface via the air inlet of the device as the volatilised components are removed from the article 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.

[0102] The device can provide haptic feedback to a user. The feedback can indicate that heating of the susceptor is occurring, or be triggered by a timer to indicate that an amount greater than a predetermined proportion of an original amount of a volatilisable component of the smokable material 10 in the article 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 has been depleted, or the like. The haptic feedback can be generated by interaction of the susceptor with the coil (i.e. a magnetic response), by interaction of the electrically conductive element with the coil, by a rotating unbalanced motor, by repeatedly applying and removing an electric current through a piezoelectric element, or the like.

[0103] The device can comprise more than one coil. The multiple coils can be operable to provide a gradual heating of the smokable material 10 in the article 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, thereby to gradually generate vapour. For example, one coil can be able to relatively quickly heat a first region of the heating material to initiate volatilisation of at least one component of the smokable material 10 and formation of vapour in the first region of the smokable material 10. Another coil can be able to relatively slowly heat a second region of the heating material to initiate volatilisation of at least one component of the smokable material 10 and formation of vapour in the second region of the smokable material 10. Thus, vapour can be able to be formed relatively quickly for inhalation by a user, and thereafter vapour can continue to be formed for subsequent inhalation by a user even after the first region of the smokable material 10 has ceased to generate vapour. The initially unheated second region of the smokable material 10 can act as a filter to reduce the temperature of, or temper, the generated vapour during heating of the first region of the smokable material 10.

[0104] In some embodiments, the heating material of the elongate member or cap can comprise discontinuities or holes therein. Such discontinuities or holes can act as thermal breaks to control the extent to which different regions of the smokable material are heated in use. Regions of the heating material having discontinuities or holes therein can be heated to a lesser extent than regions without discontinuities or holes. This can facilitate a gradual heating of the smokable material, thereby to achieve a gradual generation of vapour.

[0105] In each of the above embodiments, the smokable material 10 comprises tobacco. However, in respective variations of each of these embodiments, the smokable material 10 can consist of tobacco, can consist essentially entirely of tobacco, can include tobacco and smokable material other than tobacco, can include smokable material other than tobacco, or can be free of tobacco. In some embodiments, the smokable material 10 can contain a vapour or aerosol forming agent or a wetting agent, such as glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin or diethylene glycol.

[0106] The article embodying the present application can be, for example, a cartridge or a blister pack.

[0107] In each of the above embodiments, the article 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 is a consumable article. Once all or substantially all of the volatile components of the smokable material 10 in the article 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 have been volatilised, the user can remove the article 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 from the device and dispose of the article 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. The user can then re-use the device with another of the articles 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. However, in other respective embodiments, the article 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 can be non-consumable and the device and article 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 can be disposed of together once the volatile components of the smokable material 10 have been volatilised.

[0108] In some embodiments, the device discussed above and the articles 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 usable with the device are sold, supplied or otherwise provided separately. However, in some embodiments, the device and one or more of the articles 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 can be provided together in the form of a system, such as a kit or assembly, possibly with additional components, such as a cleaning implement.

[0109] The present application can be implemented in a system comprising any one of the articles discussed herein and any one of the devices discussed herein, wherein the device itself also has heating material, for example in a susceptor, for heating by penetration using the varying magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator. Heat generated in the heating material of the device itself can be transferred to the article to further heat the smokable material therein.

[0110] To address the various issues and improve the art, the overall disclosure of the present disclosure shows, by way of illustration and example, various embodiments in which the claimed invention can be practiced and provides excellent articles for use with a device for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material, excellent methods of manufacturing such articles, and excellent systems comprising such articles and such devices. The advantages and features of the disclosure are representative of embodiments only and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed and additional disclosed features. It is to be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the disclosure defined by the claims or on the equivalents of such claims, that other embodiments can be utilized, and that modifications can be made without departing from the scope and / or spirit of the disclosure. The various embodiments can suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, devices, etc. The disclosure can include other inventions that are not presently claimed but that can be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. An apparatus configured to heat a pumpable material to volatilize at least one component of the pumpable material, wherein, The device includes: An interface is configured to mate with an article comprising the suctionable material and the heating material; and A coil is positioned relative to the interface such that, during use, the changing or alternating magnetic field generated by the coil penetrates the interface at a location corresponding to the heating material of the article. The heating material includes elongated components, which are flat strips or ribbons, placed within and surrounded by the pile of extractable material. Furthermore, when the article mates with the interface, the article is compressed.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The interface includes a recess for receiving the article.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The device includes a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the recess, interface, or article in use.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The device defines an air inlet that fluidly connects the recess or interface to the outside of the device.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The device is configured to provide tactile feedback to the user.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The tactile feedback indicates that heating of the heating material is occurring, or the tactile feedback is triggered by a timer to indicate that an amount greater than a predetermined proportion of the original amount of the volatile components of the extractable material in the article has been depleted.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The device includes a plurality of coils configured to provide gradual heating of the extractable material in the article.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, The first coil is configured to heat a first region of the heating material, and the second coil is configured to heat a second region of the heating material.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The coil includes a helical coil.

10. A system comprising: The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims; as well as An article used with the device, the article comprising a block of suctionable material and the elongated member.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein, The elongated member is made entirely or substantially entirely of the heating material.

12. The system according to claim 10, wherein, The elongated member has a depth of 0.1 to 0.6 millimeters.

13. The system according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein, The elongated member is substantially flat, or, wherein the elongated member is non-flat.

14. The system according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein, The elongated member has at least one curved main surface.

15. The system according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein, The slender member is twisted.

16. The system according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein, The slender member is wavy.

17. The system according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein, The first portion of the elongated member is more susceptible to eddy currents induced therein by the penetration of a varying magnetic field than the second portion of the elongated member.

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