Article for use with apparatus for heating smokable material

Abstract

An article (1, 2, 3) for use with an apparatus (100, 200) for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material is disclosed. The article (1, 2, 3) comprises a piece of smokable material (10). The exterior of the article (1, 2, 3) has a length (L), a width (W) perpendicular to the length (L), and a depth (D) perpendicular to each of the length (L) and the width (W). The length (L) is greater than or equal to the width (W), and the width (W) is greater than the depth (D).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese patent invention application "Article for use with an apparatus for heating a smokeable material" with an application date of October 26, 2016 and application number 201680072882.X. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus for heating a smokeable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokeable material, to an article for use with such an apparatus, and to a system comprising such an apparatus and such an article. Background Art

[0003] Smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigars ignite tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these products by creating products that release compounds without burning them. Examples of such products are so-called "heat-not-burn" products or tobacco heating devices or products, which release compounds by heating a material without igniting it. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products that may or may not contain nicotine. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A first aspect of the present invention provides an article for use with an apparatus for heating a smokeable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokeable material, wherein the article comprises a block of smokeable material, and wherein an exterior of the article has a length, a width perpendicular to the length, and a depth perpendicular to each of the length and the width, wherein the length is greater than or equal to the width, and wherein the width is greater than the depth.

[0005] In exemplary embodiments, the mass of smokeable material is secured relative to the exterior of the article.

[0006] In an exemplary embodiment, the depth of the exterior of the article is less than half the width of the exterior of the article. In an exemplary embodiment, the depth of the exterior of the article is less than one quarter the width of the exterior of the article.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, the article includes a substrate, and the mass of smokeable material is located on the substrate.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment, the substrate has a length, a width perpendicular to the length of the substrate, and a depth perpendicular to each of the length and width of the substrate, wherein the length of the substrate is greater than or equal to the width of the substrate, and wherein the width of the substrate is greater than the depth of the substrate.

[0009] In exemplary embodiments, the length, width, and depth of the substrate are substantially parallel to the length, width, and depth, respectively, of the exterior of the article.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, the substrate includes a heating material that can be heated by penetrating it with a varying magnetic field to heat the smokeable material.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the substrate is composed entirely or substantially entirely of the heating material.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating material includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: a conductive material, a magnetic material, and a magnetic conductive material.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating material comprises a metal or a metal alloy.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating material includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of aluminum, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, graphite, plain carbon steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, copper, and bronze.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, a first portion of the substrate is more susceptible to eddy currents induced therein by penetration with a varying magnetic field than a second portion of the substrate.

[0016] In exemplary embodiments, an article includes a catalytic material on at least a portion of a substrate.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, a heating material is in contact with the smokeable material.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating material extends to opposite longitudinal ends of the block of smokeable material.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating material extends to opposite lateral sides of the block of smokeable material.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, a portion of the base extends beyond an end of the block of smokeable material.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the substrate is within a block of smokeable material.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the substrate comprises a smokeable material.

[0023] In exemplary embodiments, the substrate defines at least a portion of the exterior of the article.

[0024] In exemplary embodiments, the mass of smokeable material defines at least a portion of the exterior of the article.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the article includes a cover around the mass of smokeable material. In an exemplary embodiment, the cover defines at least a portion of the exterior of the article. In an exemplary embodiment, the cover may be made of paper, card, cardboard, or a plastic material.

[0026] In exemplary embodiments, the smokeable material comprises tobacco and / or one or more humectants.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, the smokeable material comprises a reconstituted smokeable material, such as reconstituted tobacco. In an exemplary embodiment, the smokeable material is in the form of one of a gel, a mass, a compressed material or a combined material.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, the block of smokeable material includes a plurality of regions, wherein the smokeable material in at least one region has a different form or chemical composition than the smokeable material of at least one other region, respectively.

[0029] A second aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for heating a smokeable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokeable material, the apparatus comprising:

[0030] a first body and a second body, a heating zone disposed between the first body and the second body, wherein the first body is movable relative to the second body to compress the heating zone, wherein the heating zone is adapted to receive at least a portion of the article comprising the smokeable material; and

[0031] Wherein one or each of the first and second bodies comprises at least a portion of a magnetic field generator for generating a varying magnetic field to be used for heating the smokeable material when the portion of the article is located in the heating zone.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, the first body is rotatable relative to the second body to compress the heating zone.

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, the portion of the magnetic field generator includes a conductive coil.

[0034] In exemplary embodiments, the or each magnetic field generator is used to generate a varying magnetic field that penetrates the heating zone.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, one or each of the first body and the second body includes a heating material that can be heated by penetrating it with a varying magnetic field to heat the heating zone.

[0036] A third aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for heating a smokeable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokeable material, the apparatus comprising:

[0037] a heating zone for receiving at least a portion of the article comprising smokeable material, wherein the heating zone has a length, a width perpendicular to the length, and a depth perpendicular to each of the length and the width, wherein the length is greater than or equal to the width, and wherein the width is greater than the depth; and

[0038] A magnetic field generator for generating a varying magnetic field to be used to heat the smokeable material when the portion of the article is located in the heating zone.

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, the magnetic field generator includes a power source that is offset from the heating zone in a direction parallel to the depth of the heating zone.

[0040] In an exemplary embodiment, the power supply has a length, a width perpendicular to the length of the power supply, and a depth perpendicular to each of the length and the width of the power supply, wherein the length of the power supply is greater than or equal to the width of the power supply, and wherein the width of the power supply is greater than the depth of the power supply; and

[0041] The length, width and depth of the power supply are substantially parallel to the length, width and depth of the heating zone, respectively.

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a first body and a second body, wherein a heating zone is defined by the first body and the second body and the heating zone is arranged between the first body and the second body, and wherein one or each of the first body and the second body comprises at least a portion of a magnetic field generator for generating a varying magnetic field to be used for heating the smokeable material when a portion of the article is located in the heating zone.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, portions of the magnetic field generator include two-dimensional conductive coils.

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes a third body including at least a portion of the circuit;

[0045] wherein the first side of the second body is attached to the first body via the first element, and the second side of the second body is attached to the third body via the second element; and

[0046] The second body is between the first body and the third body.

[0047] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a system comprising:

[0048] apparatus for heating a smokeable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokeable material; and

[0049] An article for use with the apparatus, wherein the article comprises a mass of smokeable material, and wherein an exterior of the article has a length, a width perpendicular to the length, and a depth perpendicular to each of the length and the width, wherein the length is greater than or equal to the width, and wherein the width is greater than the depth;

[0050] Therein, the apparatus comprises a heating zone for receiving at least a portion of an article, and a magnetic field generator for generating a varying magnetic field to be used to heat the smokeable material when the portion of the article is in the heating zone.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a heating material that can be heated by penetrating the material with a varying magnetic field when a portion of the article is located in a heating zone to heat the smokeable material.

[0052] In an exemplary embodiment, the article includes a heating material that can be heated by penetration with a varying magnetic field when a portion of the article is located in a heating zone to heat the smokeable material.

[0053] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus of the system is the apparatus of the second aspect of the invention.The apparatus of the system may have any one or more of the features discussed above as present in the respective exemplary embodiments of the apparatus.

[0054] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus of the system is the apparatus of the third aspect of the invention.The apparatus of the system may have any one or more of the features discussed above as present in the respective exemplary embodiments of the apparatus. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0056] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view illustrating an example of an article for use with an apparatus for heating a smokeable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokeable material is shown;

[0057] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a product;

[0058] Figure 3 Shown with Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view taken at 90 degrees Figure 1 Another schematic cross-sectional view of an article of;

[0059] Figure 4 a schematic perspective view illustrating an example of another article for use with an apparatus for heating a smokeable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokeable material;

[0060] Figure 5 a schematic perspective view illustrating an example of another article for use with an apparatus for heating a smokeable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokeable material;

[0061] Figure 6 shows a schematic perspective view of a portion of an example of an apparatus for heating a smokeable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokeable material;

[0062] Figure 7a schematic perspective view showing a portion of an example of another apparatus for heating smokeable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokeable material in a partially disassembled state; and

[0063] Figure 8 Shown in partially disassembled state Figure 7 Schematic perspective view of a portion of a device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] As used herein, the term "smokable material" includes materials that provide components that volatilize when heated, usually in the form of steam or aerosol. "Smokable material" can be a material that does not contain tobacco or a material that contains tobacco. "Smokable material" can, for example, include one or more of tobacco itself, herb derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco extracts, homogenized tobacco or tobacco substitutes. Smokable material can be in the form of ground tobacco, cut tobacco, extruded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, reconstituted smokable material, liquid, gel, gel sheet, powder or agglomerate, etc. "Smokable material" can also include other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine depending on the product. "Smokable material" can include one or more humectants, such as glycerol or propylene glycol.

[0065] As used herein, the term "heating material" or "heater material" refers to a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field.

[0066] As used herein, the terms "flavoring agent" and "flavoring agent" refer to materials that can be used to create a desired taste or aroma in products for adult consumers, where permitted by local regulations. They can include extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, Japanese white magnolia leaves, chamomile, fenugreek, cloves, menthol, Japanese mint, star anise, cinnamon, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Durling brand, bourbon, Scotch whisky, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, bitter wood, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cinnamon, caraway, dried The present invention also provides a kind of preparation of the present invention, wherein the preparation comprises: a kind of preparation of the present invention ...

[0067] Induction heating is the process of heating a conductive object by penetrating it with a varying magnetic field. This process is described by Faraday's law of induction and Ohm's law. An induction heater may comprise an electromagnet and a device for passing a varying current (such as an alternating current) through the electromagnet. When the electromagnet and the object to be heated are suitably positioned relative to each other so that the resulting varying magnetic field generated by the electromagnet penetrates the object, one or more eddy currents are generated within the object. The object has a resistance to the flow of current. Therefore, when these eddy currents are generated in the object, they flow against the resistance of the object, causing the object to heat. This process is known as Joule, Ohm, or resistive heating. An object that can be inductively heated is known as a susceptor.

[0068] It has been found that when the susceptor is in the form of a closed circuit, the magnetic coupling between the susceptor and the electromagnet in use is enhanced, which results in greater or improved Joule heating.

[0069] Hysteresis heating is the process of heating an object made of a magnetic material by passing a varying magnetic field through it. A magnetic material can be thought of as comprising numerous atomic-scale magnets, or magnetic dipoles. When a magnetic field penetrates such a material, the magnetic dipoles align with the magnetic field. Therefore, when a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field generated by an electromagnet, penetrates the magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles changes with the varying applied magnetic field. This reorientation of the magnetic dipoles causes heat to be generated in the magnetic material.

[0070] When an object is both conductive and magnetic, penetrating it with a varying magnetic field can induce Joule heating and hysteresis heating in the object. Furthermore, using magnetic materials can intensify the magnetic field, which can enhance Joule heating.

[0071] In each of the above processes, since heat is generated within the object itself rather than by an external heat source via thermal conduction, rapid temperature rise and more uniform heat distribution within the object can be achieved, particularly by selecting an appropriate object material and geometry, as well as an appropriately varying magnetic field magnitude and orientation relative to the object. Furthermore, since induction heating and hysteresis heating do not require a physical connection between the varying magnetic field source and the object, design freedom and control over the heating profile can be greater, and costs can be lower.

[0072] refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3 , shows a schematic perspective view and two schematic cross-sectional views taken at 90 degrees to one another of an example of an article according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, article 1 includes a block of smokeable material 10 and a substrate 20, with block 10 of smokeable material disposed on substrate 20. Article 1 is used in conjunction with an apparatus for heating smokeable material 10 to volatilize at least one component of smokeable material 10 without igniting smokeable material 10. An example of such an apparatus is described below.

[0073] The article 1 has an exterior that can contact the device in use. The exterior of the article 1 has a length L, a width W, and a depth D. The width W is perpendicular to the length L. The depth D is perpendicular to each of the length L and the width W. In this embodiment, the length L is greater than the width W, and the width W is greater than the depth D. In this embodiment, the exterior of the article 1 is a rectangular cube, so that the article 1 is elongated and has a substantially rectangular cross-section. However, in other embodiments, the length L may be substantially equal to the width W, so that the article 1 is not elongated per se. In some such embodiments, the exterior of the article 1 may be a square cube. In some embodiments, the exterior of the article 1 may not be a cube. For example, in some embodiments, some or all of the edges of the exterior of the article 1 may be beveled or rounded. In some embodiments, the article 1 may have a cross-section other than a substantially rectangular cross-section, such as an oval cross-section.

[0074] The block of smokeable material 10 is fixed relative to the exterior of the article 1. In this embodiment, the block of smokeable material 10 defines the entire exterior of the article 1. In other embodiments, some or all of the exterior of the article 1 may instead be defined by a component of the article 1 other than the block of smokeable material 10, such as a cover that extends at least partially around the smokeable material 10. Such a cover may be made of, for example, paper, cardboard, or a plastic material. Such a cover will preferably be permeable or have gaps therethrough. The cover may, for example, be made of a woven or non-woven material.

[0075] In this embodiment, substrate 20 includes a heating material, which is a material that can be heated by penetrating it with a varying magnetic field to heat the smokeable material 10. An example of such a heating material is described below. In this embodiment, substrate 20 is within the block of smokeable material 10. More specifically, in this embodiment, substrate 20 is completely enclosed or surrounded by the block of smokeable material 10. Therefore, when the heating material is heated by the varying magnetic field in use, heat radiated from the heating material heats the block of smokeable material 10.

[0076] In this embodiment, the substrate 20 is spaced apart from two opposing longitudinal ends of the block of smokeable material 10 and from opposing lateral sides of the block of smokeable material 10. This can help ensure that heat generated in the substrate 20 is effectively transferred to the smokeable material. However, in other embodiments, the substrate 20 may extend to only one or both of the opposing longitudinal ends of the block of smokeable material 10, and / or to only one or both of the opposing lateral sides of the block of smokeable material 10. This can help provide more uniform heating of the smokeable material 10 in use. In some embodiments, a portion of the substrate 20 may extend beyond an end (such as a longitudinal end) of the block of smokeable material 10 so as to form part of the exterior of the article 1, as described below with reference to Figure 5 This portion of substrate 20 may be accessible by a temperature monitor of an apparatus with which article 1 may be used, as discussed in more detail below. This portion of substrate 20 may include or consist of a heating material.

[0077] refer to Figure 4 , shows a schematic perspective view of an example of another product according to an embodiment of the present invention. Except for the form and position of the substrate 20 relative to the block of smokeable material 10, the product 2 of this embodiment is the same as Figures 1 to 3 The same as product 1. Figure 4 Product 2 makes a Figures 1 to 3 The article 2 is used with an apparatus for heating a smokeable material 10 to volatilize at least one component of the smokeable material 10 without igniting the smokeable material 10, such as one of the exemplary apparatuses described below.

[0078] The exterior of the article 2 also has a length L, a width W, and a depth D. The width W is perpendicular to the length L, and the depth D is perpendicular to each of the length L and the width W. In this embodiment, the length L is greater than the width W, and the width W is greater than the depth D. In this embodiment, the exterior of the article 2 is a rectangular cuboid, such that the article 2 is elongated and has a substantially rectangular cross-section. However, as indicated above, the exterior of the article 2 may be substantially rectangular. Figure 4 Product 2 makes a Figures 1 to 3 Any of the above-described possible variations of the article of manufacture can be used to form a separate corresponding embodiment.

[0079] The mass of smokeable material 10 is fixed relative to the exterior of the article 2. However, Figures 1 to 3 In contrast to the article 1 of FIG. 2 , in this embodiment, the block of smokeable material 10 defines only a portion of the exterior of the article 2. The substrate 20 defines another portion of the exterior of the article 2. In this embodiment, the exterior of the article 2 is defined by the combination of the block of smokeable material 10 and the substrate 20. However, in other embodiments, some or all of the exterior of the article 2 may instead be defined by a component of the article 2 other than the block of smokeable material 10 or the substrate 20, such as a cover that may extend at least partially around the smokeable material 10. Such a cover may be made of, for example, paper, card, cardboard, or a plastic material.

[0080] In this embodiment, the heated material of substrate 20 is in contact with the smokeable material 10. However, Figures 1 to 3 In contrast to the arrangement shown in , in this embodiment, the substrate 20 is not within the mass of smokeable material 10. Instead, the mass of smokeable material 10 is located on one face of the substrate 20. The article 2 can therefore be manufactured in a process that does not involve enclosing the substrate 20 in smokeable material 10, which can simplify manufacturing.

[0081] In this embodiment, the heating material of the substrate 20 extends to opposite longitudinal ends of the block of smokeable material 10. This can help provide more uniform heating of the smokeable material 10 in use and can assist in the manufacture of the article 2. For example, the article 2 can be formed by cutting the article 2 from an elongated or larger assembly of smokeable material included on the substrate material. However, in some embodiments, a portion of the substrate 20 may extend beyond the ends (such as opposite longitudinal ends) of the block of smokeable material 10 so as to form a portion of the exterior of the article 2. The extending portion of the substrate 20 may be accessible by a temperature monitor of an apparatus with which the article 2 may be used, as discussed in more detail below. The extending portion of the substrate 20 may include or consist of the heating material.

[0082] refer to Figure 5 , shows a schematic perspective view of another example of an article according to an embodiment of the present invention. Except for the external form of the article 3 and the form of the base 20 relative to the smokeable material block 10, the article 3 of this embodiment is similar to Figures 1 to 3 The same as product 1. Figure 5 Product 3 makes a Figures 1 to 4 Any of the possible variations described herein of the articles 1 and 2 of the present invention may be combined to form separate respective embodiments. The article 3 is used with an apparatus for heating a smokeable material 10 to volatilize at least one component of the smokeable material 10 without igniting the smokeable material 10, such as one of the example apparatuses described below.

[0083] In this embodiment, the exterior of the article 3 also has a length L, a width W, and a depth D. The width W is perpendicular to the length L, and the depth D is perpendicular to each of the length L and width W. In this embodiment, the length L is greater than the width W, and the width W is greater than the depth D. In this embodiment, the exterior of the article 3 is a rectangular cuboid, except that the elongated edges of the article 3 running in the direction of the length L of the article 3 are rounded. The article 3 is thus elongated and has a substantially rounded rectangular cross-section. In variations of this embodiment, the curved edges may instead be chamfered or right-angled edges. In some embodiments, the length L may be equal to or substantially equal to the width W, so that the article 3 is not inherently elongated. In some embodiments, the article 3 may have a cross-section other than a rounded rectangular cross-section, such as a substantially rectangular cross-section or an elliptical cross-section.

[0084] The mass of smokeable material 10 is fixed relative to the exterior of the article 2. However, Figure 4In contrast to the article 2 of FIG. 3 , in this embodiment, the block of smokeable material 10 defines only a small portion of the exterior of the article 3. Similarly, the substrate 20 defines only a small portion of the exterior of the article 3. Instead, the majority of the exterior of the article 3 is defined by the cover 30 of the article 3. The cover 30 may be made of, for example, paper, card, cardboard, or a plastic material.

[0085] In this embodiment, Figures 1 to 3 In contrast to the article 1 of the embodiment shown in FIG3 , a portion of the substrate 20 extends beyond the end of the mass of smokeable material 10. In this embodiment, the end is a longitudinal end of the mass of smokeable material 10. In this embodiment, this portion of the substrate 20 forms part of the exterior of the article 3. This portion of the substrate 20 may be accessible by a temperature monitor of an apparatus with which the article 3 may be used, as discussed in more detail below. This portion of the substrate 20 may include or consist of a heating material.

[0086] In this embodiment, the cover 30 surrounds the smokeable material 10 so that the smokeable material 10 is within the cover 30. In some embodiments, the cover 30 may also cover the longitudinal ends of the article 3 opposite the protruding portion of the substrate 20 discussed above. In this embodiment, most or all of the substrate 20 is not in contact with the cover 30. This can help avoid or reduce scorching of the cover 30 when the substrate 20 is heated during use. However, in other embodiments, the substrate 20 may be in contact with the cover 30.

[0087] In some embodiments, any of the covers 30 discussed above may include insulation. The insulation may include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of aerogel, vacuum insulation, wadding, fleece, non-woven material, non-woven fleece, woven material, knitted material, nylon, foam, polystyrene, polyester, polyester filament, polypropylene, blends of polyester and polypropylene, cellulose acetate, paper or card, and corrugated material (such as corrugated paper or card). The insulation may additionally or alternatively include air gaps. Such insulation may help prevent heat loss from components of the device and provide more efficient heating of the smokeable material 10 within the cover 30. In some embodiments, the insulation may have a thickness of up to 1 mm (such as up to 0.5 mm).

[0088] exist Figures 1 to 5In each of the articles 1, 2, and 3 shown in FIG, substrate 20 includes a heating material that is heatable by penetrating it with a varying magnetic field to heat the smokeable material 10. In each of the illustrated embodiments, substrate 20 is composed entirely or substantially entirely of the heating material. However, this need not be the case in other embodiments. In each of the embodiments discussed above, the heating material is aluminum. However, in other embodiments, the heating material may include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: an electrically conductive material, a magnetic material, and a magnetically conductive material. The heating material may include a metal or a metal alloy. The heating material may include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: aluminum, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, graphite, plain carbon steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, copper, and bronze. Other heating materials may be used in other embodiments. It has been discovered that when a magnetically conductive material is used as the heating material, the magnetic coupling between substrate 20 and the electromagnet of the device during use can be enhanced. In addition to potentially enabling hysteresis heating, this can result in greater or improved Joule heating of the heating material, and therefore greater or improved heating of the smokeable material 10.

[0089] exist Figures 1 to 5 In each of the articles 1, 2, and 3 shown in FIG, the heating material of substrate 20 is in contact with smokeable material 10. Thus, when the heating material is heated by being penetrated by a varying magnetic field, heat can be transferred directly from the heating material to smokeable material 10. In other embodiments, the heating material may not be in contact with smokeable material 10. For example, in some embodiments, articles 1, 2, and 3 may include a thermally conductive barrier that is free of heating material and separates substrate 20 from smokeable material 10. In some embodiments, the thermally conductive barrier may be a coating on substrate 20. Providing such a barrier may be advantageous to help dissipate heat to alleviate hot spots in the heating material.

[0090] exist Figures 1 to 5 In each of the articles 1, 2, and 3 shown in FIG, substrate 20 has a length SL, a width SW, and a depth SD. Width SW is perpendicular to length SL. Depth SD is perpendicular to each of length SL and width SW. In the illustrated embodiment, length SL is greater than width SW, and width SW is greater than depth SD. However, in some embodiments, length SL may be equal to or substantially equal to width SW.

[0091] exist Figures 1 to 5In each of the articles 1, 2, and 3 shown in FIG, substrate 20 thus has two opposing major surfaces joined by two minor surfaces. Consequently, the depth SD, or thickness, of substrate 20 is relatively small compared to other dimensions of substrate 20. This helps ensure that heat generated in substrate 20 is effectively transferred to the smokeable material. In this embodiment, substrate 20 has a rectangular or substantially rectangular cross-section perpendicular to its length SL. However, in other embodiments, substrate 20 may have a cross-section other than rectangular, such as circular, elliptical, annular, polygonal, square, triangular, star-shaped, or radially fin-shaped.

[0092] In each of the illustrated embodiments, the length SL, width SW, and depth SD of the substrate 20 are substantially parallel to the length L, width W, and depth D, respectively, of the exterior of the articles 1, 2, 3. Furthermore, in each of the illustrated embodiments, the substrate 20 extends along a longitudinal axis that is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the articles 1, 2, 3. This can help provide more uniform heating of the smokeable material 10 in use. Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5 In the articles 1 and 3, the aligned axes coincide. In variations of these embodiments, the aligned axes may be parallel to each other, as in Figure 4 However, in other embodiments, the axes may be inclined relative to each other, or one or both of the substrate 20 and the articles 1, 2, 3 may not have a longitudinal axis.

[0093] In some embodiments, substrate 20 has a depth SD of less than 5 mm. In some embodiments, substrate 20 has a depth SD of less than 2 mm. In some embodiments, substrate 20 has a depth SD of between 0.1 mm and 0.6 mm, such as 0.3 mm.

[0094] In each of the illustrated embodiments, the substrate 20 is impermeable to air or volatile materials and is substantially free of interruptions. The substrate 20 can therefore be relatively easy to manufacture. However, in variations of these embodiments, the substrate 20 can be permeable to air and / or permeable to volatile materials generated when the smokeable material 10 is heated. Such permeable properties of the substrate 20 can help air pass through the articles 1, 2, 3 to pick up the volatile materials generated when the smokeable material 10 is heated. In some embodiments, such permeable properties of the substrate 20 can also be used to block undesirable heat paths to the ends of the substrate 20, where heat can leak from the articles 1, 2, 3 without significantly heating the smokeable material 10.

[0095] exist Figures 1 to 5In each of the articles 1, 2, and 3 shown in FIG, the cross-section of substrate 20 is constant along the length of substrate 20. Furthermore, in these embodiments, substrate 20 is planar or substantially planar. Substrate 20 in each of these embodiments can be considered a flat strip. However, in other embodiments, this may not be the case.

[0096] For example, in some embodiments, substrate 20 may follow a wavy or undulating path. The path may be a sinusoidal path. In some embodiments, substrate 20 may be twisted. In some such embodiments, substrate 20 may be considered to be twisted about a longitudinal axis that coincides with the longitudinal axis of articles 1, 2, 3. In some embodiments, substrate 20 may be corrugated. In some such embodiments, substrate 20 may be considered to follow a longitudinal axis that coincides with the longitudinal axis of articles 1, 2, 3.

[0097] This non-planar shape of substrate 20 can help air passing through articles 1, 2, 3 pick up volatilized material produced when heating smokeable material 10. The non-planar shape can provide a tortuous path for the air to follow, thereby creating turbulence in the air and resulting in better heat transfer from the heated material to the smokeable material 10. The non-planar shape can also increase the surface area of ​​substrate 20 per unit length of substrate 20. This can result in greater or improved Joule heating of substrate 20, and therefore greater or improved heating of smokeable material 10.

[0098] Other embodiments of the non-planar substrate 20 can have shapes other than those discussed above. For example, in some embodiments, the substrate 20 can be a spiral, a helical shape, include a plate or strip or ribbon having protrusions thereon and / or depressions therein, include a mesh, include expanded metal, or have a non-uniform non-planar shape.

[0099] In each of the embodiments described above, the block of smokeable material 10 is referred to as being fixed relative to the exterior of the article 1, 2, 3. However, in other embodiments, the block of smokeable material 10 may be movable relative to the exterior of the article 1, 2, 3, at least to some extent.

[0100] exist Figures 1 to 5 In each of the articles 1, 2, 3 shown in FIG, the block of smokeable material 10 comprises a first region 10a, a second region 10b and a third region 10c ( Figure 5 or Figure 2 and Figure 310c). The smokeable material 10 in at least one of these regions 10a, 10b, 10c has a form or chemical composition different from the form or chemical composition of the smokeable material 10 in at least one of these regions 10a, 10b, 10c. In some embodiments, the smokeable material in at least one of these regions 10a, 10b, 10c has a form or chemical composition so as to be more rapidly heatable than the smokeable material in at least one of these regions 10a, 10b, 10c. For example, the regions 10a, 10b, 10c may have different corresponding average sizes of particles of the smokeable material. In some embodiments, the difference in chemical composition may include a difference in the amount by weight of moisture, vapor forming agent (such as glycerol), or smoke modifying substance (such as flavoring agent). By providing different amounts of moisture, smoke modifying agent or flavoring agent to different regions 10a, 10b, 10c, in some embodiments, a change in the aroma of the generated vapor for inhalation by the user is achievable. This effect may be enabled or enhanced by a device (with which the articles 1 , 2 , 3 are used) that is capable of heating the different regions 10a , 10b , 10c individually and / or independently.

[0101] Although, in the illustrated articles 1, 2, 3, the regions 10a, 10b, 10c are positioned relative to each other in the length L direction of the articles 1, 2, 3, in other embodiments, the regions 10a, 10b, 10c may be positioned relative to each other along the width W or depth D direction of the articles 1, 2, 3. Figure 1 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 In each of the blocks 10, three regions 10a, 10b, 10c are shown, but in other embodiments there may be two or more than three such regions. In some embodiments, all of the blocks 10 of smokeable material have a substantially constant form and / or chemical composition.

[0102] In some embodiments, the depth D of the exterior of the article 1, 2, 3 may be less than half the width W of the exterior of the article 1, 2, 3. Figures 1 to 5 In each of the illustrated articles 1 , 2 , 3 , the depth D of the exterior of the article 1 , 2 , 3 is less than one-quarter the width W of the exterior of the article 1 , 2 , 3 . However, in other embodiments, the depth D may be greater than half the width W. The smaller the depth D relative to the width W, the greater the surface area of ​​the exterior of the article 1 , 2 , 3 for a given volume of the article 1 , 2 , 3 . This may result in greater or improved heating of the smokeable material 10 during use, and / or greater, easier, or improved release from the article 1 , 2 , 3 of volatilized material produced when the smokeable material 10 is heated.

[0103] In some embodiments, which may be variations of the embodiments discussed above, the first portion of substrate 20 may be more susceptible to eddy currents induced therein by penetration with a varying magnetic field than the second portion of substrate 20. The first portion of substrate 20 may be more susceptible because the first portion of substrate 20 is made of a first material, the second portion of substrate 20 is made of a different second material, and the first material has a higher susceptibility to eddy currents induced therein than the second material. For example, one of the first and second portions may be made of iron, and the other of the first and second portions may be made of graphite. Alternatively or additionally, the first portion of substrate 20 may be more susceptible because the first portion of substrate 20 has a different thickness than the second portion of substrate 20. In some embodiments, such first and second portions are positioned adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of article 1, 2, 3 or substrate 20, but this need not be the case in other embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the first and second portions may be positioned adjacent to each other in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of article 1, 2, 3 or substrate 20.

[0104] The susceptibility of the substrate 20 to such variations in the eddy currents induced therein can help achieve gradual heating of the smokeable material 10 and, thereby, the gradual generation of vapor. For example, a more susceptible portion can be able to relatively quickly heat a first region of the smokeable material 10 to initiate volatilization of at least one component of the smokeable material 10 and the formation of vapor in the first region of the smokeable material 10. A less susceptible portion can be able to relatively slowly heat a second region of the smokeable material 10 to initiate volatilization of at least one component of the smokeable material 10 and the formation of vapor in the second region of the smokeable material 10. Thus, vapor can be formed relatively quickly for inhalation by a user, and thereafter vapor can continue to form for subsequent inhalations by the user, even after the first region of the smokeable material 10 may have ceased generating vapor. When the first region of the smokeable material 10 is depleted of the volatile component of the smokeable material 10, the first region of the smokeable material may cease generating vapor.

[0105] In other embodiments, the entirety of substrate 20 may be equally or substantially equally susceptible to eddy currents induced therein by the passage of a varying magnetic field. In some embodiments, substrate 20 may not be susceptible to such eddy currents. In such embodiments, the heating material may be a non-conductive magnetic material and, therefore, may be heatable via the hysteresis process discussed above.

[0106] In some embodiments, which may be variations of the embodiments discussed above, a plurality of articles 1, 2, 3 may be arranged in a stack. The articles may be adhered to one another in the stack. Each of the articles 1, 2, 3 in the stack may be identical to each other of the articles 1, 2, 3 in the stack. Alternatively, one or more of the articles 1, 2, 3 in the stack may be different in configuration from one or more of the other articles 1, 2, 3 in the stack. For example, any one or more of the articles in the stack may be one of the articles 1, 2, 3 discussed above, and another one or more of the articles in the stack may be a different one of the articles 1, 2, 3 discussed above. The smokeable material may then be sandwiched between two bodies of heated material.

[0107] In some embodiments, which may be corresponding variations of the embodiments discussed above, the articles 1, 2, 3 may include a plurality of substrates 20 within the block of smokeable material 10, wherein each of the substrates 20 includes a heating material that is heatable by being penetrated by a varying magnetic field. At least one of the plurality of substrates 20 may be more susceptible to eddy currents induced therein by being penetrated by a varying magnetic field than at least one of the other of the plurality of substrates 20. This may be accomplished by having substrates 20 made of different heating materials and / or having different thicknesses, for example, as discussed above. Furthermore, this varying susceptibility of the substrates 20 may help achieve gradual heating of the smokeable material 10, and thereby help achieve gradual generation of vapor, in a manner corresponding to that described above. The plurality of substrates 20 may be coplanar.

[0108] In some embodiments where substrate 20 includes a heating material, articles 1, 2, 3 may include a catalytic material on at least a portion of substrate 20. The catalytic material may take the form of a coating on substrate 20. The catalytic material may be provided on the entire surface of substrate 20, or on only some of the surfaces of substrate 20. Providing such a catalytic material on substrate 20 means that, in use, articles 1, 2, 3 may have a heated, chemically active surface. In use, the catalytic material may be used to convert a potential irritant into something less irritating, or to increase the rate of conversion of a potential irritant into something less irritating.

[0109] In some embodiments, which may be variations of the embodiments discussed above, substrate 20 may be devoid of heating material. For example, in some embodiments, the entire article 1, 2, or 3 may be devoid of heating material. Some such articles may be used with a device for heating smokeable material 10 to volatilize at least one component of smokeable material 10 without igniting the smokeable material 10, wherein the device itself includes a heating material that can be heated by penetrating it with a varying magnetic field. Preferably, substrate 20 comprises one or more materials that impart a sufficient degree of structure and / or robustness to the article 1, 2, or 3.

[0110] In some embodiments, substrate 20 may include a smokeable material, such as tobacco. In some embodiments, substrate 20 may include or consist entirely or substantially entirely of a smokeable material, such as tobacco, such as reconstituted smokeable material, for example, reconstituted tobacco, sometimes referred to as "tobacco recon." Depending on the thickness and composition of the reconstituted smokeable material, most or all of the entire articles 1, 2, or 3 may consist entirely or substantially entirely of the smokeable material.

[0111] In some embodiments, which may be corresponding variations of the embodiments discussed above, substrate 20 may be omitted. That is, articles 1, 2, 3 may lack a substrate. In some such embodiments, articles 1, 2, 3 may consist entirely or substantially entirely of a block of smokeable material 10. However, appropriate adhesion may be required so that block of smokeable material 10 retains its shape. Block of smokeable material 10 may be formed, for example, by a process that involves compacting smokeable material 10 until the smokeable material assumes a desired final shape.

[0112] In some embodiments that can be corresponding variations of the embodiments discussed above, the products 1, 2, and 3 may include a mouthpiece that defines a passageway that is fluidically connected to the block of smokeable material 10. The mouthpiece may be made of any suitable material (such as plastic material, cardboard, cellulose acetate, paper, metal, glass, ceramic, or rubber). In use, when the smokeable material 10 is heated, the volatile components of the smokeable material 10 can be quickly inhaled by the user. In embodiments where the product is a consumable product, once all or substantially all of the volatile components of the smokeable material 10 in the product have been used up, the user can dispose of the mouthpiece together with the remainder of the product. Compared to using the same mouthpiece in the case of multiple products, this can be more hygienic, can help ensure that the mouthpiece is correctly aligned with the smokeable material, and presents a clean, fresh mouthpiece to the user whenever the user wishes to use another product. When provided, the mouthpiece may include a flavoring agent or be impregnated with a flavoring agent. The flavoring agent may be arranged so that when the steam passes through the passageway of the mouthpiece in use, it is picked up by the heated steam.

[0113] Each of the above-described articles 1, 2, and 3, and their variations, can offer significant manufacturing advantages, at least due to the proportions of the exterior of the articles, which can be considered "flat." For example, this proportion can lend itself to use with a wide variety of available materials, with correspondingly varying thicknesses, thickness tolerances, and thermal, chemical, and mechanical properties. Furthermore, this proportion can help ensure that the smokeable material is positioned proximate to or in contact with the heating material, resulting in a relatively high thermal conductivity. This can help reduce temperature rise times and increase temperature control responsiveness.

[0114] Each of the above-described articles 1, 2, 3 and the described variations thereof can be used with an apparatus for heating a smokeable material 10 to volatilize at least one component of the smokeable material 10. The apparatus can heat the smokeable material 10 to volatilize at least one component of the smokeable material 10 without igniting the smokeable material 10. Any of the articles 1, 2, 3 and such an apparatus can be provided together as a system. The system can take the form of a kit in which the articles 1, 2, 3 are separate from the apparatus. Alternatively, the system can take the form of an assembly in which the articles 1, 2, 3 are combined with the apparatus. Reference will now be made to Figures 6 to 8 An example of such a device is described.

[0115] refer to Figure 6 , shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a device for heating a smokeable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokeable material according to an embodiment of the present invention. The device 100 of this embodiment can be used with the device 100 of the embodiment described above. Figures 1 to 5 Broadly speaking, the apparatus 100 comprises a first body 111, a second body 112, and a heating zone 114 therebetween for receiving at least a portion of the article 1, 2, 3 comprising smokeable material 10.

[0116] The first body 111 is movable relative to the second body 112 to compress the heating zone 114. That is, this movement causes the volume of the heating zone 114 to change. In this embodiment, the first body 111 is rotatable relative to the second body 112. However, in other embodiments, the movement may be translational, a combination of translation and rotation, irregular movement, or the like. In this embodiment, movement of the first body 111 relative to the second body 112 in a first direction reduces the volume of the heating zone 114, while movement of the first body 111 relative to the second body 112 in a second direction increases the volume of the heating zone 114.

[0117] In some embodiments, when the article 1, 2, 3 is positioned in the heating zone 114, the movement of the first body 111 relative to the second body 112 compresses the article 1, 2, 3. This compression of the article 1, 2, 3 can compress the smokeable material 10 so as to increase the thermal conductivity of the smokeable material 10. In other words, the compression of the smokeable material 10 can provide higher heat transfer through the article 1, 2, 3. This compression should not be so great as to damage the article 1, 2, 3 or prevent a user from being able to inhale volatilized material from the article 1, 2, 3.

[0118] In this embodiment, apparatus 100 includes a magnetic field generator 120 for generating a varying magnetic field to be used to heat the smokeable material of articles 1, 2, 3 when articles 1, 2, 3 are positioned in heating zone 114. In this embodiment, magnetic field generator 120 includes: a power source 121; two conductive coils 122a, 122b; means 123 for passing a varying current (such as an alternating current) through each of coils 122a, 122b; a controller 124; and a user interface 125 for user operation of controller 124.

[0119] The first body 111 includes: a first coil 122a, one of the two conductive coils; a first support 130a, on which the first conductive coil 122a is supported; a first non-conductive member 140a, defining one or more airflow channels 142a; and a first heater 110a. The first member 140a is positioned between the first conductive coil 122a and the first heater 110a. Similarly, the second body 122 includes: a second coil 122b, one of the two conductive coils; a second support 130b, on which the second conductive coil 122b is supported; a second non-conductive member 140b, defining one or more airflow channels 142b; and a second heater 110b. The second member 140b is positioned between the second conductive coil 122b and the second heater 110b. In this embodiment, the first heater 110a and the second heater 110b define the heating zone 114. However, in other embodiments, other parts of the device 100 may alternatively or additionally define the heating zone 114.

[0120] In this embodiment, each of the first heater 110a and the second heater 110b includes a heating material that can be heated by being penetrated with a changing magnetic field. The heating material may include one or more of the heating materials discussed above. More specifically, although Figure 6Although not shown, in this embodiment, each of the first and second heaters 110a, 110b defines multiple closed circuits for heating the material. The closed circuits are heatable during use to heat the heating zone 114. It has been found that the use of closed circuits provides enhanced magnetic coupling between the first and second heaters 110a, 110b and the first and second coils 122a, 122b, respectively, during use, which can provide greater or improved Joule heating of the first and second heaters 110a, 110b. In some embodiments, one or each of the first and second heaters 110a, 110b may define only one closed circuit for heating the material. In other embodiments (such as those in which each of the first and second heaters 110a, 110b is made of a magnetically non-conductive material), the first and second heaters 110a, 110b may not define any number of closed circuits. In some embodiments, one or each of the first and second heaters 110a, 110b may comprise a plate of heated material or multiple discrete areas of heated material.

[0121] In some embodiments, the impedance of the coil 122a of one of the first and second bodies 111, 112 is equal to or substantially equal to the impedance of the heater 110a, 110b of one of the first and second bodies 111, 112. Matching the impedances can help balance voltage and current to maximize the heating power generated at the heaters 110a, 110b when heating in use.

[0122] In this embodiment, means 123 for passing an alternating or varying current through each of the coils 122a, 122b is electrically connected between the power source 121 and each of the coils 122a, 122b (although for clarity, Figure 6Only the electrical connection to the coil 122a of the first body 111 is shown. In this embodiment, the controller 124 is also electrically connected to the power source 121 and is communicatively connected to the device 123. The controller 124 is used to cause and control heating by the device 100. More specifically, in this embodiment, the controller 124 is used to control the device 123 so as to control the supply of electrical power from the power source 121 to the coils 122a, 122b. In this embodiment, the controller 124 includes an integrated circuit (IC), such as an IC on a printed circuit board (PCB). In other embodiments, the controller 124 may take a different form. In some embodiments, the device may have a single electrical or electronic component including the device 123 and the controller 124. In this embodiment, the controller 124 is operated by user operation of the user interface 125. In this embodiment, the user interface 125 is located on the exterior of the device 100. The user interface 125 may include buttons, toggle switches, a dial, a touch screen, etc. In other embodiments, the user interface 125 may be remote and wirelessly connected to the rest of the device, such as via Bluetooth.

[0123] In this embodiment, user operation of the user interface 125 causes the controller 124 to cause the device 123 to apply an alternating current to each of the coils 122a and 122b, thereby causing the coils 122a and 122b to generate corresponding alternating magnetic fields. The first coil 122a and the first heater 110a are appropriately positioned relative to each other so that the alternating magnetic field generated by the first coil 122a penetrates the first heater 110a. When the heating material of the first heater 110a is a conductive material, this can cause one or more eddy currents to be generated in the first heater 110a. The eddy currents in the first heater 110a flow against the resistance of the first heater 110a, causing the first heater 110a to be heated by Joule heating. As mentioned above, when the first heater 110 is made of a magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles in the first heater 110a changes with the changing applied magnetic field, which causes heat to be generated in the first heater 110a. Similarly, in this embodiment, the second coil 122b and the second heater 110b are suitably positioned relative to each other so that the alternating magnetic field generated by the second coil 122b penetrates the second heater 110b.

[0124] In some embodiments, one or both of the first heater 110a and the second heater 110b comprising the heating material may be omitted from the apparatus 100. In such embodiments, the apparatus 100 still comprises a magnetic field generator for generating a varying magnetic field. Such an apparatus 100 may be used in conjunction with an article (such as the one described above with reference to a device 100) that itself comprises a heating material that can act as a heater to heat the smokeable material 10 therein during use. Figures 1 to 5In one embodiment, the heating zone 114 is defined by the other portions of the first and second bodies 111 and 112. In this embodiment, the heating zone 114 and the coils 122a and 122b can be positioned relative to each other so that the changing magnetic field generated by the coils 122a and 122b in use penetrates the heating zone 114 at the location of the heated material of the article 1, 2, or 3 when the article 1, 2, or 3 is positioned in the heating zone 114. When the heated material of the article 1, 2, or 3 is a conductive material, this can cause eddy currents to be generated in the heated material of the article 1, 2, or 3. The flow of these eddy currents against the electrical resistance of the heated material causes the heated material to be heated by Joule heating. When the heated material of the article 1, 2, or 3 is made of a magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles in the heated material changes with the changing applied magnetic field, causing heat to be generated in the heated material.

[0125] In some embodiments, the heating material of heaters 110a, 110b of apparatus 100 or the heating material of articles 1, 2, or 3 may include discontinuities or holes therein. Such discontinuities or holes may act as thermal interruptions to control the degree to which different regions of the smokeable material are heated during use. Regions of the heating material with discontinuities or holes therein may be heated to a lesser degree than regions without discontinuities or holes therein. This may help achieve gradual heating of the smokeable material, and therefore, gradual generation of vapor.

[0126] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 , shows a schematic perspective view of corresponding parts of an example of an apparatus for heating a smokeable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokeable material according to another embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 200 of this embodiment can be used in conjunction with the apparatus 200 of the embodiment described above. Figures 1 to 5 Broadly speaking, the apparatus 200 comprises a heating zone 114 for receiving at least a portion of the product 1, 2, 3 comprising a smokeable material 10; and a magnetic field generator 120 for generating a varying magnetic field to be used to heat the smokeable material 10 when the portion of the product 1, 2, 3 is positioned in the heating zone 114. Figure 8 middle, Figure 5 The article 3 is shown inserted into the heating zone 114 of the apparatus 200. However, in other embodiments, different articles (such as Figures 1 to 4 One of the articles 1 , 2 shown in ) may be used with the apparatus 200 .

[0127] Heating zone 114 of apparatus 200 has a length HL, a width HW perpendicular to length HL, and a depth HD perpendicular to each of length HL and width HW. In this embodiment, length HL is greater than width HW, and width HW is greater than depth HD, making heating zone 114 elongated. However, in other embodiments, length HL may be equal to or substantially equal to width HW, making heating zone 114 not inherently elongated. In any case, by providing heating zone 114 with similar dimensions and proportions relative to articles 1, 2, 3 with which apparatus 200 is used, a tight or snug fit can be provided between articles 1, 2, 3 and apparatus 200. This can help protect articles 1, 2, 3 from damage caused by movement relative to apparatus 200 if apparatus 200 is knocked. This can also help ensure proper positioning of articles 1, 2, 3 (and therefore the heated material within articles 1, 2, 3) relative to magnetic field generator 120.

[0128] In this embodiment, if Figure 7 As best shown in FIG, device 200 includes a first body 111, a second body 112, and a third body 113. A first side 112a of second body 112 is attached to first body 111 via a pair of first elements 151. A second side 112b of second body 112 is attached to third body 113 via a pair of second elements 152. Thus, second body 112 is positioned between first body 111 and third body 113. In other embodiments, only one of each of first element 151 and second element 152 may be provided. In this embodiment, first element 151 and second element 152 are flexible, and thus first body 111, second body 112, and third body 113 are movable relative to each other due to the flexible nature of elements 151 and 152 connecting them together. First element 151 and second element 152 are foldable to enable rotation of second body 112 relative to each of first body 111 and third body 113. In this embodiment, the first body 111 and the third body 113 are movable relative to the second body 112 so that the second body 112 becomes sandwiched between the first body 111 and the third body 113. Figure 8 . In this embodiment, in this state, the first to third bodies 111, 112, and 113 are substantially parallel to each other. In other embodiments, the first element 151 and the second element 152 may be twistable rather than flexible. For example, in some embodiments, each of the first element 151 and the second element 152 may include a hinge. In some embodiments, each of the first element 151 and the second element 152 may be relatively non-twistable.

[0129] In this embodiment, the magnetic field generator 120 includes: a power supply 121; two conductive coils 122a, 122b; a device 123 for passing a varying current (such as an alternating current) through each of the coils 122a, 122b; a controller 124; and a user interface for user operation of the controller 124 (not shown).

[0130] In this embodiment, each of the first body 111 and the second body 112 includes a respective one of the conductive coils 122a, 122b. In this embodiment, each of the coils 122a, 122b is a two-dimensional conductive coil, but in other embodiments, one or each of the coils 122a, 122b may take a different form.

[0131] In this embodiment, the third body 113 includes a device 123 and a controller 124. The device 123 and the controller 124 may be implemented as discussed above. Figure 6 The third body may be in the form of any of the device 123 and the controller 124 of the apparatus 100. The third body may include at least a portion of the circuit, which may be a portion of the device 123 and / or a portion of the controller 124.

[0132] Similar to Figure 6 In this embodiment, a device 123 for passing an alternating current or a varying current through each of the coils 122a, 122b is electrically connected between the power supply 121 and each of the coils 122a, 122b. Moreover, the controller 124 is also electrically connected to the power supply 121 and is communicatively connected to the device 123. The electrical connection between the components of the magnetic field generator 120 on the first to third bodies 111, 112, 113 can be via one or more of the first element 151 and the second element 152. The controller 124 is used to cause and control heating by the device 200. The controller 124 can take the form discussed above for Figure 6 In some embodiments, the device 200 may have a single electrical or electronic component including the device 123 and the controller 124. The user interface may take the form of the controller 124 discussed above. Figure 6 Any of the forms of the user interface 125 of the device 100.

[0133] In this embodiment, when the device 200 is in Figure 8 In the state shown in FIG, the heating zone 114 is defined by the first body 111 and the second body 112 and is arranged between the first body and the second body. Figure 8, the insulator 115 is positioned between the second body 112 and the third body 113 when in the state shown in . The insulator 115 may include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: aerogel, vacuum insulation, wadding, fleece, non-woven material, non-woven fleece, woven material, knitted material, nylon, foam, polystyrene, polyester, polyester filament, polypropylene, a blend of polyester and polypropylene, cellulose acetate, paper or card, and corrugated material (such as corrugated paper or card). The insulator 115 may additionally or alternatively include an air gap. Such an insulator 115 may help prevent heat loss from the heating zone 114 to the electrical components of the device 200 (such as the device 123 and / or the controller 124) and provide more efficient heating of the smokeable material 10 within the heating zone 114. In some embodiments, the insulator 115 may be omitted.

[0134] In this embodiment, all of the above-discussed components of the device 200 are enclosed in the outer housing 150 of the device 200 so that the relative relationship of all components is maintained.

[0135] In this embodiment, power source 121 is offset from heating zone 114 in a direction parallel to the depth HD of heating zone 114. This allows for relatively compact external dimensions of housing 150 or apparatus 200, compared to alternative configurations in which power source 121 is offset from heating zone 114 in a direction parallel to the length HL or width HD of heating zone 114. In this embodiment, power source 121 has a length EL, a width EW perpendicular to length EL, and a depth ED perpendicular to each of length EL and width EW. Length EL is greater than width EW, and width EW is greater than depth ED. Furthermore, length EL, width EW, and depth ED of power source 121 are substantially parallel to length HL, width HW, and depth HD of heating zone 114, respectively. Consequently, external dimensions of housing 150 or apparatus 200 can be further compacted, compared to alternative configurations in which power source 121 is differently proportioned relative to heating zone 114. However, in other embodiments, power source 121 may take a form different from that shown and / or may be located elsewhere than shown.

[0136] In some embodiments, the third body 113 may be omitted.In some such embodiments, the device 123 and the controller 124 will be located elsewhere in the apparatus 200, such as on a major surface of the second body 112 opposite the major surface carrying the second coil 122b.

[0137] In this embodiment, when the articles 1, 2, or 3 are positioned in the heating zone 114, the heating zone 114 and the coils 122a and 122b are positioned relative to each other so that the changing magnetic field generated by the coils 122a and 122b in use penetrates the heating zone 114 at the location of the heating material of the articles 1, 2, or 3. When the heating material of the articles 1, 2, or 3 is a conductive material, this can cause eddy currents to be generated in the heating material of the articles 1, 2, or 3. The flow of these eddy currents against the electrical resistance of the heating material causes the heating material to be heated by Joule heating. When the heating material of the articles 1, 2, or 3 is made of a magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles in the heating material changes with the changing applied magnetic field, which causes heat to be generated in the heating material.

[0138] In each of the embodiments discussed above, each of the coils 122a, 122b can take any suitable form. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the coils 122a, 122b comprises a two-dimensional spiral of a conductive material (such as copper). In some embodiments, the magnetic field generator 120 can include one or more magnetically permeable cores around which the coils 122a, 122b are wound. This can help concentrate the magnetic flux generated by the corresponding coils 122a, 122b to obtain a more powerful magnetic field. For example, the or each magnetically permeable core can be made of iron. In some embodiments, the magnetically permeable core can extend only partially along the length of its associated coils 122a, 122b so that the magnetic flux is concentrated in only certain areas.

[0139] Although in each of the embodiments discussed above, each of the first body 111 and the second body 112 includes a conductive coil 122a, 122b of the magnetic field generator 120, in other embodiments, only one of the first body 111 and the second body 112 may include such a coil 122a, 122b. In some embodiments, the magnetic field generator 120 may include only one coil 122a, 122b.

[0140] In each of the embodiments discussed above, the power source 121 is a rechargeable battery. In other embodiments, the power source 121 may not be a rechargeable battery, such as a non-rechargeable battery, a capacitor, a battery-capacitor hybrid, or a connection to a mains power source.

[0141] In each of the embodiments discussed above, the apparatus 100, 200 includes a temperature sensor 126 for sensing the temperature of the heating zone 114. The temperature sensor 126 can be communicatively connected to the controller 124, enabling the controller 124 to monitor the temperature of the heating zone 114. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor 126 can be arranged to perform optical temperature measurements of the heating zone 114 or the articles 1, 2, 3. In some embodiments, the articles 1, 2, 3 can include a temperature detector, such as a resistance temperature detector (RTD), for detecting the temperature of the articles 1, 2, 3. The articles 1, 2, 3 can also include one or more terminals connected (such as electrically connected) to the temperature detector. When the articles 1, 2, 3 are in the heating zone 114, the terminals can be used to connect (such as electrically connect) to a temperature monitor of the apparatus 100. The controller 124 can include a temperature monitor. The temperature monitor of the apparatus 100 can therefore be able to determine the temperature of the articles 1, 2, 3 during use of the articles 1, 2, 3 with the apparatus 100.

[0142] In some embodiments, by providing the heating material of the articles 1, 2, 3 with a suitable electrical resistance, the response of the heating material to temperature changes may be sufficient to provide information about the temperature within the articles 1, 2, 3. The temperature sensor of the apparatus 100 may then include a probe for analyzing the heating material of the articles 1, 2, 3.

[0143] In some embodiments, the temperature sensor 126 of the apparatus 100, 200 may be configured to contact the heated material of the article when the article is positioned in the heating zone 114. For example, in some embodiments, the temperature sensor 126 of the apparatus 100, 200 may include a device that contacts the heated material of the article. Figure 5 The thermocouple is a protruding portion of the substrate 20 of the article 3. The thermocouple may be biased into contact with the article by a resilient element such as a leaf spring.

[0144] In each of the embodiments discussed above, based on one or more signals received from the temperature sensor 126 or temperature detector, the controller 124 can cause the device 123 to adjust the characteristics of the varying current or alternating current passing through the first coil 122a and / or the second coil 122b, as needed, to ensure that the temperature of the heating zone 114 remains within a predetermined temperature range. This characteristic can be, for example, amplitude or frequency. Within the predetermined temperature range, in use, the smokeable material 10 of the article 1, 2, 3 positioned in the heating zone 114 in use is heated sufficiently to volatilize at least one component of the smokeable material 10 without burning the smokeable material 10. Thus, the controller 124 and the apparatus 100, 200 as a whole are arranged to heat the smokeable material 10 to volatilize at least one component of the smokeable material 10 without burning the smokeable material 10. In some embodiments, the temperature range is about 50°C to about 300°C, such as about 50°C to about 250°C, about 50°C to about 150°C, about 50°C to about 120°C, about 50°C to about 100°C, about 50°C to about 80°C, or about 60°C to about 70°C. In some embodiments, the temperature range is about 170°C to about 220°C. In other embodiments, the temperature range may not be this range. In some embodiments, temperature sensor 126 may be omitted.

[0145] In some embodiments, the apparatus 100, 200 or the article 1, 2, 3 may include a mouthpiece. In such embodiments, when the article 1, 2, 3 is positioned in the heating zone 114, the user may be able to inhale the volatilized components of the smokeable material 10 by drawing the volatilized components through a channel in the mouthpiece (which is in fluid communication with the heating zone 114). Figure 6 In the device 100, as volatile components are removed from the articles 1, 2, and 3, air can be drawn from the exterior of the device 100 into the heating zone 114 via airflow channels 142a and 142b. When the user takes additional puffs, the air can then pass through the articles 1, 2, and 3 and exit the heating zone 114 via the channel of the mouthpiece. This routing of air through airflow channels 142a and 142b can help remove heat generated by the first and second heaters 110a and 100b from the first and second coils 122a and 122b and the rest of the magnetic field generator 120. In other embodiments, airflow channels 142a and 142b can be omitted, and air can be drawn into the heating zone 114 via a different path.

[0146] Devices 100, 200 can provide tactile feedback to the user. The feedback can indicate that heating has occurred, or can be triggered by a timer to indicate that a predetermined proportion of the original amount of volatile components of the smokeable material 10 in the article 1, 2, 3 has been consumed, etc. The tactile feedback can be generated by the interaction of the heating material with one or both of the coils 122a, 122b (i.e., magnetic response), by the interaction of a conductive element with one or both of the coils 122a, 122b, by rotating an unbalanced motor, by repeatedly applying and removing current to a piezoelectric element, etc.

[0147] In embodiments where the device 100, 200 includes more than one coil 122a, 122b (such as the embodiment shown), the multiple coils 122a, 122b can be operated to provide gradual heating of the smokeable material 10 in the articles 1, 2, 3, and thereby gradual generation of vapor. For example, one coil 122a can be configured to relatively quickly heat a first region of the heating material to initiate volatilization of at least one component of the smokeable material 10 and the formation of vapor in the first region of the smokeable material 10. Another coil 122b can be configured to relatively slowly heat a second region of the heating material to initiate volatilization of at least one component of the smokeable material 10 and the formation of vapor in the second region of the smokeable material 10. As a result, vapor can be formed relatively quickly for inhalation by a user, and thereafter vapor can continue to form for subsequent inhalations by the user, even after the first region of the smokeable material 10 has ceased generating vapor. The initially unheated second region of the smokeable material 10 can act as a heat sink to reduce the temperature of, or otherwise tame, the vapor generated during the heating of the first region of the smokeable material 10.

[0148] The heating material used in embodiments of the present invention may have a skin depth, which is the outer region within which the majority of the induced current and / or induced redirection of magnetic dipoles occurs. By providing a component comprising the heating material with a relatively small thickness, a greater proportion of the heating material can be heated by a given varying magnetic field than if the heating material in the component had a relatively large depth or thickness compared to other dimensions of the component. Thus, more efficient use of material is achieved, which in turn reduces costs.

[0149] In some embodiments, the heating material may include discontinuities or holes therein. Such discontinuities or holes can act as thermal interruptions to control the extent to which different regions of the smokeable material 10 are heated during use. Regions of the heating material with discontinuities or holes can be heated to a lesser extent than regions without discontinuities or holes. This can help achieve gradual heating of the smokeable material 10, and therefore, gradual generation of vapor. Furthermore, such discontinuities or holes can be used to optimize the generation of complex eddy currents during use.

[0150] In each of the embodiments described above, the smokeable material 10 comprises tobacco. However, in corresponding variations of each of these embodiments, the smokeable material 10 may consist of tobacco, may consist essentially entirely of tobacco, may include tobacco and smokeable materials other than tobacco, may include smokeable materials other than tobacco, or may be devoid of tobacco. In some embodiments, the smokeable material 10 may include a vapor or aerosol former or a humectant, such as glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, or diethylene glycol.

[0151] For example, an article embodying the present invention may be a cartridge.

[0152] In each of the embodiments described above, articles 1, 2, and 3 are consumable articles. Once all or substantially all of the volatile components of the smokeable material 10 in article 1, 2, and 3 have been consumed, the user can remove article 1, 2, and 3 from the device and dispose of article 1, 2, and 3. The user can then reuse the device with another article 1, 2, and 3. However, in other corresponding embodiments, article 1, 2, and 3 can be non-consumable, and once the volatile components of the smokeable material 10 have been consumed, the device and article 1, 2, and 3 can be disposed of together.

[0153] In some embodiments, the apparatus discussed above is sold, supplied, or otherwise provided separately from the articles 1, 2, 3 with which the apparatus can be used. However, in some embodiments, the apparatus and one or more of the articles 1, 2, 3 can be provided together as a system, such as a kit or assembly, possibly with additional components (such as cleaning utensils).

[0154] The present invention can be implemented in a system comprising any of the articles discussed herein and any of the devices discussed herein, wherein the device itself (such as in a susceptor) has a heating material for heating by penetration with a varying magnetic field generated by a magnetic field generator. Heat generated in the heating material of the device can be transferred to the article to heat or further heat the smokeable material therein. In some such embodiments, the article may be devoid of heating material, such that the smokeable material of the article is heated solely by heat transferred from the heating material of the device to the article.

[0155] To address various problems and improve upon the prior art, the entire disclosure presents various embodiments, by way of illustration and example, in which the claimed invention may be practiced, and provides superior apparatus for heating a smokeable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokeable material, superior articles for use with such apparatus, and superior systems including such apparatus and articles. The advantages and features of the present disclosure are merely a representative sample of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. They are presented solely to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed and otherwise disclosed features. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of the present disclosure are not to be construed as limitations on the present disclosure as defined by the claims or on the equivalents of the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and / or spirit of the present disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably include, consist of, or consist essentially of various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, devices, and the like. The present disclosure may also include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. An article for use with an apparatus for heating a smokeable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokeable material, wherein: The article comprises a mass of smokeable material, and wherein the exterior of the article has a length, a width perpendicular to the length, and a depth perpendicular to each of the length and the width, wherein the length is greater than or equal to the width, and wherein the width is greater than the depth, wherein the article comprises a substrate, the substrate being composed entirely of heating material, and wherein the mass of smokeable material is located on the substrate, wherein the substrate is within the mass of smokeable material, and wherein the heating material is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field to heat the smokeable material; wherein the substrate is a flat strip; and Wherein, the cross-section of the substrate is constant along the length of the substrate.

2. The product according to claim 1, wherein The mass of smokeable material is secured relative to the exterior of the article.

3. The product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the substrate having a length, a width perpendicular to the length of the substrate, and a depth perpendicular to each of the length and the width of the substrate, wherein the length of the substrate is greater than or equal to the width of the substrate, and wherein the width of the substrate is greater than the depth of the substrate; and wherein the length, the width, and the depth of the substrate are substantially parallel to the length, the width, and the depth of the exterior of the article, respectively.

4. The product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The heating material includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: a conductive material, a magnetic material, and a magnetic conductive material.

5. The product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The heating material includes metal or metal alloy.

6. The product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The heating material includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of aluminum, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, graphite, plain carbon steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, copper, and bronze.

7. The product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The heating material is in contact with the smokeable material.

8. The product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The heating material extends to opposite longitudinal ends of the block of smokeable material.

9. The product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein A portion of the base extends beyond an end of the block of smokeable material.

10. The product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The mass of smokeable material defines at least a portion of the exterior of the article.

11. An article according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a cover around the mass of smokeable material, wherein The cover defines at least a portion of the exterior of the article.

12. The product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The smokeable material comprises tobacco and / or one or more humectants.

13. The product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The smokeable material includes a reconstituted smokeable material or is in the form of one of a gel, a mass, a compressed material, or a combined material.

14. Apparatus for heating a smokeable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokeable material, the apparatus comprising: a heating zone for receiving at least a portion of the article comprising smokeable material, wherein the heating zone has a length, a width perpendicular to the length, and a depth perpendicular to each of the length and the width, wherein the length is greater than or equal to the width, and wherein the width is greater than the depth; a magnetic field generator for generating a varying magnetic field to be used to heat the smokeable material when the portion of the article is located in the heating zone; and a first body and a second body, wherein the heating zone is defined by the first body and the second body and the heating zone is arranged between the first body and the second body, and wherein each of the first body and the second body includes at least a portion of a magnetic field generator for generating a varying magnetic field to be used to heat the smokeable material when the portion of the article is located in the heating zone, wherein the first body is movable relative to the second body to compress the heating area; The movement of the first body relative to the second body in a first direction reduces the volume of the heating zone, and the movement of the first body relative to the second body in a second direction increases the volume of the heating zone.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein The magnetic field generator includes a power source offset from the heating zone in a direction parallel to the depth of the heating zone.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein The power supply has a length, a width perpendicular to the length of the power supply, and a depth perpendicular to each of the length and the width of the power supply, wherein the length of the power supply is greater than or equal to the width of the power supply, and wherein the width of the power supply is greater than the depth of the power supply; and The length, width and depth of the power supply are substantially parallel to the length, width and depth of the heating zone, respectively.

17. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein The portion of the magnetic field generator includes a two-dimensional conductive coil.

18. The apparatus of claim 14, comprising a third body comprising at least a portion of the circuit; in, A first side of the second body is attached to the first body via a first element, and a second side of the second body is attached to the third body via a second element; and The second body is between the first body and the third body.

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