Apparatus for heating smokable material

Abstract

To provide a novel apparatus for heating a smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material.SOLUTION: Disclosed is an apparatus (100) for heating a smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material. The apparatus (100) comprises a heating zone (113) for receiving at least a portion of an article comprising the smokable material, a magnetic field generator (120) for generating a varying magnetic field, and an elongate heating element (130) projecting into the heating zone (113). The heating element (130) comprises a heating material that is heatable by penetration of the varying magnetic field to heat the heating zone (113).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to devices for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material, to articles for use with such devices, and to systems comprising such articles and devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigars burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these smoking articles by creating products that release compounds without combustion. Examples of such products are the so-called "heat-not-burn" products, or tobacco heating devices or products. These release compounds by heating a material rather than burning it. The material may be, for example, tobacco or another non-tobacco product. The non-tobacco product may or may not contain nicotine. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A first aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for heating a smoking material to volatilize at least one component of the smoking material, the apparatus comprising: a heater region or heating area for receiving at least a portion of an article comprising smoking material; a magnetic field generator for generating a varying magnetic field; an elongated heater or heating element protruding into the heating area; Equipped with The heating element comprises a heating material that is heatable by the penetration of a varying magnetic field to heat the heating region.

[0004] In an exemplary embodiment, the device comprises a body defining a heating region, the body being devoid of a heating material heatable by penetration of a varying magnetic field.

[0005] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating region is elongated and the heating element extends along a longitudinal axis that is substantially coincident with the longitudinal axis of the heating region.

[0006] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating element has a length and a cross-section perpendicular to the length, the cross-section having a width and a depth, the length being greater than the width and the width being greater than the depth.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating element is planar or substantially planar.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes an opening at a first end of the heating zone through which a portion of the article can be inserted into the heating zone; The heating element protrudes into the heating region from a second end of the heating region opposite the first end, the heating element having a free end distal to the second end of the heating region, the free end positioned relative to the opening to enter the article when the article is inserted into the heating region.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the free end of the heating element is tapered.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, the inner surface of the body has a thermal emissivity of less than or equal to 0.1. In an exemplary embodiment, the thermal emissivity is less than or equal to 0.05.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the exterior surface of the body has a thermal emissivity of 0.1 or less. In an exemplary embodiment, the thermal emissivity is 0.05 or less.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the magnetic field generator comprises a coil and a device for passing a varying current through the coil.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the coil surrounds the body.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the coil surrounds the heating region.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the coil surrounds the heating element.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the coil extends along a longitudinal axis that is substantially coincident with the longitudinal axis of the heating element.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the impedance of the coil is equal or substantially equal to the impedance of the heating element.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating material includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of an electrically conductive material, a magnetic material, and a non-magnetic material.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating material comprises a metal or metal alloy.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating material comprises 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.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating material is susceptible to eddy currents being induced in the heating material when penetrated by a changing magnetic field.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating element is configured to change shape when heated.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating element comprises two portions attached to one another and each portion having a different coefficient of expansion.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating element comprises a bimetallic strip.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating material is exposed to a heating zone.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the body is made from a non-magnetic and non-conductive material.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a first mass of insulating material between the coil and the body.

[0028] In each exemplary embodiment, the first mass of insulation material may include, for example, one or more insulation materials selected from the group consisting of closed cell material, closed cell plastic material, aerogel, vacuum insulation, silicone foam, and rubber material.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a second mass of insulating material surrounding the coil.

[0030] In each exemplary embodiment, the second mass of insulation may include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of, for example, aerogel, vacuum insulation, cotton, fleece, nonwoven material, nonwoven fleece, woven material, knitted material, nylon, foam, polystyrene, polyester, polyester filament, polypropylene, blends of polyester and polypropylene, cellulose acetate, paper or cardboard, and corrugated material such as corrugated paper or cardboard.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating element comprises a heating member that is composed entirely or substantially entirely of a heating material.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating element consists entirely or substantially entirely of a heating material.

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, a first portion of the heating element is more susceptible to eddy currents induced therein by the penetration of a changing magnetic field than a second portion of the heating element.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a catalytic material on at least a portion of an exterior surface of the heating element.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, the body comprises a member and a coating on an inner surface of the member that is smoother or harder than the inner surface of the member.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, the magnetic field generator is for generating a plurality of varying magnetic fields for penetrating different portions of the heating element.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of the heating region or heating element, hi an exemplary embodiment, the magnetic field generator is configured to operate based on an output of the temperature sensor.

[0038] A second aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for heating a smokeable material to volatilise at least one component of the smokeable material, the apparatus comprising: First and second members; a heating region between the first and second members for receiving at least a portion of an article comprising smokable material; a magnetic field generator used to generate a varying magnetic field to heat the heating region; Equipped with The first and second members are movable toward one another to compress the heated region.

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, the magnetic field generator is for generating a varying magnetic field that penetrates the heating region.

[0040] In an exemplary embodiment, the device comprises a heating element comprising a heating material heatable by penetration of a varying magnetic field to heat the heating region.

[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second members comprise a heating material heatable by penetration of a varying magnetic field to heat the heating region.

[0042] A third aspect of the present invention provides an article for use with an apparatus for heating smokeable material to volatilise at least one component of the smokeable material, the article comprising: A lump of smoking material, A wiper attached to a block of smoking material Equipped with A heating element for heating the smokable material is insertable within the mass of smokable material while in contact with the wiper.

[0043] In each exemplary embodiment, the wiper comprises one or more of a scraper, a blade, an abrasive pad, a foam, a metal filament, a metal filament with multiple relative orientations, intertwined metal filaments, and metal bristles.

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, the mass of smoking material is elongated and the wipers are positioned at the longitudinal ends of the mass of smoking material.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, the article is formed with a cavity for receiving a heating element during use.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, the wiper defines at least a portion of the cavity.

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, the wiper defines the mouth of the cavity.

[0048] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a system, the system comprising: An apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material, comprising a heating region for receiving at least a portion of an article comprising smokable material, a magnetic field generator for generating a fluctuating magnetic field, and an elongated heating element protruding into the heating region, the heating element comprising a heating material heatable by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field to heat the heating region; an article for use with the device, the article comprising smoking material; Equipped with.

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment, the article comprises a mass of smoking material and a wiper connected to the mass of smoking material, the heating element being insertable into the mass of smoking material while in contact with the wiper.

[0050] In each exemplary embodiment, the article of the system may have any of the features of the exemplary embodiments of the article of the third aspect of the invention described above.

[0051] In each exemplary embodiment, the device of the system may have any of the features of the exemplary embodiments of the device of the first aspect of the invention or the second aspect of the invention described above.

[0052] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0053] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of an example apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material; FIG. [Diagram 2] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the device only a portion of which is shown in FIG. 1; [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an article for use with the apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2. [Figure 4a] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of another example apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material, the first and second members of the apparatus being spaced apart a first distance; [Figure 4b] FIG. 4b is a schematic cross-sectional view of the portion of the apparatus shown in FIG. 4a, wherein the first and second members of the apparatus are spaced apart a second distance that is less than the first distance. [Figure 5a] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of another example apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material, the first and second members of the apparatus being spaced apart a first distance; [Figure 5b] FIG. 5b is a schematic cross-sectional view of the portion of the apparatus shown in FIG. 5a, wherein the first and second members of the apparatus are spaced apart a second distance that is less than the first distance. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0054] As used herein, the term "smoking material" includes materials that, when heated, provide volatile components, typically in the form of a vapor or aerosol. "Smoking material" may be a non-tobacco-containing material or a tobacco-containing material. "Smoking material" may include, for example, one or more of tobacco itself, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco extract, homogenized tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. Smoking material may be in the form of ground tobacco, cut rag tobacco, extruded tobacco, liquid, gel, gelled sheet, powder, or loaf. "Smoking material" may also include other non-tobacco products. The non-tobacco products may or may not contain nicotine, depending on the product. "Smoking material" may also include one or more humectants, such as glycerol or propylene glycol.

[0055] As used herein, the term "heating material" or "heater material" refers to a material that can be heated by the penetration of a changing magnetic field.

[0056] As used herein, the terms "flavoring agent" and "flavoring agent" refer to materials that can be used (where permitted by local regulations) to produce a desired taste or odor in products for adult consumers. These materials include extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herbs, 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, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang ylang, and the like). , sage, fennel, pepper, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or peppermint oil from any species of the genus Mint), flavor enhancers, bitter receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives (e.g., charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath fresheners). These may be imitation, synthetic, or natural materials, or mixtures thereof. They may be in any suitable form, such as oils, liquids, gels, powders, etc.

[0057] Induction heating is the process of heating an electrically conductive object by penetrating a varying magnetic field into the object. The process is explained by Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction and Ohm's law. An induction heater may comprise an electromagnet and a device for passing a varying electric current, such as an alternating current, through the electromagnet. When the object to be heated and the electromagnet are placed in a suitable relative position such that the varying magnetic field generated by the electromagnet penetrates the object, one or more eddy currents are generated in the object. The object has a resistance to the flow of electric current. Thus, when such eddy currents are generated in the object, they flow against the electrical resistance of the object, thereby heating the object. This process is called Joule heating, Ohmic heating, or resistive heating. An object that can be inductively heated is known as a susceptor.

[0058] It has been found that when the susceptor is in the closed circuit configuration, there is a stronger magnetic coupling between the susceptor and the electromagnet in use, resulting in increased or improved Joule heating.

[0059] Magnetic hysteresis heating is the process of heating an object made of a magnetic material by the penetration of the object into which a changing magnetic field has passed. A magnetic material can be thought of as containing many atomic-scale magnets or magnetic dipoles. When a magnetic field penetrates such a material, the magnetic dipoles align themselves along the magnetic field. Thus, when a changing magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field (e.g., produced by an electromagnet), penetrates a magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles changes in response to the applied changing magnetic field. This reorientation of the magnetic dipoles generates heat in the magnetic material.

[0060] When an object is both conductive and magnetic, the penetration of a changing magnetic field into the object can cause both Joule heating and magnetic hysteresis heating in the object. Furthermore, the use of magnetic materials can enhance the changing magnetic field, thereby enhancing Joule heating.

[0061] In each of the above processes, heat is generated within the object itself, rather than by conduction from an external heat source, so that a faster temperature rise and a more uniform heat distribution within the object can be achieved. This can be achieved, among other things, by the appropriate choice of material and geometry of the object, and the appropriate choice of magnitude and orientation of the varying magnetic field relative to the object. Furthermore, induction heating and magnetic hysteresis heating do not require a physical connection between the source of the varying magnetic field and the object, allowing greater design freedom and control of the heating profile, as well as lower costs.

[0062] 2 and 1, which respectively show a schematic cross-sectional view of an example apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material, and a schematic perspective view of a portion of the apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Generally, the apparatus 100 comprises a heating region 113 for receiving at least a portion of an article comprising smokable material, a magnetic field generator 120 for generating a varying magnetic field, and an elongated heating element 130 protruding into the heating region 113. In this embodiment, the heating region 113 comprises a cavity. The heating element 130 comprises a heating material heatable by the penetration of the varying magnetic field to heat the heating region 113.

[0063] In this embodiment, the device 100 comprises a body 110 defining a heating region 113, the body 110 being devoid of a heating material heatable by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field. However, in other embodiments, the body 110 may comprise a heating material heatable by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field, or the body 110 may be omitted.

[0064] In this embodiment, the body 110 is a tubular body 110 that surrounds the heating region 113. However, in other embodiments, the body 110 may not be completely tubular. For example, in some embodiments, the body 110 may be tubular except for one or more axially extending gaps or gaps formed in the body 110. As described above, in this embodiment, the body 110 itself does not have a heating material that can be heated by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field. Therefore, when the fluctuating magnetic field is generated by the magnetic field generator 120 as described below, more of the energy of the fluctuating magnetic field is available to heat the heating element 130. The body 110 may be made of glass, a ceramic material, or a high temperature resistant plastic material such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK) or polyetherimide (PEI), of which Ultem is an example.

[0065] In this embodiment, the body 110 has a substantially circular cross-section. However, in other embodiments, the body 110 can have a cross-section other than circular, such as a square, a rectangle, a polygon, or an ellipse. In this embodiment, the heating region 113 is defined by the body 110. That is, the body 110 defines the contour or extent of the heating region 113. In this embodiment, the heating region 113 also has a substantially circular cross-section. However, in other embodiments, the heating region 113 can have a cross-section other than circular, such as a square, a rectangle, a polygon, or an ellipse.

[0066] In this embodiment, the body 110 comprises a tubular member 115 extending around the heating region 113 and a coating 116 on the inner surface of the member 115. The coating 115 is smoother or harder than the inner surface of the member 115 itself. Such a smoother or harder coating 116 allows the body 110 to be easily cleaned after use of the device 100. The coating 116 may be made of, for example, a glass or ceramic material. In other embodiments, the coating 116 may be omitted.

[0067] In some embodiments, the thermal emissivity of the interior or exterior surface of the body 110 can be 0.1 or less. For example, in some embodiments, the thermal emissivity can be 0.05 or less, such as 0.03 or 0.02. Such a low emissivity can help retain heat within the heating region 113, help prevent heat loss from the heating element 130 to components of the device 100 other than the heating region 113, help increase the heating efficiency of the heating region 113, and / or help reduce the transfer of heating energy from the heating element 130 to the exterior surface of the device 100. This can make the device 100 more comfortable for a user to hold. This thermal emissivity can be achieved by making the interior or exterior surface of the body 110 out of a low emissivity material, such as silver or aluminum.

[0068] The heating zone 113 in this embodiment has a first end 111 and an opposing second end 112, and the body 110 has an opening 114 at the first end 111 through which an article or a portion of an article can be inserted into the heating zone 113. In some embodiments, the opening 114 can be closeable or occludable, for example, by a mouthpiece of the device 100, such as a mouthpiece described below. In this embodiment, the heating zone 113 extends a length from the first end 111 to the second end 112, and the heating element 130 extends along a longitudinal axis that is substantially coincident with the longitudinal axis AA of the heating zone 113. In other embodiments, the longitudinal axes AA of the heating zone 113 and the heating element 130 can be aligned with each other by being parallel to each other, or can be oblique to each other.

[0069] In some embodiments, one end of the heating region 113 is closed. This may help the heating region 113 to act as a container for the smokable material, or as a support when the heating element 130 is pressed into the mass of smokable material.

[0070] In this embodiment, the heating element 130 protrudes from the second end 112 of the heating region 113 into the heating region 113. More specifically, in this embodiment, the end member 140 is provided at the end of the body 110 remote from the opening 114. In this embodiment, the end member 140 comprises a plug attached to the end of the body 110, such as by friction or adhesive. However, in other embodiments, the end member 140 can take a different form than the body 110 or can be integral. In this embodiment, the end member 140 defines the second end 112 of the heating region 113. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the heating element 130 is attached to the end member 140 and extends from the end member 140 into the heating region 113. In this embodiment, a portion of the heating element 130 is within the end member 140, which may help provide a more robust connection between the heating element 130 and the end member 140. Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the heating element 130 may abut and extend from a surface of the end member 140 that faces the heating region 113 .

[0071] In this embodiment, insulation 150 is provided on the exterior of end member 140. Insulation 150 may help prevent heat loss from heating element 130 to the exterior of device 100, may help increase the heating efficiency of heating zone 113, and / or may help reduce the transfer of heating energy from heating element 130 to the exterior surface of device 100. This may make device 100 more comfortable for a user to hold.

[0072] In some embodiments, the insulation 150 can include any one or more of the following materials for the first and / or second masses of insulation. In this embodiment, the insulation 150 is breathable. In this embodiment, a plurality of air inlets 141, 142, 143 extend through the end member 140. The air inlets 141, 142, 143 place the heating zone 113 in fluid communication with the breathable insulation 150. Thus, when the device 100 is in use, air can be drawn from outside the device 100 through the breathable insulation 150 and the air inlets 141, 142, 143 into the heating zone 113. In other embodiments, only one air inlet can extend through the end member 140, or there can be no air inlets. In such other embodiments, air can be drawn from outside the device 100 into the heating zone 113 through a different path, such as an air inlet through the body 110 or an air inlet at the mouthpiece (not shown) of the device 100.

[0073] In this embodiment, the heating element 130 has a first free end 131 distal from the second end 112 of the heating region 113, the first free end 131 being positioned relative to the opening 114 to enter an article when the article is inserted into the heating region 113 through the opening 114. In some embodiments, for example, the free end 131 of the heating element 130 can be tapered to facilitate such entry into the article.

[0074] The heating element 130 in this embodiment has a length within the heating region 113 from a first end 131 to a point 132 of the heating element 130 at the second end 112 of the heating region 113. The heating element 130 also has a cross section perpendicular to its length. This cross section has a width and a depth, where the length is greater than the width and the width is greater than the depth. Thus, the depth or thickness of the heating element 130 is relatively short compared to other dimensions of the heating element 130. The susceptor can have a skin depth, which is the outer region where most of the induced current occurs. By making the thickness of the heating element 130 relatively thin, a larger percentage of the heating element 130 can be heated by a given varying magnetic field compared to a heating element 130 having a relatively long depth or thickness compared to other dimensions of the heating element 130. This results in a more efficient use of material, which reduces costs. However, in other embodiments, the heating element 130 can have a cross section of a shape other than a rectangle, such as a circle, an ellipse, an annular shape, a star shape, a polygonal shape, a square shape, or a triangle shape. In this embodiment, the cross-section of the heating element 130 is constant along the length of the heating element 130. Additionally, in this embodiment, the heating element 130 is planar or substantially planar. The heating element 130 in this embodiment may be considered a flat strip, although this is not the case in other embodiments.

[0075] The heating element 130 of this embodiment comprises a heating member 135 made entirely or substantially entirely of a heating material. The heating member 135 is therefore heatable by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the heating element 130 comprises a coating 136 on an outer surface of the heating member 135. The coating 136 is smoother or harder than the outer surface of the heating member 135 itself. Such a smoother or harder coating 136 allows the heating element 130 to be easily cleaned after use of the device 100. The coating 136 can be made of, for example, a glass or ceramic material. In other embodiments, the coating 136 can be provided on only a portion of the heating member 135, or the coating 136 can be omitted. In some embodiments, the coating can be rougher than the outer surface of the heating member 135 itself, so as to increase the surface area that the heating element 130 can contact with an article or smoking material inserted in the heating zone 113 during use. In some such other embodiments, the heating material can be exposed to the heating zone 113. Thus, when the heating material is heated, heat can be transferred directly from the heating material to the heating area 113 .

[0076] The heating material may include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of conductive materials, magnetic materials, and non-magnetic materials. The heating material may include a metal or 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. In other embodiments, other heating materials (one or more) may be used. In this embodiment, the heating material of the heating element 130 includes a conductive material. Thus, the heating material is susceptible to eddy currents induced in the heating material when penetrated by a fluctuating magnetic field. Thus, the heating element 130 may act as a susceptor when subjected to a fluctuating magnetic field. It has also been found that the use of a magnetic conductive material as the heating material may enhance the magnetic coupling between the heating element 130 and the coil 122 of the magnetic field generator 120, described below, in use. This, in addition to potentially enabling magnetic hysteresis heating, can increase or improve Joule heating of the heating element 130 and therefore increase or improve heating of the heating region 113.

[0077] In some embodiments, the device may comprise a catalytic material on at least a portion of the outer surface of the heating element 130. The catalytic material may be provided on all of the outer surface of the heating element 130 or on only a portion(s) of the outer surface of the heating element 130. The catalytic material may take the form of a coating. Providing such a catalytic material means that the device 100 may have a heated, chemically active surface in use. In use, the catalytic material may act to convert or increase the rate of conversion of a potentially irritant to a less irritant. In use, the catalytic material may act, for example, to convert or increase the rate of conversion of formic acid to methanol. In other embodiments, the catalytic material may act to convert or increase the rate of conversion of other chemicals, for example, to convert acetylene to ethane by hydrogenation, or to convert ammonia to nitrogen and hydrogen. Additionally or alternatively, the catalytic material may act to react or increase the rate of reaction of carbon monoxide with water vapor to form carbon dioxide and hydrogen (water-gas shift reaction or WGSR).

[0078] In some embodiments, the first portion of the heating element 130 can be more susceptible to eddy currents induced therein by the intrusion of a fluctuating magnetic field than the second portion of the heating element 130. For example, the first portion of the heating element 130 can be made of a first material and the second portion of the heating element 130 can be made of a different second material, with the first material being more susceptible than the second material, making the first portion of the heating element 130 more susceptible. For example, one of the first portion and the second portion can be made of iron and the other of the first portion and the second portion can be made of graphite. Alternatively or additionally, the first portion of the heating element 130 can be more susceptible as a result of the first portion having a different thickness and / or material density than the second portion of the heating element 130.

[0079] The more sensitive portions can be located closer to the intended mouth-end of the device 100, or the less sensitive portions can be located closer to the intended mouth-end of the device 100. In the latter case, the less sensitive portions can heat the smokable material of the article located within the heated zone 113 less than the more sensitive portions, and thus the less heated smokable material can act as a filter to reduce the temperature of vapour generated during heating of the smokable material or to make the vapour generated within the article less irritating.

[0080] The first and second portions of the heating element 130 may, for example, be positioned adjacent to each other in a longitudinal direction of the heating element 130, or may be positioned adjacent to each other in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the heating element 130.

[0081] Such alteration of the susceptibility of the heating element 130 to eddy currents induced therein may aid in progressive heating of the smokable material in an article inserted in the heating region 113, thereby progressively generating vapour. For example, the more susceptible portion may heat a first region of the smokable material relatively quickly, initiating volatilisation of at least one component of the smokable material and formation of vapour in the first region of the smokable material. The less susceptible portion may heat a second region of the smokable material relatively slowly, initiating volatilisation of at least one component of the smokable material and formation of vapour in the second region of the smokable material. Thus, vapour may be formed relatively quickly for inhalation by a user, and vapour may continue to be formed thereafter for continued inhalation by a user, even after the first region of the smokable material has ceased production of vapour. Upon exhaustion of the volatilisable components of the smokable material, the first region of the smokable material may cease production of vapour.

[0082] In other embodiments, all of the heating elements 130 may be equally or substantially equally susceptible to eddy currents induced in the heating elements 130 by the intrusion of a varying magnetic field. In some embodiments, the heating elements 130 may not be susceptible to such eddy currents. In such embodiments, the heating material may be a non-conductive magnetic material and thus may be heatable by the magnetic hysteresis process described above.

[0083] In some embodiments, the heating element 130 can be configured to change shape when heated. That is, the shape of the heating element 130 can be temperature sensitive. For example, the heating element 130 can be configured to bend when heated and / or expand when heated. The change in shape can include warping away from the longitudinal axis of the heating zone 113. In some embodiments, the heating element 130 can be, for example, spiral or helical about the longitudinal axis of the heating zone 113, and when the heating element 130 is heated, the spiral or helical heating element 130 can partially unwind, increasing the diameter or width of the heating element 130. This change in shape of the heating element 130 can help to make or increase contact between the heating element 130 and the article in the heating zone 113. This can help improve the transfer of heat from the heating element 130 to the article and the smokable material within the article.

[0084] The heating element 130 may comprise two parts attached to each other and each having a different expansion coefficient and thus a different ability to expand when heated. The two parts may be elongated and / or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the heating area 113, for example. When heated, the heating element 130 may bend or twist due to the different expansion characteristics of the two parts. In this way, the change in temperature is translated into a physical displacement or deformation. The degree to which the shape of the heating element 130 changes may be related to the temperature, with the heating element 130 exhibiting a greater degree of displacement or deformation at higher temperatures. The degree of displacement or deformation of the heating element 130 may be proportional to the magnitude of the change in temperature of the heating element 130.

[0085] Suitable heating elements 130 for use in the device 100 may vary, for example, with respect to the thickness and cross-sectional shape of the portions, the material composition of the portions, the arrangement of joining the portions together, etc., which may affect the properties of the heating element 130, such as its ability to bend, its thermal conductivity, etc. In some embodiments, the two portions may be two different plastic polymers, each having a different coefficient of expansion. In other embodiments, the two portions may be two different metals, each having a different coefficient of expansion. Thus, the heating element 130 may comprise a bimetallic piece. An exemplary bimetallic piece may comprise a steel portion and a copper portion. In other embodiments, other combinations of materials may be used, such as manganese and copper, or brass and steel.

[0086] The magnetic field generator 120 of this embodiment comprises a power supply 121, a coil 122, a device 123 for passing a varying current, such as an alternating current, through the coil 122, a controller 124, and a user interface 125 for a user to operate the controller 124.

[0087] In this embodiment, power source 121 is a rechargeable battery. In other embodiments, power source 121 can be other than a rechargeable battery, such as, for example, a non-rechargeable battery, a capacitor, or a connection to a mains power source.

[0088] The coil 122 may take any suitable form. In this embodiment, the coil 122 is a helical coil of a conductive material, such as copper. In some embodiments, the magnetic field generator 120 may include a magnetically permeable core around which the coil 122 is wound. Such a magnetically permeable core, in use, concentrates the magnetic flux generated by the coil 122, making the magnetic field stronger. The magnetically permeable core may be made of iron, for example. In some embodiments, the magnetically permeable core may extend only partially along the length of the coil 122, concentrating the magnetic flux in only certain areas.

[0089] In this embodiment, the coil 122 is a circular spiral. That is, the coil 122 has a substantially constant radius along its length. In other embodiments, the radius of the coil 122 can vary along its length. For example, in some embodiments, the coil 122 can include a conical spiral or an elliptical spiral. In this embodiment, the coil 122 has a substantially constant pitch along its length. That is, the width of the gap between any two adjacent turns of the coil 122 is substantially the same as the width of the gap between any other two adjacent turns of the coil 122, as measured parallel to the longitudinal axis of the coil 122. In other embodiments, this may not be the case. By varying the pitch, the strength of the varying magnetic field generated by the coil 122 can be made different in different parts of the coil 122, which can help to progressively heat the heating element 130 and the heating zone 113, and therefore any item placed within the heating zone 113, in a manner similar to that described above.

[0090] In this embodiment, the coil 122 is in a fixed position relative to the heating element 130 and the heating region 113. In this embodiment, the coil 122 surrounds the heating element 130 and the heating region 113. In this embodiment, the coil 122 extends along a longitudinal axis that is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis AA of the heating region 113. In this embodiment, these aligned axes are coincident. In variations of this embodiment, the aligned axes can be parallel to each other. However, in other embodiments, the axes can be tilted relative to each other. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the coil 122 extends along a longitudinal axis that is substantially coincident with the longitudinal axis of the heating element 130. This can help to heat the heating element 130 more uniformly during use and can also help manufacturability of the device 100. In other embodiments, the longitudinal axes of the coil 122 and the heating element 130 can be aligned by being parallel to each other, or can be tilted relative to each other.

[0091] The impedance of the coil 122 of the magnetic field generator 120 in this embodiment is equal or substantially equal to the impedance of the heating element 130. If instead the impedance of the heating element 130 is lower than the impedance of the coil 122 of the magnetic field generator 120, the voltage developed across the heating element 130 in use may be lower than the voltage that can be generated across the heating element 130 when the impedances are matched. Alternatively, if instead the impedance of the heating element 130 is higher than the impedance of the coil 122 of the magnetic field generator 120, the current developed in the heating element 130 in use may be lower than the current that can be generated in the heating element 130 when the impedances are matched. Matching the impedances may help balance the voltage and current to maximize the heating power generated in the heating element 130 when heating in use. In some other embodiments, the impedances may not be matched.

[0092] In this embodiment, the device 123 for applying a varying current to the coil 122 is electrically connected between the power source 121 and the coil 122. In this embodiment, the controller 124 is also electrically connected to the power source 121 and communicatively connected to the device 123. The controller 124 is for causing and controlling the heating of the heating element 130. More specifically, in this embodiment, the controller 124 is for controlling the device 123 to control the supply of power from the power source 121 to the coil 122. In this embodiment, the controller 124 comprises an IC, such as an integrated circuit (IC) on a printed circuit board (PCB). In other embodiments, the controller 124 can take different forms. In some embodiments, the apparatus can have a single electric or electronic component comprising the device 123 and the controller 124. In this embodiment, the controller 124 is operated by a user through manipulation of a user interface 125. The user interface 125 is located on the outside of the apparatus 100. The user interface 125 may include push buttons, toggle switches, dials, a touch screen, and the like.

[0093] In this embodiment, when a user operates the user interface 125, the controller 124 causes the device 123 to apply an alternating current to the coil 122 to generate an alternating magnetic field in the coil 122. The coil 122 and the heating element 130 are positioned in a suitable relative position such that the alternating magnetic field generated by the coil 122 penetrates the heating material of the heating element 130. When the heating material of the heating element 130 is an electrically conductive material, one or more eddy currents can be generated in the heating material. When the eddy currents flow in the heating material against the electrical resistance of the heating material, the heating material is heated by Joule heating. As described above, when the heating material is made of a magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles in the heating material changes in response to changes in the applied magnetic field, thereby generating heat in the heating material.

[0094] The apparatus 100 in this embodiment includes a temperature sensor 126 for sensing the temperature of the heated area 113. The temperature sensor 126 is communicatively connected to the controller 124 such that the controller 124 can monitor the temperature of the heated area 113. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor 126 can be configured to optically measure the temperature of the heated area 113 or an article disposed in the heated area 113. In some embodiments, the article disposed in the heated area 113 can include a temperature detector, such as a resistance temperature detector (RTD), to detect the temperature of the article. The article can further include one or more terminals connected, such as an electrical connection, to the temperature detector. The terminal(s) can be for connection, such as an electrical connection, with a temperature monitor (not shown) of the apparatus 100 when the article is in the heated area 113. The controller 124 can include a temperature monitor. Thus, the temperature monitor of the apparatus 100 can measure the temperature of the article during use with the apparatus 100.

[0095] The controller 124 can cause the device 123 to adjust the characteristics of the fluctuating or alternating current passed through the coil 122 as necessary based on one or more signals received from the temperature sensor 126 (and / or the temperature detector, if provided) to ensure that the temperature of the heated region 113 is maintained within a predetermined temperature range. The characteristics may be, for example, amplitude or frequency. In use, smokable material within an article disposed within the heated region 113 is heated at a predetermined temperature range sufficiently to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material without combusting the smokable material. Thus, the controller 124, and the apparatus 100 as a whole, are configured to heat the smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material without combusting the smokable material. In some embodiments, the temperature range is from about 50° C. to about 250° C., e.g., 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 outside of these ranges.

[0096] In some embodiments, the device 100 can include a mouthpiece (not shown). The mouthpiece can be removably engageable with the remainder of the device 100 to connect the mouthpiece to the remainder of the device 100. In other embodiments, the mouthpiece can be permanently connected to the remainder of the device 100, such as by a hinge or flexible member.

[0097] The mouthpiece may be positionable relative to the body 110 to cover an opening 114 into the heated region 113. When the mouthpiece is so positioned relative to the body 110, a passageway through the mouthpiece may be in fluid communication with the heated region 113. In use, this passageway acts as a passageway to allow volatilizable material to flow from the heated region 113 to the exterior of the device 100.

[0098] The tipping member, where present, may be provided with or impregnated with flavourings, which may be arranged to be received by the heated vapour, in use, as the vapour passes through the tipping passageway.

[0099] Once the heated zone 113, and therefore any article within the heated zone 113, is heated, a user may inhale the volatile component(s) of the smoking material by drawing the volatile component(s) through the tip of the article, if a tip is provided, or through the tip of the device 100, if a tip is provided. Air may enter the article through a gap between the article and the body 110, or in some embodiments the device 100 may have an air inlet that fluidly connects the heated zone 113 with the exterior of the device 100. Once the volatile component(s) have exited the article, air may be drawn into the heated zone 113 via the air inlet of the device 100.

[0100] Some embodiments of the apparatus 100 can be configured to "self-clean" the heating element 130. For example, in some embodiments, the controller 124 can be configured, for example, by a user appropriately manipulating the user interface 125, to cause the device 123 to adjust the characteristics of the fluctuating or alternating current through the coil 122 as needed to raise the temperature of the heating element 130 to a level that can incinerate any residue left on the heating element 130 from previously used items. The characteristics can be, for example, amplitude or frequency. The temperature can be, for example, above 500 degrees Celsius.

[0101] Some embodiments of the device 100 can be configured to provide tactile feedback to the user. This feedback can indicate heating, or can be caused by a timer to indicate that the volatilizable component(s) of the article's smoking material in the heating zone 113 has been consumed more than a predetermined percentage of its original amount, etc. This tactile feedback can be caused by interaction (i.e., magnetic response) between the coil 122 and the heating element 130, by interaction between a conductive element and the coil 122, by rotation of an unbalanced motor, by repeatedly applying and removing current to a piezoelectric element, etc. Additionally or alternatively, some embodiments of the device 100 can utilize such tactile feedback to aid in the "self-cleaning" process described above by vibrationally cleaning the heating element 130.

[0102] In some embodiments, the magnetic field generator 120 can be for generating multiple fluctuating magnetic fields for penetrating different portions of the heating element 130. For example, the device 100 can include more than one coil. The multiple coils of the device 100 can be operable to progressively heat the heating element 130 and thus the smokable material of the article disposed within the heating region 113, and thus progressively generate vapor. For example, one coil can heat a first region of the heating material relatively quickly to initiate volatilization of at least one component of the smokable material and vapor formation in the first region of the smokable material. Another coil can heat a second region of the heating material relatively slowly to initiate volatilization of at least one component of the smokable material and vapor formation in the second region of the smokable material. Thus, vapor can be formed relatively quickly for inhalation by a user, and can continue to form vapor thereafter for continued inhalation by a user, even after the first region of the smokable material has ceased vapor generation. The second region of smokable material, which is initially unheated, may act as a filter to reduce the temperature of the vapour generated or to make the vapour generated less irritating whilst the first region of smokable material is heated.

[0103] In some embodiments, the device 100 can include a first mass of insulating material between the coil 122 and the body 110. The first mass of insulating material can surround the body 110. The first mass of insulating material can include, for example, one or more insulating materials selected from the group consisting of closed cell materials, closed cell plastic materials, aerogel, vacuum insulation, silicone foam, and rubber materials. The insulating material can additionally or alternatively include voids. Such a first mass of insulating material can help prevent heat loss from the heating element 130 to components of the device 100 other than the heating zone 113, can help increase the heating efficiency of the heating zone 113, and / or can help reduce the transfer of heating energy from the heating element 130 to the exterior surface of the device 100. This can make the device 100 more comfortable for a user to hold.

[0104] In some embodiments, the device 100 can include a second mass of insulation surrounding the coil 122. The second mass of insulation can include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of, for example, aerogel, vacuum insulation, cotton, fleece, nonwoven material, nonwoven fleece, woven material, knitted material, nylon, foam, polystyrene, polyester, polyester filament, polypropylene, blends of polyester and polypropylene, cellulose acetate, paper or cardboard, and corrugated material such as corrugated paper or cardboard. In some embodiments, the second mass of insulation can include one or more of the materials listed above for the first mass of insulation. The insulation can additionally or alternatively include voids. Such a second mass of insulation can help reduce the transfer of heating energy from the heating element 130 to the exterior surface of the device 100 and can additionally or alternatively help increase the heating efficiency of the heating zone 113.

[0105] In some embodiments, one or both of the first and second masses of insulation can be omitted. In some embodiments, the coil 122 can be embedded within a body of insulation. Such a body of insulation can abut or encase the body 110. The body of insulation can include, for example, one or more insulation materials selected from the group consisting of closed cell material, closed cell plastic material, aerogel, vacuum insulation, silicone foam, and rubber material. In addition to the thermal benefits described above, such a body of insulation can help make the device 100 more robust, for example, by helping to maintain the relative position of the coil 122 and the body 110.

[0106] 3, there is shown a schematic cross-sectional view of an article for use with an apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material, such as one of the apparatuses 100, 200, 300 described herein. Generally, the article 500 comprises a mass of smokable material 510 and a wiper 530 connected to the mass of smokable material 510. The article 500 is configured such that a heating element for heating the smokable material 510, such as the heating element 130 of the apparatus 100, is insertable into the mass of smokable material 510 while in contact with the wiper 530.

[0107] In this embodiment, each of the article 500 and the mass of smoking material 510 is elongated, and the wipers 530 are disposed at the longitudinal ends of the mass of smoking material 510. In other embodiments, the article 500 and / or the mass of smoking material 510 may have different form factors.

[0108] In this embodiment, the article 500 includes a cover 520 about the smoking material 510 to maintain the structural integrity of the smoking material 510. The cover 520 may be made from any suitable material, such as paper, cardboard, plastic film, foil, etc. For example, the wiper 530 may be attached to the cover 520 by a strip of material (not shown) that extends around portions of the cover 520 and wiper 530 at the junction of the cover 520 and wiper 530, thereby connecting the wiper 530 to the smoking material 510.

[0109] The wiper 530 may comprise any material or have any form suitable for wiping, scraping, or scraping residue off the heating element 130 as the heating element 130 is inserted into the smokable material 510 while in contact with the wiper 530, or as the heating element 130 is withdrawn from the smokable material 510 while in contact with the wiper 530. Thus, the wiper 530 may aid in cleaning the heating element 130 of the device 100 before or after using the article 500 with the device 100.

[0110] In some embodiments, the wiper 530 can comprise a scraper. In this embodiment, the wiper 530 comprises an abrasive pad. In this embodiment, the abrasive pad is formed of entangled metal filaments, such as metal wool, such as steel wool, brass wool, and the like. In other embodiments, the abrasive pad can comprise one or more of foam, metal filaments, metal filaments with multiple relative orientations, entangled metal filaments, and metal bristles, and the like. In some embodiments, the wiper 530 can comprise a blade, such as a metal blade or a plastic blade. The blade orientation can be perpendicular or oblique to the insertion direction of the heating element 130, such as perpendicular or oblique to the longitudinal axis of the article 500. In some embodiments, the wiper 530 can comprise an uneven surface for scraping or scraping the heating element 130 when the wiper 530 and the heating element 130 are moving relative to each other. For example, the wiper 530 can comprise a corrugated member or a member having multiple humps or protrusions extending therefrom. These nubs or projections can protrude from the member in a direction having at least a perpendicular or oblique component to the insertion direction of the heating element 130, such as perpendicular or oblique to the longitudinal axis of the article 500.

[0111] In some embodiments, the article 500 is formed with a cavity for receiving the heating element 130 in use. In some embodiments, the smokable material may define at least a portion of the cavity. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the cavity may be defined by a thermally conductive pocket, sleeve, or liner. The pocket, sleeve, or liner may be made, for example, from a foil such as aluminum. In some embodiments, the wiper 530 may define at least a portion of the cavity such that, in use, the heating element 130 may come into contact with the heating element 130 as it moves within the cavity. For example, the wiper 530 may define an opening of the cavity.

[0112] Referring to Figure 4a, a schematic cross-sectional view of another example of an apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material is shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 200 of this embodiment is identical to the apparatus 100 of Figures 1 and 2, except for the features that define the configuration of the heating region 113 and the heating element 130. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, a repeated description of the various features of the apparatus 200 is omitted, and only the components of the apparatus 200 necessary to understand the technical features and advantages described below are shown in this figure. Any of the above possible modifications to the apparatus 100 of Figures 1 and 2 can be made to the apparatus 200 of Figure 4a to form each individual embodiment.

[0113] In this embodiment, the heating element 130 comprises a heating element made entirely or substantially entirely of a heating material, and the heating element coating 136 is omitted. However, in other embodiments, the heating element 130 can have the same structure as the heating element 130 of the apparatus 100 of Figures 1 and 2, or any of the above-described variations thereof.

[0114] In this embodiment, the body 110 defining the heating region 113 is omitted, and instead the heating region 113 is between a first member 160 and a second member 170 that are movable towards each other to compress the heating region 113. In FIG. 4a, the first and second members 160, 170 are shown in a first state in which the first member 160 and the second member 170 are spaced apart by a first distance. The first and second members 160, 170 are movable relative to each other to reduce the distance between the first member 160 and the second member 170 until the first and second members 160, 170 reach a second state as shown in FIG. 4b in which the first member 160 and the second member 170 are spaced apart by a second distance that is less than the first distance. In this embodiment, each of the first and second members 160, 170 is movable relative to the heating element 130. In other embodiments, only one of the first and second members 160, 170 may be movable relative to the heating element 130. In this embodiment, each of the first and second members 160, 170 is movable relative to the coil 122. In other embodiments, only one of the first and second members 160, 170 may be movable relative to the coil 122, or neither of the first and second members 160, 170 may be movable. That is, the coil 122 may move or deform with the relative movement of the first and second members 160, 170.

[0115] In this embodiment, the first and second members 160, 170 do not have any heating material that can be heated by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field. Therefore, when a fluctuating magnetic field is generated by the magnetic field generator, more energy of the fluctuating magnetic field is available to heat the heating element 130. However, in other embodiments, one or both of the first and second members 160, 170 can comprise a heating material that can be heated by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field.

[0116] In use, an article comprising smokable material can be placed in the heated zone 113 when the first and second members 160, 170 are in the relative position shown in FIG. 4a. The first and second members 160, 170 can then be moved relative to one another toward the state shown in FIG. 4b to compress the heated zone 113 and the article therein. That is, the article can be pressed by one or both of the inner surfaces 161, 171 of the first and second members 160, 170, respectively. When the article is compressed in this manner, the smokable material therein can be compressed, thereby increasing the thermal conductivity of the smokable material. This can aid in facilitating the penetration of heat from the heating element 130 into the smokable material, which may allow better or more complete volatilization of at least one component of the smokable material. Once the volatilizable component(s) of the smokable material has been consumed, the first and second members 160, 170 can be moved relative to one another back to the state shown in FIG. 4a to facilitate removal of the article from the heated zone 113.

[0117] In other embodiments, the heating element 130 in the heating zone 113 may be omitted. Referring to Figure 5a, a schematic cross-sectional view of another exemplary apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material according to such an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The apparatus 300 of this embodiment is identical to the apparatus 200 of Figures 4a and 4b, except for the features described in the following paragraphs. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, a repeated description of the various features of the apparatus 200 will not be provided, and only those components of the apparatus 300 necessary to understand the technical features and advantages described below are shown in these figures. Any of the above possible modifications to the apparatus 200 of Figures 4a and 4b may be made to the apparatus 300 of Figure 5a to form each individual embodiment.

[0118] In this particular embodiment, the heating element 130 described above is omitted and the heating zone 113 is devoid of any heating material heatable by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field. The device 300 is intended for use with an article comprising both smokable material and a heating material heatable by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field. The magnetic field generator is therefore configured, in use, to generate a fluctuating magnetic field which penetrates the heating zone 113 to heat the heating material in the article.

[0119] In this embodiment, the inner surfaces 161, 171 of the first and second members 160, 170 have respective protrusions 165, 175 extending from the inner surfaces 161, 171 into the heated region 113. In this embodiment, the protrusions 165, 175 are axially staggered or offset from one another such that when the first and second members 160, 170 move relative to one another to reach the condition shown in Figure 5b where the heated region 113 is compressed, the protrusions 165, 175 do not contact one another. Further, in use, when an article is within the heated region 113, as the first and second members 160, 170 move relative to one another to compress the heated region 113, the offset protrusions 165, 175 each act to apply an offset force to the article, thereby deforming the article into a zigzag or serpentine shape. This can have the effect of creating a tortuous flow path through the smokable material of the article, thereby creating turbulence in the air passing through the smokable material and helping the air to pick up volatilized material produced when the smokable material is heated. However, in other embodiments, the protrusions 165, 175 may not be offset from one another.

[0120] The device 300 of Figures 5a and 5b can be operated in the same manner as the device 200 of Figures 4a and 4b. Thus, when the first and second members 160, 170 are in the relative position shown in Figure 5a, an article comprising smokable material and heating material can be placed in the heated zone 113. The first and second members 160, 170 can then be moved relative to each other towards the state shown in Figure 5b to compress the heated zone 113 and the article therein, thereby achieving one or more of the above-mentioned advantages. Once the volatilizable component(s) of the smokable material has been consumed, the first and second members 160, 170 can be moved relative to each other back to the state shown in Figure 5a to facilitate removal of the article from the heated zone 113.

[0121] In a variation of the device 300 shown in Figures 5a and 5b, one or both of the first and second members 160, 170 may comprise a heating material that is heatable by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field. For example, the protrusions 165, 175 of one or both of the first and second members 160, 170 may comprise such a heating material. This may allow for better penetration of heat from the heating material to the smokable material of the article in the heating zone 113 in use. In some embodiments, the protrusions 165, 175 may be annular or ring-shaped.

[0122] In some embodiments that are variations of the device 300 shown in Figures 5a and 5b, the protrusions 165, 175 of one or both of the first and second members 160, 170 may be omitted.

[0123] In some embodiments that are variations of the apparatus 300 shown in Figures 5a and 5b, the apparatus 300 may comprise the heating element 130 of the apparatus 200 shown in Figures 4a and 4b.

[0124] In some embodiments that are variations of the device 200 shown in Figures 4a and 4b, the inner surfaces 161, 171 of the first and second members 160, 170 may have respective protrusions extending from the inner surfaces 161, 171 into the heating region 113, similar to the protrusions 165, 175 of the device 300 shown in Figures 5a and 5b. Such protrusions of the device 200 of Figures 4a and 4b may have any of the features described above for the protrusions 165, 175 of the device 300 shown in Figures 5a and 5b.

[0125] In some embodiments, the heating material of the heating element 130 may have cuts or holes therein. Such cuts or holes may act as thermal breaks to control the degree to which different areas of the smokable material heat up during use. Areas of the heating material with cuts or holes may heat up less than areas without cuts or holes. This may aid in progressive heating of the smokable material and therefore progressive production of vapour.

[0126] In each of the above embodiments, the smoking material includes tobacco. However, in variations of each of these embodiments, the smoking material may consist entirely of tobacco, consist essentially entirely of tobacco, include tobacco and non-tobacco smoking materials, include non-tobacco smoking materials, or be tobacco-free. In some embodiments, the smoking material may include a vapour or aerosol former and a humectant (e.g., glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin, or diethylene glycol).

[0127] In some embodiments, the above-described articles are sold, supplied, or otherwise provided separately from the apparatus 100, 200, 300 with which they can be used. However, in some embodiments, the apparatus 100, 200, 300 and one or more of the above-described articles may be provided together as a system, such as a kit or assembly, possibly with additional components, such as a cleaning implement.

[0128] The invention may also be embodied as a system comprising any one of the articles described herein and any one of the devices described herein, where the article itself further comprises a heating material (e.g. in the form of a susceptor) for heating by penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field generated by a magnetic field generator, and where heat generated in the article's own heating material may be transferred to the smokable material within the article to further heat the smokable material.

[0129] To address various problems and advance the art, this disclosure exemplifies various embodiments throughout. These embodiments are capable of implementing the claimed invention and provide an improved device for heating a smoking material to volatilize at least one component of the smoking material, an improved article for use with such device, and an improved system including such article and device. The advantages and features of the present disclosure are merely representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive or exclusive of all advantages and features. They are presented solely to aid in the understanding and teaching of the features disclosed in the claims and the like. The advantages, embodiments, examples, features, features, structures, and / or other aspects of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure as defined by the claims or the equivalents of the claims, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of various combinations of the disclosed elements, configurations, features, parts, steps, means, and the like. This disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but that may be claimed in the future.

[0130] The following numbered embodiments (not claims) provide further disclosure related to the concepts described herein. (Embodiment 1) 1. An apparatus for heating a smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material, comprising: a heater region configured to receive at least a portion of an article including smokable material; a magnetic field generator configured to generate a varying magnetic field; an elongated heater element protruding into said heater area; Equipped with The heater element includes a heater material, the heater material being heatable by penetration of the varying magnetic field to heat the heater region. (Embodiment 2) 2. The apparatus of embodiment 1, further comprising a body defining the heater region, the body being devoid of heater material heatable by penetration of the varying magnetic field. (Embodiment 3) 2. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the heater region is elongated, and the elongated heater element extends along a longitudinal axis substantially coincident with a longitudinal axis of the heater region. (Embodiment 4) 2. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the heater element has a length and a cross-section perpendicular to the length, the cross-section having a width and a depth, the length of the heater element being greater than the width of the cross-section and the width of the cross-section being greater than the depth of the cross-section. (Embodiment 5) 2. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the heater element is substantially planar. (Embodiment 6) an opening at a first end of the heater region and configured to receive the at least a portion of the article; 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the heater element protrudes into the heater region from a second end of the heater region opposite the first end, the heater element having a free end distal to the second end of the heater region, the free end positioned relative to the opening such that the free end enters the article when the article is inserted into the heater region. (Embodiment 7) 7. The apparatus of embodiment 6, wherein the free end of the heater element is tapered. (Embodiment 8) 3. The apparatus of embodiment 2, wherein the inner surface of the body or the outer surface of the body has a thermal emissivity of 0.1 or less. (Embodiment 9) 2. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the magnetic field generator comprises a coil and a device configured to pass a varying current through the coil. (Embodiment 10) 10. The apparatus of embodiment 9, wherein the coil surrounds the heater region. (Embodiment 11) 10. The apparatus of embodiment 9, wherein the coil extends along a longitudinal axis substantially coincident with a longitudinal axis of the heater element. (Embodiment 12) 10. The apparatus of embodiment 9, wherein the impedance of the coil is equal to or substantially equal to the impedance of the heater element. (Embodiment 13) 2. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the heater material comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of conductive materials, magnetic materials, and non-magnetic materials. (Embodiment 14) 2. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the heater material comprises a metal or metal alloy. (Embodiment 15) 2. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the heater material comprises 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. (Embodiment 16) 2. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the heater material is susceptible to eddy currents induced in the heater material when it is penetrated by the changing magnetic field. (Embodiment 17) 2. The device of embodiment 1, wherein the heater element is configured to change shape when heated. (Embodiment 18) 2. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the heater material is exposed to the heater region. (Embodiment 19) 1. An apparatus for heating a smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material, comprising: A first member and a second member; a heater region defined between the first member and the second member and configured to receive at least a portion of an article including a smoking material; a magnetic field generator configured, in use, to generate a varying magnetic field to heat said heater region; Equipped with The apparatus, wherein the first member and the second member are movable toward one another to compress the heater region. (Embodiment 20) 20. The apparatus of embodiment 19, wherein the magnetic field generator is configured to generate a varying magnetic field that penetrates the heater region. (Embodiment 21) 20. The apparatus of embodiment 19, further comprising a heater element, the heater element including a heater material heatable by penetration of the varying magnetic field to heat the heater region. (Embodiment 22) 1. An article for use with a device for heating a smoking material to volatilize at least one component of said smoking material, comprising: A lump of smoking material, a wiper connected to said mass of smoking material; Equipped with An article configured to receive a heater element configured to heat the smokable material by inserting the heater element into the mass of smokable material while in contact with the wiper. (Embodiment 23) 23. The article of claim 22, wherein the wiper comprises one or more of a scraper, a blade, an abrasive pad, a foam, a metal filament, a metal filament with multiple relative orientations, entangled metal filaments, and metal bristles. (Embodiment 24) 23. The article of embodiment 22, defining a cavity configured to receive the heater element in use. (Embodiment 25) 25. The article of claim 24, wherein the wiper defines at least a portion of the cavity. (Embodiment 26) An apparatus configured to heat smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material, the apparatus comprising: a heating region for receiving at least a portion of an article comprising smokable material; a magnetic field generator for generating a fluctuating magnetic field; and an elongated heating element protruding into the heating region, the heating element comprising a heating material heatable by penetration of the fluctuating magnetic field to heat the heating region; an article for use with the device, the article comprising the smoking material; A system comprising: (Embodiment 27) 27. The system of embodiment 26, wherein the article comprises a mass of smoking material and a wiper connected to the mass of smoking material, and the heating element is insertable into the mass of smoking material while in contact with the wiper. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 100...apparatus, 113...heating region, 120...magnetic field generator, 130...heating element.

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for heating a smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material, comprising: a heater region configured to receive at least a portion of an article including smokable material; a magnetic field generator configured to generate a varying magnetic field; an elongated heater element protruding into said heater area; Equipped with The heater element includes a heater material, the heater material being heatable by penetration of the varying magnetic field to heat the heater region.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a body defining said heater region, said body being devoid of heater material heatable by penetration of said varying magnetic field.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the heater region is elongated, and the elongated heater element extends along a longitudinal axis substantially coincident with a longitudinal axis of the heater region.

4. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the heater element has a length and a cross-section perpendicular to the length, the cross-section having a width and a depth, the length of the heater element being greater than the width of the cross-section and the width of the cross-section being greater than the depth of the cross-section.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the heater element is substantially planar.

6. an opening at a first end of the heater region and configured to receive the at least a portion of the article; 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the heater element protrudes into the heater region from a second end of the heater region opposite the first end, the heater element having a free end distal to the second end of the heater region, the free end positioned relative to the opening such that the free end enters the article when the article is inserted into the heater region.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the free end of the heater element is tapered.

8. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the thermal emissivity of the inner surface of the body or the outer surface of the body is 0.1 or less.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the magnetic field generator comprises a coil and a device configured to pass a varying current through the coil.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the coil surrounds the heater region.

11. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the coil extends along a longitudinal axis substantially coincident with a longitudinal axis of the heater element.

12. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the impedance of the coil is equal to or substantially equal to the impedance of the heater element.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the heater material comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of conductive materials, magnetic materials, and non-magnetic materials.

14. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the heater material comprises a metal or a metal alloy.

15. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the heater material comprises 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.

16. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the heater material is susceptible to eddy currents induced in the heater material when the heater material is penetrated by the changing magnetic field.

17. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the heater element is configured to change shape when heated.

18. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the heater material is exposed to the heater area.

19. 1. An apparatus for heating a smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material, comprising: A first member and a second member; a heater region defined between the first member and the second member and configured to receive at least a portion of an article including a smoking material; a magnetic field generator configured, in use, to generate a varying magnetic field to heat said heater region; Equipped with The apparatus, wherein the first member and the second member are movable toward one another to compress the heater region.

20. 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the magnetic field generator is configured to generate a varying magnetic field that penetrates the heater region.

21. 20. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising a heater element, the heater element including a heater material heatable by penetration of the varying magnetic field to heat the heater region.

22. 1. An article for use with a device for heating a smoking material to volatilize at least one component of said smoking material, comprising: A lump of smoking material, a wiper connected to said mass of smoking material; Equipped with An article configured to receive a heater element configured to heat the smokable material by inserting the heater element into the mass of smokable material while in contact with the wiper.

23. 23. The article of claim 22, wherein the wiper comprises one or more of a scraper, a blade, an abrasive pad, a foam, a metal filament, a metal filament with multiple relative orientations, intertwined metal filaments, and metal bristles.

24. 23. The article of claim 22, defining a cavity configured to receive the heater element in use.

25. 25. The article of claim 24, wherein the wiper defines at least a portion of the cavity.

26. An apparatus configured to heat smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material, the apparatus comprising: a heating area for receiving at least a portion of an article comprising smokable material; a magnetic field generator for generating a fluctuating magnetic field; and an elongated heating element protruding into the heating area, the heating element comprising a heating material heatable by penetration of the fluctuating magnetic field to heat the heating area; an article for use with the device, the article comprising the smoking material; A system comprising:

27. 27. The system of claim 26, wherein the article comprises a mass of smoking material and a wiper connected to the mass of smoking material, the heating element being insertable into the mass of smoking material while in contact with the wiper.

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