Non-flammable aerosol delivery device

Abstract

A non-combustible aerosol delivery device (100) for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material contained in a consumable is disclosed, which includes a retaining device (112) configured to hold in place, one at a time, each of a plurality of consumables of various sizes that contain the aerosol-generating material.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a non-combustible aerosol delivery device that volatilizes at least one component of an aerosol-forming material in a consumable to generate an aerosol stream for inhalation by a user.

[0002] Articles such as cigarettes, cigars, and the like, burn tobacco to produce tobacco smoke when used. Attempts have been made to provide an alternative to these tobacco-burning articles by creating products that release compounds without combustion. Examples of such products are the so-called non-combustion heating products, also known as tobacco heating products or tobacco heating devices, which release compounds by heating a material rather than by burning it. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, or a combination, such as a blended mixture, which may or may not contain nicotine. Overview

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a non-combustible aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material contained in a consumable, the non-combustible aerosol delivery device comprising a retaining device that holds in place a plurality of consumables of various sizes containing the aerosol-generating material, one at a time.

[0004] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a non-combustible aerosol supply system comprising a non-combustible aerosol supply device according to the first aspect, wherein the retention device includes an area adapted to receive a first retention member and a different second retention member, and a user can select at any time which of the first retention member and the second retention member to receive in the area, and when the first retention member is installed in the area, the first retention member is configured to hold a consumable of a first given size in place for use with the non-combustible aerosol supply device, and when the second retention member is installed in the area, the second retention member is configured to hold a consumable of a second given size in place for use with the non-combustible aerosol supply device, and the system comprises the first retention member and the second retention member.

[0005] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a non-combustible aerosol delivery system comprising a non-combustible aerosol delivery device according to the first aspect and one or more consumables containing an aerosol-generating material.

[0006] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only, which is made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 shows a block schematic diagram of a non-combustion aerosol delivery device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material contained in a consumable. [Diagram 2] 1 shows a block schematic cross-sectional view of a second non-combustion aerosol delivery device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material contained in a consumable. [Figure 3A] 1 shows a schematic side view of a first consumable containing an aerosol-generating material. [Figure 3B] 1 shows a schematic side view of a second consumable containing an aerosol-generating material. [Figure 4A] 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a retention device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4B] 1 shows a schematic side view of a retention device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4C] 2 shows a second schematic perspective view of the retention device according to the first embodiment; FIG. [Figure 4D] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of a retention device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4E] FIG. 2 shows a third schematic perspective view of the retention device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4F] 2 shows a second schematic cross-sectional side view of the retention device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5A] 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a retention device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5B] 1 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of a retention device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5C] 2 shows a second schematic perspective view of a retention device according to the second embodiment; [Figure 5D] 1 shows a side cross-sectional view of a retention device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5E] A third schematic perspective view of the retention device according to the second embodiment is shown. [Figure 5F] 13 shows a second cross-sectional side view of a retention device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6A] 13 shows a schematic perspective view of a side cross-section of a retention device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 6B] 13 shows a second schematic perspective view in cross-section of a side view of a retention device according to a third embodiment; FIG. [Figure 6C] 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a third non-combustion aerosol delivery device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material contained in a consumable. [Figure 6D] 1 shows a second schematic perspective view of a third non-combustion aerosol delivery device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material contained in a consumable. [Figure 7A] 13 shows a schematic sketch of a retention device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 7B] 13 shows a second schematic sketch of a retention device according to the fourth embodiment; [Figure 7C] 13 shows a third schematic sketch of a retention device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 8A] A schematic internal perspective view of a fourth non-combustible aerosol delivery device for generating aerosol from an aerosol-generating material contained in a consumable product, the device including a retention device according to a fifth embodiment, is shown. [Figure 8B] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a retention device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 8C] 13 is a schematic plan view of a retention device according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8D] A schematic side cross-sectional view of a retention device according to a fifth embodiment is shown. [Figure 8E] 13 shows a second schematic plan view of a retention device according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8F] 13 shows a second schematic cross-sectional side view of a retention device according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 8G] 13 shows a third schematic plan view of a retention device according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9A] 13 shows a schematic bottom-up view of a retention device according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9B] 13 shows a second schematic bottom-up view of a retention device according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9C] A schematic internal perspective view of a fifth non-combustible aerosol delivery device for generating aerosol from an aerosol-generating material contained in a consumable product, the device including a retention device according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 9D] A second schematic internal perspective view of a fifth non-combustible aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material contained in a consumable product, the device including a retention device according to a sixth embodiment, is shown. [Figure 10A] A schematic perspective view and an enlarged schematic internal perspective view of a sixth non-combustible aerosol supply device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material contained in a consumable product, and that is equipped with a retention device according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 10B] A second schematic perspective view of a sixth non-combustible aerosol supply device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material contained in a consumable product, the device including a retention device according to the seventh embodiment, is shown. [Figure 10C] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a retention device according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 10D] A second schematic perspective view of a retention device according to the seventh embodiment is shown. [Figure 11A] 13A and 13B are a schematic perspective view and a schematic side view of a retention device according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 11B] A schematic perspective view of a seventh non-combustible aerosol supply device for generating aerosol from an aerosol-generating material contained in a consumable product, the seventh non-combustible aerosol supply device having a retention device according to an eighth embodiment, is shown. [Figure 11C] 23A and 23B show a second schematic perspective view and a second schematic side view of a retention device according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 11D] 13A and 13B show a third schematic perspective view and a third schematic side view of a retention device according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 12A] A schematic plan view of a retention device according to a ninth embodiment is shown. [Figure 12B] A second schematic plan view of a retention device according to the ninth embodiment is shown. [Figure 13A] A schematic plan view of a retention device according to a tenth embodiment is shown. [Figure 13B] A schematic plan view of a retention device according to a tenth embodiment is shown. [Figure 14A] A schematic perspective view of a retention device according to an eleventh embodiment is shown. [Figure 14B] A second schematic perspective view of a retention device according to an eleventh embodiment is shown. [Figure 14C] A third schematic perspective view of a retention device according to the eleventh embodiment is shown. [Figure 15A] 2 shows a schematic plan view of a first holding member and a second holding member. FIG. [Figure 15B] 1A-1C show first, second and third schematic perspective views of a non-combustion aerosol delivery system. [Figure 15C] A fourth schematic perspective view of a non-combustible aerosol delivery system is shown. [Figure 15D] 5, 6, and 7 are schematic perspective views of a non-combustible aerosol supply system. Detailed Description

[0008] 1 is a block schematic diagram of a non-combustion aerosol delivery device 100. The non-combustion aerosol delivery device 100 includes a receptacle, such as a chamber, cavity, or holder. For example, the receptacle can be a heating chamber 102. The chamber 102 is configured to receive a consumable that includes an aerosol-generating material.

[0009] An aerosol-generating material is a material capable of generating an aerosol when excited, for example, by heating, irradiation, or in any other manner. The aerosol-generating material can be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain actives and / or flavorings. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material can include an "amorphous solid," which may alternatively be referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e., non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid can be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can hold some fluid, such as a liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material can include, for example, about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% amorphous solid to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% amorphous solid.

[0010] The aerosol-forming materials may include one or more active agents and / or flavorants, one or more aerosol former materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0011] A consumable is an article that includes or consists of an aerosol-generating material, where some or all of the article is intended to be consumed upon use by a user. A consumable may include one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transport component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. A consumable may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that generates heat during use to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol. A heater may include, for example, a combustible material, a material that can be heated by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0012] The non-combustion aerosol delivery device 100 is for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material included in a consumable. The non-combustion aerosol delivery device 100 includes an aerosol generator that generates an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material. In some examples, the non-combustion aerosol delivery device 100 is for heating the aerosol-generating material included in the consumable to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material. In such examples, the aerosol generator functions to provide heat to the aerosol-generating material. In other examples, the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibrations, pressure increases, electrostatic energy, or through the use of ultrasonic energy. In some such examples, the aerosol generator includes one or more piezoelectric elements that subject the aerosol-generating material to vibrations.

[0013] The non-combustion aerosol delivery device 100 is for heating an aerosol-generating material contained in a consumable product to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material. The non-combustion aerosol delivery device 100 can be configured to deliver an aerosol generated by heating an aerosolizable material. The consumable product is a tobacco heating product (THP) article. The non-combustion aerosol delivery device 100 can be, for example, a handheld device used to deliver an inhalable aerosol.

[0014] The non-combustion aerosol delivery device 100 is hereinafter referred to as device 100. The device 100 is configured to heat an aerosol-generating material contained in a consumable received in a heating chamber 102 as described. The device 100 includes a heating configuration 104 configured to provide energy to heat the aerosol-generating material of the consumable including the aerosol-generating material received in the heating chamber 102. In some examples, the heating configuration 104 includes one or more resistive heating elements disposed in thermal contact with the heating chamber 102. The flow of electrical current against the electrical resistance of the one or more resistive heating elements generates heat. This process is referred to as Joule heating, Ohmic heating, or resistive heating.

[0015] A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration by a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor can be a conductive material, such that penetration of the conductive material by the varying magnetic field causes inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material can be a magnetic material, such that penetration of the magnetic material by the varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor can be both conductive and magnetic, such that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. A device configured to generate a varying magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

[0016] In some examples, the heating configuration 104 is a magnetic field generator configured to generate a varying magnetic field to inductively heat a susceptor. The magnetic field generator may include one or more inductors through which an alternating current is passed to generate the varying magnetic field. In some examples, the heating configuration 104 includes one or more susceptors. In other examples, the heating configuration 104 may not include a susceptor, and instead may include / be provided with one or more susceptors as part of consumables intended for use with the device 100.

[0017] The device 100 includes a power source 106. The power source 106 provides power to various components of the device 100. In some examples, the power source 106 is a battery. In some examples, the power source 106 includes a battery and a DC-DC converter, and power is provided from the battery via the DC-DC converter. The DC-DC converter may allow the power source 106 to supply power at a voltage different from that of the battery. In some examples, the device 100 may include a DC-AC converter to convert DC current, for example from a battery, to AC current, for example to power one or more inductors of the heating component 104 when the heating component 104 is a magnetic field generator. In the following examples, the power source 106 is simply referred to as the battery 106.

[0018] In the example of FIG. 1, the aerosol delivery device 100 includes a processor 108 in data communication with a computer-readable memory 110. The processor 108 is configured to control various aspects of the operation of the device 100. The processor 108 controls the various aspects by executing instructions stored in the computer-readable memory 110. For example, the processor 108 can control the operation of the heating component 104. For example, the processor can control the delivery of power from the battery 106 to the heating component 104 by controlling various electrical components such as switches and the like (not shown in FIG. 1). The processor 108, the computer-readable memory 110, and the heating component 104 may be collectively referred to as a heating system.

[0019] 1, device 100 includes a retention device 112. Retention device 112 is configured to hold in place consumables intended for use with device 100, one at a time. For example, retention device 112 holds in place consumables received in heating chamber 102.

[0020] It will be understood that device 100 may include other components not shown in Fig. 1, such as ventilation inlets / outlets, control interfaces, fill ports, etc. It should be noted that Fig. 1 is merely a schematic sketch illustrating a number of components that may be included in device 100. Fig. 1 is not intended to convey the specific locations of the various components. For example, retaining device 112 may be provided at any location in / or on device 100, so long as it functions to hold a consumable received in heating chamber 102 in place.

[0021] The device 100 also includes a housing 114 in which the above-mentioned components may be housed. More specific examples of the device 100 are described below.

[0022] 2 is a block schematic side view of an example of device 100. For ease of illustration, certain components of aerosol delivery device 100 have been omitted from FIG. 2. In FIG. 2, numeral 202 denotes a proximal end of device 100, and numeral 204 denotes a distal end of device 100. Proximal end 202 is the end that a user holds closer to their mouth (e.g., pointed toward their mouth) than distal end 204 when device 100 is used to inhale aerosols as intended. On the other hand, distal end 204 of device 100 is the end that a user holds farther from their mouth than proximal end 202 when device 100 is used to inhale aerosols as intended.

[0023] 2, the retaining device 112 is disposed toward the proximal end 202 of the device 100. However, in other examples, the retaining device 112 may not be disposed toward the proximal end 202. In some examples, the retaining device 112 is disposed toward the distal end 204 of the device 100. The retaining device 112 is configured to hold each of a number of consumables of various sizes in place, one at a time.

[0024] As used herein, various sizes do not refer to variations in the size of a consumable due to manufacturing tolerances. As used herein, various sizes refer to various intended dimensions of a consumable. For example, a consumable having various intended widths and / or lengths that fit into differently sized receptacles. Consumables of various intended sizes may be referred to as various types of consumables.

[0025] The various types of consumables may differ simply in being sized differently, or may differ as well in other aspects such as internal configuration, structure, and the like.

[0026] In some examples, the retention device comprises at least one resilient member having a consumable retention force of less than 120 grams. The consumable retention force is the force applied by the retention device to the consumable to hold the consumable in place.

[0027] Figure 2 is merely a schematic diagram and should not be considered as specifying a particular structure, location, arrangement, etc., toward the proximal end 202. Figure 2 merely illustrates that the retaining device 112 is located toward the proximal end 202 in the particular example of Figure 2. As discussed, the retaining device 112 may be located differently, such as toward the distal end 204.

[0028] The retaining device 112 can be implemented in a variety of different ways. Various examples of retaining devices 112 disposed toward the proximal end 202 and configured to hold each of a plurality of consumables of various sizes in place, one at a time, are described below.

[0029] In the examples described below, each of the plurality of consumables has a different width. In examples where the consumables are rod-shaped (e.g., similar to a conventional cigarette), the width of the aerosol product product may be taken to be the outer diameter of the aerosol product product. Figure 3A shows a first consumable product 300 of the plurality of consumables, and Figure 3B shows a second consumable product 302 of the plurality of consumables. The first consumable product 300 has a width narrower than the width of the second consumable product 302.

[0030] In Examples 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 described below, the retaining device 112 includes at least one resilient member that allows the retaining device 112 to assume each of a plurality of configurations to hold a consumable having a respective width in place. For example, the retaining device 112 can have at least one resilient member that allows the retaining device 112 to assume a first configuration to hold a first consumable 300 in place and that allows the retaining device 112 to assume a second configuration to hold a second consumable 302 in place. In Examples 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 described below, the at least one elastic member enables the retention device to define an initial configuration that provides an initial size gap into which the consumables are to be inserted. Applying a force to the at least one elastic member changes the size of the gap to receive and hold each of the multiple consumables, one at a time.

[0031] In more detail, in Examples 4, 5, 6, and 8 described below, the at least one resilient member includes two or more resilient members that are deflected away from an initial configuration to vary the size of the gap, each of the two or more resilient members configured to simultaneously contact each of the plurality of consumables, one at a time, to hold the consumables in place.

[0032] In Examples 9 and 10 described below, the positioning device defines an initial configuration that provides an initial size gap into which the consumable is to be inserted. The positioning device includes a pivotable member that is pivotally mounted to the housing 114 such that a pivot axis of the pivotable member is substantially aligned with the center of the heating chamber 102 throughout the length of the chamber. The size of the gap is changed by pivoting the pivotable member relative to the housing 114.

[0033] Example 1 In Example 1, each of the plurality of aerosol product articles has a different width. Figures 4A-4F show a schematic representation of Example 1 of a positioning device 112. The particular positioning device according to Example 1 shown in Figures 4A-4F is labeled as 112a. Positioning device 112a includes an orifice 402 that provides an opening into heating chamber 102 of device 100. Figure 4A shows a schematic perspective view of positioning device 112a, and Figure 4B shows a schematic side view of positioning device 112a.

[0034] In the initial position, the central axis 404 of the orifice 402 is at a non-zero angle relative to the central axis 406 of the heating chamber 102. In the example of Figures 4A and 4B, the positioning device 112a is in the initial position, and it can be seen that the central axis 404 of the orifice 402 is at a non-zero angle relative to the central axis 406 of the heating chamber 102. This angle can be between 1° and 15°.

[0035] In this example, the retainer 112a is movably attached to the housing 114 of the device 100 such that moving the retainer 112a relative to the housing 114 changes the angle and therefore the size of the aperture.

[0036] More specifically, in this example, the retaining device 112a includes elastic members 408 that allow the retaining device 112a to assume each of a plurality of configurations to hold the consumables having the respective widths in place. The number of elastic members is not limited to one. In other similar examples, at least one elastic member may be provided that allows the retaining device 112a to assume each of a plurality of configurations to hold the consumables having the respective widths in place.

[0037] In this example, the resilient member 408 biases the retainer 112a to an initial position. Applying force to the resilient member 408 changes the angle, thereby increasing the size of the opening to the chamber 102. In this example, the retainer 112a includes a housing 410 that is connected to the housing 114 of the device 100, and the resilient member 408 is disposed between the housing 410 of the retainer 112a and the housing 114 of the device 100, as shown in FIG. 4B. In this example, the housing 410 of the retainer 112a has a shape such that one end of the housing 410 is much thicker than the other end. The shape of the housing 410 is hereinafter referred to as a wedge shape. However, other shapes that enable the described functionality of this example may be used.

[0038] A narrow end 412 of the wedge-shaped housing 410 is pivotally connected (e.g., via a hinge) to the housing 114 of the device 100. A thicker end 414 of the wedge-shaped housing 410 moves relative to the housing 114 of the device 100 as the narrow end 412 pivots relative to the housing 114 of the device 100. The thicker end 414 moves at least partially in and out of the housing 114 of the device 100 as it moves relative to the housing 114 of the device 100.

[0039] In this example, the thicker end 414 is located closer to the heating chamber 102 than the narrow end 412. The orifice 402 is located closer to the thicker end 414 than the narrow end 412 of the wedge-shaped housing 410. Thus, as the narrow end 412 pivots relative to the housing 114 of the device 100, the angle of the central axis 404 of the orifice 402 changes relative to the central axis 406 of the heating chamber 102. The device 100 includes a heating chamber orifice 102a that leads to the heating chamber 102. In this example, the greater the angle between the central axis 404 of the orifice 402 and the central axis 406 of the heating chamber 102, the less the orifice 402 is aligned with the heating chamber orifice 102a. On the other hand, the smaller the angle between the central axis 404 of the orifice 402 and the central axis 406 of the heating chamber 102, the more the orifice 402 is aligned with the heating chamber orifice 102a.

[0040] The size of the opening into the chamber 102 depends on how closely the orifice 402 is aligned with the heat chamber orifice 102a. The more the orifice 402 is aligned with the heat chamber orifice 102a, the larger the size of the opening into the heat chamber 102.

[0041] In this example, the resilient member 408 is a coil spring. However, the resilient member 408 may be any other resilient member suitable for performing the functions described in this example. The coil spring 408 is arranged to bias the wedge-shaped housing 410 such that the thicker end 414 moves away from the housing 114 of the device 100.

[0042] Applying force to the coil spring 408 decreases the angle between the central axis 404 of the orifice 402 and the central axis 406 of the heat chamber 102, thereby increasing the size of the opening into the heat chamber 102. This is because the smaller the angle between the central axis 404 of the orifice 402 and the central axis 406 of the heating, the more the orifice 402 aligns with the heat chamber orifice 102a.

[0043] Fig. 4C is a schematic perspective view of the retention device 112a. In the example of Fig. 4C, a first consumable item 300 is inserted into the heating chamber 102 via the retention device 112a. Fig. 4D is a schematic side view of the retention device 112a with the first consumable item 300 inserted into the heating chamber 102 via the retention device 112a.

[0044] 4C and 4D , a force is applied to the coil spring 408 to move the thicker end 414 partially into the housing 114 of the device 100 and correspondingly pivot the narrow end 412 relative to the housing 114 of the drive 100. Thus, the angle between the central axis 404 of the orifice 402 and the central axis 404 of the heating chamber 102 is slightly decreased compared to the initial configuration, thereby increasing the size of the opening to the heating chamber compared to the initial configuration.

[0045] For example, a force is applied to increase the size of the opening so that the first consumable 300 can be inserted into the heating chamber 102. Once the consumable is inserted, the force against the coil spring 408 is removed. The size of the opening decreases until the top edge 402a of the orifice 402, closest to the thicker end 414, and the bottom edge 402b of the orifice 402, closest to the narrow end 412, contact the first consumable 300, as shown in FIG. 4D. This contact holds the first consumable 300 in place and prevents the retention device 112a from returning completely to its initial configuration.

[0046] Fig. 4E is a schematic perspective view of the retention device 112a. In the example of Fig. 4E, the second consumable item 302 is inserted into the heating chamber 102 via the retention device 112a. Fig. 4F is a schematic side view of the retention device 112a with the second consumable item 302 inserted into the heating chamber 102 via the retention device 112a.

[0047] As previously mentioned, the width of the second consumable 302 is greater than the width of the first consumable 300. In the example of Figures 4E and 4F, the retaining device functions in the same manner as described above to hold the second consumable 302 in place. In the example of Figures 4E and 4F, as compared to the example of Figures 4C and 4D, a force is applied to the coil spring 408 to move the thicker end 414 further into the housing 114 of the device 100 (and correspondingly pivot the narrow end 412 relative to the housing 114 of the device 100), thereby decreasing the angle between the central axis 414 of the orifice 402 and the central axis 406 of the heating chamber 102, and increasing the size of the opening to a greater extent than in the example of Figures 4C and 4D.

[0048] The size of the opening increases (becomes wider) sufficiently to allow insertion of the second consumable item 302. When the force is removed after insertion of the second consumable item 302, the size of the opening decreases until the upper edge 402a of the orifice 402, closest to the thicker end 414, and the lower edge 402b of the orifice 402, closest to the narrow end 412, contact the second consumable item 300, as shown in FIG. 4F. This contact holds the second consumable item 300 in place and prevents the retention device 112a from returning completely to its initial configuration.

[0049] In this example, the smaller the angular difference between the central axis 404 of the orifice 402 and the central axis 406 of the heating chamber 102, the larger the size of the opening into the heating chamber 102. The coil spring 408 is biased to reduce the size of the opening and hold the consumables in place one at a time as described. Thus, the retaining device 112a in this example is capable of holding consumables having different widths in place one at a time. The retaining device 112a can be used with consumables of any width that can be inserted into the orifice 402.

[0050] In other examples, the resilient member 408, such as a coil spring, may not be present. Instead, there may be a locking mechanism that locks the wedge-shaped housing 410 in place to provide a number of different angles between the central axis 404 of the orifice 402 and the central axis 406 of the heating chamber 102. For example, the locking mechanism may lock the wedge-shaped housing 410 at a first angle suitable for holding the first consumable 300 in place and a different second angle suitable for holding the second consumable 302 in place. The locking mechanism may include a detent, a latch, or the like. In such examples, a grip structure may be provided that allows a user to manipulate the wedge-shaped housing 410 to change the angle.

[0051] Example 2 Figures 5A-5F generally illustrate a second embodiment of the retention device 112. The particular retention device according to the second embodiment illustrated in Figures 5A-5F is labeled as 112b. The retention device 112b includes an end cap 502 that is movably attached to the housing 114 of the device 100. The end cap 502 has a first opening 504 of a first size and a second opening 506 of a different second size.

[0052] The first opening 504 is sized to hold a first width consumable (e.g., the first consumable 300) in place. The second opening 506 is sized to hold a second width consumable (e.g., the second consumable 302) in place. For example, the first opening 504 can be sized to allow insertion of the first width consumable by exerting sufficient force. However, the first opening 504 may be sized to hold the first width consumable in place by friction, for example, against forces caused by gravity or movement of the device 100. The first opening 504 may be sized such that the force is not so high that the first width consumable would be significantly damaged if inserted. On the other hand, the first opening 504 may be small enough to hold the first size consumable in place sufficiently so that the consumable does not move relative to the device 100 when used as intended. The second opening 506 may be sized to similarly hold in place a consumable of a second width.

[0053] In this example, the retainer 112b is configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration of the retainer 112b, the first opening 504 is aligned with the heating chamber 102 of the device 100. In the second configuration of the retainer 112b, the second opening 506 is aligned with the heating chamber 102. The first and second configurations are discussed below.

[0054] In the example of FIGS. 5A-5D, the retaining device 112b is configured to transition between the first and second configurations by pivoting relative to the housing 114. More specifically, the end cap 502 is configured to pivot about a pivot axis that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing 114 as shown by the arrow in FIG. 5A. The end cap 502 can be pivotally mounted, for example, by being fixedly attached to a rod / cylinder element that is attached to the housing 114 such that the end cap 502 can pivot relative to the housing 114. In this example, the end cap 502 includes an axial end 518 that is received in a groove 516 in the housing 114. The axial end 518 and the groove 516 both have a circular cross section. The center of the axial end 518 and the center of the groove 516 are aligned with the longitudinal axis of the housing 114. In this manner, the end cap 502 is configured to pivot about an axis that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing 114. In other examples (not shown), the end cap 502 may be slidably attached to the housing 114. In such examples, the retaining device 112b is configured to transition between the first configuration and the second configuration by sliding relative to the housing 114.

[0055] In the example of Figure 5A, the first opening 504 includes ridges 504a that contact the first width consumable and hold the first consumable in place by friction, as described above. For example, the first width consumable may contact the ridges 504a upon insertion into the first opening 504 and application of sufficient force. However, contact with the ridges 504a may also hold the consumable in place by friction, for example against forces caused by gravity or movement of the device 100. In this example, the second opening 506 includes ridges 506a that contact and hold the second width consumable in the same manner that the ridges 504a hold the first width consumable.

[0056] The ridges 504a and 506a may include a tapered portion that tapers inwardly from the proximal end toward the heating chamber 102. This tapering may allow for easy guided insertion of a respectively sized consumable into the first opening 504 and the second opening 506.

[0057] 5B, an expanded cross-sectional view of the retainer 112b in a particular configuration is shown. In this example, the retainer 112b includes one or more retaining elements configured to hold the retainer in its current configuration. For example, when the retainer 112b is in a first configuration, the one or more retaining elements hold the retainer 112b in the first configuration. When the retainer 112b is in a second configuration, the one or more retaining elements hold the retainer 112b in the second configuration.

[0058] For example, the retention device 112b includes a first elastic retention element 508 and a second elastic retention element 510. More specifically, in this example, the first elastic retention element 508 is a first coil spring 508, and the second elastic retention element 510 is a second coil spring 510. One end of each of the first coil spring 508 and the second coil spring 510 is fixedly attached to the housing 114 at a respective position in the housing 114 such that when the first coil spring 508 and the second coil spring 510 are compressed (or in equilibrium), the first coil spring 508 and the second coil spring 510 can retract into the housing 114 (e.g., retract inwardly so as not to extend beyond the outermost surface of the housing 114). It is noted that in this example, there are two coil springs that are elastic retention elements. However, in some examples, there may be one elastic retention element or there may be more elastic retention elements.

[0059] The other end of each of the first coil spring 508 and the second coil spring 510 is abutted by a respective spherical element 508a, 510a. In this example, when no force is applied to the first coil spring 508 and the second coil spring 510 (other than the force of the weight of the respective spherical element 508a, 510a), each of the first coil spring 508 and the second coil spring 510 is biased such that the respective spherical element 508a, 510a at least partially protrudes outward from the housing 114. In this example, each of the first coil spring 508 and the second coil spring 510 is disposed adjacent the axial end 518 such that the respective spherical element 508a, 510a is covered by the end cap 502 at all positions of the end cap 502 relative to the housing 114. The retention device 112b has a first recess 512 and a second recess 514. When the first spherical element 508a or the second spherical element 510a is received in the first recess 512, the end cap 502 is prevented from pivoting relative to the housing 114. Similarly, when the first spherical element 508a or the second spherical element 510a is received in the second recess 514, the end cap 502 is prevented from pivoting relative to the housing 114, thereby maintaining the positioner 112b in its current configuration.

[0060] A user can apply a pivoting force to the end cap 502 to pivot the end cap 502 relative to the housing 114, thereby exerting a force on each of the first and second spherical elements 508a and 510a, compressing the first and second coil springs 508 and 510, respectively, causing the spherical elements to pass the outermost surface of the housing 114 and retract into the housing 114 to allow for the pivoting movement of the end cap 502.

[0061] The first and second recesses 512, 514 can be constructed and arranged in the end cap 502 such that when the first opening 504 is aligned with the heating chamber 102 and when the second opening 506 is aligned with the heating chamber, the spherical element engages the recesses to prevent pivotal motion. In this manner, the first and second coil springs 508, 510, the first and second spherical elements 508a, 510a, and the first and second recesses 512, 514 form detents to hold the end cap 502 in the first and second configurations.

[0062] In the example of Figure 5B, two coil springs and two dimples are shown with a spherical element. However, in other examples, there may be one or more coil springs and a suitable number of corresponding dimples that function as described above. For example, a single coil spring and spherical element and two dimples (one each for the first and second configurations) may be provided.

[0063] 5C is a schematic perspective view of the positioning device 112b in a first configuration. As previously discussed, in the first configuration, the first opening 504 is aligned with the heating chamber 102. This allows a consumable of an appropriate width to be inserted into the heating chamber 102. In the example of FIG. 5C, the first opening 504 is sized to allow insertion of the first consumable 300.

[0064] FIG. 5D is a side cross-sectional view of the positioning device 112b in a first configuration, with the first consumable item 300 inserted into the heating chamber 102.

[0065] Figure 5E is a schematic perspective view of the positioning device 112b in a second configuration. As previously described, in the second configuration, the second opening 506 is aligned with the heating chamber 102. This allows a consumable of an appropriate width to be inserted into the heating chamber 102. In the example of Figure 5E, the second opening 506 is sized to allow for the insertion of the second consumable 302.

[0066] FIG. 5F is a side cross-sectional view of the positioning device 112b in a second configuration, with the second consumable item 302 inserted into the heating chamber 102.

[0067] Example 3 The retention device of Example 3 is designated by reference numeral 112c in Figures 6A-6D.

[0068] FIG. 6A shows an example of a retainer 112c in schematic form. In FIG. 6A, the retainer 112c is shown separated from the remainder of the device 100 for ease of illustration. The retainer 112c has an opening 602 that includes a tapered inner surface 604. The tapered inner surface 604 tapers radially outward as it advances into the opening. In this example, there is one resilient member. The resilient member includes a resilient ring 606. The resilient ring 606 can have the form of a rubber or other resilient material that can be deformed by the application of a force and returns to the shape of the resilient ring 606 before deformation when the force is removed. For illustration purposes, a second consumable item 302 is also shown inserted into the retainer 112c.

[0069] In the retention device 112c, a given consumable of the plurality of consumables is held in place by the retention device 112c when the elastic ring 606 is clamped between the given consumable and the tapered inner surface 604 at a position along the tapered inner surface 604 depending on the width of the given consumable.

[0070] For example, a user may insert a given consumable into the retainer 112c as shown by the arrow in FIG. 6A. Then, to enable the retainer 112c to hold the given consumable in place, the user pulls the given consumable in the opposite direction (i.e., out of the retainer 112c towards the proximal end, hereafter referred to as upward). When this is done, the elastic ring 606 begins to roll upward with the movement of the given consumable, thereby rolling towards the narrower region of the tapered inner surface 604.

[0071] The elastic ring 606 rolls upward with the movement of the given consumable being pulled up, eventually preventing further upward movement of the given consumable as it is clamped between the given consumable and the tapered inner surface 604. This clamping (squeezing) of the elastic ring 606 allows the given consumable to be held in place.

[0072] The width of a given consumable determines how far the resilient ring 606 rolls up the tapered inner surface 604 before preventing further upward movement of the given consumable and holding the given consumable in place.

[0073] Figure 6B shows a schematic configuration of the retainer 112c with the second consumable item 302 inserted and pulled such that the second consumable item 302 is held by the retainer 112c. Figure 6B shows that the elastic ring 606 is pinched (squeezed) between the second consumable item 302 and the tapered inner surface.

[0074] Because the tapered inner surface is a continuous surface, the retaining device 112c can be used to hold in place multiple consumables of different widths, as long as the widths are such that an elastic ring 606 can be sandwiched between the consumable and the tapered inner surface 604 anywhere along the tapered inner surface 604 to hold the consumable in place.

[0075] Figure 6C shows an example of device 100 with a consumable inserted into heating chamber 102. Although not shown in Figure 6C, a collar 602 and elastic ring 606 are disposed towards the proximal end 202 of device 100. The arrow in Figure 6C indicates the upward direction in which a user may pull a consumable inserted into device 100 to enable the positioner 112c to hold the consumable in place as described above.

[0076] It should be noted that it is undesirable to attempt to remove a consumable held by the retaining device 112c by pulling it upwards, as the resilient ring 606 will become pinched between the consumable and the tapered inner surface 604. Pulling the held consumable further upward has the effect of the resilient ring 606 tightening and preventing further upward movement.

[0077] FIG. 6D is a schematic perspective view of the device 100 of Example 3 showing the distal end 204. To allow removal of the retained consumable, Example 3 provides a door or lid 608 that allows the retained consumable to be removed from the distal end 204. When the retained consumable is pulled toward the distal end 204 (in a downward direction as indicated in the description of Example 3), the elastic ring 606 moves downward toward the wider area of ​​the tapered inner surface 604. A retainer (not shown) may be provided to retain the elastic ring 606 in the retainer 112c. For example, an inwardly extending lip may be provided at the widest portion of the tapered surface 604 to retain the elastic ring 606. This allows the consumable to be removed through the door or lid 608 without being retained by the retaining ring 606 being pinched as described. The door or lid 608 may include one or more vent openings as shown in FIG. 6D.

[0078] Example 4 In Example 4, two elastic members are provided. However, in other similar examples, more than two elastic members may be provided. The two elastic members are biased to an initial position, and the initial position provides a gap smaller than the smallest width of the consumables among the plurality of consumables.

[0079] More specifically, in Example 4, each of the two elastic members is an arm forming a cantilever spring, and the consumable retention force of each of the arms forming the cantilever spring is less than 120 grams.

[0080] 7A-7C show a retention device, designated by numeral 112d, according to Example 4. Fig. 7A is a schematic sketch of retention device 112d. In this example, two or more resilient members include a first arm forming a first cantilever spring 702 and a second arm forming a second cantilever spring 704.

[0081] The first cantilever spring 702 and the second cantilever spring 704 are biased to an initial configuration, which is the configuration that they would form if no force was applied to them and they were in equilibrium, as shown in Fig. 7A. The first cantilever spring 702 has a fixed end 702a toward the proximal end 202 that is fixed inside the heating chamber 102 (or a channel leading to the heating chamber 102). Similarly, the second cantilever spring 704 has a fixed end 704a toward the proximal end 202 that is fixed inside the heating chamber 102 (or a channel leading to the heating chamber 102). Furthermore, in this example, the first cantilever spring 702 has a free end 702b and the second cantilever spring 704 has a free end 704b.

[0082] In the example of Fig. 7A, each of the first cantilever spring 702 and the second cantilever spring 704 includes a respective bend 702c, 704c. In this example, the convex side of each of the first cantilever spring 702c and the second cantilever spring 704c faces inward toward the void. The first cantilever spring 702c and the second cantilever spring 704 are such that when no force is applied to the first cantilever spring 702 and the second cantilever spring 704 (e.g., by inserting a consumable), the tip of each of the first cantilever spring 702c and the second cantilever spring 704 is the portion of the first cantilever spring 702c and the second cantilever spring 704 that is closest to the center of the void. In this example, the gap into which the consumable will be inserted is the gap (shortest distance) between bend 702c of first cantilever spring 702 and bend 704c of second cantilever spring 704. In Figure 7A, the initial size of the gap (i.e., when no consumable has been inserted and therefore no force is being applied to either cantilever spring) is indicated by double arrow 706.

[0083] As described above, in the example of Fig. 7A, the retaining device 112d is in the initial position. The gap 706 in the initial position is smaller than the smallest width of the plurality of consumables. For example, if the first consumable 300 has the smallest width, the gap 706 in the initial position is smaller than the width of the first consumable 300.

[0084] In this example, the first cantilever spring 702 and the second cantilever spring 704 are biased away from their initial position to change the size of the gap. For example, inserting a consumable between the cantilever springs results in a force being applied to both cantilever springs, causing the consumable to push the cantilever springs away from each other, increasing the size of the gap. The first cantilever spring 702 and the second cantilever spring 704 contact the consumable at bends 702c and 704c, respectively.

[0085] The first cantilever spring 702 and the second cantilever spring 704 are biased to an initial position, so that the cantilever springs hold the consumable in place by compressing the consumable.

[0086] The amount the cantilever spring is deflected depends on the width of the consumable being inserted. For example, when the second consumable 302 (having a larger width) is inserted, the cantilever spring is deflected more than for the first consumable 300. A cantilever spring with a consumable retention force of less than 120 grams provides the advantage that the cantilever spring can be deflected enough to receive a second consumable having a larger width, for example, without exerting so much force on the second consumable that the second consumable would be damaged. At the same time, the consumable retention force is high enough that the cantilever spring exerts enough force on the first consumable to hold the first consumable in place once it is received in the void. For example, the consumable retention force is less than 120 grams and preferably more than 10 grams.

[0087] 7B is a schematic sketch of the retention device 112d with the first consumable item 300 inserted. It can be seen that the first consumable item is held by the cantilever spring and that the bends 702c, 704c are in contact with the first consumable item 300. In this example, the cantilever spring is deflected to reduce the amount of bending.

[0088] 7C is a schematic sketch of the retention device 112d with the second consumable 302 inserted. The second consumable 302 is held by the cantilever spring with the bends 702c, 704c in contact with the second consumable 302. In this example, the cantilever spring is deflected more than in the example of FIG. 7B because the second consumable 302 is wider. In this example, the amount of bend in the cantilever spring is reduced more than in the example of FIG. 7B. This causes more of the cantilever spring to contact the second consumable 302 due to the greater width of the second consumable 302.

[0089] The retention device 112 d may be disposed toward the proximal end 202 of the device 100 , or the retention device 112 d may be disposed toward the distal end 204 of the device 100 .

[0090] Example 5 8A-8G show a retention device, designated by numeral 112e, according to Example 5. FIG. 8A is a schematic perspective view of device 100 showing certain components contained inside housing 114. In this example, retention device 112e includes a tubular body 802. As can be seen in FIG. 8A, retention device 112e is disposed towards proximal end 202 of device 100.

[0091] In the fifth embodiment, eight elastic protrusions 804 are provided as the elastic member. The elastic protrusions 804 are configured to contact each of the plurality of consumables, one at a time, to hold the consumables in place. The elastic protrusions 804 are biased to an initial position. The elastic protrusions 804 extend from the cylindrical body 802 into the cavity 801 defined by the cylindrical body 802. In other examples, there may be one or more elastic protrusions. For example, there may be a number of elastic protrusions other than eight.

[0092] In the example of FIG. 8A, an absorbent pad 803 is also shown, which also holds the consumables and keeps them in place. The absorbent pad 803 can be located at the bottom of the heating chamber 102. For example, the absorbent pad 803 can be inserted through the base of the device 100 (e.g., through a lid / door at the distal end 204 of the device 100). The absorbent pad 803 can be hollow to allow air to pass through, or can be solid and made from a breathable material. In examples, the absorbent pad can include flame-retardant meta-aramid materials (e.g., Nomex®), cotton, paper, other para-aramids (e.g., Twaron®), heat-resistant high-strength synthetic fibers (e.g., Kevlar®), and the like. In other examples, the absorbent pad 803 can be omitted.

[0093] Fig. 8B is a schematic perspective view of the tubular body 802, and Fig. 8C is a schematic top-down view of the tubular body 802. The tubular body 802 includes elastic protrusions 804 extending inwardly from the tubular body 802 (the elastic protrusions 804 constitute the two or more elastic members described above). (Note that for clarity, only some of the elastic protrusions 804 shown in Figs. 8B and 8C are indicated with lines relating to the reference numerals 804).

[0094] The cylindrical body 802 may include a material that allows for the formation of the resilient protrusions 804. For example, the cylindrical body 802 may include aluminum or another resilient metal suitable for forming the cylindrical body 802. In some examples, the base structure (e.g., the cylindrical portion) of the cylindrical body 802 may be formed from one material and the resilient protrusions 804 may be formed from another material. For example, a rigid material may be selected for the base structure (for structural strength) and a material having resilient properties may be selected for the resilient protrusions 804.

[0095] 8B and 8C show the tubular body 802 in an initial configuration. The elastic projections 804 are biased into the initial configuration. In the initial configuration, no significant force has been applied to the elastic projections 804 (e.g., by the insertion of a consumable into the tubular body 802) to distort the elastic projections 804 away from their equilibrium position / configuration. The elastic projections 804 in the initial configuration define a gap of an initial size, which in this example is defined by an inner perimeter 806, shown by a dashed line in FIG. 8C. The gap defined by the inner perimeter 806 is smaller than the smallest width of the plurality of consumables.

[0096] When a consumable is inserted into the barrel 802, a force is applied against the resilient protrusions 804, changing the size of the void so that it can receive and retain the inserted consumable. The resilient protrusions 804 are deflected (pushed outward) away from their initial position, changing (in this case increasing) the size of the void.

[0097] Each of the resilient protrusions 804 is configured to simultaneously contact an inserted consumable. In this example, the tubular body 802 is intended for use with a consumable having a substantially circular cross-section. The resilient protrusions 804 form a substantially circular boundary on the inside of the tubular body 802, thereby allowing each of the resilient protrusions 804 to contact a consumable having a substantially circular cross-section.

[0098] In this example, the elastic protrusions 804 are biased to an initial position that provides a gap smaller in size than the smallest width of the multiple consumables, so that the elastic protrusions 804 compress radially inwardly to hold the inserted consumable in place.

[0099] The resilient protrusions 804 can be continually pushed outward and deformed, and thus the tubular body 802 can function to hold in place any consumable intended for use with the tubular body 802 that has a width greater than the gap defined by the inner periphery 806 in the initial configuration, and less than or equal to what the geometry of the tubular body 802 and the resilient protrusions 804 can reasonably accommodate.

[0100] FIG. 8D is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the tubular body 802 with the first consumable 300 inserted therein, and FIG. 8E is a schematic top-down view of the tubular body 802 with the first consumable 300 inserted therein.

[0101] FIG. 8F is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the tubular body 802 with the second consumable 302 inserted therein, and FIG. 8G is a schematic top-down view of the tubular body 802 with the second consumable 302 inserted therein.

[0102] Because the second consumable 302 is wider than the first consumable 300, the resilient protrusions 804 are pushed further outward when the second consumable 302 is inserted than when the first consumable 300 is inserted.

[0103] Example 6 9A-9D show a retention device, labeled with numeral 112f, according to Example 6. In Example 6, the retention device 112 includes a movable element that moves between a plurality of positions relative to one end of the device 100 (e.g., relative to the proximal end 202 of the housing 114) to transition the retention device 112 between a corresponding plurality of different initial configurations. In Example 6, each of the plurality of different initial configurations provides a different initial size gap into which the consumable is to be inserted. In Example 6, there are two elastic members that are biased to an initial configuration, where the initial configuration corresponds to the current position of the movable element. In other examples, there may be more than two elastic members.

[0104] 9A is a schematic bottom-up view of the retention device 112f with the first consumable item 300 inserted into the retention device 112f. In this example, the retention device 112f includes a movable element 902. In this example, a first arm 904 and a second arm 906 constitute the two resilient members described. The first arm 904 and the second arm 906 function as a cantilever spring.

[0105] The first arm 904 has a free end 904a and a fixed end 904b. Similarly, the second arm 906 has a free end 906a and a fixed end 906b. In this example, the first arm 904 and the second arm 906 are formed from a single piece of material (e.g., a metal having suitable material properties to act as a spring). In other examples, the first arm and the second arm may be formed separately.

[0106] 9B is a schematic bottom-up view of the positioner 112f with the second consumable 302 inserted therein. The movable element 902 is movable toward and away from the free ends of the first and second arms as indicated by the double arrow 908. This movement allows the movable element 902 to move between a number of positions to transition between a number of different corresponding initial configurations, as described above. The first and second arms 904 and 906 are fixed relative to the housing 114. Thus, as the movable element 902 moves, it also moves relative to the first and second arms 904 and 906.

[0107] The moveable element 902 has a first contact structure 910 and a second contact structure 912. The first contact structure 910 is in contact with the first arm 904 and slides along the first arm 904 towards the free end 904a as the moveable element 902 moves towards the free end 904a and vice versa for the fixed end 904b. Similarly, the second contact structure 912 is in contact with the second arm 906 and slides along the second arm 906 towards the free end 906a as the moveable element 902 moves towards the free end 906a and vice versa for the fixed end 906b.

[0108] The free ends 904a, 906a have a distance between them, without contacting the moveable element 902, that is greater than or equal to the distance between the free ends 904a, 906a when the moveable element 902 is at its furthest position from the free ends 904a, 906a.

[0109] When the movable element 902 is moved towards the free ends 904a, 906a, the free ends 904a, 906a are brought closer together due to the contact structures in contact with the first arm 904 and the second arm 906 as shown in Figures 9A and 9B. On the other hand, when the movable element 902 is moved away from the free ends 904a, 906a, the free ends 904a, 906a are moved apart.

[0110] Thus, different positions of the movable element 902 relative to the first arm 904 and the second arm 906 correspond to different distances between the free ends 904a, 906a, respectively. These different distances between the free ends 904a, 906a are referred to as different initial configurations in Example 6. In this example, the gap into which the consumable is to be inserted is defined by the distance between the free ends 904a, 906a. By applying a force to the first arm 904 and the second arm 906 (to move them apart), the size of the gap can be changed to accommodate and hold consumables of different widths. In the example of Figures 9A and 9B, the first arm 904 and the second arm 906 are curved toward the free ends 904a, 906a to accommodate a rod-shaped consumable therebetween.

[0111] In use, the initial configuration may be selected such that the gap is smaller than the width of the consumable to be inserted. The first arm 904 and the second arm 906 are biased to whatever the selected initial configuration is. When the consumable is inserted, the first arm 904 and the second arm 906 are forced apart by the consumable (deflected away from the selected initial position increasing the size of the gap). The first arm 904 and the second arm 906, due to their bias, hold the consumable in place by compressing it. Thus, the first arm 904 and the second arm 906 each simultaneously contact the consumable to hold it in place.

[0112] In an example, if the consumable is not present, it may be practical to first place the consumable between the first arm 904 and the second arm 906 if the initial placement is such that the gap is larger than the width of the consumable, and then move the movable element 902 to a position that defines the appropriate initial placement for the consumable. (Note that if the movable element 902 is moved in this order, the first arm 904 and the second arm 906 will not reach the selected initial placement because there is already a consumable between them.)

[0113] Markers may be provided that indicate various different positions of the movable element 902 corresponding to various respective initial configurations (eg, based on different consumables intended for use with the retention device 112f).

[0114] In the example of Fig. 9A, the first consumable 300 is inserted between the first arm 904 and the second arm 906 toward the free ends 904a, 906a. In the example of Fig. 9B, the second consumable 302 is inserted between the first arm 904 and the second arm 906 toward the free ends 904a, 906a. From these figures, it can be seen that when the second consumable 302 is held by the retaining device 112f, the movable element 902 is moved further away from the free ends 904a, 906a, and the free ends 904a, 906a are moved further away from each other, compared to when the first consumable 300 is held by the retaining device 112f.

[0115] Figure 9C is a schematic internal perspective view of device 100 with a retaining device 112f and a first consumable item 300 inserted into heating chamber 102 and held in place by retaining device 112f. Figure 9D is a schematic internal perspective view of device 100 with a retaining device 112f and a second consumable item 302 inserted into heating chamber 102 and held in place by retaining device 112f. A mechanism (e.g., a clip) may be provided to hold movable element 902 in a selected position.

[0116] Example 7 In Example 7, each of the plurality of consumables has a different width. In an example where the consumables are rod-shaped (e.g., similar to a conventional cigarette), the width of the consumable may be considered to be the outer diameter of the consumable. Figure 3A shows a first consumable 300 of the plurality of consumables and shows a second consumable 302 of the plurality of consumables. The first consumable 300 has a width smaller than the width of the second consumable 302.

[0117] In this example, the retaining device 112 includes at least one resilient member that allows the retaining device 112 to assume each of a plurality of configurations to hold in place consumables having respective widths. For example, the retaining device 112 can have at least one resilient member that allows the retaining device 112 to assume a first configuration to hold in place a first consumable 300 and that allows the retaining device 112 to assume a second configuration to hold in place a second consumable 302.

[0118] More specifically, in Example 7, the elastic member is a coil spring. Figures 10A-10D show a retention device according to Example 7, where the retention device of Example 7 is designated 112g. Figure 10A is a schematic perspective view and an enlarged schematic internal perspective view of device 100 in which retention device 112g is installed. Retention device 112g includes a coil spring 1002. A fixed end 1004 of coil spring 1002 is fixedly attached to housing 114 of device 100. A movable end 1006 of coil spring 1002 is movably attached to housing 114 of device 100.

[0119] The coil spring 1002 is positioned such that the central axis of the coil spring is generally parallel to and substantially aligned with the central axis of the heat chamber 102. In this manner, the consumable inserted into the heat chamber 102 passes through the coil spring 1002. Thus, the gap into which the consumable is to be inserted is defined by the coil spring 1002.

[0120] In this example, the movable end 1006 is attached to a movable tab 1008. The movable tab 1008 is movably attached to the housing 114. In the example of FIG. 10A, the movable tab has an elongated portion 1008a and a face portion 1008b. The face portion 1008b is located on the outside of the housing 114 so as to be accessible to a user. In this example, the housing 114 has a slit 1010 through which the elongated portion 1008a extends into the housing 114. The elongated portion 1008a is attached to the movable tab 1008 by attaching it to the portion of the movable tab 1008 that extends into the housing 114 through the slit 1010.

[0121] The slit 1010 allows the movable tab 1008 to move along the slit relative to the housing 114. In this manner, a user can move the movable end 1006 by moving the face portion 1008b along the slit 1010.

[0122] The size of the gap is changed by moving the movable end 1006 (i.e., by applying a force to the coil spring 1002) relative to the fixed end 1004, and therefore relative to the housing 114 of the device 100. For example, the movable end 1006 can be moved in one direction to decrease the size of the gap, and in the opposite direction to increase the size of the gap. Which direction the movable end 1006 is moved to achieve a given effect depends on the location of the coil spring 1002 (e.g., the location of the housing 114 to which the fixed end 1004 is fixed). In the particular example of FIG. 10A, as can be seen from the close-up, the size of the gap decreases when the movable end 1006 is moved such that the movable end 1006 and the fixed end 1004 are closer together, and vice versa.

[0123] In use, a given consumable may be inserted into the heating chamber 102 through the retainer 112g in a configuration in which the size of the gap is larger than the width of the given consumable. The gap may then be reduced, if desired, by moving the movable end 1006 until the gap is small enough to hold the consumable in place.

[0124] In the example of Fig. 10A, the second consumable item 302 is held in place by the retaining device 112g. Fig. 10B is a schematic perspective view of the device 100 with the retaining device 112g holding in place the first consumable item 300. It can be seen that the face portion 1008b is in a different position than in the example of Fig. 10A, where the wider item (i.e., the second consumable item 302) is held in place by the retaining device 112g.

[0125] Figure 10C is a schematic perspective view of the coil spring 1002 holding a first consumable item 300. Figure 10D is a schematic perspective view of the coil spring 1002 holding a second consumable item 302. It can be seen that when the narrower first consumable item 300 is held in place, the fixed end 1004 and the movable end 1006 are closer together (thereby reducing the size of the gap) than when the wider second consumable item 302 is held in place.

[0126] The coil spring 1002 may be biased to its maximum size of the gap. The retaining device 112g may be positioned to hold the movable tab 1008 in a desired position. For example, friction between the extension portion 1008a and the slit 1010 may be sufficient to prevent biasing of the coil spring 1002 and hold the movable end 1006 in place. In some examples, the tab 1008 may have structure that engages with the slit 1010 or engages with a complementary structure on / in / near the slit 1010 to allow the tab 1008 to be held in place.

[0127] Example 8 The retention device of Example 8 is labeled with the numeral 112h in Figures 11A-11D. Figure 11A shows a schematic perspective view of retention device 112h and a schematic side view of retention device 112h. In Example 8, there are more than two elastic members labeled with the numeral 1102 as shown in Figures 11A-11D. In this example, these elastic members 1102 are circumferentially arranged to define gaps (in which consumables are to be inserted) between them.

[0128] The elastic members 1102 are biased to an initial position. In this example, the elastic members 1102 are biased away from each other. The elastic members 1102 in the initial position provide an initial size gap into which the consumable is to be inserted. The gap provided by the initial position is larger than the largest width of the consumables among the plurality of consumables. In this example, the innermost portions of the elastic members 1102 are the protrusions 1102a. The protrusions 1102a define the gap and are in contact with the inserted consumable.

[0129] The retention device 112h includes a restraining member 1104 slidably attached to the housing 114 of the device 100. The restraining member 1104 can slide toward or away from the proximal end 202 (the arrows in FIG. 11A indicate the sliding direction). The two or more elastic members 1102 can be moved closer together to reduce the size of the gap between them, or moved farther apart to increase its size. However, the two or more elastic members 1102 do not slide up and down the way that the restraining member 1104 slides up and down.

[0130] The restraining member 1104 is configured to slide relative to the housing 114 to urge the two or more elastic members 1102 against its bias to reduce the size of the gap. This means that the restraining member 1104 also slides relative to the two or more elastic members 1102. The restraining member 1104 includes a ring portion 1104a that surrounds the two or more elastic members 1102. The inner diameter of the ring portion 1104a is smaller than the outer diameter formed by the two or more elastic members 1102 in the initial configuration. Thus, when the restraining member 1104 slides downward (as shown by the arrows in FIG. 11A), the ring portion 1104a forces the elastic members 1102 closer together, reducing the size of the gap. The retaining device 112h can be configured such that the elastic members 1102 are in the initial configuration (i.e., the ring portion 1104a does not bias the elastic members away from the initial configuration) when the ring portion 1104a is at its highest position. Thus, the elastic member 1102 is deflected away from the initial position to change the size of the gap.

[0131] The restraining member 1104 may also include a face portion 1104b provided on the outside of the housing 114 so as to be accessible to a user (or in another manner that allows a user to manipulate the restraining member 1104). A user can contact the face portion 1104b and slide the restraining member 1104 up and down. The face portion 1104b is connected to the ring portion 1104a via an arm portion 1104c in this example. The housing 114 may include a slit or the like that allows the face portion 1104b to be disposed, for example, on the outside of the housing 114 and connected to the ring portion 1104a via the arm portion 1104c. The restraining members 1104 are moved to define a gap in the elastic members 1102 such that the inserted consumable is held by the elastic members 1102. The elastic members 1102 each simultaneously contact the inserted consumable to hold the consumable in place.

[0132] In use, the restraining member 1104 may be in a position such that the gap is larger than the width of the consumable being inserted. The consumable is then inserted and the restraining member 1104 may be slid downwards until the gap is such that the protrusions 1102a contact the consumable and hold the consumable in place. Clips or the like may be provided to hold the restraining member 1104 in place once the inserted consumable is held in place (i.e. means may be provided to secure the restraining member 1104 in a desired position).

[0133] Fig. 11B is a schematic perspective view of device 100 with retainer 112h. Fig. 11C is a schematic perspective view of retainer 112h and a schematic side view of retainer 112h with first consumable item 300 inserted. Fig. 11D is a schematic perspective view of retainer 112h and a schematic side view of retainer 112h with second consumable item 302 inserted. From Figures 11C and 11D, it can be seen that when the first consumable 300 is held by the retention device 112h, the restraining member 1102 is in a lower position so that the protrusions 1102a contact the inserted consumable and provide a smaller gap to hold the consumable, compared to when the second consumable 302 is held by the retention device 112h.

[0134] Example 9 The retention device of Example 9 is labeled with reference numeral 112i in Figures 12A-12B. The pivot member in Figures 12A and 12B is labeled with reference numeral 1202. The pivot axis 1204 is indicated by a cross in Figures 12A and 12B, which indicates that the pivot axis 1204 points in the depth direction. In other words, the pivot axis 1204 is generally parallel to and substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the heating chamber 102.

[0135] In Example 9, the retainer 112i includes three elastic wires, labeled with reference numeral 1206. In other examples, there may be more than one elastic wire. The elastic wires 1206 allow the retainer 112i to assume each of a number of configurations to hold consumables having each width in place one at a time. A first end 1206a of each elastic wire 1206 is fixedly attached to the pivot member 1202, and a second end 1206b of each elastic wire 1206 is fixedly attached to the housing 114 of the device 100.

[0136] In Example 9, the elastic wires 1206 are each configured to simultaneously contact each of the multiple consumables, one at a time, to hold the consumables in place. Applying a force to the elastic wires 1206 deflects the elastic wires 1206 away from their initial position to change the size of the gaps to receive and hold each of the multiple consumables, one at a time.

[0137] To fixedly attach the second end 1206b to the housing 114, in this example a fixed member 1210 configured to be fixedly attached to the housing 114 is provided. The second end 1206b is fixedly attached to the fixed member 1210, thereby being fixedly attached to the housing 114. In the example of Figures 12A and 12B, the fixed member 1206 has a circular cross-section and is coaxially aligned with the pivot member 1202.

[0138] The size of the gap into which the consumable is to be inserted is changed by pivoting the pivoting member 1202 relative to the housing 114 (as shown by arrow 1208). In this example, the elastic wires 1206 have a shape that allows the size of the gap to change as the pivoting member 1202 pivots relative to the housing substantially about the central longitudinal axis of the heating chamber 102. Each of the elastic wires 1206, due to its shape, has a bend 1206c. The bend 1206c is positioned to define the gap into which the consumable is to be inserted.

[0139] The elastic wire 1206 defines an initial configuration that provides an initial size gap. The elastic wire 1206 may be biased such that in the initial configuration, the bend 1206c defines the smallest gap. The elastic wire 1206 is deflected from the initial configuration to change the size of the gap. Applying a force to the elastic wire 1206 (e.g., by pivoting the pivoting member 1202) changes the size of the gap to receive and hold each of the multiple consumables, one at a time.

[0140] When the pivoting member 1202 is pivoted in a clockwise direction with respect to Figures 12A and 12B, the bend 1206c moves away from the center and the size of the gap increases. On the other hand, when the pivoting member 1202 is pivoted in a counterclockwise direction with respect to Figures 12A and 12B, the end 1206c moves toward the center and the size of the gap decreases. Each of the elastic wires 1206 simultaneously contacts the inserted consumable to hold the inserted consumable in place. In this example, the bend 1206c contacts the inserted consumable.

[0141] In an initial position, the pivoting member 1202 may be in its most counterclockwise position. In use, the pivoting member 1202 may be pivoted clockwise such that the size of the gap is greater than the width of the consumable being inserted. Once the consumable is inserted, the pivoting member 1202 may be pivoted as prompted by the bias of the elastic wire 1206. Thus, the bend 1206 contacts the consumable and compresses it to hold it in place.

[0142] In some examples, clips or the like may be provided that can be used to hold the pivoting member 1202 in a desired position.

[0143] In the example of Figure 12A, the retainer 112i holds in place the first consumable item 300. In the example of Figure 12B, the retainer 112i holds in place the second consumable item 302. It can be seen that when the first consumable item 300 is inserted into and held by the retainer 112i, the gap defined by the bend 1206c is smaller and the pivot member 1202 is in a more counterclockwise position than when the second consumable item 302 is inserted into and held by the retainer 112i.

[0144] Example 10 The retention device of Example 10 is labeled with reference numeral 112j in Figures 13A-13B. In this example, the pivotable member is a cam 1302. The cam 1302 is pivotally mounted to the housing 114 of the device 100. The pivotable member 1302 is pivotally mounted such that the pivot axis 1304 of the cam 1302 is substantially aligned with the center of the heating chamber 102 throughout the length of the heating chamber 102. In other words, the pivot axis 1304 is generally parallel to and substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the heating chamber 102. The cross labeled with numeral 1304 in Figures 13A and 13B indicates that the pivot axis points in the depth direction.

[0145] In this example, the cam 1302 has three inclined surfaces 1302a such that the pivot axis 1304 is generally parallel to the plane of the inclined surfaces. In other examples, the cam 1302 may have a different number of such inclined surfaces. For example, the cam 1302 may have more than two inclined surfaces. The positioner 112j includes three gripper members 1306. Each of the gripper members 1306 is slidably connected to the cam 1302. In Example 10, each gripper member 1306 is slidably connected to a respective one of the inclined surfaces 1302a. In this example, there is one gripper member for each of the three inclined surfaces. In other examples, there may be a different number of gripper members corresponding to the number of inclined surfaces.

[0146] In this example, the gripper members 1306 are circumferentially positioned around the gap to define the size of the gap. Each of the gripper members 1306 is configured to simultaneously contact each of a plurality of consumables, one at a time, to hold the consumables in place. The gripper members 1306 engage the cam 1302 (particularly the angled surface 1302a) to pivot the cam 1302, thereby moving the gripper members 1306 toward and away from the center of the gap to change the size of the gap.

[0147] In this example, the gripper members 1306 include roller / slider members 1306a that roll or slide along the inclined surface 1302a. In the following description, the roller / slider members 1306a will be referred to simply as slider members 1306a for convenience. The gripper members 1306 are configured to define a gap (in which the consumable is to be inserted) and to contact the consumable to hold it in place. The gripper members 1306 each have a contact surface 1306b that faces inwardly to the chamber and defines the gap.

[0148] The cam 1302 can be pivoted clockwise or counterclockwise as indicated by arrow 1308. Pivoting the cam 1302 causes the gripper member 1306 to slide against the ramp surface 1302a, thereby varying the size of the gap.

[0149] In Example 10, there is at least one resilient member that biases the gripper members 1306 to an initial position where the gap size is at its minimum. The gripper members 1306 are biased inwardly and centrally. For example, a spring (e.g., connected to the housing 114 and to that gripper member) may be provided for each of the gripper members 1306 that biases that gripper member centrally. As discussed above, the gripper members are slidably connected to their respective ramps. In this example, the gripper members 1306 do not pivot as the cam 1302 pivots. In this manner, the gripper members 1306 slide against the cam 1302.

[0150] In some examples, one spring may not be provided for each gripper member. Instead, for example, a single spring may urge a pusher member to push all of the gripper members toward the center. A variety of different arrangements that allow at least one resilient member to bias the gripper members 1306 toward the center may be envisioned.

[0151] The gripper member 1306 is biased toward the center, but the location of the contact surface 1306b closest to the center is constrained by the ramp surface 1302a. The initial position occurs when the contact surface 1306b is at its closest to the center, which occurs when the sliding member 1306a contacts the portion of the ramp surface 1302a closest to the center.

[0152] As the cam 1302 pivots in a clockwise direction, a force is exerted against at least one resilient member, changing the size of the gap by pushing the gripper member 1306 away from the center against the bias. This is caused by the angle of the inclined surface 1302a against which the sliding member 1306a slides. This allows the consumable to be received and held by the gripper member. When pivoting in a clockwise direction, the size of the gap increases.

[0153] In use, a user can pivot the cam in a clockwise direction to increase the size of the gap. The consumable can then be inserted. The pivoting force can be released (e.g., gradually / controlled) and the cam 1032 can pivot in a counterclockwise direction until the gap is such that the contact surface 1306b contacts the consumable and compresses it to hold it in place.

[0154] In some examples, a clip or the like may be provided that can hold the cam 1302 in a desired position.

[0155] In the example of Fig. 13A, a first consumable item 300 is held by the retaining device 112j. In the example of Fig. 13B, a second consumable item is held by the retaining device 112j. It can be seen that when the first consumable item is held, the gripper member is closer to the center and the sliding member 1306a contacts a portion of the inclined surface 1302 closer to the center than when the second consumable item 302 is held.

[0156] Example 11 The above comments regarding Example 4 also apply to Example 11.

[0157] 14A is a schematic perspective view of a retainer, designated by the numeral 112k, according to Example 11. Retainer 112k functions in the same manner as retainer 112d of Example 4. Retainer 112k differs in that retainer 112k includes four cantilever springs instead of two.

[0158] 14A, the retention device includes a first cantilever spring 1402, a second cantilever spring 1404, a third cantilever spring 1406, and a fourth cantilever spring 1408. All of the cantilever springs in this example are connected to a base plate 1410. In this example, the base plate has a hole 1412 in the center.

[0159] Providing holes 1412 is advantageous when the retainer 112k is disposed toward the distal end 204 of the device 100 such that it is intended to hold the distal end of the consumable. As used herein, the distal end of the consumable is the end opposite the end from which the user draws aerosol. Holes 1412 may be advantageous in such instances because, for example, holes 1412 provide a path for aerosol to exit and flow out of the distal end of the consumable.

[0160] Figure 14B is a schematic perspective view of the retention device 112k holding in place the first consumable item 300. Figure 14C is a schematic perspective view of the retention device 112k holding in place the second consumable item 302. As can be seen from Figures 14B and 14C, the cantilever spring is deflected more in the case of Figure 14C because the second consumable item 302 is wider.

[0161] Non-flammable aerosol delivery system The following description relates to a non-combustion aerosol delivery system. The non-combustion aerosol delivery system includes a non-combustion aerosol delivery device, such as device 100. The system also includes a first retention member and a second retention member.

[0162] The system is configured such that the first and second retention members can be located towards the proximal end of the device 100. Figure 15A is a schematic plan view of the first and second retention members 1502, 154. The retention members are disks, e.g., paper disks, with a central hole 1502a, 1504a to receive and hold (by friction) a respective consumable of a given width. In the example shown, there are slits 1502b, 1504b to allow the central regions of the retention members 1502, 1504 to flex to receive the consumable. The slits 1502b, 1504b define arms or prongs that deform to allow the central regions to flex to receive the consumable. The arms or prongs contact the respective consumables to hold them in place.

[0163] The first retaining member 1502 is configured, when placed in the device 100, to hold a consumable of a first given size in place for use with the device 100. The second retaining member is configured, when placed in the device 100, to hold a consumable of a second given size in place for use with the device 100.

[0164] As discussed above, Figure 3A illustrates a first consumable 300 of the plurality of consumables and illustrates a second consumable 302 of the plurality of consumables. The first consumable 300 has a width that is less than the width of the second consumable 302.

[0165] In the example of FIG. 15A, a first retaining member 1502 is configured to hold a first consumable item 300, and a second retaining member 1504 is configured to hold a second consumable item 302 in place.

[0166] 15B shows a schematic perspective view of one example of a system. The device 100 includes a slot 1506 at the entrance to the heating chamber 102 towards the proximal end 202. The slot is sized to receive the first and second retaining members 1502, 1504 such that the consumable passes through the center of the retaining members as it is inserted into the heating chamber 102.

[0167] In this example, the device 100 includes a hinged lid 1508 that opens to allow installation of the first and second retaining members 1502, 1504 and closes to hold them in place. The leftmost schematic in FIG. 15B shows the hinged lid 1508 open, ready for installation of the second retaining member 1504. The middle schematic in FIG. 15B shows the hinged lid 1508 open and the second retaining member 1504 installed in the slot 1506. The rightmost schematic in FIG. 15B shows the hinged lid 1508 closed after installation of the second retaining member 1504. The second consumable 302 is then inserted into the heating chamber 102 through a hole in the hinged lid 1508 and held in place by the second retaining member 1504. The first retention member 1502 can be installed in the same manner. Figure 15C shows the second consumable 302 inserted after installation of the second retention member 1504 as described above.

[0168] Figure 15D shows another example of the system. This example is similar to the example described above with respect to Figures 15B and 15C, except that a pivotally mounted lid 1510 is provided instead of a hinged lid 1508. This example functions similarly to the previous example, except for the way in which the pivotally mounted lid 1510 opens and closes.

[0169] A non-combustion aerosol generating system may be provided that includes a device according to any of the described examples and one or more consumables that include an aerosol generating material, such as first consumable 300 and second consumable 302.

[0170] The above examples should be understood as illustrative examples of the present invention. Further examples of the present invention are envisioned. It should be understood that any feature described with respect to any one of the examples may be used alone or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the examples or any combination of any other of the examples. Moreover, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be used without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A non-combustible aerosol delivery device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material contained in a consumable product, comprising: a retention device configured to hold each of a plurality of consumables of varying sizes containing aerosol generating material in place, one at a time; each of the plurality of consumables having a different width; the retention device includes at least one resilient member that enables the retention device to assume each of a plurality of configurations to hold in place a consumable having a respective width; the at least one resilient member enables the retention device to define an initial configuration providing an initial size gap into which the consumable item is to be inserted; applying a force to the at least one resilient member to change the size of the gap to receive and hold each of the plurality of consumable items, one at a time; the at least one elastic member includes two or more elastic members deflectable away from the initial configuration to vary the size of the gap; each of the two or more resilient members is configured to simultaneously contact each of the plurality of consumables, one at a time, to hold the consumables in place; the retention device includes a movable element that moves between a plurality of positions relative to an end of the non-combustible aerosol delivery device to transition the retention device between a corresponding plurality of different initial configurations; each of the plurality of different initial configurations providing a different initial size gap into which the consumable is to be inserted; A non-combustion aerosol delivery device, wherein the two or more resilient members are biased to the initial position corresponding to a current position of the plurality of positions of the movable element.

2. the two or more elastic members are biased to the initial position; The non-combustible aerosol delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the gap provided by the initial arrangement is smaller than a smallest width of the consumables among the plurality of consumables.

3. each of the two or more elastic members is an arm forming a cantilever spring; 3. The non-combustible aerosol delivery device of claim 2, wherein each of the arms forming a cantilever spring has a consumable retention force of less than 120 grams.

4. the at least one resilient member is configured to contact each of the plurality of consumables, one at a time, to hold the consumables in place; the at least one resilient member is biased to the initial position; the gap provided by the initial arrangement is smaller than the smallest width of the consumables among the plurality of consumables; The retention device includes a tubular body, The non-combustion aerosol delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the at least one resilient member is a resilient protrusion extending from the barrel into a cavity defined by the barrel.

5. A non-flammable aerosol delivery device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material contained in a consumable product, comprising: a retention device configured to hold each of a plurality of consumables of varying sizes containing aerosol generating material in place, one at a time; The non-combustion aerosol delivery device comprises a housing; each of the plurality of consumables having a different width; the positioning device includes an orifice that provides an opening to a chamber of the non-combustible aerosol delivery device; a central axis of the orifice is at a non-zero angle with respect to a central axis of the chamber in an initial configuration; A non-combustible aerosol delivery device, wherein the retention device is movably attached to the housing, and the size of the opening is changed by changing the angle by moving the retention device relative to the housing.

6. the retention device includes at least one resilient member that enables the retention device to assume each of a plurality of configurations to hold in place a consumable having a respective width; the opening provided by the initial arrangement is smaller than the smallest width of the consumables among the plurality of consumables; the at least one resilient member biases the retention device to the initial position; 6. The non-combustion aerosol delivery device of claim 5, wherein applying a force to the at least one resilient member changes the angle, thereby increasing the size of the opening into the chamber.

7. A non-flammable aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material contained in a consumable product, comprising: a retention device configured to hold each of a plurality of consumables of varying sizes containing aerosol generating material in place, one at a time; The non-combustion aerosol delivery device comprises a housing; each of the plurality of consumables having a different width; the positioning device further comprising an end cap movably attached to the housing of the non-combustible aerosol delivery device; the end cap includes a first opening of a first size and a second opening of a second size; a first configuration of the positioning device, the first opening being aligned with a chamber of the non-combustible aerosol delivery device; A non-combustible aerosol delivery device, wherein in a second configuration of the positioning apparatus, the second opening is aligned with the chamber.

8. the retention device includes one or more retention elements configured to hold the retention device in a current configuration of the retention device; The non-combustion aerosol delivery device of claim 7 , wherein the positioning device is configured to transition between the first configuration and the second configuration by pivoting relative to the housing of the non-combustion aerosol delivery device.

9. A non-flammable aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material contained in a consumable product, comprising: Housing and a retention device configured to hold in place, one at a time, each of a plurality of consumables of varying sizes that contain aerosol-generating material; Equipped with each of the plurality of consumables having a different width; the retention device includes at least one resilient member that enables the retention device to assume each of a plurality of configurations to hold in place a consumable having a respective width; the at least one resilient member enables the retention device to define an initial configuration providing an initial size gap into which the consumable item is to be inserted; applying a force to the at least one resilient member to change the size of the gap to receive and hold each of the plurality of consumable items, one at a time; the elastic member is a coil spring, a fixed end of the coil spring fixedly attached to the housing of the non-combustible aerosol delivery device; a movable end of the coil spring movably attached to the housing of the non-combustible aerosol delivery device; the gap is defined by a center of the coil spring; A non-combustible aerosol delivery device, wherein the size of the gap is varied by moving the movable end relative to the fixed end.

10. A non-flammable aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material contained in a consumable product, comprising: Housing and a retention device configured to hold in place, one at a time, each of a plurality of consumables of varying sizes that contain aerosol-generating material; each of the plurality of consumables having a different width; the retention device includes at least one resilient member that enables the retention device to assume each of a plurality of configurations to hold in place a consumable having a respective width; the at least one resilient member enables the retention device to define an initial configuration providing an initial size gap into which the consumable item is to be inserted; applying a force to the at least one resilient member to change the size of the gap to receive and hold each of the plurality of consumable items, one at a time; the at least one elastic member includes two or more elastic members deflectable away from the initial configuration to vary the size of the gap; each of the two or more resilient members is configured to simultaneously contact each of the plurality of consumables, one at a time, to hold the consumables in place; the two or more elastic members are circumferentially disposed to define the gap therebetween; the two or more elastic members are biased to the initial position, and the gap provided by the initial position is larger than a maximum width of the consumables among the plurality of consumables; The non-combustion aerosol supply device, wherein the retention device includes a restraining member slidably attached to the housing of the non-combustion aerosol supply device, the restraining member configured to slide relative to the housing of the non-combustion aerosol supply device to urge the two or more elastic members to reduce the size of the gap against the bias of the two or more elastic members.

11. The non-combustion aerosol delivery device comprises a housing; each of the plurality of consumables having a different width; the retaining device defines an initial configuration that provides an initial size gap into which the consumable item is to be inserted; the positioning device includes a pivotable member pivotally mounted to the housing such that a pivot axis of the pivotable member is substantially aligned with a center of a chamber of the non-combustion aerosol delivery device throughout a length of the chamber; The non-combustion aerosol delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the size of the gap is varied by pivoting the pivotable member relative to the housing.

12. A non-flammable aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material contained in a consumable product, comprising: Housing and a retention device configured to hold in place, one at a time, each of a plurality of consumables of varying sizes that contain aerosol-generating material; each of the plurality of consumables having a different width; the retaining device defines an initial configuration that provides an initial size gap into which the consumable item is to be inserted; the positioning device includes a pivotable member pivotally mounted to the housing such that a pivot axis of the pivotable member is substantially aligned with a center of a chamber of the non-combustion aerosol delivery device throughout a length of the chamber; the size of the gap is changed by pivoting the pivotable member relative to the housing; the retaining device includes two or more elastic wires that enable the retaining device to assume each of a plurality of configurations to hold consumables having respective widths in place one at a time; a first end of each wire is fixedly attached to the pivotable member; a second end of each wire is fixedly attached to the housing of the non-combustion aerosol delivery device; each of the two or more elastic wires is configured to simultaneously contact each of the plurality of consumables, one at a time, to hold the consumables in place; A non-combustible aerosol delivery device, wherein applying a force to the two or more elastic wires causes the two or more elastic wires to be deflected away from the initial position to change the size of the gap to receive and hold each of the plurality of consumables, one at a time.

13. the pivotable member is a cam; the positioning device includes two or more gripper members each slidably connected to the cam; the two or more gripper members are circumferentially disposed about the gap to define a size of the gap, and each is configured to simultaneously contact each of the plurality of consumables, one at a time, to hold the consumables in place; The non-combustion aerosol delivery device of claim 11, wherein the two or more gripper members engage with the cam such that pivoting the cam causes the gripper members to move toward and away from the center of the gap to change the size of the gap.

14. A non-flammable aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material contained in a consumable product, comprising: a retention device configured to hold each of a plurality of consumables of varying sizes containing aerosol generating material in place, one at a time; each of the plurality of consumables having a different width; the retention device includes at least one resilient member that enables the retention device to assume each of a plurality of configurations to hold in place a consumable having a respective width; the retention device comprises an opening including a tapered inner surface; the at least one resilient member includes a resilient ring; A non-combustible aerosol delivery device, wherein a given consumable item of the plurality of consumable items is held in place by the retention device when the elastic ring is clamped between the given aerosol product item and the tapered inner surface at a position along the tapered inner surface depending on the width of the given aerosol product item.

15. A non-flammable aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material contained in a consumable product, comprising: a retention device configured to hold each of a plurality of consumables of varying sizes containing aerosol generating material in place, one at a time; A non-combustible aerosol delivery device, wherein the retention device includes an area adapted to receive each of a first retention member and a different second retention member, wherein a user can select at any time which of the first retention member and the second retention member to receive in the area, wherein when the first retention member is placed in the area, the first retention member is configured to hold a consumable of a first given size in a predetermined position for use in the non-combustible aerosol delivery device, and when the second retention member is placed in the area, the second retention member is configured to hold a consumable of a second given size in a predetermined position for use in the non-combustible aerosol delivery device.

16. The non-combustible aerosol delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 15; one or more consumables including an aerosol-generating material; A non-flammable aerosol delivery system comprising:

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