Apparatus for heating smoking material

Abstract

An apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material is disclosed. [Solution] The device (100) comprises a heating region (113) for receiving at least a portion of an article comprising smoking material, a magnetic field generator (120) for generating a varying magnetic field, an elongated heating element (110) extending at least partially within and around the heating region (113) and comprising a heating material heatable by the penetration of the varying magnetic field to heat the heating region (113), and a first mass of insulating material (130) between the coil (122) and the heating element (110).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for heating a smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material. [Background technology]

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

[0003] A first aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for heating a smoking material to volatilize at least one component of the smoking material, the apparatus comprising: a heating region for receiving at least a portion of an article comprising smokable material; a magnetic field generator for generating a varying magnetic field; an elongated heating element extending at least partially around the heating region and comprising a heating material heatable by penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field to heat the heating region; Equipped with.

[0004] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating region is defined by a heating element.

[0005] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating region is free of heating material that can be heated by the penetration of a varying magnetic field.

[0006] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating element is a tubular heating element that surrounds the heating region.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a mass of insulating material surrounding a heating element.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment, the magnetic field generator comprises a coil and a device for passing a varying current through the coil. The varying current may be an alternating current.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the coil surrounds the heating element.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, the device includes a mass of insulating material between the coil and the heating element.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the insulation material comprises one or more insulation materials selected from the group consisting of closed cell material, closed cell plastic material, aerogel, vacuum insulation, silicone foam, rubber material, cotton, fleece, nonwoven material, nonwoven fleece, woven material, knitted material, nylon, foam, polystyrene, polyester, polyester filament, polypropylene, blends of polyester and polypropylene, cellulose acetate, paper or cardboard, and corrugated material such as corrugated paper or cardboard.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the device includes a mass of insulation surrounding the coil.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the insulation material comprises one or more insulation materials selected from the group consisting of closed cell material, closed cell plastic material, aerogel, vacuum insulation, silicone foam, rubber material, cotton, fleece, nonwoven material, nonwoven fleece, woven material, knitted material, nylon, foam, polystyrene, polyester, polyester filament, polypropylene, blends of polyester and polypropylene, cellulose acetate, paper or cardboard, and corrugated material such as corrugated paper or cardboard.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the device provides a gap between the outermost surface of the heating element and the innermost surface of the coil of about 1 to about 3 millimeters. In an exemplary embodiment, the gap is about 1.5 to about 2.5 millimeters.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the coil extends along a longitudinal axis that is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the elongated heating element. In an exemplary embodiment, these axes are coincident.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the impedance of the coil is equal or substantially equal to the impedance of the heating element.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the exterior surface of the heating element has a thermal emissivity of 0.1 or less. In an exemplary embodiment, the thermal emissivity is 0.05 or less.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating element comprises an elongated heating member that extends at least partially around the heating region and is comprised entirely or substantially entirely of heating material.

[0019] In each exemplary embodiment, the heating material includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of an electrically conductive material, a magnetic material, and a non-magnetic material. In each exemplary embodiment, the heating material includes a metal or metal alloy. In each exemplary embodiment, the heating material includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of aluminum, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, graphite, plain carbon steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, copper, and bronze.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating material is susceptible to eddy currents that are induced in the heating material when penetrated by a varying magnetic field.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, a first portion of the heating element is more susceptible to eddy currents induced therein by the penetration of a changing magnetic field than a second portion of the heating element.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating element comprises an elongated heating member comprising a heating material and a coating on an inner surface of the heating member, the coating being smoother or harder than the inner surface of the heating member. The coating may comprise a glass or ceramic material.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of the heating region or heating element, hi an exemplary embodiment, the magnetic field generator is configured to operate based on an output of the temperature sensor.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the magnetic field generator is for generating a plurality of varying magnetic fields for penetrating different portions of the heating element.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises: A main body including a magnetic field generator; a mouthpiece defining a passageway in fluid communication with the heating region; the mouthpiece is movable relative to the body to provide access to the heating area and includes an elongated heating element.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the mouthpiece includes a heating region.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, the body includes a heating region.

[0028] A second aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for heating a smokeable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokeable material, the apparatus comprising: a heating region for receiving at least a portion of an article comprising smokable material; a main body including a magnetic field generator for generating a varying magnetic field; a mouthpiece including a heating element that defines a passageway in fluid communication with the heating region and is movable relative to the body to provide access to the heating region, the mouthpiece including a heating element that includes a heating material that is heatable by the penetration of a varying magnetic field to heat the heating region; Equipped with.

[0029] In each exemplary embodiment, the apparatus of the second aspect of the invention may have any of the features of the exemplary embodiments of the apparatus of the first aspect of the invention described above.

[0030] A third aspect of the present invention provides a system, the system comprising: An apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material, the apparatus comprising: a heating area for receiving at least a portion of an article comprising the smokable material; a magnetic field generator for generating a varying magnetic field; and an elongated heating element extending at least partially around the heating area and comprising a heating material heatable by penetration of the varying magnetic field to heat the heating area; an article for use with the device, the article comprising smoking material; Equipped with.

[0031] In each exemplary embodiment, the device of the system may have any of the features of the exemplary embodiments of the device of the first aspect of the invention or the second aspect of the invention described above.

[0032] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of an example apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material; FIG. [Diagram 2] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the device only a portion of which is shown in FIG. 1; [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another example apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a heating element. [Diagram 5] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another example apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece of the device of FIG. 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] As used herein, the term "smoking material" includes materials that, when heated, provide volatile components, typically in the form of a vapor or aerosol. "Smoking material" may be a non-tobacco-containing material or a tobacco-containing material. "Smoking material" may include, for example, one or more of tobacco itself, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco extract, homogenized tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. Smoking material may be in the form of ground tobacco, cut rag tobacco, extruded tobacco, liquid, gel, gelled sheet, powder, or loaf. "Smoking material" may also include other non-tobacco products. The non-tobacco products may or may not contain nicotine, depending on the product. "Smoking material" may also include one or more humectants, such as glycerol or propylene glycol.

[0035] In this document, the term "heating material" refers to a material that can be heated by the penetration of a varying magnetic field.

[0036] As used herein, the terms "flavoring agent" and "flavoring agent" refer to materials that can be used (where permitted by local regulations) to produce a desired taste or odor in products for adult consumers. These materials include extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, Scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang ylang, and the like). , sage, fennel, pepper, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or peppermint oil from any species of the genus Mint), flavor enhancers, bitter receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives (e.g., charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath fresheners). These may be imitation, synthetic, or natural materials, or mixtures thereof. They may be in any suitable form, such as oils, liquids, gels, powders, etc.

[0037] Induction heating is the process of heating an electrically conductive object by penetrating a varying magnetic field into the object. The process is explained by Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction and Ohm's law. An induction heater may comprise an electromagnet and a device for passing a varying electric current, such as an alternating current, through the electromagnet. When the object to be heated and the electromagnet are placed in a suitable relative position such that the varying magnetic field generated by the electromagnet penetrates the object, one or more eddy currents are generated in the object. The object has a resistance to the flow of electric current. Thus, when such eddy currents are generated in the object, they flow against the electrical resistance of the object, thereby heating the object. This process is called Joule heating, Ohmic heating, or resistive heating. An object that can be inductively heated is known as a susceptor.

[0038] It has been found that when the susceptor is in the closed circuit configuration, there is a stronger magnetic coupling between the susceptor and the electromagnet in use, resulting in increased or improved Joule heating.

[0039] Magnetic hysteresis heating is the process of heating an object made of a magnetic material by the penetration of the object into which a changing magnetic field has passed. A magnetic material can be thought of as containing many atomic-scale magnets or magnetic dipoles. When a magnetic field penetrates such a material, the magnetic dipoles align themselves along the magnetic field. Thus, when a changing magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field (e.g., produced by an electromagnet), penetrates a magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles changes in response to the applied changing magnetic field. This reorientation of the magnetic dipoles generates heat in the magnetic material.

[0040] When an object is both conductive and magnetic, the penetration of a changing magnetic field into the object can cause both Joule heating and magnetic hysteresis heating in the object. Furthermore, the use of magnetic materials can enhance the changing magnetic field, thereby enhancing Joule heating.

[0041] In each of the above processes, heat is generated within the object itself, rather than by conduction from an external heat source, so that a faster temperature rise and a more uniform heat distribution within the object can be achieved. This can be achieved, among other things, by the appropriate choice of material and geometry of the object, and the appropriate choice of magnitude and orientation of the varying magnetic field relative to the object. Furthermore, induction heating and magnetic hysteresis heating do not require a physical connection between the source of the varying magnetic field and the object, allowing greater design freedom and control of the heating profile, as well as lower costs.

[0042] 2 and 1, which respectively show a schematic cross-sectional view and a schematic perspective view of a portion of an example apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material according to an embodiment of the present invention. Generally, the apparatus 100 comprises a heater region or heating area 113 for receiving at least a portion of an article comprising smokable material, a magnetic field generator 120 for generating a varying magnetic field, and an elongated heating element 110 extending around the heating area 113 and comprising a heater material or heating material heatable by penetration of the varying magnetic field to heat the heating area 113.

[0043] In this embodiment, the heating element 110 is a tubular heating element 110 that surrounds the heating region 113. In this embodiment, the heating region 113 includes a cavity. However, in other embodiments, the heating element 110 can be less than completely tubular. For example, in some embodiments, the heater element or heating element 110 can be tubular except for an axially extending gap or gap formed in the heating element 110. In this embodiment, the heating element 110 has a substantially circular cross-section. However, in other embodiments, the heating element can have a cross-section other than circular, such as square, rectangular, polygonal, or elliptical.

[0044] In this embodiment, the heating region 113 is defined by the heating element 110, i.e., the heating element 110 defines the contour or extent of the heating region 113. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the heating region 113 itself does not have a heating material that can be heated by the penetration of a varying magnetic field. Therefore, when the varying magnetic field is generated by the magnetic field generator 120 as described below, more of the energy of the varying magnetic field is available to heat the heating element 110. In other embodiments, there can be additional heating elements in the heating region 113 that comprise a heating material.

[0045] The heating element 110 in this embodiment comprises an elongated tubular heating member 114 that extends around the heating zone 113 and is entirely or substantially entirely made of heating material. The heating member 114 thus comprises a closed circuit of heating material that can be heated by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the heating element 110 comprises a coating 115 on the inner surface of the heating member 114. The coating 115 is smoother or harder than the inner surface of the heating member 114 itself. Such a smoother or harder coating 115 allows the heating element 110 to be easily cleaned after use of the device 100. The coating 115 can be made of, for example, a glass or ceramic material. In other embodiments, the coating 115 can be omitted. In some embodiments, the coating can be rougher than the outer surface of the heating member 114 itself so as to increase the surface area that the heating element 110 can contact with an article or smoking material inserted in the heating zone 113 during use.

[0046] The heating material may include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of conductive materials, magnetic materials, and non-magnetic materials. The heating material may include a metal or metal alloy. The heating material may include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of aluminum, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, graphite, plain carbon steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, copper, and bronze. Other (one or more) materials may be used as the heating material in other embodiments. In this embodiment, the heating material of the heating element 110 includes a conductive material. Thus, the heating material is susceptible to eddy currents induced in the heating material when penetrated by a fluctuating magnetic field. Thus, the heating element 110 may act as a susceptor when subjected to a fluctuating magnetic field. It has also been found that the use of a magnetic conductive material as the heating material may enhance the magnetic coupling between the heating element 110 and the coil 122 of the magnetic field generator 120, described below, in use. This, in addition to potentially enabling magnetic hysteresis heating, can increase or improve Joule heating of the heating element 110 and therefore increase or improve heating of the heating region 113.

[0047] The thickness of the heating element 110 is preferably thin compared to other dimensions of the heating element 110. The susceptor may have a skin depth, which is the outer region where most of the induced current occurs. By making the thickness of the heating element 110 relatively thin, a greater percentage of the heating element 110 may be allowed to be heated by a given varying magnetic field, as compared to a heating element 110 that has a relatively long depth or thickness compared to other dimensions of the heating element 110, thus resulting in a more efficient use of material, which reduces costs.

[0048] In some embodiments, a first portion of the heating element 110 is more susceptible to eddy currents induced therein by the intrusion of a varying magnetic field than a second portion of the heating element 110. For example, in some embodiments, the heating element 110 of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 2 can be replaced by the heating element 110 shown in FIG.

[0049] In the heating element 110 of FIG. 4, the first portion 111 of the heating element 110 is more susceptible to eddy currents induced therein by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field than the second portion 112 of the heating element 110. The first portion 111 of the heating element 110 can be more susceptible because the first portion 111 of the heating element 110 is made of a first material and the second portion 112 of the heating element 110 is made of a different second material, the first material being more susceptible than the second material. For example, one of the first portion 111 and the second portion 112 can be made of iron and the other of the first portion 111 and the second portion 112 can be made of graphite. Alternatively or additionally, the first portion 111 of the heating element 110 can be more susceptible because the first portion 111 of the heating element 110 has a different thickness and / or material density than the second portion 112 of the heating element 110.

[0050] The more sensitive portion 111 may be located near the intended mouth end of the device 100, or the less sensitive portion 112 may be located near the intended mouth end of the device 100. In the latter case, the less sensitive portion 112 may heat the smokable material of the article located within the heated zone 113 less than the more sensitive portion 112, and thus the less heated smokable material may act as a filter to reduce the temperature of vapour generated during heating of the smokable material or to make the vapour generated within the article less irritating.

[0051] 4, the first portion 111 and the second portion 112 are disposed adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the heating element 110, but this need not be the case in other embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the first portion 111 and the second portion 112 can be disposed adjacent to each other in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the heating element 110.

[0052] Such alteration of the susceptibility of the heating element 110 to eddy currents induced therein may aid in progressive heating of the smokable material in an article inserted in the heating region 113, thereby progressively generating vapour. For example, the more susceptible portion 111 may heat a first region of the smokable material relatively quickly to initiate volatilisation of at least one component of the smokable material and vapour formation in the first region of the smokable material. The less susceptible portion 112 may heat a second region of the smokable material relatively slowly to initiate volatilisation of at least one component of the smokable material and vapour formation in the second region of the smokable material. Thus, vapour may be formed relatively quickly for inhalation by a user, and vapour may continue to be formed thereafter for continued inhalation by a user, even after the first region of the smokable material has ceased vapour production. Upon exhaustion of the volatilisable components of the smokable material, the first region of the smokable material may cease vapour production.

[0053] In other embodiments, all of the heating elements 110 may be equally or substantially equally susceptible to eddy currents induced in the heating elements 110 by the intrusion of a varying magnetic field. In some embodiments, none of the heating elements 110 may be susceptible to such eddy currents. In such embodiments, the heating material may be a non-conductive magnetic material and thus may be heatable by the magnetic hysteresis process described above.

[0054] In some embodiments, the device may comprise a catalytic material on at least a portion of the inner surface 110a of the heating element 110. The catalytic material may be provided on all of the inner surface 110a of the heating element 110 or on only some portions of the inner surface 110a of the heating element 110. The catalytic material may take the form of a coating. Providing such a catalytic material means that the device 100 may have a heated, chemically active surface in use. In use, the catalytic material may act to convert or increase the rate of conversion of a potentially irritant to a less irritant one. In use, the catalytic material may act, for example, to convert or increase the rate of conversion of formic acid to methanol. In other embodiments, the catalytic material may act to convert other chemicals, for example, to convert acetylene to ethane by hydrogenation, or to convert ammonia to nitrogen and hydrogen, or to increase the rate of conversion of ammonia. Additionally or alternatively, the catalytic material may act to react or increase the rate of the reaction of carbon monoxide with water vapor to form carbon dioxide and hydrogen (the water-gas shift reaction or WGSR).

[0055] In some embodiments, the thermal emissivity of the exterior surface 110b of the heating element 110 can be 0.1 or less. For example, in some embodiments, the thermal emissivity of the exterior surface 110b of the heating element 110 can be 0.05 or less, such as 0.03 or 0.02. Such a low emissivity helps retain heat within the heating element 110 and within the heated area 113, and provides some or all of the other thermal benefits of insulation described below. This thermal emissivity can be achieved by making the exterior surface 110b of the heating element 110 from a low emissivity material, such as silver or aluminum.

[0056] The magnetic field generator 120 of this embodiment comprises a power supply 121, a coil 122, a device 123 for passing a varying current, such as an alternating current, through the coil 122, a controller 124, and a user interface 125 for a user to operate the controller 124.

[0057] In this embodiment, power source 121 is a rechargeable battery. In other embodiments, power source 121 can be other than a rechargeable battery, such as, for example, a non-rechargeable battery, a capacitor, or a connection to a mains power source.

[0058] The coil 122 may take any suitable form. In this embodiment, the coil 122 is a helical coil of a conductive material, such as copper. In some embodiments, the magnetic field generator 120 may include a magnetically permeable core around which the coil 122 is wound. Such a magnetically permeable core, in use, concentrates the magnetic flux generated by the coil 122, making the magnetic field stronger. The magnetically permeable core may be made of iron, for example. In some embodiments, the magnetically permeable core may extend only partially along the length of the coil 122, concentrating the magnetic flux in only certain areas.

[0059] In this embodiment, the coil 122 is a circular spiral. That is, the coil 122 has a substantially constant radius along its length. In other embodiments, the radius of the coil 122 can vary along its length. For example, in some embodiments, the coil 122 can include a conical spiral or an elliptical spiral. In this embodiment, the coil 122 has a substantially constant pitch along its length. That is, the width of the gap between any two adjacent turns of the coil 122 is substantially the same as the width of the gap between any other two adjacent turns of the coil 122, as measured parallel to the longitudinal axis of the coil 122. In other embodiments, this may not be the case. By varying the pitch, the strength of the varying magnetic field generated by the coil 122 can be made different in different parts of the coil 122, which can help to progressively heat the heating element 110 and the heating zone 113, and therefore any item placed within the heating zone 113, in a manner similar to that described above.

[0060] In this embodiment, the coil 122 is in a fixed position relative to the heating element 110 and the heating zone 113. In this embodiment, the coil 122 surrounds the heating element 110 and the heating zone 113. In this embodiment, the coil 122 extends along a longitudinal axis that is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis AA of the heating zone 113. In this embodiment, these aligned axes are coincident. In variations of this embodiment, the aligned axes can be parallel to each other. However, in other embodiments, the axes can be tilted relative to each other. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the coil 122 extends along a longitudinal axis that is substantially coincident with the longitudinal axis of the heating element 110. This can help to heat the heating element 110 more uniformly during use and can also help with the manufacturability of the device 100. In other embodiments, the longitudinal axes of the coil 122 and the heating element 110 can be aligned with each other by being parallel to each other, or can be tilted relative to each other.

[0061] The impedance of the coil 122 of the magnetic field generator 120 in this embodiment is equal or substantially equal to the impedance of the heating element 110. If instead the impedance of the heating element 110 is lower than the impedance of the coil 122 of the magnetic field generator 120, the voltage developed across the heating element 110 in use may be lower than the voltage that can be generated across the heating element 110 when the impedances are matched. Alternatively, if instead the impedance of the heating element 110 is higher than the impedance of the coil 122 of the magnetic field generator 120, the current developed in the heating element 110 in use may be lower than the current that can be generated in the heating element 110 when the impedances are matched. Matching the impedances may help balance the voltage and current to maximize the heating power generated in the heating element 110 when heating in use. In some other embodiments, the impedances may not be matched.

[0062] In this embodiment, a device 123 for applying a varying current to the coil 122 is electrically connected between the power source 121 and the coil 122. In this embodiment, a controller 124 is also electrically connected to the power source 121 and communicatively connected to the device 123. The controller 124 is for causing and controlling the heating of the heating element 110. More specifically, in this embodiment, the controller 124 is for controlling the device 123 to control the supply of power from the power source 121 to the coil 122. In this embodiment, the controller 124 comprises an IC, such as an integrated circuit (IC) on a printed circuit board (PCB). In other embodiments, the controller 124 can take different forms. In some embodiments, the apparatus can have a single electric or electronic component comprising the device 123 and the controller 124. In this embodiment, the controller 124 is operated by a user operating a user interface 125. The user interface 125 is located on the outside of the apparatus 100. The user interface 125 may include push buttons, toggle switches, dials, a touch screen, and the like.

[0063] In this embodiment, when a user operates the user interface 125, the controller 124 causes the device 123 to apply an alternating current to the coil 122 to generate an alternating magnetic field in the coil 122. The coil 122 and the heating element 110 are positioned in a suitable relative position such that the alternating magnetic field generated by the coil 122 penetrates the heating material of the heating element 110. When the heating material of the heating element 110 is an electrically conductive material, one or more eddy currents can be generated in the heating material. When the eddy currents flow in the heating material against the electrical resistance of the heating material, the heating material is heated by Joule heating. As described above, when the heating material is made of a magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles in the heating material changes in response to changes in the applied magnetic field, thereby generating heat in the heating material.

[0064] The apparatus 100 in this embodiment includes a temperature sensor 126 for sensing the temperature of the heated area 113. The temperature sensor 126 is communicatively connected to the controller 124 such that the controller 124 can monitor the temperature of the heated area 113. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor 126 can be configured to optically measure the temperature of the heated area 113 or an article disposed in the heated area 113. In some embodiments, the article disposed in the heated area 113 can include a temperature detector, such as a resistance temperature detector (RTD), to detect the temperature of the article. The article can further include one or more terminals connected, such as an electrical connection, to the temperature detector. The terminal(s) can be for connection, such as an electrical connection, with a temperature monitor (not shown) of the apparatus 100 when the article is in the heated area 113. The controller 124 can include a temperature monitor. Thus, the temperature monitor of the apparatus 100 can measure the temperature of the article during use with the apparatus 100.

[0065] The controller 124 can cause the device 123 to adjust the characteristics of the fluctuating or alternating current passed through the coil 122 as necessary based on one or more signals received from the temperature sensor 126 (and / or the temperature detector, if provided) to ensure that the temperature of the heated region 113 is maintained within a predetermined temperature range. The characteristics may be, for example, amplitude or frequency. In use, smokable material within an article disposed within the heated region 113 is heated at a predetermined temperature range sufficiently to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material without combusting the smokable material. Thus, the controller 124, and the apparatus 100 as a whole, are configured to heat the smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material without combusting the smokable material. In some embodiments, the temperature range is from about 50° C. to about 250° C., e.g., between about 50° C. and about 150° C., between about 50° C. and about 120° C., between about 50° C. and about 100° C., between about 50° C. and about 80° C., or between about 60° C. and about 70° C. In some embodiments, the temperature range is between about 170° C. and about 220° C. In other embodiments, the temperature range can be outside of these ranges.

[0066] In some embodiments, the device 100 can include a mouthpiece (not shown). The mouthpiece can be removably engageable with the remainder of the device 100 to connect the mouthpiece to the remainder of the device 100. In other embodiments, the mouthpiece can be permanently connected to the remainder of the device 100, such as by a hinge or flexible member.

[0067] The mouthpiece may be positionable relative to the heating element 110 to cover an opening into the heating region 113 through which an article may be inserted into the heating region 113. When the mouthpiece is so positioned relative to the heating element 110, a passageway through the mouthpiece may be in fluid communication with the heating region 113. In use, this passageway acts as a passageway to allow volatilizable material to flow from the heating region 113 to the exterior of the device 100.

[0068] Once the heating zone 113, and therefore any article within the heating zone 113, is heated, a user may inhale the volatile component(s) of the smoking material by drawing the volatile component(s) through the tip of the article, if a tip is provided, or through the tip of the device 100, if a tip is provided. Air may enter the article through a gap between the article and the heating element 110, or in some embodiments the device 100 may have an air inlet that fluidly connects the heating zone 113 with the exterior of the device 100. Once the volatile component(s) have exited the article, air may be drawn into the heating zone 113 via the air inlet of the device 100.

[0069] In this embodiment, the device 100 includes a first mass of insulation 130 between the coil 122 and the heating element 110. The first mass of insulation 130 surrounds the heating element 110. In this embodiment, the first mass of insulation 130 includes a closed-cell plastic material. However, in other embodiments, the first mass of insulation 130 can include one or more insulation materials selected from the group consisting of, for example, closed-cell material, closed-cell plastic material, aerogel, vacuum insulation, silicone foam, rubber material, cotton, fleece, nonwoven material, nonwoven fleece, woven material, knitted material, nylon, foam, polystyrene, polyester, polyester filament, polypropylene, polyester and polypropylene blends, cellulose acetate, paper or cardboard, and corrugated material such as corrugated paper or cardboard. The insulation can additionally or alternatively include air gaps. Such a first mass of insulating material 130 may help prevent heat loss from the heating element 110 to components of the device 100 other than the heating region 113, may help increase the heating efficiency of the heating region 113, and / or may help reduce the transfer of heating energy from the heating element 110 to the exterior surface of the device 100, thereby making the device 100 more comfortable for a user to hold.

[0070] In this embodiment, the device 100 also includes a second mass of insulation 140 surrounding the coil 122. In this embodiment, the second mass of insulation 140 includes cotton or fleece. However, in other embodiments, the second mass of insulation 140 can include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of, for example, aerogel, vacuum insulation, cotton, fleece, nonwoven material, nonwoven fleece, woven material, knitted material, nylon, foam, polystyrene, polyester, polyester filament, polypropylene, blends of polyester and polypropylene, cellulose acetate, paper or cardboard, corrugated material such as corrugated paper or cardboard, closed cell material, closed cell plastic material, aerogel, vacuum insulation, silicone foam, and rubber material. In some embodiments, the second mass of insulation 140 can include one or more of the materials listed above for the first mass of insulation 130. The insulation can additionally or alternatively include voids. Such a second mass of insulating material 140 may help reduce the transfer of heating energy from the heating element 110 to the exterior surface of the device 100 and may additionally or alternatively help increase the heating efficiency of the heating region 113.

[0071] In some embodiments, one or both of the first mass 130 and the second mass 140 of insulating material can be omitted. In some embodiments, the coil 122 can be embedded within a body of insulating material. Such a body of insulating material can abut or encase the heating element 110. The body of insulating material can, for example, occupy the space occupied by the first and second masses 130, 140 of the device 100 of Figures 1 and 2 in addition to encasing the coil 122. The body of insulating material can, for example, include one or more insulating materials selected from the group consisting of closed cell material, closed cell plastic material, aerogel, vacuum insulation, silicone foam, and rubber material. In addition to the thermal benefits described above, such a body of insulating material can help make the device 100 more robust, for example, by helping to maintain the relative positions of the coil 122 and the heating element 110. The body of insulation may be manufactured by pouring a body of insulation material around the coil 122 and in contact with or around the heating element 110, potting the coil 122 and heating element 110.

[0072] In some embodiments, the device 100 includes a gap between the outermost surface 110b of the heating element 110 and the innermost surface of the coil 122. In some such embodiments, the first mass of insulating material 130 may be omitted. An example of such an embodiment is shown in FIG. 3. Referring to FIG. 3, a schematic cross-sectional view of another example device for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The device 200 of this embodiment is identical to the device 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2, except that the first mass of insulating material 130 is omitted. Any of the possible modifications described above to the device 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2 may be made to the device 200 of FIG. 3 to form each individual embodiment.

[0073] Although the dimensions in FIG. 3 are exaggerated for clarity, the device 200 includes a gap G of about 2 millimeters between the outermost surface 110b of the heating element 110 and the innermost surface of the coil 122. In variations of this embodiment, the gap G can be other than 2 millimeters, such as about 1 millimeter to about 3 millimeters, or about 1.5 millimeters to about 2.5 millimeters. Such a gap G can itself act as an insulator and help provide some or all of the thermal benefits described above. In an embodiment such as that shown in FIG. 3, the heating element 110 can be suspended within the coil 122. The heating element 110 can be supported by being attached to a wall to which the temperature sensor 126 is attached.

[0074] Some embodiments of the apparatus 100 can be configured to "self-clean" the heating element 110. For example, in some embodiments, the controller 124 can be configured, for example, by a user appropriately manipulating the user interface 125, to cause the device 123 to adjust the characteristics of the fluctuating or alternating current through the coil 122 as needed to increase the temperature of the heating element 110 to a level that can incinerate any residue left on the heating element 110 from previously used items. The characteristics can be, for example, amplitude or frequency. The temperature can be, for example, above 500 degrees Celsius.

[0075] Some embodiments of the device 100 can be configured to provide tactile feedback to the user. This feedback can indicate heating, or can be caused by a timer to indicate that the volatilizable component(s) of the smokable material of the article in the heating zone 113 has been consumed more than a predetermined percentage of its original amount, etc. This tactile feedback can be caused by interaction (i.e., magnetic response) of the coil 122 with the heating element 110, by interaction of a conductive element with the coil 122, by rotation of an unbalanced motor, by repeated application and removal of current to a piezoelectric element, etc. Additionally or alternatively, some embodiments of the device 100 can utilize such tactile feedback to aid in the above-mentioned "self-cleaning" process by vibrationally cleaning the heating element 110.

[0076] In some embodiments, the magnetic field generator 120 can be for generating multiple fluctuating magnetic fields for penetrating different portions of the heating element 110. For example, the device 100 can include more than one coil. The multiple coils of the device 100 can be operable to progressively heat the heating element 110 and thus the smokable material of the article disposed within the heating region 113, and thus progressively generate vapor. For example, one coil can heat a first region of the heating material relatively quickly to initiate volatilization of at least one component of the smokable material and vapor formation in the first region of the smokable material. Another coil can heat a second region of the heating material relatively slowly to initiate volatilization of at least one component of the smokable material and vapor formation in the second region of the smokable material. Thus, vapor can be formed relatively quickly for inhalation by a user, and can continue to form vapor thereafter for continued inhalation by a user, even after the first region of the smokable material has ceased vapor generation. The second region of smokable material, which is initially unheated, may act as a filter to reduce the temperature of the vapour generated or to make the vapour generated less irritating whilst the first region of smokable material is heated.

[0077] 5 and 6, there is shown a schematic cross-sectional view of another example apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material, and a schematic cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece of the apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 300 of this embodiment is identical to the apparatus 100 of Figures 1 and 2, except that it includes a mouthpiece 320, the mouthpiece 320 including the heating element 110 and the heating zone 113. Any of the possible modifications described above for the apparatus 100 of Figures 1 and 2 can be made to the apparatus 300 of Figures 5 and 6 to form each individual embodiment.

[0078] The device 300 of this embodiment comprises a body 310 and a mouthpiece 320. The body 310 comprises the magnetic field generator 120. The body 310 is the same as the device 100 shown in Figures 1 and 2, except that the heating element 110, and the heating region 113 therein, is instead comprised within the mouthpiece 320, which can be moved relative to the body 310 and removed from within the first body of thermal material 130, as shown in Figure 6.

[0079] 5, the body 310 of the device 300 covers an opening into the heated region 113 through which an article can be inserted into the heated region 113. With the tip 320 so positioned relative to the body 310, a passageway 322 defined by the tip 320 is in fluid communication with the heated region 113 and places the heated region 113 in fluid communication with the exterior of the device 300. When the device 300 is in use, the passageway 322 allows volatilized material to flow from the heated region 113 to the exterior of the device 300.

[0080] The tip 320 is movable relative to the body 310 so that the heating area 113 can be accessed from outside the device 300, such as for cleaning the heating area 113 or for inserting or removing an item. The tip 320 provides a through hole through the heating area 113, thereby allowing cleaning along the entire length of the heating area 113. In this embodiment, the tip 320 is removably engageable with the body 310 to connect the tip 320 to the body 310. Thus, the tip 320 can be completely removable from the body 310, as shown in FIG. 6. In some embodiments, the tip 320 can be disposable along with the heating element 110. In other embodiments, the tip 320 and the body 310 can be permanently connected, such as by a hinge or flexible member. The tip 320 is movable relative to the body 310 from the position shown in FIG. 6 to the position shown in FIG. 5, such that the coil 122 surrounds the heating element 110.

[0081] The mouthpiece 320 of the device 300 may be provided with or impregnated with a flavoring. The flavoring may be positioned such that, in use, it is picked up by hot steam as the steam passes through the passageway 322 of the mouthpiece 320.

[0082] In other embodiments of the device 300, the heating element included in the tipping can take different forms. For example, the heating element can include a rod or strip that includes a heating material that is heatable by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field to heat the heating region 113. For example, the heating element can be for insertion into an article that includes smokable material and is received in the heating region 113. The heating region 113 can be included in the body 310 of the device 300 or in the tipping 320. For example, in some embodiments, the heating element is inserted into the heating region 113 when the tipping 320 is moved relative to the body 310 of the device 300. In other embodiments, the tipping 320 includes one or more components that together define the heating region 113, and the heating element is disposed in the heating region 113.

[0083] In some embodiments, the device may have a mechanism for compressing the article or for cooperating with the interface when the article is inserted into the recess. Compressing the article in this manner may compress the smokable material within the article, which may result in an increased thermal conductivity of the smokable material. In other words, compressing the smokable material may result in higher heat transfer within the article. For example, in some embodiments, the device may comprise a first member and a second member between which the heating region 113 is disposed. The first and second members may be movable toward each other to compress the heating region 113. In some embodiments, the first and second members may be devoid of a heating material. Thus, when the fluctuating magnetic field is generated by the magnetic field generator 120, more energy of the fluctuating magnetic field is available to heat the heating element 110. However, in other embodiments, one or both of the first and second members may comprise a heating material that is heatable by the penetration of the fluctuating magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator 120. This may result in further and / or more uniform heating of the smokable material of the article.

[0084] In some embodiments, the heating material of the heating element 110 may have cuts or holes therein. Such cuts or holes may act as thermal breaks to control the degree to which different areas of the smokable material heat up during use. Areas of the heating material with cuts or holes may heat up less than areas without cuts or holes. This may aid in progressive heating of the smokable material and therefore progressive production of vapour.

[0085] In each of the above embodiments, the smoking material includes tobacco. However, in variations of each of these embodiments, the smoking material may consist entirely of tobacco, consist essentially entirely of tobacco, include tobacco and non-tobacco smoking materials, include non-tobacco smoking materials, or be tobacco-free. In some embodiments, the smoking material may include a vapour or aerosol former and a humectant (e.g., glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin, or diethylene glycol).

[0086] In some embodiments, the above-described articles are sold, supplied, or otherwise provided separately from the apparatus 100, 200, 300 with which they can be used. However, in some embodiments, the apparatus 100, 200, 300 and one or more of the above-described articles may be provided together as a system, such as a kit or assembly, possibly with additional components, such as a cleaning implement.

[0087] The invention may also be embodied as a system comprising any one of the articles described herein and any one of the devices described herein, where the article itself further comprises a heating material (e.g. in the form of a susceptor) for heating by penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field generated by a magnetic field generator, and where heat generated in the article's own heating material may be transferred to the smokable material within the article to further heat the smokable material.

[0088] To address various problems and advance the art, this disclosure illustrates various embodiments throughout. These embodiments are capable of implementing the claimed invention and provide an improved apparatus for heating smoking material to volatilize at least one component of the smoking material. The advantages and features of the present disclosure are merely representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive or exclusive of all advantages and features. They are presented solely to aid in the understanding and teaching of the features disclosed in the claims and the like. The advantages, embodiments, examples, features, structures, structures, and / or other aspects of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure as defined by the claims or the equivalents of the claims, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of various combinations of the disclosed elements, configurations, features, parts, steps, means, etc. The present disclosure may include other inventions not currently recited in the claims but which may be described in the future.

[0089] The following numbered embodiments (not claims) provide further disclosure related to the concepts described herein. (Embodiment 1) 1. An apparatus configured to heat a smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material, comprising: a heater region configured to receive at least a portion of an article including smokable material; a magnetic field generator configured to generate a varying magnetic field; an elongated heater element disposed at least partially within and around the heater region, the elongated heater element including a heater material heatable by penetration of the varying magnetic field, thereby heating the heater region; An apparatus comprising: (Embodiment 2) 2. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the heater region is defined by the heater element, and the heater region is free of heater material heatable by penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field. (Embodiment 3) 2. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the heater element is a tubular heater element surrounding the heater region. (Embodiment 4) 2. The apparatus of embodiment 1, further comprising a mass of insulating material surrounding the heater element. (Embodiment 5) 2. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the magnetic field generator comprises a coil and a device configured to pass a varying current through the coil. (Embodiment 6) 6. The apparatus of embodiment 5, wherein the coil surrounds the heater element. (Embodiment 7) 7. The apparatus of embodiment 6, further comprising a mass of insulating material disposed between the coil and the heater element. (Embodiment 8) 8. The apparatus of embodiment 7, wherein the insulation material comprises one or more insulation materials selected from the group consisting of closed cell material, closed cell plastic material, aerogel, vacuum insulation material, silicone foam, rubber material, cotton, fleece, nonwoven material, nonwoven fleece, woven material, knitted material, nylon, foam, polystyrene, polyester, polyester filament, polypropylene, blends of polyester and polypropylene, cellulose acetate, paper, cardboard, and corrugated material. (Embodiment 9) 7. The apparatus of embodiment 6, further comprising a mass of insulating material surrounding the coil. (Embodiment 10) 7. The apparatus of embodiment 6, wherein a gap of about 1 millimeter to about 3 millimeters is defined between an outermost surface of the heater element and an innermost surface of the coil. (Embodiment 11) 6. The apparatus of embodiment 5, wherein the coil extends along a longitudinal axis substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the elongated heater element. (Embodiment 12) 6. The apparatus of embodiment 5, wherein the impedance of the coil is equal to or substantially equal to the impedance of the heater element. (Embodiment 13) 2. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the heater element has an outer surface with a thermal emissivity of 0.1 or less. (Embodiment 14) 2. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the heater element comprises an elongated heater member extending at least partially around the heater region and consisting entirely or substantially entirely of the heater material. (Embodiment 15) 2. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the heater material comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of conductive materials, magnetic materials, and non-magnetic materials. (Embodiment 16) 2. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the heater material comprises a metal or metal alloy. (Embodiment 17) 2. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the heater material comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of aluminum, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, graphite, plain carbon steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, copper, and bronze. (Embodiment 18) 2. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the heater material is susceptible to eddy currents induced in the heater material when penetrated by a changing magnetic field. (Embodiment 19) 2. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein a first portion of the heater element is more susceptible to eddy currents induced therein by penetration of a varying magnetic field than a second portion of the heater element. (Embodiment 20) 2. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the heater element comprises an elongated heater member comprising the heater material and a coating disposed on an inner surface of the heater member, the coating being smoother or harder than the inner surface of the heater member. (Embodiment 21) a body including the magnetic field generator; a mouthpiece defining a passageway in fluid communication with the heater region; Further equipped with 2. The device of embodiment 1, wherein the mouthpiece is movable relative to the body to provide access to the heater region, the mouthpiece containing the elongated heater element. (Embodiment 22) 1. An apparatus configured to heat a smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material, comprising: a heater region defined within the device and configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising smokeable material; a body including a magnetic field generator configured to generate a varying magnetic field; a mouthpiece including a heater element defining a passageway in fluid communication with the heater region, movable relative to the body to provide access to the heater region, the mouthpiece comprising a heater material heatable by penetration of the varying magnetic field, the heater element providing heating to the heater region in use; An apparatus comprising: (Embodiment 23) An apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of said smokable material, said apparatus comprising: a heating area for receiving at least a portion of an article comprising smokable material; a magnetic field generator for generating a fluctuating magnetic field; and an elongated heating element extending at least partially around said heating area and comprising a heating material heatable by penetration of said fluctuating magnetic field to heat said heating area; an article for use with the device, the article comprising the smoking material; A system comprising:

Claims

1. An apparatus configured to heat an article containing smoking material to volatilize at least one component of the smoking material, comprising: a heating region configured to receive at least a portion of an article including smokable material; a magnetic field generator configured to generate a varying magnetic field for inductively heating the article received in the heating region, the magnetic field generator comprising a helical coil surrounding the heating region and a device for applying a varying current to the helical coil; a body, the magnetic field generator and the heating region being disposed within the body; and a first mass of insulation material, said first mass of insulation material comprising one or more insulating materials; a second mass of insulation material, the second mass of insulation material comprising one or more insulating materials, the helical coil being between the first mass of insulation material and the second mass of insulation material; and Equipped with An apparatus, wherein the one or more insulating materials of the first mass of insulation material comprise a different material than the one or more insulating materials of the second mass of insulation material.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the helical coil is embedded between the first mass of insulating material and the second mass of insulating material.

3. 3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the helical coil is surrounded by the second mass of insulating material.

4. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein at least one of the one or more insulating materials of the first mass of insulating material and the one or more insulating materials of the second mass of insulating material comprises a plastic material.

5. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the helical coil has a constant radius along its length.

6. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the helical coil has a constant pitch along its length.

7. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the helical coil is in the form of a circular helix.

8. 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the width of the gap between any two adjacent turns of the helical coil is the same as the width of the gap between any other two adjacent turns of the helical coil, measured parallel to the longitudinal axis of the helical coil.

9. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the helical coil is in a fixed position relative to the heating region.

10. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the helical coil surrounds the heating region.

11. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the heating region has a longitudinal axis and the helical coil extends along a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the heating region.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the longitudinal axis of the helical coil is coincident with the longitudinal axis of the heating region.

13. A device according to any preceding claim, comprising an outer surface, the outer surface being configured to be held by a user.

14. 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the second mass of insulating material surrounds the helical coil and is configured to aid in reducing transfer of heating energy from heating the article to the exterior surface.

15. 15. The apparatus of claim 13 or 14, wherein the first mass of insulating material is configured to help reduce the transfer of heating energy from heating the article to the exterior surface.

16. 16. The apparatus of claim 13, 14 or 15, wherein the first mass of insulating material, the second mass of insulating material and the magnetic field generator comprising the helical coil are disposed within the outer surface.

17. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the longitudinal length of the helical coil longitudinally overlaps at least the majority of the longitudinal length of the mass of first insulating material.

18. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the longitudinal length of the helical coil longitudinally overlaps at least the majority of the longitudinal length of the mass of second insulating material.

19. 19. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the longitudinal length of the helical coil longitudinally overlaps at least a majority of the longitudinal length of the heating region.

20. 20. The device of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the longitudinal length of the helical coil is greater than the diametric extent of the helical coil.

21. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the longitudinal length of the helical coil substantially corresponds to the longitudinal length of the mass of first insulating material.

22. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the longitudinal length of the helical coil substantially corresponds to the longitudinal length of the mass of second insulating material.

23. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the longitudinal length of the helical coil substantially corresponds to the longitudinal length of the heating zone.

24. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the body surrounds the heating region.

25. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the body defines an opening through which the article is insertable into the heating region.

26. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the first mass of insulating material and the second mass of insulating material are each attached to another component of the apparatus.

27. 27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the one or more insulating materials of the first mass of insulating material and the one or more insulating materials of the second mass of insulating material are each attached to other components of the apparatus.

28. 28. Apparatus according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the first mass of insulating material and the second mass of insulating material are each attached to the body.

29. 30. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the one or more insulating materials of the first mass of insulating material and the one or more insulating materials of the second mass of insulating material are each attached to the body.

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