Heating elements

Abstract

To provide a heating element for use with an apparatus for heating aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material.SOLUTION: A heating element 1 includes a body 2 and at least one retainer 3. The body 2 is for forming a chamber for receiving the aerosolizable material. The at least one retainer 3 is for restraining movement of the heating element 1 relative to the apparatus when the heating element 1 is installed in the apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a heating element for use with an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material, a method for preparing a heating element for use with an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, and a system comprising an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material and a heating element heatable by such an apparatus. [Background technology]

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

[0003] A first aspect of the present invention provides a heating element for use with an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, the heating element comprising a body forming a chamber for receiving the aerosolizable material and at least one retainer for limiting movement of the heating element relative to the apparatus when the heating element is mounted within the apparatus.

[0004] In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one retainer includes at least one protrusion, the at least one protrusion extending away from the body of the heating element. In an exemplary embodiment, the chamber includes a tapered inlet. In an exemplary embodiment, the tapered inlet is formed by a diverging end. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one protrusion forms a diverging end. The tapered inlet, which may be formed by a diverging end, facilitates insertion of the aerosolizable material into the chamber. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one retainer includes a plurality of protrusions extending away from the body of the heating element. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of protrusions extend radially outward from the body of the heating element.

[0005] In an exemplary embodiment, the body is tubular.

[0006] In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one retainer is disposed at one end of the heating element.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating element comprises a converging inlet for inserting one or more articles including an aerosolizable material into the chamber. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one holder defines the converging inlet of the heating element. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one holder is operable to form the converging inlet of the heating element.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating element is a single piece.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating element includes a heating material that is heatable by the penetration of a varying magnetic field.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, the retainer is for limiting longitudinal movement of the heating element relative to the device when the heating element is mounted within the device.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating element is changeable between a first shape that does not restrict movement of the heating element relative to the device when the heating element is attached to the device, and a second shape that restricts movement of the heating element relative to the device when the heating element is attached to the device.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the aerosolizable material comprises tobacco, and / or is reconstituted, and / or is in the form of a gel, and / or comprises an amorphous solid.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating material includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of an electrically conductive material, a magnetic material, and a magnetically conductive material.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating material includes a metal or alloy.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating material comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of aluminum, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, graphite, steel, plain carbon steel, mild steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, molybdenum, silicon carbide, copper, and bronze.

[0016] A second aspect of the invention provides a system for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, the system comprising: an apparatus including a heating device and an abutment member; and a heating element mountable to the apparatus and heatable by the heating device when mounted to the apparatus. The heating element comprises a body forming a chamber for receiving one or more articles including the aerosolizable material, and at least one retainer that contacts the abutment member when the heating element is placed in the apparatus, thereby limiting movement of the heating element relative to the apparatus.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating element comprises a heating material heatable by penetration of a varying magnetic field, and the heating device includes a magnetic field generator for generating a varying magnetic field that penetrates the heating element when the heating element is mounted within the device. In an exemplary embodiment, the magnetic field generator is for generating a plurality of varying magnetic fields that penetrate portions of the heating element when the heating element is mounted within the device. In an exemplary embodiment, the magnetic field generator is for generating a single magnetic field.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating device includes an abutment member. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the abutment member is movable relative to the heating device.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating element is a separate component from the element configured to support the heating element.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating material comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of an electrically conductive material, a magnetic material, and a magnetically conductive material.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating material includes a metal or alloy.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating material comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of aluminum, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, graphite, steel, plain carbon steel, mild steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, molybdenum, silicon carbide, copper, and bronze.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the aerosolizable material comprises tobacco, and / or is reconstituted, and / or is in the form of a gel, and / or comprises an amorphous solid.

[0024] A third aspect of the present invention is a method for preparing a heating element for use with an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, comprising the steps of providing a heating element including a body and at least one retainer, and orienting the at least one retainer relative to the body in a retaining position such that the at least one retainer limits movement of the heating element relative to the apparatus when the heating element is mounted within the apparatus.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the step of orienting the at least one retainer comprises changing the heating element from a first shape that is not configured to restrict movement of the heating element relative to the device to a second shape that is configured to restrict movement of the heating element relative to the device.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, providing the heating element comprises providing a single object including a body and at least one retainer. In an exemplary embodiment, providing the heating element comprises providing a sheet and forming the body and at least one retainer from the sheet. In an exemplary embodiment, forming the body and at least one retainer from the sheet comprises manipulating the sheet to form a tube. In an exemplary embodiment, manipulating the sheet comprises rolling the sheet.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, orienting the at least one retainer comprises bending the at least one retainer outwardly from the body towards a retaining position.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, the aerosolizable material comprises tobacco, and / or is reconstituted, and / or is in the form of a gel, and / or comprises an amorphous solid.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating material includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of an electrically conductive material, a magnetic material, and a magnetically conductive material.

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating material includes a metal or alloy.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating material comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of aluminum, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, graphite, steel, plain carbon steel, mild steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, molybdenum, silicon carbide, copper, and bronze. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0032] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary heating element for use with an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, the heating element including a body formed into a tube and a holder oriented in a holding position. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic end view of the exemplary heating element of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the exemplary heating element of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial schematic cross-sectional side view of an example inlet region of the heating element of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] 2 is a schematic plan view of an example of a member for forming the heating element of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates a structure for use with an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a system comprising an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material and an article comprising the aerosolizable material, and the article being placed in a heating zone of the apparatus. [Figure 8]FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a further exemplary system comprising the heating element of FIG. 1 disposed within an apparatus that heats an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged, partially schematic, cross-sectional side view of the exemplary system of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 1 is a flow chart illustrating one example of a method of forming a heating element for use with a device that heats an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] The term "aerosolizable material" as used hereinafter includes materials that provide volatile components upon heating, typically in the form of a vapor or aerosol. An "aerosolizable material" may be a non-tobacco-containing material or a tobacco-containing material. An "aerosolizable material" may include, for example, one or more of tobacco itself, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco extracts, homogenized tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. An aerosolizable material may be in the form of shredded tobacco, cut rag tobacco, extruded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, reconstituted aerosolizable material, liquid, gel, amorphous solid, gel-like sheet, powder, or aggregate, etc. An "aerosolizable material" may also include other non-tobacco products that may or may not contain nicotine depending on the product. An "aerosolizable material" may include one or more humectants, such as glycerol or propylene glycol.

[0034] As discussed above, the aerosolizable material may include an "amorphous solid," which may alternatively be referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e., non-fibrous) or a "dry gel." An amorphous solid is a solid material that is capable of holding a fluid, such as a liquid, therein. In some cases, the aerosolizable material includes about 50%, 60%, or 70% amorphous solid by weight to about 90%, 95%, or 100% amorphous solid by weight. In some cases, the aerosolizable material consists of an amorphous solid.

[0035] As used herein, the term "sheet" refers to an element having a width and length that is substantially greater than its thickness. A sheet may be, for example, a strip.

[0036] As used herein, the term "heating material" or "exothermic material" refers to a material that can be heated by permeation with a varying magnetic field.

[0037] Induction heating is a process in which an electrically conductive object is heated by penetrating the object with a varying magnetic field. This process is described by Faraday's law of induction and Ohm's law. An induction heater may include an electromagnet and a device that passes a varying electric current, such as an alternating current, through the electromagnet. When the electromagnet and the object to be heated are appropriately positioned relative to one another so that the varying magnetic field generated by the electromagnet penetrates the object, one or more eddy currents are generated within the object. The object has a resistance to the flow of electric current. Thus, when such eddy currents are generated in the object, they flow against the object's electrical resistance, causing the object to heat up. 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 form of a closed electrical circuit, the magnetic coupling between the susceptor and the electromagnet in use is enhanced, resulting in enhanced or improved Joule heating.

[0039] Magnetic hysteresis heating is a process in which an object made of a magnetic material is heated by passing a changing magnetic field through the object. A magnetic material can be thought of as containing many atomic-scale magnets or magnetic dipoles. When a magnetic field passes through such a material, the magnetic dipoles align with the magnetic field. Thus, when a changing magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field produced by an electromagnet, passes through a magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles is changed by the applied changing magnetic field. This reorientation of the magnetic dipoles generates heat within the magnetic material.

[0040] If an object is both conductive and magnetic, penetrating the object with a varying magnetic field can cause both Joule and magnetic hysteresis heating in the object. Additionally, the use of magnetic materials can enhance the magnetic field to enhance Joule and magnetic hysteresis heating.

[0041] In each of the above processes, heat is generated within the object itself, rather than from an external heat source by thermal conduction, so that rapid temperature rise and more uniform heat distribution within the object can be achieved, particularly by selection of the appropriate object material and shape, and appropriate magnitude and location of the varying magnetic field relative to the object. Furthermore, induction heating and magnetic hysteresis heating do not require a physical connection between the varying magnetic field source and the object, allowing greater design freedom and control over the heating profile, and lower costs.

[0042] Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a schematic perspective view of an example of a heating element 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The heating element 1 is for use with an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, such as one of the apparatuses 100, 200 shown in Figures 7 and 8 described below. The heating element 1 is formed from a member 1'. An example of a member 1' is shown in Figure 5 and described below. The illustrated heating element 1 is an inductively heatable susceptor. In some embodiments, the heating element 1 can be resistively heated.

[0043] The heating element 1 includes a body 2 and a number of retainers 3. For ease of understanding, eight retainers are shown in the embodiment of Figure 1, although in other embodiments only a single retainer may be provided to perform the retaining function, as described below. Thus, in some embodiments, the heating element may include at least one retainer.

[0044] The body 2 has a volume that defines a first volume of the heating element 1. The first volume is shown as a majority of the volume of the heating element 1. The plurality of retainers 3 have a volume that defines a second volume of the heating element 1. In this embodiment, the second volume is shown as a minor portion of the volume of the heating element 1. Thus, the first volume is shown to be greater than the second volume.

[0045] In some embodiments, the body 2 and the plurality of retainers 3 have different thermal conductivities. In some embodiments, the plurality of retainers 3 have a lower thermal conductivity than the body 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 2 and the plurality of retainers 3 are integral with each other and formed from the same raw material. For example, the body 2 and the plurality of retainers 3 are formed from the same sheet. Alternatively, in other embodiments, at least one retainer 3 may be separate from the body 2 or may be coupled to the body 2. As shown in FIG. 1, each retainer 3 is shown in a "wire frame" form, with the retainer 3 comprising a hollow central region. In some embodiments, the "wire frame" form of each retainer 3 may comprise an extension from the body 2 in a single direction. The single direction may be radial, such that any length of the retainer 3 is aligned with a line from the longitudinal axis AA of the body 3 along a radius of the body 2.

[0046] The "wireframe" configuration described above includes at least one elongated portion that represents the skeleton or outline of the object. Thus, when each holder 3 is provided in the "wireframe" configuration, only the edges of the holder 3 are shown, and the areas between the edges are not present. This gives the hollow appearance of the holder 3 shown in FIG. 1, which is approximately at the 1 o'clock and 4 o'clock positions in the view shown in FIG.

[0047] The "wire frame" configuration is used to reduce heat transfer from the body 2 as a minimum of material is used to form each holder 3. This allows each holder 3 to improve heat concentration to the body 2 with minimal heat conduction away from the body 2. Thus, when the holder 3 and body 2 are formed from the same material and therefore have the same thermal conductivity (as shown in the embodiment of Figure 1), heat conduction away from the body 2 is mitigated.

[0048] In some embodiments, at least one of the retainers 3 may be planar rather than in "wire frame" form and may include a solid central region. In these embodiments, the body 2 may have a different thermal conductivity compared to each of the retainers. However, in other embodiments, at least one of the retainers 3 is planar and not in "wire frame" form.

[0049] In the orientation shown in FIG. 1, the heating element 1 is generally cylindrical with a generally circular cross-section. In other embodiments, the heating element 1 may have a cross-section other than circular, such as elliptical or oval, and / or may be other than cylindrical. In some implementations, the heating element 1 may have a cross-section that is, for example, polygonal, quadrangular, rectangular, square, triangular, star-shaped, or irregular. In this embodiment, the heating element 1 is generally tubular. Thus, the body 2 is in the form of a tube. The heating element 1 includes a chamber 110, which is a hollow interior region of the tube. The chamber 110 corresponds to the heating zone 110, 211 when the heating element 1 is placed in the device 100, 200. The chamber 110 is formed by the body 2 of the heating element 1 and is configured to receive an aerosolizable material.

[0050] In this embodiment, the heating element 1 is elongated and has a longitudinal axis AA. Thus, the length of the heating element 1 in the direction of the longitudinal axis AA is greater than the diameter D0 of the heating element 1 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis AA. However, in other embodiments, the heating element 1 may not be elongated but may be annular, e.g., ring-shaped.

[0051] The heating element 1 may be formed from a sheet, shown as member 1' in FIG. 5. In the orientation shown in FIG. 5, the sheet is flat. In FIG. 5, the width W0 of member 1' is shown. When member 1' is formed into heating element 1, as shown in FIG. 1, the width W0 of member 1' exceeds the circumference of the body 2 of the formed tubular heating element 1. This is due to the presence of an overlap of the body 2, which is formed by the bond area 2a at one edge of the body 2. When formed, the bond area 2a overlaps the opposite end of the body 2. In the final position, the bond area 2a can be hidden when it is below the opposite end of the body 2. In some embodiments, the final position of the bond area 2a may be outside the opposite end of the body 2, such that the bond area 2a is above the opposite end of the body 2.

[0052] In some embodiments, the edges of the sheet, designated as member 1', may be joined end to end and there may be no overlap.

[0053] The body 2 can be a collar or shim that can be inserted into the device and act as a structural support for the aerosolizable material that can be inserted into the chamber 110. In other embodiments, the aerosolizable material can be held away from the chamber 110. At least the body 2 can operate as a susceptor in an induction heating mechanism. A consumable, e.g., an article containing an aerosolizable material to be heated, can be placed in the chamber 110 of the body 2. In this configuration, the body 2, which is not part of the consumable, surrounds the outside of the article containing the aerosolizable material. In other embodiments, the heating element 1 can be part of the consumable.

[0054] Although multiple retainers 3 are shown, in other embodiments the heating element 1 may comprise at least one retainer 3, as long as it is suitable to limit the movement, e.g. longitudinal movement, of the heating element 1 relative to the device 100, 200 when the heating element 1 is mounted in the device 100, 200. An example of such an installation in the device 100 is described in connection with Figs. 6 and 7 below. The retainer 3 acts as a blocking member to prevent the movement of the heating element 1 and thus to hold the heating element 1 in the device 100, 200 against at least one direction of movement. Such a directional movement may be, for example, an axial movement, which is an axial movement of the heating element 1 along the longitudinal axis AA shown in Fig. 1. The retainer 3 resists translational movement of the heating element 1. In other embodiments the retainer 3 may alternatively or additionally resist rotation of the heating element 1 about the longitudinal axis AA relative to the housing of the device 100.

[0055] In this embodiment, the retainer 3 is an abutting member that abuts at least one surface of the device 100, 200 and limits the degree of movement of the heating element 1 relative to the housing of the device. The retainer 3 can be closed by a corresponding abutting member or portion of the device 100, 200 to prevent movement of the heating element 1 relative to the housing of the device 100, 200, especially when an article containing an aerosolizable material is removed from the device 100, 200. In some embodiments, the retainer 3 can be used to hold the heating element 1 in a specific position within the device 100, 200, rather than relying on a constrained movement due to a press-fit relationship between the body 2 of the heating element 1 and the device 100, 200. In this case, the press-fit relationship is when a first member can be inserted into a second member using an insertion force. The insertion force is an actuation force by the user's finger to overcome a frictional resistance between the first member and the second member. The frictional resistance holds the first member and the second member together as a combination by friction. Thus, separation of the first and second members is accomplished by application of a finger force similar to the insertion force. In a press-fit relationship, the first and second members are not free to move relative to one another, but are not permanently fixed relative to one another either. The retainer 3 prevents free movement of the heating element 1 without being fixed in place. Thus, the retainer 3 facilitates improved retention of the heating element 1 in devices such as the embodiments described in Figures 6 and 7. By positioning the heating element 1 in close proximity to an article containing an aerosolizable material, heat transfer to the article during use is improved.

[0056] In this embodiment, the total number of the holders 3 is an even number, but in other embodiments, the total number of the multiple holders 3 may be an odd number. For illustrative purposes, eight holders 3 are shown in Figures 1 and 2. The multiple holders 3 are disposed at one end of the body 2, e.g., at the first end 111 (see Figure 3), but in some embodiments, at least one holder 3 may be disposed at the other end of the heating element 1. For example, in some embodiments, at least one holder may additionally be disposed at the second end 112 of the body 2, e.g., at the end opposite the first end 111 of the body 2.

[0057] The first plurality of retainers 3 are shown as a first group. However, additional groups of retainers 3, such as a second group, are possible. Each of the first and second groups may be separated along the length of the heating element 1. The second group may be located at an opposite end of the heating element 1, for example at the second end 112.

[0058] In this embodiment, each retainer 3 is a protrusion extending, for example radially, from the body 2 of the heating element 1. In this embodiment, each retainer 3 is planar. However, in some embodiments, each retainer 3 may be in "wire frame" form, as previously described. That is, the retainer 3 may be formed from a rod or strip. The rod or strip may be connected to the body 2 or may be formed integrally with the body 2.

[0059] As best shown in FIG. 4, the thickness T1 of the holder 3 is the same as the thickness T0 of the body 2 of the heating element 1. In some embodiments, the thickness T1 of the holder 3 may be greater or less than the thickness T0 of the body 3 of the heating element 1. In some embodiments, the thickness T0 of the body 3 of the heating element 1 may be less than 100 μm. In some embodiments, the thickness T0 may be between 10 μm and 40 μm. In some embodiments, the thickness T0 may be between 20 μm and 30 μm. In some embodiments, the thickness T0 may be about 25 μm.

[0060] 2, which shows a schematic end view of the exemplary heating element 1 of FIG. 1, the degree of protrusion of each retainer 3 is exaggerated for illustrative purposes. In some embodiments, the degree of protrusion of each retainer 3 may be equal to or less than the thickness T1 of the retainer 3. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the degree of protrusion of each retainer 3 may be equal to or less than the thickness T0 of the body 2 of the heating element 1. In any case, at least one retainer 3 must be suitable for limiting the movement of the heating element 1 relative to the device 100, 200 when the heating element 1 is attached to the device 100, 200. The multiple retainers 3 are rotationally symmetric about the longitudinal axis AA of the heating element 1. However, in other embodiments, the multiple retainers 3 may not be rotationally symmetric.

[0061] 3 and 4, there is shown a schematic cross-sectional side view of the exemplary heating element 1 of FIG. 1 and an enlarged partial schematic cross-sectional side view of an example inlet region 4 of the heating element 1 of FIG. 1, respectively.

[0062] The heating element 1 of FIG. 3 is open at both the first end 111 and the second end 112 opposite the first end 111. Thus, the first end 111 includes a first opening, and the second end 112 includes a second opening. The first and second openings are axially aligned with the longitudinal axis AA shown in FIG. 1. The first and second openings are also parallel to each other. The opening at the first end 111 includes an inlet 4. Aerosolizable material can be inserted through the inlet 4 to access the chamber 110 of the heating element 1. Thus, the inlet 4 is the first pass point of the aerosolizable material into the chamber 110. In this embodiment, the chamber 110 has a constant cross-section and extends between the first end 111 and the second end 112 of the heating element 1. In other embodiments, the chamber 110 can have a variable cross-section along the length of the chamber 110.

[0063] When placed in the holding position, as shown in FIG. 3, each holder 3 extends away from the longitudinal axis AA of the heating element 1. In this embodiment, at least a portion 3c of the holder 3 converges toward the longitudinal axis AA. That is, the portion 3c of the holder 3 is a tapered portion. In this exemplary embodiment, the tapered portion is a tapered entrance to facilitate the insertion of one or more articles including an aerosolizable material into the chamber 110. In some exemplary embodiments, the tapered entrance may be formed by at least one holder 3 being flared. That is, at least one holder 3 can flare an end, e.g., the first end 111, of the body 2 of the heating element 1. In some exemplary embodiments, for example, when the heating element 1 is a tubular susceptor, at least one protrusion can flare an end of the tubular susceptor to facilitate the insertion of a consumable (e.g., an article including an aerosolizable material) into the chamber 110. Thus, the heating element 1 includes a crimped or converging inlet 4 for inserting one or more articles containing an aerosolizable material into the chamber 110. In some exemplary embodiments, the inlet 4 includes a tapered inlet, as previously described.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 4, at least one holder 3 defines a convergent inlet 4 of the heating element 1 and is operable to form the convergent inlet 4. At least one holder 3 defines a convergent inlet 4 of the heating element 1. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, at least a portion of the neck portion 3a of the holder 3, such as the inlet portion 3c, defines the convergent inlet 4. The convergent inlet 4 provides a narrowing that reduces the size of the first end 111 toward the second end 112. The convergent inlet 4 is a gradual reduction in the inner surface of the heating element 1 toward the chamber 110, which helps guide the consumable (e.g., an article containing an aerosolizable material) into the chamber 110. In this embodiment, the convergent inlet 4 is formed by folding each holder 3 to form the inlet portion 3c. This allows the thickness of the heating element 1 to be reduced in order to increase heat transfer to the aerosolizable material when placed in the chamber 110. The inlet portion 3c of the holder 3 is part of the neck portion 3a which gradually reduces the diameter of the first end 111 towards the diameter of the chamber 110.

[0065] Although the inlet portion 3c is shown as a chamfered portion, in some embodiments, the inlet portion 3c is a rounded chamfered portion rather than a straight portion. In some embodiments, the inlet portion 3c includes an arcuate surface. The arcuate surface may be generally convex. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet portion 3c is inherently formed when the holder 3 is moved into the holding position.

[0066] A schematic plan view of an example of a member 1' for forming into the heating element 1 of FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 5. The member 1' shown in FIG. 5 is substantially planar. The member 1' is formed from a sheet. Thus, the member 1' is a single piece. The sheet shown in this embodiment has a constant thickness. However, the thickness of the sheet may instead vary between different regions of the member 1'. In plan view, i.e., in the thickness direction of the member 1' as viewed from the page, the member 1' is approximately rectangular. Thus, the length L0 of the member 1' is greater than the width W0 of the member 1' perpendicular to the length L0. In other embodiments in which the member 1' is substantially square, the length L0 and the width W0 may be substantially equal. In many more embodiments, the length L0 of the member 1' may be less than the width W0 of the member 1'.

[0067] The retainer 3 is disposed across the width W0 of the member 1'. In some embodiments, the lateral or lateral ends of the body 2 at their outermost portions along the width W0 can be connected to each other to form a tubular configuration, as shown in FIG.

[0068] The body 2 shown in the embodiment of FIG. 5 is tubular. A portion of the body 2 of the member 1′ includes a bonding region 2a that is generally free of the retainer 3, allowing the bonding region 2a to overlap an opposing lateral end of the body 2. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the overlapping ends are replaced by abutting ends, whereby the bonding region 2a is not present and the abutting ends are joined to one another by abutment. In such a configuration, the abutting ends may be glued to one another, for example by soldering.

[0069] Each retainer 3 is shown with the same overall shape. Each retainer 3 protrudes from the body 2 of the member 1' to a similar extent, as indicated by length L1. Each retainer 3 extends a similar extent along the width W0 of the member 1', as indicated by width W1. However, in some embodiments, the length L1 and width W1 of each retainer 3 of the plurality of retainers 3 may be varied by varying the gaps G1, G2 between each retainer 3 or by varying a consistently sized gap G1, G2. In some embodiments, the corners and / or edges of at least one retainer 3 may be chamfered or beveled.

[0070] The illustrated heating element 1 is changeable between a first shape in which the retaining portion 3 is not adapted to restrict movement of the heating element 1 relative to the device 100, 200 when the heating element is attached to the device 100, 200, and a second shape in which the retaining portion 3 is adapted to restrict movement of the heating element 1 relative to the device 100, 200 when the heating element 3 is attached to the device 100, 200. The heating element 1 is switchable between the first shape and the second shape such that it is reversibly positionable between the first shape and the second shape. However, in some embodiments, the heating element 1 is not switchable between the first shape and the second shape.

[0071] As shown in the embodiment of Figure 5, each retainer 3 includes a neck portion 3a and a head portion 3b, with the neck portion 3a being disposed between the head portion 3b and the body 2 of the member 1'. The neck portion 3a is shown as a narrowed or geometrically restricted portion of the retainer 3 compared to the head portion 3b. However, in some embodiments, the neck portion 3a has a similar dimension as the head portion 3b, e.g., a similar width measured in the direction of the width W0 of the member 1'.

[0072] Each head portion 3b is bendable relative to the body 2 about the neck portion 3a. In some embodiments, the neck portion 3a is made of a material that is more flexible or malleable than the body 2. In some embodiments, the neck portion 3a has a bias toward a particular direction, for example, toward the longitudinal axis AA of the heating element 1. Alternatively, or additionally, the neck portion 3a can have a bias toward a radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis AA. In other embodiments, the neck portion 3a can be biased in a first direction and a second direction. That is, the neck portion 3a can be biased in two directions. One of the two directions can include the direction of the longitudinal axis AA of the heating element 1, and another of the two directions can include a radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis AA. In the first orientation, the retainer 3 is disposed radially. In the second orientation, the retainer 3 is axial. That is, the retainer can be disposed between the axial direction and the radial direction.

[0073] The multiple retainers 3 are shown in a repeating pattern. Each retainer 3 is formed as a petal or castellation. Thus, member 1' shown in Figure 5 is a petal or castellated body 2, whereby the retainers 3 are petals or castellations formed on at least one end of the body 2.

[0074] A first space or gap G1 between adjacent retainers 3 is equal to a second space or gap G2 between other adjacent retainers 3. Thus, the spacing or gaps G1, G2 between adjacent retainers 3 are equal. In other embodiments, the spacing or gaps G1, G2 between adjacent retainers 3 among multiple retainers 3 may vary. For example, in some embodiments, the spacing or gaps G1, G2 between adjacent retainers 3 may not be equal.

[0075] Each retainer 3 is shown with a length L1 that is greater than the thickness of the heating element 1, in particular the thickness T0 of the body 2 of the member 1'. The length L1 is measured in the same direction as the length L0 of the member 1'. The length L1 of at least one retainer 3 is less than the length L0 of the member 1'. In some embodiments, the length L1 of at least one retainer 3 may be the same as the length L0 of the member 1'.

[0076] In some embodiments, the sheet comprising the heating material is free of holes or discontinuities. In some embodiments, the sheet comprising the heating material comprises a foil, such as a metal or metal alloy foil, such as an aluminum foil. However, in some embodiments, the sheet comprising the heating material may have holes or discontinuities.

[0077] The heating element 1 of FIG. 1 can be formed from the member 1' of FIG. 5. However, in some embodiments, the heating element 1 is an extruded member formed by an extrusion process. The extruded member may be tubular such that the cross section of the body is seamless and endless. The extruded member may be further adapted to form the body 2 and at least one retainer 3. For example, the at least one retainer 3 may be formed by cutting the extruded member, for example by laser cutting. Alternatively or additionally, the body 2 may be formed solely by an extrusion process. In this case, the heating element 1 may be formed by bonding the at least one retainer 3 to the extruded body 2.

[0078] As shown in Figure 1, the heating element 1 is formed from a sheet material. The body 2 and the plurality of retainers 3 are formed from the same material. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the body 2 and the plurality of retainers 3 are formed from different materials. The configuration of the body 2 shown in Figure 1, in which the heating element 1 is generally tubular, is formed by rolling the sheet. The retainers 3 are then moved radially away from the longitudinal axis AA to a retaining position.

[0079] Referring to Figure 6, there is shown a schematic perspective view of an example of a structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. The structure 50 is used in conjunction with an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, such as the apparatus 100 shown in Figure 7 and described below.

[0080] The structure 50 of this embodiment comprises first to fifth induction coil devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, each comprising a flat spiral induction coil of conductive material, such as copper, attached to a side of a substrate or plate 10. In use, a varying (e.g., alternating) current is passed through each induction coil to generate a varying (e.g., alternating) magnetic field that can be used to penetrate and heat a heating element, as described in more detail below. In some implementations, there may be only one magnetic field generated within the device.

[0081] The structure 50 comprises a holder 52 on which the plates 10 of each of the induction coil arrangements 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e are mounted to fix the induction coil arrangements 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e in position relative to each other. In this embodiment, each plate 10 is substantially planar. In some implementations, each plate 10 is constructed from a non-conductive material, such as a plastic material, to electrically insulate the coils of adjacent coil arrangements from each other.

[0082] In this embodiment, the holder 52 comprises a base 54 from which the induction coil devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e extend in a direction perpendicular or orthogonal to the surface of the base 54.

[0083] The holder 52 holds the induction coil devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e relative to each other such that the planar spiral coils of the induction coil devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e are disposed sequentially and in respective planes along the axis BB. In this embodiment, the planar spiral coils of the induction coil devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e are each in substantially parallel planes perpendicular to the axis BB. Moreover, the planar spiral coils are all axially aligned with each other, since the respective imaginary points from which the paths of the coils emerge are all on a common axis, in this case the axis BB.

[0084] In this embodiment, the structure 50 includes a controller (not shown) for controlling the operation of the planar spiral coil. The controller is housed in the holder 52 and includes an integrated circuit (IC), but takes a different form in other embodiments. In some embodiments, the controller controls the operation of at least one of the induction coil arrangements 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e independently of at least one other of the induction coil arrangements 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e. For example, the controller can power the coils of each of the induction coil arrangements 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e independently of the coils of the other induction coil arrangements 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e. In some embodiments, the controller can power the coils of each of the induction coil arrangements 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e sequentially. Alternatively, in at least one mode of operation, the controller may be for controlling the operation of all of the induction coil arrangements 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e simultaneously.

[0085] The holder 52 further comprises three arms 55, 56, 57 extending from the base 54 in a direction perpendicular or perpendicular to the surface of the base 54 and substantially parallel to the induction coil devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e. In this embodiment, the arms 55, 56, 57 are 3D printed SLS (selective laser sintering) nylon and are integral with the base 54. In other embodiments, the arms 55, 56, 57 are separate components from the base 54 and are assembled together with the base 54.

[0086] Each of the arms 55, 56, 57 has an opening therethrough. Disposed in each opening is an annular washer or shim 55b, 56b, 57b. Each of the shims 55b, 56b, 57b is made from a dielectric or electrically insulating material such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or glass. PEEK has a relatively high melting point compared to most other thermoplastics and is highly resistant to thermal degradation. Each of the shims 55b, 56b, 57b defines a hole therethrough. All of these holes are on the same axis BB as the respective imaginary points from which the paths of the coils exit.

[0087] 7, a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The system 1000 includes an article 70 including an aerosolizable material 72 and an apparatus 100 for heating the aerosolizable material 72 to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material 72. In this embodiment, the aerosolizable material 72 includes tobacco and the apparatus 100 is a tobacco heating product (also known as a tobacco heating device or a non-combustion device).

[0088] As shown in FIG. 7, the system 1000 comprises a heating element 1. The heating element 1 acts as an elongated support for supporting an article 70 containing an aerosolizable material in use. In this embodiment, the heating element 1 is tubular and has a longitudinal axis CC coaxial with the axis BB. Thus, in use, the heating element 1 can be configured to extend coaxially through the coil. In other embodiments, the heating element 1 may be non-tubular. The heating element 1 is held in a radial position by shims 55b, 56b, 57b and extends through holes in the multiple flat spiral coils, holes in shims 55b, 56b, 57b, openings in arms 55, 56, 57, and openings in plate 10. The shims 55b, 56b, 57b help prevent the heating element 1 from contacting the induction coil device 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, and in particular its coil. Shims 55b, 56b, 57b are used to radially position the heating element 1, and a retainer 3 which is part of the heating element 1 is used to prevent axial movement of the heating element 1 in at least one direction.

[0089] In this embodiment, the heating element 1 comprises a heating material that is heatable by penetration with different magnetic fields to heat the internal volume of the heating element 1. Specifically, in use, the varying magnetic fields generated by the coil penetrate the heating element 1. This makes each part of the heating element 1 heatable by penetration of each varying magnetic field. The heating element 1 is thus a support that acts as a heatable component in use. The controller 6 can be configured to heat each part of the heating element 1 for, for example, different respective times, different respective durations, and / or different respective speeds.

[0090] The retainer 3 is shown in the end region of the heating element 1 so as to be adjacent to the first end 111 of the heating element 1. Thus, the retainer 3 in this embodiment is not shown at the first end 111 of the heating element 1, although it is adjacent to the first end 111 of the heating element 1. In other embodiments, the retainer 3 is located at the first end 111 of the heating element 1. Thus, the first end 111 can include the retainer 3. The retainer 3 protrudes into one opening of the arm 57 and can abut against one of the shims 57b adjacent to the arm 57 when the retainer 3 is moved axially along the axis CC. The retainer 3 and the body 2 are one and the same part. In the example provided in FIG. 7, the retainer 3 opposes the movement of the heating element 1, for example when the article 70 is removed from the chamber 110 after a smoking session. The shim 55b also opposes this movement by a recess in the shim 55b into which the heating element 1 fits, but the recess is optional and can be omitted in other embodiments. In some embodiments, the shim 57b is a washer. The washer is flat and has no recess. The shim 57b is different from the washer, is a thicker member than the washer and can have a recess. Furthermore, an additional washer may be provided against which the retainer 3 is configured to abut. The retainer 3 may thus be disposed between two washers configured to abut and resist axial movement of the retainer 3. The washers together may hold the heating element 1 securely in place, or at least in the retainer 3 in the retainer position if the retainer 3 is biased away from the retainer position or cannot maintain the retainer position by itself. The washer may thus be a blocking member for preventing the retainer 3 from moving. However, the washer may have an inner diameter equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the body 2 of the heating element 1 so that the washer can be disposed on the body 2 of the heating element 1.

[0091] The heating element 1 may be separate from any element configured to support the heating element 1, such as a washer (not shown). In use, the retainer 3 may abut the inwardly facing side of the shim 57b or washer. Furthermore, the retainer 3 may be positioned towards the inwardly facing side of the shim 57b or washer. In some embodiments, the heating element 1 is first inserted into the openings of the arms 55, 56, 57 with the retainer 3 in a retracted position, and then, once inserted, the retainer 3 deploys to a retaining position for abutting the inwardly facing side of the shim 57b or washer. The retainer 3 and washer may be positioned between adjacent plates 10, for example between the first coil arrangement 1a and the second coil arrangement 1b, or between the plate 10 and the arms 55, 56, 57 of the housing. Thus, in some cases, the retainer 3 may be maneuvered towards and / or around the retaining position once the heating element 1 is at least partially inside the device 100. The washer is therefore configured to further reduce the degree of movement of the heating element 1.

[0092] In this embodiment, the aerosolizable material 72 is in the form of a rod, and the article 70 includes a cover 74 around the aerosolizable material 72. The cover 74 surrounds the aerosolizable material 72 and serves to protect the aerosolizable material 72 from damage during transportation and use of the article 70. The cover 74 may include an adhesive (not shown) that adheres the overlapped free ends of the wrapper to one another. The adhesive serves to prevent the overlapped free ends of the wrapper from separating. In other embodiments, the adhesive and / or the cover 74 may be omitted. In still other embodiments, the article may take a different form than those described above.

[0093] Generally, the device 100 comprises an elongated chamber or heating zone 110 for receiving the item 70, and a heating device such as a magnetic field generator 120 for generating various magnetic fields that penetrate respective portions 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, 110e of the heating zone 110 during use. In this embodiment, the heating zone 110 includes a recess for receiving the item 70. The item 70 can be inserted into the heating zone 110 by a user in any suitable manner, such as a slot in a wall of the device 100, or by first moving a portion of the device 100, such as a mouthpiece, to access the heating zone 110. In other embodiments, the heating zone 110 may be other than a recess, such as a shelf, surface, or protrusion, and may require a mechanical engagement with the item to work with or receive the item. In this embodiment, the heating zone 110 is sized and shaped to accommodate the entire item 70. In other embodiments, the heating zone 110 may be dimensioned to receive only a portion of the item 70 during use.

[0094] The device 100 has an air inlet (not shown) that fluidly connects the heating zone 110 with the exterior of the device 100, and an outlet (not shown) that allows volatile material to pass from the heating zone 110 to the exterior of the device 100 during use. A user can inhale the volatile components of the aerosolizable material 72 by drawing the volatile components through the outlet. Once the volatile components are removed from the heating zone 110, air is drawn into the heating zone 110 via the air inlet of the device 100. A first end 111 of the heating zone 110 is closest to the outlet and a second end 112 of the heating zone 110 is closest to the air inlet. The first end 111 and second end 112 are opposite each other and disposed at the longitudinal extent of the heating zone 110.

[0095] In this embodiment, the article 70 is elongated with a longitudinal axis DD. When the article 70 is disposed within the heating zone 110 in use, this axis DD is coaxial or parallel to the longitudinal axis CC of the heating zone 110. Thus, heating of one or more portions of the heating element 1 causes heating of one or more of the corresponding portions 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, 110e of the heating zone 110. This in turn causes heating of one or more corresponding sections 72a, 72b, 72c, 72d, 72e of the aerosolizable material 72 of the article 70 when the article 70 is located in the heating zone 110.

[0096] 8, a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a system 2000 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The system 2000 includes an apparatus 200 for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material and a heating element 1. The apparatus 200 includes a magnetic field generator 212 that generates a varying magnetic field during use. The heating element 1 is formed from a heating material that is heatable by permeation of a varying magnetic field.

[0097] More specifically, the device 200 of this embodiment comprises a housing 210 and a mouthpiece 220. The mouthpiece 220 can be made of any suitable material, such as a plastic material, cardboard, cellulose acetate, paper, metal, glass, ceramic, or rubber. The mouthpiece 220 defines a channel 222 therethrough. The mouthpiece 220 is positionable relative to the housing 210 to cover an opening to the heating zone 211. When the mouthpiece 220 is so positioned relative to the housing 210, the channel 122 of the mouthpiece 120 is in fluid communication with the heating zone 211. In use, the channel 222 acts as a passageway that allows vaporized material to pass from the aerosolizable material of an article inserted into the heating zone 211 to the exterior of the device 200. In this embodiment, the mouthpiece 220 of the device 200 is releasably coupleable with the housing 210 to connect the mouthpiece 220 to the housing 210. In other embodiments, the mouthpiece 220 and the housing 210 may be permanently connected via a hinge or flexible member, etc. In some embodiments, such as those in which the article itself includes a mouthpiece, the mouthpiece 220 of the device 200 may be omitted.

[0098] The device 200 can define an air inlet (not shown) that fluidly connects the heating zone 211 with the exterior of the device 200. Such an air inlet can be defined by the body 210 and / or the mouthpiece 220. A user can inhale the volatile components of the aerosolizable material by drawing the volatile components through the channels 222 of the mouthpiece 220. Once the volatile components have been removed from the item, air is drawn into the heating zone 211 via the air inlet of the device 200.

[0099] In this embodiment, the body 210 of the device receives the heating element 1. In this embodiment, the inner surface of the chamber 110 defines a heating zone 211 that receives at least a portion of the article. In other embodiments, the heating zone 211 may be other than a recess, such as a shelf, surface, or protrusion, and may require a mechanical engagement with the article in order to operate with or receive the article. In this embodiment, the heating zone 211 is elongated and sized and shaped to receive the entire article. In other embodiments, the heating zone 211 may be dimensioned to receive only a portion of the article. The heating element 1 can be received within a receiving portion of the body 210 of the device 200. The device 200 includes a washer 4 that forms an abutment member that prevents movement of the heating element 1 by contacting the holder 3. The heating element 1 may be separate from any element configured to support the heating element 1, such as the washer 4. When the heating element 1 is installed in the device 200, the washer 4 acts as an abutment member that limits movement of the heating element 1 by abutting against the device 200. The washer 4 is removable from the device 200 and therefore movable relative to the heating device 212. The mouthpiece 220 is removed from the device 200 to access and remove an article containing an aerosolizable material inserted into the body 210 of the device 200. If an abutment member such as the washer 4 remains in the device 200, movement of the holder 3 out of the device 200 is prevented by contact with the abutment member, e.g., the washer 4. This allows the heating element 1 to remain in the device when replacement of the aerosolizable material becomes necessary. Further removal of the washer 4 allows the heating element 1 to be removed.

[0100] In this embodiment, the magnetic field generator 212 comprises a power supply 213, a coil 214, a device 216 for applying a varying current, such as an alternating current, to the coil 214, a controller 217, and a user interface 218 for user operation of the controller 217. The apparatus 200 of this embodiment further comprises a temperature sensor 219 for sensing the temperature of the heating zone 211.

[0101] The power source 213 in this embodiment is a secondary battery. In other embodiments, the power source 213 may be other than a rechargeable battery, such as a non-rechargeable battery, a capacitor, a battery-capacitor hybrid, or a connection to a mains power source.

[0102] The coil 214 may take any suitable form. In this embodiment, the coil 214 is a helical coil of a conductive material, such as copper. In some implementations, the magnetic field generator 212 may include a magnetically permeable core around which the coil 214 is wound. Such a magnetically permeable core may concentrate the magnetic flux generated by the coil 214 during use, producing a stronger magnetic field. The magnetically permeable core may be constructed, for example, from iron. In some implementations, the magnetically permeable core may extend only partially along the length of the coil 214 to concentrate the magnetic flux only in a particular region. In some embodiments, the coil may be a flat coil. That is, the coil may be a two-dimensional helix. In this embodiment, the coil 214 surrounds the heating zone 211. The coil 214 extends along a longitudinal axis that is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the heating zone 211. The aligned axes are coincident. In variations of this embodiment, the aligned axes may be parallel or oblique to one another.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 9, an enlarged partial schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary system of FIG. 8 is shown. The first inner diameter D1 of the body 2 of the heating element 1 is smaller than the second outer diameter D2 of the body 2. The further inner diameter D0 of the washer 4 is at least equal to the second outer diameter D2 of the body 2 so that the washer 4 can be optionally placed on the body 2 of the heating element 1. This allows the washer 4 to provide a thermal barrier between the holder 3 and the end of the body 210. However, in other embodiments, the inner diameter D0 of the washer 4 is smaller than the second outer diameter D2 of the body 2 so that the washer 4 cannot be placed on the body 2 of the heating element 1. Furthermore, the inner diameter D0 of the washer 4 is equal to or smaller than the tip or third diameter D3 of the holder 3 that defines the maximum radial projection of the holder 3. Thus, the washer 4 abuts against the holder 3 to prevent the holder 3 from moving.

[0104] 10 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method 900 for preparing a heating element for use with a device that heats an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material. The method includes providing a heating element 901 including a body and at least one retainer. The method also includes orienting the at least one retainer relative to the body 902 in a retaining position that limits movement of the heating element relative to the device when the heating element is installed in the device.

[0105] The orienting step 902 can include a step 903 of changing the heating element from a first shape that is not configured to restrict movement of the heating element relative to the device to a second shape that is configured to restrict movement of the heating element relative to the device, the second shape being a retaining position.

[0106] Providing 901 the heating element may include providing the heating element as a single object including a body and at least one retainer. Providing 901 the heating element may include extruding the body and / or cutting the body to form at least one retainer, for example by laser cutting. Providing 901 the heating element may include providing a sheet and forming the body and at least one retainer from the sheet. Forming the body and at least one retainer from the sheet may include manipulating the sheet to form a tube, for example by rolling. Forming the body and at least one retainer from the sheet may include cutting the sheet to form at least one retainer, for example by laser cutting.

[0107] Additionally, orienting 902 the at least one retainer may include bending 904 the at least one retainer outwardly from the body towards a retaining position.

[0108] In some embodiments, the heating material is aluminum. However, in other embodiments, the heating material may be other than aluminum. In some embodiments, the heating material may comprise one or more materials selected from the group consisting of conductive materials, magnetic materials, and magnetic conductive materials. In some embodiments, the heating material may comprise a metal or alloy. In some embodiments, the heating material may comprise one or more materials selected from the group consisting of aluminum, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, graphite, steel, plain carbon steel, mild steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, molybdenum, silicon carbide, copper, and bronze. In other embodiments, other heating materials may be used.

[0109] In some embodiments, such as when the heating material comprises iron, such as steel (e.g., mild steel or stainless steel), or aluminum, the sheet comprising the heating material can be coated to help prevent corrosion or oxidation of the heating material during use. Such coatings can include, for example, nickel plating, gold plating, or ceramic or inert polymer coatings. In some embodiments, the sheet comprising the heating material consists solely of or comprises nickel-plated aluminum foil.

[0110] The heating material can have a skin depth, which is the outer zone where most of the induced currents and / or induced reorientation of magnetic dipoles occurs. By providing that the heating material has a relatively small thickness, a greater proportion of the heating material can be heated by a given varying magnetic field, as compared to a heating material having a relatively large depth or thickness compared to other dimensions of the heating material. Thus, a more efficient use of material is achieved, resulting in reduced costs.

[0111] In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material includes tobacco. However, in other embodiments, the aerosolizable material may consist of tobacco, consist substantially entirely of tobacco, include tobacco and aerosolizable materials other than tobacco, include aerosolizable materials other than tobacco, or be tobacco-free. In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material may include a vapor or aerosol-forming agent, or a humectant, such as glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin, or diethylene glycol.

[0112] In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material is a non-liquid aerosolizable material and the device heats the non-liquid aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material.

[0113] In some embodiments, the article 70 is a consumable item. After all or substantially all of the volatilizable components of the aerosolizable material in the article 70 have been consumed, a user may remove the article 70 from the heating zone 110 of the device 100, 200 in order to dispose of the article 70. The user may then reuse the device 100, 200 with another article 70. However, in other respective embodiments, the article may be a non-consumable item, and the device and article may be disposed of together after the volatilizable components of the aerosolizable material have been consumed.

[0114] In some embodiments, article 70 is sold, supplied or otherwise provided separately from the device 100, 200 in which article 70 can be used. However, in some embodiments, device 100, 200 and one or more articles 70 may be provided together as a system, such as a kit or assembly, possibly with additional components, such as a cleaning implement.

[0115] To address various problems and advance the art, the entire disclosure illustrates, by way of example, a novel heating element for use with an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material, a method for forming a heating element for use with an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, and a system including an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material and a heating element that can be heated by such an apparatus. The advantages and features of the present disclosure are only a representative sample of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. They are presented only to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features and other disclosed features. It is to be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, features, features, structures, and / or other aspects of the present disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on the equivalents of the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and / or spirit of the present disclosure. Various embodiments may comprise, consist of, or consist of various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. as appropriate. The disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. 1. A heating element for use with a device for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, comprising: a body defining a chamber for receiving the aerosolizable material; at least one retainer for limiting movement of the heating element relative to the device when the heating element is mounted within the device; the heating element is changeable between a first shape that does not restrict movement of the heating element relative to the device when the heating element is attached to the device and a second shape that restricts movement of the heating element relative to the device when the heating element is attached to the device. heating element.

2. the at least one retainer includes at least one protrusion; The heating element of claim 1 , wherein the at least one protrusion extends away from the body of the heating element.

3. The heating element of claim 2 , wherein the at least one retainer comprises a plurality of protrusions extending away from the body of the heating element.

4. The heating element of claim 3 , wherein the plurality of protrusions extend radially outward from the body of the heating element.

5. A heating element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the body is tubular.

6. The heating element according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one retainer is arranged at one end of the heating element.

7. The heating element of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the heating element comprises a converging inlet for inserting one or more articles comprising an aerosolizable material into the chamber.

8. The heating element of claim 7 , wherein the at least one retainer defines the converging entrance of the heating element.

9. 9. A heating element as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the at least one retainer is operable to form the converging entrance of the heating element.

10. A heating element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating element is in a single piece.

11. A heating element according to any preceding claim, wherein the heating element comprises a heating material heatable by penetration by a varying magnetic field.

12. A heating element according to any preceding claim, wherein the retainer is for limiting longitudinal movement of the heating element relative to the device when the heating element is mounted within the device.

13. an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, the apparatus comprising a heating device and an abutment member; a heating element mountable to the device and heatable by the heating device when mounted within the device; The heating element comprises: a body forming a chamber for receiving one or more articles containing the aerosolizable material; and at least one retainer configured to contact the abutment member when the heating element is installed in the device, thereby limiting movement of the heating element relative to the device; the heating element is changeable between a first shape that does not restrict movement of the heating element relative to the device when the heating element is attached to the device and a second shape that restricts movement of the heating element relative to the device when the heating element is attached to the device. system.

14. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the heating element comprises a heating material heatable by penetration of a varying magnetic field, and the heating device comprises a magnetic field generator that generates a varying magnetic field that penetrates the heating element when the heating element is placed within the device.

15. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the magnetic field generator is for generating a plurality of varying magnetic fields that penetrate respective portions of the heating element when the heating element is installed in the apparatus.

16. 15. The system of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the abutment member is moveable relative to the heating device.

17. A system according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the heating element is a separate component from an element configured to support the heating element.

18. 1. A method of preparing a heating element for use with a device for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, comprising: providing a heating element including a body and at least one retainer; orienting the at least one retainer relative to the body in a retaining position such that when the heating element is installed in the device, the at least one retainer limits movement of the heating element relative to the device; the step of orienting the at least one retainer comprises changing the heating element from a first shape not configured to restrict movement of the heating element relative to the device to a second shape configured to restrict movement of the heating element relative to the device. method.

19. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of providing the heating element comprises providing a single object including the body and the at least one retainer.

20. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the step of providing the heating element comprises providing a sheet and forming the body and the at least one retainer from the sheet.

21. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of forming the body and the at least one retainer from the sheet comprises manipulating the sheet to form a tube.

22. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the step of manipulating the sheet comprises rolling the sheet.

23. The method of any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein the step of orienting the at least one retainer comprises bending the at least one retainer outwardly from the body towards the retaining position.

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