Lining material, aerosol supply system, and product

Abstract

A backing (100) for use with an aerosol delivery device is disclosed. The aerosol delivery device includes a chamber (22) and an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material when a consumable (64) containing the aerosol-generating material is disposed in the chamber. The backing is for selective insertion into the chamber, the backing is formable into a first configuration in which the backing is wound with a first diameter, and the backing is formable into a second configuration in which the backing is wound with a second diameter larger than the first diameter. The backing is transitionable from the first configuration to the second configuration when inserted into the chamber to at least partially line the chamber.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a backing material for use with an aerosol supply device, an aerosol supply system comprising the backing material and the aerosol supply device, and a product.

Background Art

[0002] Smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigars burn tobacco to produce tobacco smoke during use. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these smoking articles that burn tobacco by manufacturing products that release compounds without burning. Examples of such products include heating devices that release compounds by heating rather than by burning a material. Such materials may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, may contain nicotine, or may not contain nicotine.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a backing material for use with an aerosol supply device comprising a chamber and an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material when the consumable containing the aerosol-generating material is disposed in the chamber, the backing material being for selective insertion into the chamber, the backing material being formable into a first configuration in which the backing material is wound around a first diameter, the backing material being formable into a second configuration in which the backing material is wound around a second diameter greater than the first diameter, the backing material being movable from the first configuration to the second configuration when inserted into the chamber and at least partially lining the chamber.

[0004] The outer surface of the backing material may have a substantially cylindrical shape in the first configuration, for example, having a first diameter. The outer surface of the backing material may have a substantially cylindrical shape in the second configuration, for example, having a second diameter.

[0005] The first and second diameters may comprise the outer diameter of the backing material. The first diameter may comprise the maximum distance between two opposing points on the surface facing the outside of the backing material in the first configuration, for example, on the surface facing radially outward. The second diameter may comprise the maximum distance between two opposing points on the surface facing the outside of the backing material in the second configuration, for example, on the surface facing radially outward.

[0006] The backing material may comprise first and second free ends, and one of the first and second free ends may be wound towards the other of the first and second free ends to obtain the first configuration. In the second of the first configurations, one of the first and second free ends may be at least partially wound towards the other of the first and second free ends.

[0007] In the first configuration, the first and second free ends may overlap. The backing material may comprise, in the first configuration, an outer-facing surface and an inner-facing surface, for example, a radially outer-facing surface and a radially inner-facing surface, and the outer-facing surface and the inner-facing surface extend between the first free end and the second free end, and the first and second free ends may overlap such that the outer-facing surface and the inner-facing surface overlap in the first configuration. In the first configuration, the outer-facing surface may contact the inner-facing surface.

[0008] For example, in the second configuration, when the backing material is inserted into the chamber, the first and second free ends may be substantially continuous or may substantially overlap so as to completely line the circumferential extent of the chamber. In the second configuration, the backing material may comprise an outer-facing surface and an inner-facing surface, and the outer-facing surface and the inner-facing surface extend between the first free end and the second free end, and the first and second free ends may overlap such that the outer-facing surface and the inner-facing surface overlap in the second configuration. In the second configuration, the outer-facing surface may contact the inner-facing surface.

[0009] For example, in the second configuration, the first and second free ends may be spaced apart such that when the backing material is inserted into the chamber, it partially backs the circumferential range of the chamber. In the second configuration, the first and second free ends may be spaced apart such that the outer-facing surface and the inner-facing surface in the second configuration do not overlap.

[0010] In the first configuration, the backing material may have a scroll shape when viewed in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the backing material. In the second configuration, the backing material may have a scroll shape or a circular shape when viewed in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the backing material. In the first and second configurations, the form of the backing material is elongated, for example, in the first and second configurations, it has a length greater than its diameter.

[0011] The second diameter may be in the range of 5.0 to 6.0 mm, for example, in the range of 5.3 to 5.7 mm. The second diameter may be in the range of 6.5 to 7.5 mm, for example, in the range of 6.7 to 7.3 mm. The second diameter may be substantially equal to the diameter of the chamber.

[0012] The backing material may be expandable by at least partial rewinding when inserted into the chamber and transitioning from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0013] The second configuration may include a rest configuration of the backing material.

[0014] The backing material may include a third configuration in which the backing material takes the form of a sheet. The third configuration may include a rest configuration of the backing material.

[0015] In the first and second configurations, the backing material may have open longitudinal ends, for example, open longitudinal ends that allow insertion of the consumable.

[0016] The backing material may be elastically deformable.

[0017] The backing material may have a thickness of 100 microns or less. The backing material may have a thickness of 50 microns or less or 20 microns or less.

[0018] The backing material may include a heating material that can be heated by the intrusion of a variable magnetic field. In the first and second configurations, the heating material may be disposed on the surface facing the inside of the backing material.

[0019] The heating material may include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of a conductive material, a magnetic material, and a non-magnetic material.

[0020] The heating material may include a metal or a metal alloy.

[0021] 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.

[0022] The heating material may have a thickness of approximately 15 microns if the heating material includes nickel, or may have a thickness of approximately 10 microns if the heating material includes cobalt.

[0023] The heating material may be sensitive to eddy currents induced in the heating material when a variable magnetic field intrudes.

[0024] The backing material may include a non-conductive support. The support may include a polymer, for example, a polyimide such as Zytel® high temperature nylon (HTN) or Kapton®.

[0025] The backing material may include a holding member for holding the backing material in a first configuration, and the holding member is removable from the remaining portion of the backing material to enable transition from the first configuration to the second configuration. The holding member may have a fixed diameter, for example, a diameter substantially corresponding to a first diameter. The holding member may include a ring having an inner diameter substantially corresponding to the first diameter. The holding member may have a variable diameter, for example, a diameter variable between a first diameter and a second diameter.

[0026] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol supply system comprising an aerosol supply device having a chamber into which a consumable containing an aerosol generating material can be inserted and an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from the aerosol generating material when the consumable is disposed in the chamber, and a backing material for selective insertion into the chamber, the backing material being formable in a first configuration in which the backing material is wound around a first diameter, the backing material being formable in a second configuration in which the backing material is wound around a second diameter larger than the first diameter, and the backing material being capable of transitioning from the first configuration to the second configuration when inserted into the chamber and at least partially lining the chamber.

[0027] The aerosol supply device may include an opening through which the consumable can be inserted into the chamber, and the backing material can be inserted into the chamber through the opening.

[0028] The chamber can at least partially receive the consumable.

[0029] The aerosol supply system may include a retainer (holding means) for selectively holding the backing material in the chamber.

[0030] The aerosol supply system may include an adapter for selectively determining a maximum width of a consumable insertable into the chamber through the opening, and the adapter functions as a retainer when connected to the aerosol supply device.

[0031] The aerosol supply system may comprise a plurality of adapters, each adapter selectively determining a different maximum width of a consumable insertable through an opening into the chamber, and each adapter serving as a retainer when connected to the aerosol supply device.

[0032] The backing material may comprise a backing material according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0033] The aerosol generator may comprise a heating assembly for applying heat to a consumable when the consumable is disposed in the chamber to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material. The heating assembly may comprise an inductive heating assembly, for example, a magnetic field generator and a susceptor, the susceptor being a susceptor into which a varying magnetic field can penetrate to effect heating of the susceptor.

[0034] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a product comprising at least one consumable containing an aerosol-generating material, the consumable being insertable into a chamber of an aerosol supply device, the aerosol supply device comprising an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material when the consumable is disposed in the chamber, and a backing material selectively insertable into the chamber and at least partially lining the chamber and at least partially surrounding the consumable when the consumable is disposed in the chamber.

[0035] The backing material may comprise a backing material according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0036] The product may comprise a package, and the consumable and the backing material may be housed within the package.

[0037] The backing material may be in its first configuration within the package, and the consumable may have a third diameter substantially corresponding to the first diameter.

[0038] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0039]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3a

Figure 3b

Figure 3c

Figure 3d

Figure 4a

Figure 4b

Figure 5a

Figure 5b

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0040] In FIG. 1, an aerosol supply device according to the present disclosure, generally designated by reference numeral 12, is schematically illustrated.

[0041] The aerosol supply device 12 includes a housing 16, a power source 18, an aerosol generator in the form of a heating assembly 20, a chamber 22, a processor 24, a computer-readable memory 25, and a user-operable control element 26.

[0042] The housing 16 forms an outer cover of the aerosol supply device 12 and surrounds and houses various components of the aerosol supply device 12.

[0043] The power source 18 supplies power to various components of the aerosol supply device 12, such as the heating assembly 20. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the power source 18 includes a battery 28 and a DC-AC converter 30 that supplies AC current to the heating assembly 20. In alternative embodiments, it will be understood that the heating assembly 20 may require DC current, and thus the DC-AC converter 30 may be omitted or replaced by a DC-DC converter, such as a buck converter or a boost converter as required.

[0044] The aerosol supply device 12 may also include electrical components such as a socket / port (not shown) that can receive a cable for charging the battery 28. For example, the socket may include a charging port such as a USB charging port. In some embodiments, the socket may be used, additionally or alternatively, to transfer data between the aerosol supply device 12 and other devices such as computing devices. The socket may be electrically coupled to the battery 28 via electrical wiring.

[0045] Processor 24 communicates with computer-readable memory 25. Processor 24 is configured to control various aspects of the operation of aerosol supply device 12. Processor 24 controls various aspects by executing instructions stored in computer-readable memory 25. For example, processor 24 may control the operation of heating assembly 20. For example, the processor may control the delivery of power from power source 18 to heating assembly 20 by controlling various electrical components such as switches (not shown in FIG. 1).

[0046] User-operable control element 26 is, for example, a button or a switch and operates aerosol supply device 12 when pressed. For example, the user can turn on aerosol supply device 12 by operating user-operable control element 26, or can change the settings of heating assembly 20 by operating user-operable control element 26.

[0047] Heating assembly 20 of FIG. 1 is an inductive heating assembly and includes a plurality of heating coils 32. The plurality of heating coils 32 are individually controllable and are spaced along chamber 22, and susceptor 34 is embedded within the wall of chamber 22. Other locations of susceptor 34 are envisioned, and in fact, it will be understood that in some embodiments, susceptor 34 may be provided on a consumable that is received within chamber 22 during use. It will further be understood that in some embodiments, susceptor 34 may comprise a plurality of susceptors, for example one susceptor for each heating coil 32.

[0048] The susceptor is a material that can be heated by the penetration of a varying magnetic field such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be a conductive material, and the penetration of the varying magnetic field results in inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material, and the penetration of the varying magnetic field results in magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both conductive and magnetic, and thus the susceptor can be heated by either heating mechanism.

[0049] To effect heating of the chamber 22 and thus heating of the consumable received within the chamber 22, the DC-AC converter 30 supplies an AC current to a plurality of heating coils 32 such that the plurality of heating coils 32 generate a variable magnetic field. The variable magnetic field interacts with the susceptor 34 to drive eddy currents within the susceptor 34, and the flow of the eddy currents effects heating of the susceptor 34 and thus heating of the chamber 22. In this way, the consumable received within the chamber 22 can be heated.

[0050] Although the heating assembly 20 described above utilizes induction heating, it will be appreciated that other types of heating assemblies may be used, such as other types of Joule heating assemblies in which current is driven along a resistive element.

[0051] It will be further appreciated that other forms of aerosol generators that do not require heating may be used. For example, in some embodiments, the aerosol generator effects generation of an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material without heating. The aerosol generator may be configured to expose the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, pressure rise, or electrostatic energy.

[0052] As shown in cross-section in FIG. 2, the chamber 22 is defined generally by a hollow cylindrical member 36. The cylindrical member 36 comprises an elongate hollow body portion. The inner wall portion of the cylindrical member 36 defines the chamber 22, and the chamber 22 has a proximal end 40 and a distal end 42. The extent of the chamber 22 between the proximal end 40 and the distal end 42 may be referred to as the main portion 23 of the chamber 22. The distal end 42 comprises a tapered wall portion 44 that tapers towards the central axis A-A of the chamber 22. The opening 46 of the tapered wall portion 44 is in fluid communication with the air inlet 47 of the aerosol supply device 12.

[0053] The proximal end 40 of the chamber 22 comprises an opening 48 through which a consumable (not shown in FIG. 2) can be inserted into the chamber 22.

[0054] The chamber 22 is configured to receive consumables containing the aerosol - generating material one by one during use, and the heating assembly 20 is used to generate an aerosol from the aerosol - generating material for inhalation by the user. Thus, the chamber 22 is considered to be a heating chamber.

[0055] The aerosol - generating material is a material capable of generating an aerosol when, for example, heated, irradiated, or energy is applied by any other method. The aerosol - generating material may or may not contain, for example, an active substance and / or a flavorant, but can take the form of a solid, liquid, or gel. In some embodiments, the aerosol - generating material may include an "amorphous solid", which may alternatively be referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e., non - fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that can hold some fluid such as a liquid inside. In some embodiments, the aerosol - generating material may include, for example, from about 50 wt%, 60 wt% or 70 wt% amorphous solid to about 90 wt%, 95 wt% or 100 wt% amorphous solid.

[0056] The aerosol - generating material may include one or more active substances and / or fragrances, one or more aerosol - forming materials, and optionally, one or more other functional materials.

[0057] The consumable is an article that contains or consists of the aerosol - generating material and is intended that part or all of it be consumed during use by the user. The consumable may comprise one or more other components such as an aerosol - generating material storage area, an aerosol - generating material transfer component, an aerosol - generating area, a housing, a packaging material, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol conditioner. The consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator such as a heater that generates heat to generate an aerosol from the aerosol - generating material during use. The heater may comprise, for example, a combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction or a susceptor.

[0058] Such consumables are typically elongated and substantially cylindrical in shape. In some embodiments, susceptor 34 can be embedded in the wall of chamber 22 such that susceptor 34 is exposed inside chamber 22 to improve heat transfer to the consumable. When the consumable is heated within chamber 22, a secondary flow from the heating of the consumable, such as aerosolized material, may deposit solids on the wall of chamber 22 and thus on susceptor 34, which can degrade the performance of susceptor 34 over time. A similar problem can occur when susceptor 34 is fully embedded in the wall of chamber 22 because the solids can impair the conduction of heat from susceptor 34 to chamber 22 and thus to the consumable. Such deposits can be removed by the user, which can impose a burden on the user, and in practice, chamber 22 has been found to be difficult to clean.

[0059] The present disclosure provides a backing material 100 that can mitigate these problems, as schematically illustrated in FIGS. 3a - 3c.

[0060] The backing material 100 illustrated in FIG. 3a is a rectangular sheet of a high - heat - resistant polymer, such as a polyimide like Zytel® High - Temperature Nylon (HTN) or Kapton®. Such materials can be considered non - conductive and can have resistance to the formation of eddy currents so as to prohibit heating of the backing material 100.

[0061] The backing material 100 is elastically deformable and includes a first free end 102 and a second free end 104. In some embodiments, the rectangular shape of the backing material 100 illustrated in FIG. 3a can be considered a rest configuration of the backing material 100. The backing material 100 has a thickness of 100 microns or less, for example, approximately 10 microns, and such a relatively small thickness can mitigate the high heat resistance of the backing material 100 at the location where susceptor 34 is embedded in the wall of chamber 22.

[0062] The lining material 100 can be formed into a first configuration illustrated in FIG. 3b and a second configuration illustrated in FIG. 3c.

[0063] In the first configuration of FIG. 3b, the first free end 102 is wound toward the second free end 104 so that the lining material 100 is formed, for example, rolled up, and the lining material 100 has a scroll shape as seen in FIG. 3b. FIG. 3b is a view from a direction parallel to the longitudinal spread of the first free end 102 and the second free end 104. The lining material 100 in the first configuration has an overall cylindrical shape with a first diameter A. The first diameter A is the maximum distance between two opposing points on the surface 106 facing the outside of the lining material 100 in the first configuration. In the first configuration of FIG. 3b, the surface 106 facing the outside of the lining material 100 overlaps with the surface 108 facing the inside of the lining material 100 to produce a scroll shape.

[0064] In the second configuration of FIG. 3c, the first free end 102 is wound back compared to the first configuration of FIG. 3b, and the lining material 100 maintains the scroll shape of FIG. 3b but is wound more loosely. Therefore, it can be considered that the first configuration is partially wound back to achieve the second configuration. The lining material 100 in the second configuration has an overall cylindrical shape with a second diameter B, and the second diameter B is larger than the first diameter A. The second diameter B is the maximum distance between two opposing points on the surface 106 facing the outside of the lining material 100 in the second configuration. In the second configuration of FIG. 3c, the surface 106 facing the outside of the lining material 100 overlaps with the surface 108 facing the inside of the lining material 100 to maintain a scroll shape. Although it is illustrated that there is a gap between the surface 106 facing the outside and the surface 108 facing the inside, actually, in either the first or second configuration, the surface 106 facing the outside may contact the surface 108 facing the inside.

[0065] In use, the backing material 100 is first wound into the first configuration of FIG. 3b before being inserted into the chamber 22. When the backing material 100 is released by the user, the elastically deformable nature of the backing material 100 partially rewinds the backing material 100 from the first configuration so as to take the second configuration of FIG. 3c. The second diameter B of the second configuration of the backing material 100 is substantially equal to the diameter of the chamber, and due to the scroll shape of the configuration of FIG. 3c, the backing material 100 lines the entire circumferential extent of the chamber 22. The open longitudinal ends of the backing material 100 enable the consumable to be inserted into the backing material 100, and thus into the chamber 22, through the opening 48.

[0066] When thus inserted into the chamber 22, the backing material can prevent the accumulation of deposits on the chamber wall and / or the susceptor 34 caused by the secondary flow from the consumable when heated, and the backing material 100 is removably and replaceably insertable as needed. This can provide a convenient way to protect the chamber wall and the susceptor 34 while providing good usability and reduced maintenance of the aerosol supply device 12 itself for the user. The overlap of the backing material 100 in the second configuration of FIG. 3c can ensure that the entire circumferential extent of the chamber wall is protected, and the overlap can even provide a labyrinth seal that prevents the generation of secondary flow from the backing material 100.

[0067] Those skilled in the art will understand that the range within which the backing material 100 can be rewound from the first configuration to the second configuration can be determined by many factors including, but not limited to, the initial diameter of the backing material 100, the material of the backing material 100, and the dimensions of the chamber 22, such as the diameter of the chamber 22. In some embodiments, these factors can lead to alternative second configurations for the backing material 100.

[0068] One such alternative second configuration for the backing member 100 is illustrated in FIG. 3d. In the configuration of FIG. 3d, the backing member 100 is wound back to a range where the first free end 102 and the second free end 104 are substantially continuous. In such an embodiment, there is no overlap between the outer-facing surface 106 and the inner-facing surface 108. Here, the backing member 100 has an overall cylindrical form with a substantially circular cross-sectional shape, and such a configuration is still considered to be wound from the perspective of the relative positions of the first free end 102 and the second free end 104. Such an example can reduce the thickness of the backing member 100 between the wall of the chamber 22 and the consumable, and provide improved heat transfer to the consumable during use. Furthermore, embodiments are also envisioned where the susceptor is disposed on the consumable rather than on the wall of the chamber 22. In such an embodiment, the reduced thickness of the backing member 100 between the wall of the chamber 22 and the consumable may enable easier electromagnetic coupling between the plurality of coils 32 and the susceptor.

[0069] In FIG. 3a, the backing member 100 is illustrated as initially having the form of a rectangular sheet, but the backing member 100 may be provided to the consumer, i.e., the user, of the aerosol supply device 12 in a pre-wound configuration, such as the first configuration of FIG. 3b or the second configuration of FIG. 3c.

[0070] In some examples, the material of the backing member 100 may be selected such that the backing member 100 can hold the backing member in a wound configuration, such as the second configuration of FIG. 3c. Here, the backing member 100 may be formed into the first configuration of FIG. 3b by winding more tightly before insertion into the chamber 22, and then inserted into the chamber 22 and unwound when released by the user to take the second configuration of FIG. 3c.

[0071] In other embodiments, the backing member 100 may comprise a holding member for holding the backing member 100 in a first configuration. One such holding member 110 is illustrated in FIG. 4a, which is a simple annular ring of a relatively rigid material having an inner diameter that substantially corresponds to the diameter A of the backing member 100 in the first configuration of FIG. 3b. The holding member 110 of FIG. 4a can be easily removed from the backing member 100 during insertion into the chamber 22, allowing the backing member 100 to be wound back from the first configuration of FIG. 3b to a second configuration of either FIG. 3c or FIG. 3d.

[0072] A second embodiment of the holding member 112 is illustrated in FIG. 4b. Here, the holding member 112 comprises a strip 114 and a clamp 116 that can selectively hold the strip 114 in an annular configuration of variable diameter. Such a holding member 112 may be, for example, something like a jubilee clip. The engagement of the clamp 116 with the strip 114 can be altered to allow the backing member to transition between the first configuration of FIG. 3b and a second configuration of either FIG. 3c or FIG. 3d as desired.

[0073] As described above, the aerosol supply device 12 comprises a susceptor 34 on the wall of the chamber 22, or the susceptor is provided on the consumable. In some alternative embodiments, the backing member 100 can act as the susceptor. In such embodiments, the susceptor 34 can be omitted from the wall of the chamber 22 or the consumable.

[0074] In a first embodiment where the backing member 100 acts as the susceptor, the backing member 100 is formed of one or more materials selected from the group consisting of heating materials that can be heated by the penetration of a varying magnetic field, such as aluminum, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, graphite, plain carbon steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, copper, and bronze. In such embodiments, the thickness of the material can be selected to allow the backing member 100 to be formed in the first configuration of FIG. 3b as well as in a second configuration of either FIG. 3c or FIG. 3d.

[0075] In another embodiment where the backing member 100 functions as a susceptor, as shown in FIG. 5a, here the backing member labeled 101 comprises a first layer 118 of a high heat resistant polymer such as Zytel® high temperature nylon (HTN) or a polyimide such as Kapton®, and a second layer 120 of a heating material. As described above, the material or thickness of layers 118, 120 can be selected such that the backing member 101 can be formed in the first configuration of FIG. 3b and either the second configuration of FIGS. 3c and 3d. The second layer 120 is disposed to form a surface 108 that faces the inside of the backing member 101 in the first and second configurations.

[0076] In such an embodiment, the backing members 100, 101 can function as a susceptor when placed in the chamber 22 and can interact with the plurality of coils 32 to provide heat to the consumables received within the chamber 22. This can enable the susceptor to be easily removed and replaced whenever new backing members 100, 101 are required.

[0077] In an embodiment where the backing member comprises a first layer 118 of a high heat resistant polymer and a second layer 120 of a susceptor material, the second layer 120 of the susceptor material can be formed on the first layer 118 of the high heat resistant polymer by chemical plating, such as cobalt chemical plating or nickel chemical plating. Chemical plating can provide a uniform coating of the second layer 120 and can enable the second layer 120 to be formed on the polymer surface.

[0078] Conductive (and magnetizable) media, such as susceptor materials, have a characteristic thickness (the "penetration thickness") through which an electromagnetic field can penetrate. Therefore, the thickness of the second layer 120 is at least a significant fraction of the penetration thickness of the material at the operating frequency of the induction system. For example, the thickness of one or more penetration thicknesses should help ensure that most of the available energy is directed into the second layer 120. In some embodiments, the second layer 120 is formed to have a thickness of 100 microns or less, 50 microns or less, or 20 microns or less when measured in a direction perpendicular to the first layer 118. When the second layer 120 includes nickel, the thickness of the second layer 120 can be approximately 15 microns. When the second layer 120 includes cobalt, the thickness of the second layer 120 can be approximately 10 microns.

[0079] When cobalt or nickel is used for the second layer 120, a third layer 122 of heating material may be formed on the second layer 120, as shown in FIG. 5b, where the backing material is labeled 103 in FIG. 5b. The third layer 122 can include a material having improved properties that enable the material to act as a susceptor, as compared to cobalt and nickel.

[0080] Since the backing material 100 is removable and replaceable, it may be desirable to periodically provide the backing material to the consumer.

[0081] In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 6, a product 200 is provided. Here, the product is a carton having a packaging housing 202 and a lid portion 204. A plurality of consumables 206 are disposed within the packaging housing 202 together with the backing material 100. Here, the backing material 100 is in the first configuration in FIG. 3b, and each consumable 206 has a diameter corresponding to the first diameter A of the backing material 100 in the first configuration. The product may provide a convenient way for the consumer to obtain the backing material 100. In fact, each time a new batch of consumables 206 is needed, i.e., each time a new product 200 is purchased by the consumer, the backing material 100 can be removed from and replaced with the aerosol supply device 12.

[0082] The aerosol supply device 12 and the backing material 100 described above are collectively considered as an aerosol supply system 10. The aerosol supply system 10 may include additional components that complement the backing material 100.

[0083] In some embodiments, the aerosol supply system 10 includes a retainer for selectively holding the backing material 100 in the chamber 22. As illustrated in FIG. 7, one such retainer may be in the form of an adapter 14.

[0084] When the adapter 14 is used, appropriate modifications are made to the cylindrical element 36. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the cylindrical element 36 has an enlarged connection portion 38 for connection with the adapter 14.

[0085] The adapter 14 includes a threaded connection portion 54, a contact portion 56, and a receiving portion 58. Each of the threaded connection portion 54, the contact portion 56, and the receiving portion 58 is generally cylindrical and hollow in shape. The threaded connection portion 54, the contact portion 56, and the receiving portion 58 collectively define the main body portion of the adapter 14. The threaded connection portion 54, the contact portion 56, and the receiving portion 58 are integrally formed. For example, the adapter 14 has a monolithic structure and can be formed by a molding process, such as a single-shot molding process.

[0086] The outer surface of the threaded connection portion 54 has a thread 60, and the threaded connection portion 54 defines a male connection portion for connection with the female connection portion of the enlarged connection portion 38. The outer diameter of the threaded connection portion 54 is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the enlarged connection portion 38 of the tubular member 36, and the adapter 14 can be firmly connected to the tubular member 36 by connecting the threaded connection portion of the enlarged connection portion 38 with the threaded connection portion 54 of the adapter 14. The inner diameter of the threaded connection portion 54 is substantially equal to the width of the opening 48. To prevent excessive insertion of the adapter 14, the end face of the threaded connection portion 54 abuts against the face of the enlarged connection portion 38 adjacent to the opening 48.

[0087] The contact portion 56 has an outer diameter substantially corresponding to the outer diameter of the enlarged connection portion 38, and the contact portion 56 can contact the end face of the enlarged connection portion 38 to prevent excessive insertion of the adapter 14 into the enlarged connection portion 38.

[0088] A hole 62 is formed through the contact portion 56 and the receiving portion 58, and the width of the hole 62, for example, the diameter, is smaller than the width of the opening 48. The exact dimensions of the hole 62 depend on the consumable intended to be used with the adapter 14, but the typical diameter of the hole can be in the range of 5 - 5.0 mm or 6.5 - 7.0 mm. The hole 62 has a tapered inlet, and the tapered inlet can facilitate the insertion of the consumable through the hole 62.

[0089] The configuration in use where the adapter 14 is connected to the cylindrical member 36 is schematically illustrated in FIG. 8. The adapter 14 is connected to the enlarged connecting portion 38 of the cylindrical member 36 by the engagement of the threaded connection portion of the enlarged connecting portion 38 of the adapter 14 with the threaded connection portion 54, and the abutting portion 56 is engaged with the end face of the enlarged connecting portion 38. In some embodiments, the engagement is performed such that the adapter 14 is disposed outside the housing 16, while in other embodiments, the engagement may be performed such that the adapter 14 is disposed within the housing 16. In the latter embodiment, the housing 16 may include a removable end wall portion so as to enable insertion and removal of the adapter 14.

[0090] The consumable 64 is inserted into the chamber 22 through the hole 62 and the opening 48. The first end portion 66 of the consumable 64 contacts the tapered wall portion 44, and a portion of the body portion of the consumable spaced from the first end portion 66 is held within the hole 62. Thus, the consumable 64 can be firmly held by the hole 62 and the tapered wall portion 44. The tapered wall portion 44 and the adapter 14 can enable the aerosol supply device 12 to be used with these consumables while firmly holding consumables of different widths, for example, different diameters. The liner 100 is disposed in the chamber 22, and the inner surface of the adapter 14, particularly the adapter 14 adjacent to the hole 62, can act to prohibit removal of the liner 100. Here, the liner 100 extends outside the chamber 22 through the opening 48.

[0091] Since the hole 62 has a width, for example, a diameter smaller than the width of the opening 48, the adapter 14, particularly the body portion of the adapter 14, partially blocks the opening 48, and the consumable 64 is supported such that a gap exists between the wall portion of the chamber 22 and the consumable 64. This can prevent direct contact of the consumable 64 with the wall portion of the chamber 22 and can facilitate insertion of the consumable 64 and removal of the consumable 64 from the chamber 22. The liner 100 is disposed in the gap between the wall portion of the chamber 22 and the consumable 64.

[0092] As can be seen from FIG. 8, the adapter 14 is arranged away from the main part 23 of the chamber 22, which is the area where the susceptor 34 is arranged, and thus away from the area where the chamber 22 is heated. This may enable the adapter 14 to be formed of a material with lower heat resistance than the wall of the chamber 22, for example, the cylindrical member 36. In any case, in order to minimize the risk of deformation of the adapter 14 during use, in some embodiments, the adapter 14 is formed of a material having a melting point greater than 300°C. This may ensure that the adapter 14 can withstand the normal operating temperature of the aerosol supply device 12 during use.

[0093] In some embodiments, the adapter 14 can be formed of polyetheretherketone (PEEK). However, PEEK is a relatively expensive material, and thus, in other embodiments, the adapter may be formed of polyoxymethylene (acetal). Forming the adapter 14 of polyoxymethylene (acetal) may also enable the threaded connection portion 54 to be formed more easily than the corresponding adapter made of PEEK.

[0094] As described above, consumables having different dimensions, such as different lengths and / or diameters, may be provided. A second adapter 68 may be provided as part of the aerosol supply system 10 to enable the aerosol supply device 12 to be used with another consumable having a different diameter.

[0095] In FIG. 9, the second adapter 68 is shown separately from the first adapter 14. The second adapter 68 has substantially the same form as the first adapter 14, except that only the width, i.e., the diameter, of the hole 62 is different. As shown in FIG. 7, the first adapter 14 has a hole 62 with a diameter in the range of 6.5 to 7.0 mm, and the second adapter 68 has a hole 62 with a diameter in the range of 5.0 to 5.5 mm. Thus, the first adapter 14 and the second adapter 68 can partially block the opening 48 to different extents and enable the insertion of consumables with different diameters into the opening 48. The tapered wall portion 44 can further enable the aerosol supply device 12 to accommodate consumables with different diameters.

[0096] Those skilled in the art will understand that any number of adapters may be provided, and each adapter may have a hole dimensioned to hold a consumable with a different diameter inside. It will also be understood that the aerosol supply device may be used with a plurality of different consumables, and only some of the plurality of different consumables may require the use of an adapter.

[0097] The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in the understanding and teaching of the claimed features. These embodiments are provided merely as representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations to the scope of the invention defined by the claims or to the equivalents of the claims. It should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. The various embodiments of the present invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of a suitable combination of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. other than those specifically described herein. Additionally, the present disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future. [Item of the Invention] [Item 1] A backing material for use with an aerosol supply device comprising a chamber and an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material when a consumable containing the aerosol generating material is disposed in the chamber, wherein the backing material is for selective insertion into the chamber, the backing material is capable of being formed into a first configuration in which the backing material is wound with a first diameter, the backing material is capable of being formed into a second configuration in which the backing material is wound with a second diameter greater than the first diameter, and the backing material is capable of transitioning from the first configuration to the second configuration when inserted into the chamber and at least partially lining the chamber. [Item 2] The backing material according to Item 1, wherein the backing material is expandable by at least partial unwinding when inserted into the chamber and transitioning from the first configuration to the second configuration. [Item 3] The backing material according to Item 1 or 2, wherein the backing material has open longitudinal ends in the first configuration and the second configuration. [Item 4] The backing material according to any one of Items 1 to 3, wherein the backing material is elastically deformable. [Item 5] The backing material according to any one of Items 1 to 4, wherein the backing material has a thickness of 100 microns or less. [Item 6] The backing material according to any one of Items 1 to 5, wherein the backing material contains a heating material that can be heated by the intrusion of a variable magnetic field. [Item 7] The backing material according to any one of Items 1 to 6, wherein the backing material comprises a non-conductive support. [Item 8] The backing material according to any one of Items 1 to 7, wherein the backing material comprises a holding member for holding the backing material in the first configuration, and the holding member is removed from the backing material to enable transition from the first configuration to the second configuration. [Item 9] An aerosol supply system comprising a chamber into which a consumable containing an aerosol generating material can be inserted, an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from the aerosol generating material when the consumable is disposed in the chamber, and a backing material for selective insertion into the chamber wherein the backing material is provided. The aerosol supply system, wherein the lining material can be formed into a first configuration in which the lining material is wound around a first diameter, the lining material can be formed into a second configuration in which the lining material is wound around a second diameter larger than the first diameter, and the lining material can transition from the first configuration to the second configuration when the lining material is inserted into the chamber and at least partially lines the chamber. [Item 10] The aerosol supply system according to item 9, wherein the aerosol supply device has an opening through which the consumable can be inserted into the chamber and the lining material can be inserted into the chamber. [Item 11] The aerosol supply system according to item 9 or 10, further comprising a retainer for selectively holding the lining material in the chamber. [Item 12] The aerosol supply system according to item 11, further comprising an adapter for selectively determining a maximum width of a consumable insertable into the chamber through the opening, the adapter serving as the retainer when connected to the aerosol supply device. [Item 13] The aerosol supply system according to item 12, further comprising a plurality of adapters, each adapter selectively determining a different maximum width of a consumable insertable into the chamber through the opening, and each adapter serving as the retainer when connected to the aerosol supply device. [Item 14] The aerosol supply system according to any one of items 9 to 13, wherein the lining material is the lining material according to any one of items 1 to 8. [Item 15] A product comprising at least one consumable containing an aerosol-forming material, the consumable being insertable into a chamber of an aerosol supply device, the aerosol supply device comprising an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from the aerosol-forming material when the consumable is disposed in the chamber, and a lining material selectively inserted into the chamber to at least partially line the chamber and at least partially surround the consumable when the consumable is disposed in the chamber. [Item 16] The product according to item 15, wherein the lining material is the lining material according to any one of items 1 to 8. [Item 17] The product according to item 15 or 16, wherein the product is provided with a packaging, and the consumable and the backing material are accommodated in the packaging. [Item 18] The product according to item 16, wherein the product is provided with a packaging, the consumable and the backing material are accommodated in the packaging, the backing material is in its first configuration within the packaging, and the consumable has a third diameter that substantially corresponds to the first diameter.

Claims

1. A backing material for use with an aerosol supply device comprising a chamber and an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from aerosol generating material when a consumable containing the aerosol generating material is disposed in the chamber, wherein the backing material is for selective insertion into the chamber, the backing material is configurable into a first configuration in which the backing material is wound with a first diameter, the backing material is configurable into a second configuration in which the backing material is wound with a second diameter greater than the first diameter, and the backing material is shiftable from the first configuration to the second configuration when inserted into the chamber and at least partially lining the chamber, the backing material being a backing material that does not contain aerosol generating material.

2. The backing material according to claim 1, wherein the backing material is expandable by at least partial unwinding when inserted into the chamber and shifted from the first configuration to the second configuration.

3. The backing material according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the backing material has open longitudinal ends in the first configuration and the second configuration.

4. The backing material according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the backing material is elastically deformable.

5. The backing material according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the backing material has a thickness of 100 microns or less.

6. The backing material according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the backing material contains a heating material that can be heated by the intrusion of a variable magnetic field.

7. The backing material according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the backing material comprises a non-conductive support.

8. The backing material according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the backing material comprises a holding member for holding the backing material in the first configuration, the holding member being removable from the backing material to enable transition from the first configuration to the second configuration.

9. A consumable containing aerosol generating material, an aerosol supply device having a chamber into which the consumable is insertable and an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from the aerosol generating material when the consumable is disposed in the chamber, and a backing material for selective insertion into the chamber comprising an aerosol supply system. The backing material can be formed into a first configuration in which the backing material is wound at a first diameter, and the backing material can be formed into a second configuration in which the backing material is wound at a second diameter larger than the first diameter. When the backing material is inserted into the chamber and at least partially lines the chamber, it can transition from the first configuration to the second configuration. An aerosol supply system.

10. The aerosol supply device has an opening through which the consumable can be inserted into the chamber, and the backing material can be inserted into the chamber through the opening. The aerosol supply system according to claim 9.

11. The aerosol supply system includes an adapter that selectively determines the maximum width of a consumable that can be inserted into the chamber through the opening. When the adapter is connected to the aerosol supply device, it acts as a retainer for selectively holding the backing material in the chamber. The aerosol supply system according to claim 10.

12. The aerosol supply system includes a plurality of adapters, each of which selectively determines a different maximum width of a consumable that can be inserted into the chamber through the opening, and each of which acts as the retainer when connected to the aerosol supply device. The aerosol supply system according to claim 11.

13. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 9 to 12, comprising a retainer for selectively holding the backing material in the chamber.

14. The backing material is the backing material according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 9 to 13.

15. At least one consumable containing an aerosol-generating material, the consumable being insertable into a chamber of an aerosol supply device, the aerosol supply device comprising an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material when the consumable is disposed in the chamber, at least one consumable, A backing material that is selectively inserted into the chamber and at least partially lines the chamber, and at least partially surrounds the consumable when the consumable is disposed in the chamber Comprising The backing material can be formed into a first configuration in which the backing material is wound at a first diameter, and the backing material can be formed into a second configuration in which the backing material is wound at a second diameter larger than the first diameter, and the backing material can be shifted from the first configuration to the second configuration when the backing material is inserted into the chamber and at least partially lines the chamber, product.

16. The product according to claim 15, wherein the backing material is the backing material according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

17. The product according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the product comprises a packaging, and the consumable and the backing material are accommodated in the packaging.

18. The product according to claim 16, wherein the product comprises a packaging, the consumable and the backing material are accommodated in the packaging, the backing material is in its first configuration within the packaging, and the consumable has a third diameter substantially corresponding to the first diameter.

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