Cartridge for use with a device for heating smoking material

Abstract

To provide a cartridge for use with an apparatus for heating a smokable material capable of achieving a rapid temperature rise in an object and uniform heat distribution.SOLUTION: Disclosed is a cartridge 2 for use with an apparatus for heating a smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material, the cartridge 2 comprising: a container 10 defining a cavity 14; and a smokable material 20 located in the cavity 14, where the cartridge 2 comprises a heating material 12 that is heatable by penetration of a varying magnetic field to heat the smokable material 20. Also disclosed is an apparatus for heating a smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material, the apparatus comprising: an interface for cooperating with an article comprising a smokable material 20; a magnetic field generator for generating a varying magnetic field to penetrate the article when the interface is cooperating with the article; and a device for puncturing the article.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

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

[0003] A first aspect of the present invention provides a cartridge for use with an apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material, the cartridge comprising: a container defining a cavity; Smoking material disposed within the cavity; Equipped with The cartridge comprises a heater material or heating elements that are heatable by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field to heat smokable material.

[0004] In an exemplary embodiment, the container comprises a heating material.

[0005] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating material includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of an electrically conductive material, a magnetic material, and a non-magnetic material.

[0006] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating material comprises a metal or metal alloy.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating material comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of aluminum, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, graphite, plain carbon steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, copper, and bronze.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment, the container defines an opening into the cavity, and the cartridge includes a seal that seals the opening.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the seal is a film seal.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, the seal comprises a foil of conductive material.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the seal is permanently affixed to the container.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the seal is welded to the container.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the seal is attached to the container.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the seal is fastened to the container.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the cartridge is for at least partial insertion into a recess of the device, and the container includes an outer flange extending at least partially around the cavity for positioning the cartridge relative to the recess.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the outer dimensions of the container decrease with distance from the opening.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the container has an air inlet extending through the container for admitting air from outside the container into the cavity.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the container is made of a porous material to allow air to enter the cavity from outside the container.

[0019] In exemplary embodiments, the smoking material comprises tobacco and / or one or more humectants.

[0020] In exemplary embodiments, the cartridge includes a temperature detector for detecting the temperature of the cartridge, hi some embodiments, the cartridge includes one or more terminals connected to the temperature detector for connecting with a temperature monitor of the device in use.

[0021] A second aspect of the present invention provides a cartridge for use with an apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material, the cartridge comprising: a container defining a cavity; smokable material disposed within the cavity; a heating material within the cavity, the heating material being heatable by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field to heat the smokable material; Equipped with.

[0022] In each exemplary embodiment, the cartridge may have any of the features of the exemplary embodiments of the cartridge of the first aspect of the invention described above.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the container includes a body disposed between the container and the smokable material, the body including a heating material.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the container comprises a vessel defining a cavity, the vessel being made from a non-conductive material.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the container comprises a vessel defining a cavity and a liner on at least a portion of an interior surface of the vessel, the liner comprising a heating material.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the liner allows air to pass through the liner.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, the cartridge comprises a body disposed within smokable material, the body comprising a heating material.

[0028] A third aspect of the present invention provides a cartridge for use with an apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material, the cartridge comprising: a container defining a cavity and an opening into the cavity; smokable material disposed within the cavity; A seal that is permanently attached to the container and seals the opening. Equipped with.

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

[0030] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a cartridge for insertion into a recess of a device for heating smokable material to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material, the cartridge comprising: a container defining a cavity and an opening into the cavity; smokable material disposed within the cavity; a seal for sealing the opening; Equipped with The container includes an outer flange extending at least partially around the opening or cavity for positioning the cartridge relative to the recess.

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

[0032] A fifth aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material, the apparatus comprising: an interface for cooperating with an article comprising smoking material; a magnetic field generator for generating a varying magnetic field for penetrating the article when the interface cooperates with the article; a device for punching holes in articles; Equipped with.

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a body and a mouthpiece movable relative to the body, the body comprising a boundary surface and the mouthpiece comprising a device.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, the device is for puncturing the article when the article is in cooperation with the interface surface as the mouthpiece is moved relative to the body.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, the device forms at least part of a passageway for allowing volatilized material to flow from the cavity of the container to the exterior of the apparatus in use.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, the interface includes a recess for receiving at least a portion of the article.

[0037] A sixth aspect of the present invention provides a system, the system comprising: a thermally conductive cartridge including a container defining a cavity and smokable material disposed within the cavity; an apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material, the apparatus having an interface for cooperating with a cartridge, a magnetic field generator for generating a varying magnetic field, and a heating element comprising a heating material heatable by penetration of the varying magnetic field to heat the cartridge when the interface is cooperating with the cartridge; Equipped with.

[0038] In each exemplary embodiment, the cartridge of the system may have any of the features of the exemplary embodiments of the article of the first, second, third or fourth aspect of the invention described above.

[0039] A seventh aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material, the apparatus comprising: an interface for cooperating with an article comprising smoking material; a magnetic field generator for generating a varying magnetic field; a heating element comprising a heating material heatable by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field to heat the article when the interface cooperates with the article; Equipped with.

[0040] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0041] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example cartridge for use with a device for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cartridge of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another example cartridge for use with a device for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another example cartridge for use with a device for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material. FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of an apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] As used herein, the term "smoking material" includes materials that, when heated, release volatile components, typically in the form of a vapor or aerosol. "Smoking material" may be a non-tobacco-containing material or a tobacco-containing material. "Smoking material" may include, for example, one or more of tobacco itself, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco extract, homogenized tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. Smoking material can be in the form of ground tobacco, cut rag tobacco, extruded tobacco, liquid, gel, gelled sheet, powder, or loaf. "Smoking material" may also include other non-tobacco products. These non-tobacco products may or may not contain nicotine, depending on the product. "Smoking material" may also include one or more humectants, such as glycerol or propylene glycol.

[0043] As used herein, the term "heating material" refers to a material that can be heated by the penetration of a varying magnetic field.

[0044] As used herein, the terms "flavoring" and "flavoring agent" refer to materials that can be used (where permitted by local regulations) to produce a desired taste or aroma in products for adult consumers. These materials include extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, Scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang). The flavor enhancers may include additives such as spices, spice blends, flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives (e.g., charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath fresheners). These may be imitation, synthetic, or natural materials, or mixtures thereof. They may be in any suitable form, such as oils, liquids, gels, or powders.

[0045] Induction heating is the process of heating a conductive object by penetrating a changing magnetic field into the object. This process is explained by Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction and Ohm's law. An induction heater can include an electromagnet and a device for passing a changing current, such as an alternating current, through the electromagnet. When the object to be heated and the electromagnet are positioned relative to each other so that the changing 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 current. Therefore, when such eddy currents are generated within the object, they flow against the object's electrical resistance, thereby heating the object. This process is called Joule heating, ohmic heating, or resistive heating. An object that can be inductively heated is known as a susceptor.

[0046] It has been found that when the susceptor is in the closed circuit configuration, there is a stronger magnetic coupling between the susceptor and the electromagnet in use, resulting in increased or improved Joule heating.

[0047] Magnetic hysteresis heating is the process of heating an object made of a magnetic material due to the penetration of a changing magnetic field into the object. Magnetic materials can be thought of as containing many atomic-scale magnets, or magnetic dipoles. When a magnetic field penetrates such a material, the magnetic dipoles align along the field. Thus, when a changing magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field (e.g., produced by an electromagnet), penetrates a magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles changes in response to the applied changing magnetic field. This reorientation of the magnetic dipoles generates heat within the magnetic material.

[0048] When an object is both conductive and magnetic, the penetration of a changing magnetic field into the object can cause both Joule heating and magnetic hysteresis heating in the object. Furthermore, the use of magnetic materials can enhance the changing magnetic field, thereby enhancing Joule heating.

[0049] In each of the above processes, because heat is generated within the object itself, rather than by thermal conduction from an external heat source, rapid temperature rise and more uniform heat distribution within the object can be achieved. This can be achieved, among other things, by appropriately selecting the material and geometry of the object and the magnitude and orientation of the varying magnetic field relative to the object. Furthermore, because induction heating and magnetic hysteresis heating do not require a physical connection between the source of the varying magnetic field and the object, the buildup of materials on the object, such as smoking material residue, is less of an issue, potentially allowing for greater design freedom, better control over the heating profile, and lower costs.

[0050] 1 and 2, there are shown schematic perspective and cross-sectional views of an example article in the form of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention. Cartridge 1 comprises a container 10 defining a cavity 14 and an opening 16 into cavity 14, smokable material 20 disposed within cavity 14, and a seal 30 sealing opening 16. Cartridge 1 is for use with an apparatus for heating smokable material 20 to volatilize at least one component of smokable material 20 without burning the smokable material 20, such as apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 5 and described below.

[0051] In this embodiment, the container 10 takes the form of a vessel lacking a heating element. In this embodiment, the vessel is made of a non-conductive material. In this embodiment, the container 10 is made of a high-temperature resistant plastic material, such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK) or polyetherimide (PEI), examples of which include Ultem. However, in other embodiments, the container 10 can be made of a different material that is heat resistant over at least the expected range of operating temperatures encountered during operation of the device 100, for example, 180-220 degrees Celsius. As described below, the device 100 in which the cartridge 1 can be used includes a heating element 115 that is heatable by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field to heat the smokable material 20 within the cavity 14 of the container 10. Thus, in this embodiment, the container 10 is made of a thermally conductive material to transfer heat from outside the container 10 to the cavity 14 and the smokable material 20 within the cavity 14. The cartridge 1 is therefore a thermally conductive cartridge 1.

[0052] In other embodiments, the container 10 may include a heating material that is heatable by the penetration of a varying magnetic field. For example, a portion, multiple individual portions, or all of the container 10 may be made from such a heating material. The heating material of the container 10 may be any one or more of the heating materials described herein.

[0053] In this embodiment, container 10 is made by thermoforming the material from which it is made. In the thermoforming process, a sheet of material is heated to a pliable forming temperature, formed into a particular shape in a mold, and then cooled to its final shape. The sheet of material can be trimmed, if necessary, before, during, or after cooling. In other embodiments, container 10 can be made according to a different process, such as injection molding.

[0054] In this embodiment, the container 10 is non-breathable. However, in some embodiments, the container 10 can have an air inlet extending therethrough to allow air to enter the cavity 14 from outside the container 10. For example, in some embodiments, the container 10 can be made from a non-breathable material and have one or more apertures extending therethrough to allow air to enter the cavity 14 from outside the container 10. In other embodiments, the container 10 can be made from a porous material to allow air to enter the cavity 14 from outside the container 10. Such a porous container 10 may or may not have one or more apertures extending therethrough.

[0055] In this embodiment, cartridge 1 is for at least partial insertion into recess 111 of device 100, and container 10 includes an outer flange 18 that extends completely around cavity 14 to position cartridge 1 relative to recess 111. In other embodiments, outer flange 18 may extend only partially around cavity 14, or multiple circumferentially spaced outer flanges 18 may be provided around cavity 14. In some embodiments, outer flange(s) 18 may be omitted.

[0056] In this embodiment, the outer dimension of container 10 decreases with distance from opening 16. This aids in inserting and removing cartridge 1 into recess 111 of device 100 during use. More specifically, in this embodiment, the outer width or diameter of container 10 tapers with distance from opening 16. In this embodiment, the taper is linear or substantially linear, although in other embodiments, the taper can be non-linear; for example, the outer surface of container 10 can be concave or convex. In some embodiments, the outer dimension of container 10 can decrease in a manner other than a taper, such as in a stepped manner. In other embodiments, the outer dimension of container 10 can be constant or substantially constant along the entire length of container 10.

[0057] In this embodiment, the container 10 has a circular cross-section. In some embodiments, the container 10 may be rotationally symmetrical and may be other than circular, such as oval, triangular, or rectangular. In other embodiments, the container 10 may be rotationally asymmetrical. In this embodiment, the cavity 14 is circular in cross-section and the opening 16 is circular. In other embodiments, the cavity 14 and / or the opening 16 may be other than circular.

[0058] In some embodiments, the cavity 14 can support up to 1 gram of smokable material 20, for example up to 0.5 grams of smokable material 20. As noted above, the cartridge 1 also includes a seal 30 that seals the opening 16 of the container 10. The seal 30 serves to prevent the smokable material 20 from spilling from the cavity 14 prior to puncturing or removal from the container 10, and also serves to protect the smokable material 20.

[0059] In this embodiment, the seal 30 comprises a film seal. The thickness of the film seal may be, for example, between 9 and 25 microns. The use of a film facilitates breaking the seal 30 by puncturing during use, as described below. However, in other embodiments, the seal 30 may be something other than a film. In this embodiment, the seal 30 comprises a metal foil. The metal may be, for example, aluminum. The seal 30 may be comprised of a metal foil, or alternatively, may comprise multiple layers, one of which is a metal foil. In some embodiments, the seal 30 may comprise a laminate. The metal foil acts as a vapor shield. In some embodiments, the seal 30 comprises a heating material that is heatable by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field to heat the smokable material 20, as described below. In other embodiments, the seal 30 may lack a heating material. For example, in some embodiments, the seal 30 may be comprised of a film of a plastic material.

[0060] In this embodiment, the seal 30 is permanently attached to the container 10 by an adhesive. Any suitable adhesive, such as a food-grade adhesive, can be used. In other embodiments, the seal 30 can be permanently attached to the container 10 in some other manner, such as by clipping to the container 10 or by welding, such as by heat welding or sonic bonding. By "permanently attached," it is meant that the seal 30 cannot be removed, or is substantially unremovable, from the container 10 without tearing or breaking the seal 30 into multiple pieces. In other embodiments, the seal 30 can be peeled from the container 10 without damaging the structure of the seal 30. In some embodiments, the seal 30 can be removed from the container 10 and then reattached to the container 10. In some such embodiments, the seal 30 can be attached to the container 10 by an adhesive that allows the seal 30 to be removed and reattached to the container 10.

[0061] In this embodiment, the seal 30 is applied to the flange 18 of the container 10. However, in other embodiments, including embodiments that omit the flange 18, the seal 30 can be applied elsewhere on the container 10, for example, to the edge of the container 10 that defines the opening 16, to seal the opening 16.

[0062] In this embodiment, the container 10 of the cartridge 1 does not have a heating material that is heatable by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field. However, in other embodiments, the container 10 may be provided with a heating material that is heatable by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field to heat the smokable material 20, as described below.

[0063] Referring to Figure 3, there is shown a schematic cross-sectional view of another exemplary article in the form of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention. Similar to cartridge 1 of Figures 1 and 2, cartridge 2 of Figure 3 comprises a container 10 defining a cavity 14 and an opening 16 into cavity 14, smokable material 20 disposed within cavity 14, and a seal 30 sealing opening 16. Cartridge 2 is for use with an apparatus for heating smokable material 20 to volatilize at least one component of smokable material 20, such as a variation on apparatus 100 shown in Figure 5 and described below.

[0064] In this embodiment, the container 10 comprises a vessel 11 defining a cavity 14. Within the cavity are smokable material 20 and a heating material 12 that is heatable by the penetration of a varying magnetic field to heat the smokable material 20. In this embodiment, the vessel 11 is made of a non-conductive material, such as a plastic material or paper. In this embodiment, the heating material comprises a liner 12 that covers the interior surface of the vessel 11. Thus, in this embodiment, the liner 12 is disposed between the vessel 11 and the smokable material 20. In other embodiments, the liner 12 may be located in only a portion or portions of the interior surface of the vessel 11. In other embodiments, the heating material may be configured in a body other than a liner, such as a body disposed within the smokable material 20, a body disposed between the smokable material 20 and the seal 30, or a body disposed between the container 10 and the smokable material, e.g., at the end of the cavity 14 furthest from the opening 16. Such a body may take the form of a mesh, for example.

[0065] In this embodiment, the heating material is aluminum. In other embodiments, the heating material can comprise one or more materials selected from the group consisting of conductive materials, magnetic materials, and non-magnetic materials. In some embodiments, the heating material can comprise a metal or metal alloy. In some embodiments, the heating material can comprise one or more materials selected from the group consisting of aluminum, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, graphite, plain carbon steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, copper, and bronze. In other embodiments, other heating material(s) can be used. In some embodiments, the heating material can be magnetic. It has also been found that using a magnetic conductive material as the heating material can increase the magnetic coupling between the magnetic conductive material and the electromagnet of the device during use. In addition to potentially enabling magnetic hysteresis heating, this can increase or improve Joule heating of the heating material, and therefore increase or improve heating of the smokable material 20.

[0066] In this embodiment, the vessel 11 and seal 30 of the container 10 take the same form as the vessel 10 and seal 30 of the cartridge 1 of Figures 1 and 2, respectively, and therefore, for the sake of brevity, they will not be described further. Note, however, that in this embodiment, the flange 16 of the container 10 includes portions of both the vessel 11 and the liner 12, and the seal 30 is affixed to the liner 12. However, in other embodiments, the flange 16 may be free of the liner 12, and the seal 30 may be affixed to the vessel 11.

[0067] Referring to Figure 4, there is shown a schematic cross-sectional view of another example article in the form of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention. Cartridge 3 of Figure 4 is identical to cartridge 2 described above with reference to Figure 3, except for the material comprising vessel 11 and the configuration of liner 12. Any of the possible modifications described above for cartridge 2 of Figure 3 can be made to cartridge 3 of Figure 4 to form individual embodiments.

[0068] In this embodiment, the vessel 11 is made of a porous material to allow air to enter the cavity 14 from outside the container 10. In this embodiment, the material is porous paper, although variations on this embodiment can use other porous materials. In some embodiments, such a porous vessel 11 has one or more apertures extending therethrough to allow air to easily flow through the vessel 11.

[0069] In this embodiment, the liner 12 allows air to pass through it. More particularly, in this embodiment, the liner 12 is made of a material that is not breathable but has a plurality of apertures 12a extending therethrough, allowing air to pass from the side of the liner 12 facing or in contact with the vessel 11 to the opposite side of the liner 12 facing or in contact with the smokable material 20. The liner 12 may be mesh-like. In a variation on this embodiment, the liner 12 may have only one aperture 12a extending therethrough. In a further variation on this embodiment, the liner 12 may be made of a porous material. Such a porous liner 12 may or may not have one or more apertures 12a extending therethrough. The liner 12 may also be made of an electrically conductive material to act as a susceptor in use.

[0070] Referring to Figure 5, there is shown a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of an apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 100 of this embodiment can be used with the article 1 and variations thereof described above with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Generally, the apparatus 100 comprises an interface 111 for cooperating with the cartridge 1, a magnetic field generator 112 with a coil 114 for generating a varying magnetic field for penetrating the article 1 when the interface is cooperating with the article 1, and a device 121 for puncturing the article 1.

[0071] The device 100 in this embodiment comprises a body 110 and a mouthpiece 120. In this embodiment, the body 110 comprises an interface 111, which comprises a recess 111 for receiving at least a portion of the cartridge 1. In other embodiments, the interface 111 can be something other than a recess, such as a ledge, a surface, or a protrusion, and may require a mechanical interface with the cartridge 1 in order to cooperate with it.

[0072] In this embodiment, the tipping tip 120 is removably engageable with the body 110 to connect the tipping tip 120 to the body 110. In other embodiments, the tipping tip 120 and the body 110 can be permanently connected, such as by a hinge or a flexible member.

[0073] In this embodiment, the tipping tip 120 comprises a device 121 for piercing the seal 30 of the cartridge 1. In this embodiment, the device 121 for piercing the seal 30 comprises a first tube 121 having a pointed or angled end to facilitate piercing the seal 30. The tipping tip 120 has a first passageway 122 extending therethrough, with the internal passageway of the first tube 121 forming part of the first passageway 122. The tipping tip 120 is positionable relative to the body 110 to cover the opening into the recess 111. When the tipping tip 120 is so positioned relative to the body 110, the first passageway 122 of the tipping tip 120 is in fluid communication with the recess 111. In use, the first passageway 122 acts as a passageway to allow volatilized material to flow from the cavity 14 of the container 10 of a cartridge 1 inserted into the recess 111 to the exterior of the device 100.

[0074] The mouthpiece 120 may be provided with or impregnated with a flavoring agent, which may be positioned to be received by the hot aerosol as it passes through the first passageway 122 of the mouthpiece 120 in use.

[0075] In this embodiment, the mouthpiece 120 has a second device 123 for puncturing the seal 30 of the cartridge 1. In this embodiment, the second device 123 for puncturing the seal 30 comprises a second tube 123 having a pointed or angled end to facilitate puncturing the seal 30. The mouthpiece 120 also has a second passageway 124 extending through the mouthpiece 120 parallel to the first passageway 122, with the internal passageway of the second tube 123 forming part of the second passageway 124. When the mouthpiece 120 is positioned relative to the body 110 to cover the opening into the recess 111, the second passageway 124 is in fluid communication with the recess 111. Thus, in use, the second passageway 124 acts as a passageway allowing air to flow from outside the device 100 to the cavity 14 of the container 10 of a cartridge 1 inserted into the recess 111. Thus, when mouthpiece 120 is connected to body 110 and device 100 is assembled, an entire flow path is defined that extends from the exterior of device 100, then through second passage 124, then through recess 111, and then through first passage 122 to the exterior of device 100.

[0076] In another embodiment, the second device 123 for puncturing the seal 30 of the cartridge 1 and the second passage 124 of the mouthpiece 120 can be omitted. In such an embodiment, the body 110 can have an inlet for admitting air into the recess 111 from outside the device 100. Thus, when the mouthpiece 120 is connected to the body 110 and the device 100 is assembled, an entire flow path is defined that extends from the outside of the device 100, then through the inlet, then through the recess 111, and then through the first passage 122 to the outside of the device 100. Such a configuration can be used, for example, with a cartridge having a container 10 for admitting air into the cavity 14 of the container 10 from outside the container 10.

[0077] In this embodiment, when cartridge 1 is placed in recess 111 and tip 120 is connected to body 110, device 121 protrudes sufficiently into recess 111 to contact seal 30 of cartridge 1 such that device 121 is adapted to puncture seal 30 when tip 120 is moved relative to body 110 while cartridge 1 is cooperating with interface 111. This is not the case in other embodiments. In some embodiments, device 121 may be positioned elsewhere on tip 120 differently than in this embodiment. In some embodiments, device 121 for puncturing seal 30 may take a different form and may not form a passageway. For example, in some embodiments, device 121 may be a spike, pin, blade, or other protrusion protruding from tip 120. In some embodiments, device 121 may be part of body 110 rather than part of tip 120.

[0078] In this embodiment, the body 110 comprises a magnetic field generator 112, which comprises a power source 113, a coil 114, a heating element 115, a device 116 for passing a varying current, such as an alternating current, through the coil 114, a controller 117, and a user interface 118 for operating the controller 117 by a user.

[0079] In this embodiment, power source 113 is a rechargeable battery. In other embodiments, power source 113 can be other than a rechargeable battery, such as, for example, a non-rechargeable battery, a capacitor, or a connection to a mains power source.

[0080] The coil 114 can take any suitable form. In this embodiment, the coil 114 comprises a helical coil of a conductive material, such as copper. In some embodiments, the electromagnet 114 comprises a magnetically permeable core around which the coil is wound. Such a magnetically permeable core concentrates the magnetic flux generated by the coil, making the magnetic field stronger. The magnetically permeable core can be made of iron, for example. In some embodiments, the magnetically permeable core can extend only partially along the length of the coil 114, concentrating the magnetic flux in only certain areas.

[0081] In this embodiment, the heating element 115 is made of a heating material that can be heated by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field. The heating material can include one or more of the heating materials described above. Other heating material(s) that can be heated by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field can be used for the heating element 115 in other embodiments.

[0082] In this embodiment, the heating element 115 comprises a frusto-conical body, and the coil 114 is disposed radially outward of the heating element 115. In this embodiment, the coil 114 is shaped to follow the shape of the frusto-conical heating element 115, such that the diameter of the coil 114 increases in the axial direction.

[0083] In this embodiment, the heating element 115 defines a recess 111. In this embodiment, the recess 111 is disposed radially inward of the heating element 115. In this embodiment, the heating element 115 defines a closed circuit of heating material that surrounds the recess 111 and extends around the axis of the coil 114. In other embodiments, such as those in which the heating element 115 is made of a magnetic material, the heating element 115 may be formed with an axially extending gap or gap such that the heating element 115 defines an open or incomplete circuit rather than a closed circuit.

[0084] In this embodiment, a device 116 for applying an alternating current to the coil 114 is electrically connected between the power source 113 and the coil 114. In this embodiment, a controller 117 is also electrically connected to the power source 113 and communicatively connected to the device 116. The controller 117 is for causing and controlling the heating of the heating element 115. More particularly, in this embodiment, the controller 117 is for controlling the device 116 to control the supply of power from the power source 113 to the coil 114. In this embodiment, the controller 117 may comprise an IC, such as an integrated circuit (IC) on a printed circuit board (PCB). In other embodiments, the controller 117 may take different forms. In some embodiments, the apparatus may have a single electrical or electronic component comprising the device 116 and the controller 117. In this embodiment, the controller 117 is operated by a user operating a user interface 118. The user interface 118 is disposed on the exterior of the body 110. The user interface 118 may include push buttons, toggle switches, dials, a touch screen, and the like.

[0085] In this embodiment, when a user operates the user interface 118, the controller 117 causes the device 116 to apply an alternating current to the coil 114, causing the coil 114 to generate an alternating magnetic field. The coil 114 and the heating element 115 are positioned relative to one another so that the alternating magnetic field generated by the coil 114 penetrates the heating element 115. When the heating material of the heating element 115 is an electrically conductive material, one or more eddy currents can be generated within the heating element 115. When the eddy currents flow within the heating element 115 against the electrical resistance of the heating element 115, the heating element 115 heats up due to Joule heating. As described above, when the heating element 115 is made of a magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles within the heating element 115 changes in response to changes in the applied magnetic field, thereby generating heat within the heating element 115.

[0086] The device 100 in this embodiment includes a temperature sensor 119 for sensing the temperature of the recess 111. The temperature sensor 119 is communicatively connected to the controller 117, such that the controller 117 can monitor the temperature of the recess 111. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor 119 can be configured to optically measure the temperature of the recess, the interface, or the cartridges 1, 2, 3. In some embodiments, the cartridges 1, 2, 3 can include a temperature detector, such as a resistance temperature detector (RTD), to detect the temperature of the cartridges 1, 2, 3. For example, the temperature detector can be located in or on the container 10 of the cartridges 1, 2, 3. The cartridges 1, 2, 3 can further include one or more terminals electrically or otherwise connected to the temperature detector. The terminal(s) can be for connection, such as an electrical connection, with a temperature monitor of the device 100 when the cartridges 1, 2, 3 are in the recess 111 or interacting with the interface. The controller 117 can include a temperature monitor. Thus, the temperature monitor of the device 100 can measure the temperature of the cartridges 1, 2, 3 while in use with the device 100.

[0087] The controller 117 can cause the device 116 to adjust the characteristics of the fluctuating or alternating current applied to the coil 114 as needed based on one or more signals received from the temperature sensor 119 or temperature detector to ensure that the temperature of the recess 111 is maintained within a predetermined temperature range. This characteristic can be, for example, amplitude or frequency. In use, the smokable material 20 in the cartridges 1, 2, 3 inserted in the recess 111 is heated within the predetermined temperature range sufficiently to vaporize at least one component of the smokable material 20 without combusting the smokable material 20. Thus, the controller 117, and the apparatus 100 as a whole, are configured to heat the smokable material 20 to vaporize at least one component of the smokable material 20 without combusting the smokable material 20. In some embodiments, the temperature range is from about 50° C. to about 250° C., e.g., between about 50° C. and about 150° C., between about 50° C. and about 120° C., between about 50° C. and about 100° C., between about 50° C. and about 80° C., or between about 60° C. and about 70° C. In some embodiments, the temperature range is between about 170° C. and about 220° C. In other embodiments, the temperature range may be outside of this range.

[0088] A user can inhale the volatile component(s) of the smokable material 20 by drawing the volatile component(s) through the first passageway 122 of the mouthpiece 120. As the volatile component(s) leave the cavity 14 of the receptacle 10 of the cartridge 1, air is drawn into the cavity 14 of the receptacle 10 through the second passageway 124 of the mouthpiece 120 and is directed to the closed end of the cavity 14 by the second device 123. The user then takes another puff, which causes this air to permeate the smokable material 20 and exit the cartridge 1 through the first passageway 122 of the mouthpiece 120.

[0089] In some embodiments, mouthpiece 120 may include a member (not shown) that contacts cartridge 1 when cartridge 1 is in recess 111 to press cartridge 1 into recess 111 and help ensure cartridge 1 is properly positioned relative to heating element 115. This member may be a resilient member.

[0090] In some device embodiments, the heating element 115 may be omitted from the body 110 of the device 100, or from the device 100 entirely. In some such embodiments, the device further comprises a magnetic field generator for generating a varying magnetic field. Such devices may be usable with cartridges such as the cartridges 2, 3 and variations thereof described above with reference to Figures 3 and 4, which comprise a heating material that, in use, can act as a heating element to heat the smokable material 20 therein. In such embodiments, the recess 111 may be defined by one or more parts of the body 110 other than the heating element that comprises the heating material. In such embodiments, the recess 111 and the coil 114 may be positioned relative to each other such that, when the cartridge 2, 3 cooperates with the interface, in use, the varying magnetic field generated by the coil 114 penetrates the recess 111 at the location where the heating material of the cartridge 2, 3 is located. When the heating material of the cartridge 2, 3 is an electrically conductive material, this may generate eddy currents in the heating material of the cartridge 2, 3. When these eddy currents flow against the electrical resistance of the heating material, the heating material is heated by Joule heating. When the heating material of the cartridges 2, 3 is made of a magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles within the heating material changes in response to changes in the applied magnetic field, thereby generating heat within the heating material.

[0091] The device may provide tactile feedback to the user, which may indicate that heating of the heating material is occurring, or may be caused by a timer to indicate that the volatilizable component(s) of the smokable material 20 in cartridge 1, 2, 3 has been consumed more than a predetermined percentage of its original amount, etc. This tactile feedback may be caused by the interaction of the heating material with a coil (i.e., a magnetic response), by the interaction of a conductive element with a coil, by the rotation of an unbalanced motor, by the repeated application and removal of current to a piezoelectric element, etc.

[0092] The device may include two or more coils. The multiple coils may be operable to gradually heat the smokable material 20 of the cartridges 1, 2, and 3, thereby gradually generating vapor. For example, one coil may heat a first region of the heating material relatively quickly, initiating volatilization of at least one component of the smokable material 20 and vapor formation in the first region of the smokable material 20. Another coil may heat a second region of the heating material relatively slowly, initiating volatilization of at least one component of the smokable material 20 and vapor formation in the second region of the smokable material 20. Thus, vapor may be generated relatively quickly for inhalation by the user, and may continue to be generated thereafter for subsequent inhalation by the user, even after the first region of the smokable material 20 has ceased vapor generation. The second region of the smokable material 20, which is initially unheated, may act as a filter to reduce the temperature or intensity of the generated vapor while the first region of the smokable material 20 is being heated.

[0093] In some embodiments, the heating material of the heating element 15 of the device, or the heating material of the article, may have cuts or holes therein. Such cuts or holes may act as thermal breaks to control the degree to which different areas of the smokable material heat up during use. Areas of the heating material with cuts or holes may heat up less than areas without cuts or holes. This may aid in gradual heating of the smokable material and therefore gradual production of vapour.

[0094] The heating material can have a skin depth, which is the outer region where most of the induced current occurs and / or where the reorientation of the magnetic dipoles is induced. By making the thickness of the heating material relatively thin, a larger percentage of the heating material can be heated by a given varying magnetic field compared to a heating material that has a relatively long depth or thickness compared to the other dimensions of the heating material, thus resulting in more efficient use of material, which reduces costs.

[0095] In each of the above embodiments, the container defines an opening into the cavity, and the cartridge includes a seal sealing the opening. However, in other embodiments that are variations on each of the above embodiments, the seal can be omitted from the container, and / or both the seal and the opening can be omitted from the container. In some such embodiments, any portion of the cartridge can be punctured during use. In each of the above embodiments, the apparatus includes a device for puncturing the seal of the cartridge. In other embodiments that are variations on each of the above embodiments, the device can be for puncturing the cartridge or another portion of a different type of article.

[0096] In each of the above embodiments, the smokable material 20 includes tobacco. However, in variations of each of these embodiments, the smokable material 20 may consist entirely of tobacco, consist essentially entirely of tobacco, include tobacco and non-tobacco smokable material, include non-tobacco smokable material, or be tobacco-free. In some embodiments, the smokable material 20 may include a vapor or aerosol former and a humectant (e.g., glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin, or diethylene glycol).

[0097] In each of the above embodiments, cartridges 1, 2, 3 are consumable cartridges. Once all or substantially all of the volatilizable component(s) of the smokable material 20 in cartridges 1, 2, 3 have been consumed, a user can remove cartridge 1, 2, 3 from the device 100 and dispose of cartridge 1, 2, 3. The user can subsequently reuse the device 100 with another of the cartridges 1, 2, 3. However, in each of the other embodiments, cartridges 1, 2, 3 may not be consumable, and once the volatilizable component(s) of the smokable material 20 have been consumed, the device 100 and cartridge 1, 2, 3 may be disposed of together.

[0098] In some embodiments, the device 100 described above is sold, supplied, or otherwise provided separately from the cartridges 1, 2, 3 that can be used with the device 100. However, in some embodiments, the device 100 and one or more of the cartridges 1, 2, 3 described above may be provided together, such as in a kit or assembly, possibly along with additional components such as cleaning implements.

[0099] The present invention may also be embodied as a system comprising any one of the articles described herein and any one of the devices described herein, wherein both the device and the article have heating material for heating by penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field generated by a magnetic field generator, and wherein heat generated in the heating material in both the device and the article may be transferred to the smokable material to heat the smokable material.

[0100] To address various challenges and advance the art, this disclosure provides various exemplary embodiments throughout. These embodiments are capable of practicing the claimed inventions and provide an improved device for heating smoking material to volatilize at least one component of the smoking material, an improved article and cartridge for use with such device, and an improved system including such article and device. The advantages and features of the present disclosure are merely representative of exemplary embodiments and are not intended to be exhaustive or exclusive of all advantages or features. They are presented solely to aid in the understanding and teaching of the features disclosed in the claims and elsewhere herein. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure, as defined by the claims, or equivalents thereof, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of various combinations of the disclosed elements, configurations, features, parts, steps, means, and the like. This disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but that may be claimed in the future.

[0101] The present disclosure includes the following embodiments. (Embodiment 1) 1. A cartridge for use with a device configured to heat smokable material thereby volatilizing at least one component of the smokable material, comprising: a container defining a cavity; smokable material disposed within the cavity; a heatable heater material configured to be heated in use by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field, thereby heating the smokable material and volatilizing at least one component of the smokable material; A cartridge comprising: (Embodiment 2) 2. The cartridge of embodiment 1, wherein the container contains the heater material. (Embodiment 3) 2. The cartridge of embodiment 1, wherein the heater material comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of an electrically conductive material, a magnetic material, and a non-magnetic material. (Embodiment 4) 2. The cartridge of embodiment 1, wherein the heater material comprises an electrically conductive material comprising a metal or metal alloy. (Embodiment 5) 2. The cartridge of embodiment 1, wherein the heater material comprises a conductive material comprising one or more materials selected from the group consisting of aluminum, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, graphite, plain carbon steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, copper, and bronze. (Embodiment 6) 2. The cartridge of embodiment 1, wherein the container defines an air inlet extending through the container, the air inlet configured to allow air to enter the cavity from outside the container. (Embodiment 7) 2. A cartridge as described in embodiment 1, wherein the container is made of a porous material configured to allow air to enter the cavity from outside the container. (Embodiment 8) 2. The cartridge of embodiment 1, wherein the smoking material comprises tobacco and / or one or more humectants. (Embodiment 9) 2. The cartridge of embodiment 1, wherein the cartridge comprises a temperature detector configured to detect the temperature of the cartridge. (Embodiment 10) 1. A cartridge for use with a device for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of said smokable material, comprising: a container defining a cavity; smokable material disposed within the cavity; a heatable heater material disposed within the cavity, the heatable heater material being configured, in use, to be heated by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field thereby heating the smokable material; and A cartridge comprising: (Embodiment 11) 11. The cartridge of embodiment 10, further comprising a body disposed between the container and the smokable material, the body comprising the heater material. (Embodiment 12) 11. The cartridge of embodiment 10, wherein the container comprises a vessel defining the cavity, the vessel being formed from a non-conductive material. (Embodiment 13) 11. The cartridge of embodiment 10, wherein the container comprises a vessel defining the cavity and a liner disposed on at least a portion of an interior surface of the vessel, the liner containing the heater material. (Embodiment 14) 14. A cartridge as described in embodiment 13, wherein the liner is configured to allow air to pass through the liner. (Embodiment 15) 11. The cartridge of embodiment 10, further comprising a body disposed within the smokable material and comprising the heater material. (Embodiment 16) 1. A device configured to heat smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material, comprising: an interface configured to cooperate with an article containing smoking material; a magnetic field generator configured to generate a varying magnetic field that penetrates the article when the interface cooperates with the article; a perforation device configured to perforate the article; An apparatus comprising: (Embodiment 17) 17. The apparatus of embodiment 16, further comprising a body and a mouthpiece movable relative to the body, the body including the interface and the mouthpiece including the piercing device. (Embodiment 18) 18. The apparatus of embodiment 17, wherein the piercing device is configured to pierce the article when the mouthpiece is moved relative to the body when the article cooperates with the interface. (Embodiment 19) 18. The apparatus of embodiment 17, further comprising a container, wherein the device defines at least a portion of a passageway configured to allow volatilized material to flow from a cavity of the container to an exterior of the apparatus during use. (Embodiment 20) 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the interface defines a recess configured to receive at least a portion of the article. (Embodiment 21) a thermally conductive cartridge comprising a container defining a cavity and smokable material disposed within the cavity; a device configured to heat smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material, the device comprising: an interface configured to cooperate with the cartridge; a magnetic field generator configured to generate a varying magnetic field in use; and a heatable heater element including a heater material configured to be heated in use by penetration of the varying magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator when the interface cooperates with the cartridge, thereby heating the cartridge; A system comprising: (Embodiment 22) 1. A device configured to heat smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material, comprising: an interface configured to cooperate with an article containing smoking material; a magnetic field generator configured to generate a varying magnetic field; a heater element including a heater material heatable by penetration of the varying magnetic field to heat the article when the interface cooperates with the article; An apparatus comprising:

Claims

1. 1. A cartridge for use with a device configured to heat smokable material thereby volatilizing at least one component of the smokable material, comprising: a container defining a cavity, the container having an opening into the cavity and having an outer dimension that is constant along the length of the container, the container having a circular cross-section; smokable material disposed within the cavity, the cavity holding up to 1 gram of the smoking material, the smoking material being a non-tobacco-containing material; and a heatable heater material configured to be heated in use by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field, thereby heating the smokable material and volatilizing at least one component of the smokable material, the heatable heater material being disposed within the smokable material; wherein the container has one or more apertures extending therethrough for admitting air into the cavity.

2. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the heater material comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of an electrically conductive material, a magnetic material, and a non-magnetic material.

3. The cartridge of claim 1 or 2, wherein the heater material comprises a conductive material comprising a metal or metal alloy.

4. 4. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the heater material comprises a conductive material comprising 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.

5. 5. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the container defines an air inlet extending through the container, the air inlet configured to admit air from outside the container into the cavity.

6. The cartridge of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cartridge includes a temperature detector configured to detect a temperature of the cartridge.

7. A cartridge according to any preceding claim, wherein the container comprises a liner having an aperture extending therethrough.

8. A cartridge according to any preceding claim, wherein the container comprises a liner made from a conductive material.

9. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the container is made from a non-permeable material.

10. A cartridge according to any preceding claim, wherein the heatable heater material has cuts or holes therein.

11. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 10; a device configured to heat the smokable material in the cartridge to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material; Equipped with The device comprises: an interface configured to cooperate with the cartridge; a magnetic field generator configured to generate a varying magnetic field; A system comprising:

12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the device further comprises a body and a mouthpiece movable relative to the body, the body including the interface surface.

13. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the apparatus comprises a piercing device configured to pierce or penetrate the cartridge when the mouthpiece is moved relative to the body when the cartridge cooperates with the interface surface.

14. 14. The system of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the device defines at least a portion of a passageway configured to, in use, allow volatilized material to flow from the cavity of the container to an exterior of the device.

15. The system of any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the interface comprises a ledge, a surface, or a protrusion, the interface configured to mechanically interface with the cartridge.

16. The system of any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the interface defines a recess configured to receive at least a portion of the cartridge.

17. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the magnetic field generator comprises a coil, the recess and the coil being positioned relative to one another such that, in use, a varying magnetic field generated by the coil penetrates the recess at the location where the heater material is located.

18. 18. The system of claim 16 or 17, wherein the device comprises a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the recess.

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