Article for use with a device for heating smoking material

Abstract

To provide a novel article and the like for use with apparatus configured to heat a smokable material to volatilize a component of the smokable material.SOLUTION: Disclosed is an article (1, 2, 3) for use with an apparatus for heating a smokable material to volatilize a component thereof. The article (1, 2, 3) comprises a cavity (18) for receiving the smokable material, and a coil (22) of a heating material that is heatable by penetration of a varying magnetic field to heat the cavity (18). Also disclosed is a system (1000) comprising the article (1) and an apparatus (100). The apparatus (100) has an interface (111) for cooperating with the article (1), and a magnetic field generator (112). The magnetic field generator (112) comprises a coil (114) for generating a varying magnetic field to penetrate the coil (22) of the article (1). An impedance of the coil (114) of the magnetic field generator (112) is substantially equal to an impedance of the coil (22) of the article (1).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an article for use with a device for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material, and to a system comprising such an article 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 an article for use with an apparatus for heating smoking material to volatilise at least one component of the smoking material, the article comprising: a cavity configured to receive smokable material; It can be heated by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field, and thus it is a heater material or a coil of a heating material that heats the cavity. Equipped with.

[0004] In an exemplary embodiment, the article comprises a closed circuit of heating material heatable by penetration of a varying magnetic field, the closed circuit comprising a coil.

[0005] In an exemplary embodiment, the coil is disposed within the cavity.

[0006] In an exemplary embodiment, the cavity is elongated and the coil extends along a longitudinal axis substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cavity.

[0007] 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.

[0008] In each exemplary embodiment, the heating material comprises a metal or metal alloy.

[0009] 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.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating material is susceptible to eddy currents that are induced within the heating material when subjected to a varying magnetic field.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the first portion of the coil is more susceptible to eddy currents induced therein by the penetration of a varying magnetic field than the second portion of the coil.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the article comprises a container defining a cavity.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the container is free of materials that can be heated by the penetration of a varying magnetic field.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the container is transparent or translucent.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the container is made from a glass or plastic material.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the coil is in a fixed position relative to the cavity.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the coil is removable from the article.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the article comprises smoking material within the cavity.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating material is in contact with the smokable material.

[0020] In exemplary embodiments, the smoking material comprises tobacco and / or one or more humectants.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the article includes a mouthpiece defining a passageway in fluid communication with the cavity.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the article comprises a passageway for fluidly connecting the cavity with the exterior of the article, and an actuator operable to vary the cross-sectional area of ​​the passageway.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the cavity is sealed from the exterior of the article.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the article includes a breathable membrane for allowing air to enter the cavity from the exterior of the article.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the article comprises a seal between the breathable membrane and the exterior of the article, the seal sealing the breathable membrane from the exterior of the article, and the seal being breakable or removable from the article during use to place the breathable membrane in fluid communication with the exterior of the article.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the article includes a vapor-permeable membrane to allow vapor generated in the cavity during use to flow to the exterior of the article.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, the article comprises a seal between the vapor-permeable membrane and the exterior of the article, the seal sealing the vapor-permeable membrane from the exterior of the article, and the seal being breakable or removable from the article during use to place the vapor-permeable membrane in fluid communication with the exterior of the article.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, the article comprises a mass of insulating material around the cavity. The insulating material can include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of aerogel, vacuum insulation, cotton, fleece, nonwoven material, nonwoven fleece, woven material, knitted material, nylon, foam, polystyrene, polyester, polyester filament, polypropylene, a blend of polyester and polypropylene, cellulose acetate, paper or cardboard, and a corrugated material such as corrugated paper or cardboard.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, the article comprises a coating on the coil that is smoother or harder than the surface of the coil.

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, the article comprises a catalytic material on at least a portion of the coil.

[0031] In exemplary embodiments, the article includes a temperature detector for detecting the temperature of the cartridge, hi some embodiments, the article includes one or more terminals connected to the temperature detector for connecting to a temperature monitor of a device in use.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, the coil of the article is a first coil, and the article comprises a second coil of heating material that is heatable by the penetration of a varying magnetic field to heat the cavity.

[0033] A second aspect of the present invention provides a system, the system comprising: an article according to the first aspect of the invention; an apparatus having an interface for cooperating with the article, and a magnetic field generator having a coil for generating a varying magnetic field for penetrating the coil of the article when the interface is cooperating with the article; Equipped with The impedance of the coil of the magnetic field generator is equal to or substantially equal to the impedance of the coil of the article.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, the interface includes a recess for receiving at least a portion of the article.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, the recess is elongated and the coils of the magnetic field generator extend along a longitudinal axis substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the recess.

[0036] 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]

[0037] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example of an article for use with a device for heating smoking material to volatilize at least one component of the smoking material. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the article of FIG. 1 having smokable material within a cavity and an end closure attached; [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of another example article for use with a device for heating smoking material to volatilize at least one component of the smoking material. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of another example article for use with a device for heating smoking material to volatilize at least one component of the smoking material. [Figure 5] 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example system including the article of FIG. 2 and an apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] 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.

[0039] As used herein, the terms "heater material" and "heating material" refer to a material that can be heated by the penetration of a varying magnetic field.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] Referring to Figure 1, a schematic perspective view of an example article according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The article 1 comprises a container 10 defining a cavity 18 for receiving smokable material 30, and a coil 22 of heating material that is heatable by the penetration of a varying magnetic field to heat the cavity 18. That is, the heating material is heatable by the penetration of a varying magnetic field into the heating material, and the coil 22 is positioned relative to the cavity 18 such that the penetration of the varying magnetic field into the heating material causes the heating material to increase in temperature and transfer thermal energy to the cavity 18, thereby heating the cavity 18. The article 1 is intended for use with an apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material. Examples of such apparatus are described below.

[0047] In this embodiment, the container 10 comprises a body 12 and an end member 14. In this embodiment, the body 12 is tubular and encloses a cavity 18. In this embodiment, the body 12 is an elongated cylinder having a substantially circular cross-section. However, in other embodiments, the body 12 may have a cross-section other than circular, and / or may not be elongated and / or may not be cylindrical. The end member 14 closes a first open end or opening of the tubular body 12. In this embodiment, the end member 14 comprises a plug secured to the first open end of the tubular body 12 by friction, adhesive, or the like. However, in other embodiments, the end member 14 may take a different form or may be integral with the body 12.

[0048] In this embodiment, article 1 comprises a closed circuit 20 of heating material that can be heated by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field. Furthermore, in this embodiment, closed circuit 20 comprises a coil 22 and a member 24 of heating material that connects opposite ends of coil 22 to each other. In other embodiments, member 24 can be omitted, such that opposite ends of coil 22 are connected to each other only by coil 22 itself. In some embodiments, this can result in a stronger magnetic coupling between coil 22 and the electromagnet in use, resulting in increased or improved Joule heating.

[0049] In this embodiment, coil 22 is a circular helix. That is, coil 22 has a substantially constant radius along its length. In other embodiments, the radius of coil 22 can vary along its length. For example, in some embodiments, coil 22 can comprise a conical or elliptical helix. In this embodiment, coil 22 has a substantially constant pitch along its length. That is, when measured parallel to the longitudinal axis of coil 22, the width of the gap between any two adjacent turns of coil 22 is substantially the same as the width of the gap between any other two adjacent turns of coil 22. In other embodiments, this may not be the case.

[0050] In this embodiment, the coil 22 is in a fixed position relative to the cavity 18. In this embodiment, this is accomplished by attaching the closed circuit 20 to the end member 14. In some embodiments, the coil 22 can be removed from the article 1, for example, for cleaning. Such removability can be provided, for example, by the coil 22 being detachable from the end member 14, or by the combination of the end member 14 and the coil 22 being detachable from the body 12 of the container 10.

[0051] In this embodiment, the coil 22 is disposed within the cavity 18. Thus, in use, when the smokable material 30 is disposed within the cavity 18, the turns of the coil 22 are surrounded, or substantially surrounded, by the smokable material 30, allowing for effective transfer of heat from the coil 22 to the smokable material 30. That is, in use, the coil 22 may be embedded within the smokable material 30. The coil 22 creates a tortuous flow path through the cavity 18, which may induce turbulence in the air passing through the cavity 18 and help the air to capture volatile materials produced when the smokable material 30 is heated. The coil 22 also has a large surface area per longitudinal unit length, which may increase or improve Joule heating of the heating material, and therefore increase or improve heating of the smokable material 30. In other embodiments, the coil 22 may be disposed outside of the cavity 18. For example, the coil 22 may be disposed within the material of the container 10 itself, in which case the coil 22 would surround the cavity 18 .

[0052] In this embodiment, the cavity 18 is elongated, and the coil 22 extends along a longitudinal axis that is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis AA of the cavity 18. This may aid in more uniform heating of the smokable material 30 during use and may also facilitate easier manufacturing of the article 1. In this embodiment, these aligned axes are coincident. In variations of this embodiment, the aligned axes may be parallel to one another. However, in other embodiments, the axes may be angled relative to one another. In some embodiments, the coil 22 may extend to one or both of the opposing longitudinal ends of the cavity 18. This may aid in more widespread or more uniform heating of the smokable material 30 during use.

[0053] The heating material can include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of conductive materials, magnetic materials, and non-magnetic materials. The heating material can include a metal or metal alloy. The heating material can 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. In other embodiments, other material(s) can be used. In this embodiment, the heating material of the coil 22 includes a conductive material. Therefore, the heating material is susceptible to eddy currents induced within the heating material when subjected to a varying magnetic field. Therefore, the coil 22 can act as a susceptor when subjected to a varying magnetic field. It has been found that using a magnetic, conductive material as the heating material can increase the magnetic coupling between the coil 22 and the device coil during use. In addition to potentially enabling magnetic hysteresis heating, this can increase or improve Joule heating of the coil 22 and, therefore, heating of the smokable material 30.

[0054] In some embodiments, the container 10 can be free of materials that can be heated by the penetration of the varying magnetic field. The container 10 can be made of a non-magnetic and non-conductive material. This configuration can prevent the energy of the varying magnetic field from being absorbed by the container 10, thereby making more of the energy of the varying magnetic field available to heat the coil 22. In this embodiment, the container 10 can be made of glass. In other embodiments, the container 10 can be made of a different material, such as a plastic material. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the container 10 can be transparent or translucent, allowing a user to view the contents of the cavity 18. In this embodiment, the body 12 of the container 10 is transparent, while the end members 14 are opaque. In other embodiments, for example, the body 12 can be translucent or opaque.

[0055] In this embodiment, the first portion 22a of the coil 22 is more susceptible to eddy currents induced therein by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field than the second portion 22b of the coil 22. The first portion 22a of the coil 22 can be more susceptible because the first portion 22a is made of a first material and the second portion 22b of the coil 22 is made of a different second material, with the first material being more susceptible to eddy currents induced therein than the second material. For example, one of the first portion 22a and the second portion 22b can be made of iron, and the other of the first portion 22a and the second portion 22b can be made of graphite. Alternatively or additionally, the first portion 22a of the coil 22 can be more susceptible because the turns of the first portion 22b of the coil 22 have a different thickness and / or material density than the turns of the second portion 22b of the coil 22.

[0056] The more sensitive portion 22a may be located closer to the intended mouth end of the article 1, or the less sensitive portion 22b may be located closer to the intended mouth end of the article 1. In the latter case, the less sensitive portion 22b may heat the smokable material 30 less than the more sensitive portion 22a, and therefore the less sensitive smokable material may act as a filter to reduce the temperature of the vapour generated or to make the vapour generated within the article less irritating during heating of the smokable material 30.

[0057] 1, the first portion 22a and the second portion 22b are positioned adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the article 1 or coil 22, but this need not be the case in other embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the first portion 22a and the second portion 22b can be positioned adjacent to each other in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the article 1 or coil 22.

[0058] This varying susceptibility of the coil 22 to induced eddy currents may facilitate the gradual heating of the smokable material 30, thereby producing vapor. For example, the more susceptible portion 22a may be able to heat a first region of the smokable material 30 relatively quickly, initiating volatilization of at least one component of the smokable material 30 and vapor formation in the first region of the smokable material 30. The less susceptible portion 22b may be able to heat a second region of the smokable material 30 relatively slowly, initiating volatilization of at least one component of the smokable material 30 and vapor formation in the second region of the smokable material 30. Thus, vapor may be produced relatively quickly for inhalation by a user, and vapor may continue to be produced thereafter for subsequent inhalation by a user, even after the first region of the smokable material 30 has ceased vapor production. The first region of the smokable material 30 may cease vapor production upon exhaustion of the volatilizable components of the smokable material 30.

[0059] In other embodiments, all of the coils 22 may be equally or substantially equally susceptible to eddy currents induced in the coils 22 by the intrusion of a varying magnetic field. In some embodiments, the coils 22 may not be susceptible to such eddy currents. In such embodiments, the heating material may be a non-conductive magnetic material and therefore may be heatable by the magnetic hysteresis process described above.

[0060] In some embodiments, the article may comprise a plurality of individual coils 22, each of which comprises a heating material heatable by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field. At least one of the plurality of coils 22 may be more susceptible to eddy currents induced therein by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field than at least one other coil of the plurality of coils 22. This may be achieved, for example, by making the coils 22 from different heating materials and / or by providing turns of different thicknesses and / or material densities for the coils 22, as described above. Again, varying the susceptibility of the coils 22 in this manner may aid in the progressive heating of the smokable material 30, and thereby the progressive production of vapour, in the same manner as described above.

[0061] In some embodiments, the article 1 can include a catalytic material on at least a portion of the coil 22. The catalytic material can be provided on all of the coil 22 or on only one or more portions of the coil 22. The catalytic material can be in the form of a coating on the coil 22. Providing such a catalytic material on the coil 22 means that, in use, the article 1 can have a heated, chemically active surface. In use, the catalytic material can act to convert or increase the rate of conversion of a potentially irritating substance to a less irritating substance. In use, the catalytic material can act, for example, to convert formic acid to methanol or increase the rate of conversion. In other embodiments, the catalytic material can act to convert other chemicals, for example, to convert acetylene to ethane by hydrogenation, or to convert ammonia to nitrogen and hydrogen or increase the rate of conversion. Additionally or alternatively, the catalytic material can act to react carbon monoxide with water vapor to form carbon dioxide and hydrogen (the water-gas shift reaction, or WGSR), or increase the rate of that reaction.

[0062] In some embodiments, the article 1 may include a coating on the coil 22 that is smoother or harder than the surface of the coil 22 itself. Such a smoother or harder coating may allow the coil 22 to be easily cleaned after use of the article 1. The coating may be made of, for example, a glass or ceramic material. In other embodiments, the coil 22 may have a rough or uneven surface, which may increase the surface area of ​​the coil 22 that comes into contact with the smokable material 30.

[0063] In some embodiments, the article 1 can include a mass of insulating material around the cavity 18. Such a mass can be disposed inside the container 10, outside the container 10, or can form the container 10. The insulating material can include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of aerogel, vacuum insulation, cotton, fleece, nonwoven materials, nonwoven fleece, woven materials, knitted materials, nylon, foam, polystyrene, polyester, polyester filament, polypropylene, polyester and polypropylene blends, cellulose acetate, paper or cardboard, and corrugated materials such as corrugated paper or cardboard. The insulating material can additionally or alternatively include an air gap. Such insulating material can help prevent heat loss to the device components and allow for more efficient heating of the cavity 18. In some embodiments, the insulating material can have a thickness of up to 1 millimeter, e.g., up to 0.5 millimeters.

[0064] The heating material can have a skin depth, which is the outer region where most of the induced current and / or induced magnetic dipole reorientation occurs. 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 other dimensions of the heating material, thus resulting in more efficient use of material, which reduces costs.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown a schematic cross-sectional view of the article 1 of FIG. 1 having smokable material 30 within cavity 18 and end closure 16 attached to the second open end or opening of body 10.

[0066] In this embodiment, the heating material of the coil 22 is in contact with the smokable material 30. Therefore, when the heating material is heated by the penetration of the varying magnetic field, heat can be transferred directly from the heating material to the smokable material 30. In other embodiments, the heating material may not be in contact with the smokable material 30. For example, in some embodiments, the article 1 may include a thermal conduction shield that separates the heating material from the smokable material 30. In some embodiments, the thermal conduction shield may be a thermally conductive coating on the coil 22, such as a catalytic coating or a lubricious coating as described above. Providing such a thermal conduction shield may be advantageous in helping to retain heat within the article 1 after the heating of the heating material has ceased.

[0067] The smoking material 30 can include any of the types of smoking material mentioned herein. The smoking material 30 can be in any form of smoking material mentioned herein. In some embodiments, the smoking material 30 can include a mixture of liquid and powder. The powder can be a suspension in the liquid. The liquid can aid in heat retention. The powder can be tobacco powder.

[0068] In some embodiments, the end member 14 and end closure 16 act as respective seals that together seal the cavity 18 from the exterior of the article 1, thereby maintaining the freshness of the smokable material 30. In some embodiments, one or both of the end member 14 and end closure 16 may be openable, puncturable, or removable from the article 1 prior to use, thereby allowing air to flow into the cavity 18, and thus through the smokable material 30. However, in some embodiments, one or both of the end member 14 and end closure 16 are provided with a breathable membrane or cover to allow air to pass between the cavity 18 and the exterior of the article 1.

[0069] In some embodiments, article 1 comprises a breathable membrane for admitting air into cavity 18 from the outside of article 1 and a seal (e.g., end closure 16) between the breathable membrane and the outside of article 1. The seal seals the breathable membrane from the outside of article 1 and can be torn or removed from article 1 to place the breathable membrane, and thus cavity 18, in fluid communication with the outside of article 1. In some embodiments, article 1 comprises a vapor-permeable membrane for allowing vapor generated in cavity 18 to flow to the outside of article 1 and a seal (e.g., end member 14) between the vapor-permeable membrane and the outside of article 1. The seal seals the vapor-permeable membrane from the outside of article 1 and can be torn or removed from article 1 to place the vapor-permeable membrane, and thus cavity 18, in fluid communication with the outside of article 1.

[0070] In some embodiments, for example, in some embodiments where the smokable material includes a liquid, one or both of the end member 14 and the end closure 16 may be provided with a hydrophobic membrane or cover to help prevent the liquid from escaping the cavity 18. Indeed, any of the breathable or vapor-permeable membranes discussed herein may be provided with a hydrophobic membrane or cover to help prevent the liquid from escaping the cavity 18.

[0071] In some embodiments, the article comprises a tip defining a passageway in fluid communication with cavity 18. Referring to Figure 3, a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an example article 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The portion of article 2 labeled 50 may comprise any of the structures shown in Figures 1 and 2, or any of the variations of those structures described above. Tip 60 and its passageway 62 are shown connected to the structure, with passageway 62 aligned to be in fluid communication with cavity 18 of the structure. Tip 60 may be made from any suitable material, such as plastic, cardboard, or rubber.

[0072] In use, when the smokable material 30 is heated by the heated heating material, the volatile components of the smokable material 30 can be readily inhaled by the user. In embodiments where the article is a consumable product, once all or substantially all of the volatile component(s) of the smokable material 30 in the article have been consumed, the user can dispose of the tipping tip along with the rest of the article. This can be more hygienic than using the same tipping tip on multiple articles, can help ensure that the tipping tip is properly aligned with the smokable material, and provides the user with a clean, new tipping tip each time they wish to use a different article.

[0073] The mouthpiece 60, if present, may be provided with or impregnated with a flavoring agent, which may be positioned to be received by the hot vapor as it passes through the passageway 62 of the mouthpiece 60 during use.

[0074] In some embodiments, the article may comprise a passageway for fluidly connecting cavity 18 with the exterior of articles 1, 2, and an actuator operable to vary the cross-sectional area of ​​the passageway. Referring to Figure 4, a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an example article 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The portion of article 3 labeled 50 may comprise any of the structures shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, or any of the above-described variations of those structures.

[0075] In this embodiment, the article 3 comprises an element 70 defining a passageway 72 fluidly connecting the cavity 18 with the exterior of the article 3. The element 70 comprises an actuator 74 operable by a user and operably connected to a variable constriction portion 76. The actuator 74 may comprise, for example, a push button, a toggle switch, a dial, a touch screen, or the like. When a user operates the actuator 74, the variable constriction portion 76 varies the cross-sectional area of ​​the passageway 72 and, consequently, the rate of airflow through the article 3. This may vary the amount of force required by the user to draw the volatile component(s) of the smokable material 30 from the cavity 18 in use, and may also assist the user in retaining the volatile component(s) of the smokable material 30 within the cavity 18 between draws.

[0076] In some embodiments, element 70 can be located at the mouth end or downstream end of cavity 18. In other embodiments, element 70 can be located at an end of cavity 18 opposite the mouth end of cavity 18. In some embodiments, element 70 can be located at an end of cavity 18 opposite the end of cavity 18 to which a mouth end of an article, such as mouth end 60 shown in FIG. 3, connects. In some embodiments, element 70 can be located between cavity 18 and a mouth end of an article, such as mouth end 60 shown in FIG. 3. In some embodiments, element 70 can be combined with a mouth end of an article, such as mouth end 60 shown in FIG. 3, such that the variable cross-sectional area passageway is a mouth end passageway.

[0077] Each of the above-described articles 1, 2, and 3 and their variations can be used with a device for heating the smokable material 30 to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material 30. The device can be for heating the smokable material 30 to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material 30 without burning the smokable material 30. Any one of articles 1, 2, and 3(s) and such a device can be provided together as a system. The system can be in the form of a kit in which articles 1, 2, and 3 are separate from the device. Alternatively, the system can be in the form of an assembly in which articles 1, 2, and 3 are combined with the device. Examples of such systems are described below.

[0078] Referring to Figure 5, a schematic cross-sectional view of an example system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The system 1000 of this embodiment comprises the article 1 of Figure 2 and an apparatus 100 for heating smokable material 30 within the article 2 to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material 30. Generally, the apparatus 100 comprises an interface 111 for cooperating with the article 2, and a magnetic field generator 112 comprising a coil 114 for generating a varying magnetic field for penetrating the coil 22 of the article 2 when the interface 111 is cooperating with the article 2.

[0079] The device 100 in this embodiment comprises a body 110 and a tipping member 120. The tipping member 120 defines a passageway 122 therethrough. The tipping member 120 is positionable relative to the body 110 to cover an opening into the recess 111. When the tipping member 120 is positioned relative to the body 110 in this manner, the passageway 122 in the tipping member 120 is in fluid communication with the recess 111. In use, the passageway 122 serves as a passageway to allow volatile material to flow from the cavity 18 of an item 2 inserted in the recess 111 to the exterior of the device 100. In this embodiment, the tipping member 120 of the device 100 is removably engageable with the body 110 to connect the tipping member 120 to the body 110. In other embodiments, the tipping member 120 and the body 110 can be permanently connected, such as by a hinge or a flexible member. The tipping member 120 of the device 100 can be provided with or impregnated with a flavoring. The flavoring agent can be positioned so that, in use, it is received by the heated vapor as the vapor passes through the passageway 122 of the mouthpiece 120. In some embodiments, for example, in some embodiments where the article 2 itself includes a mouthpiece, the mouthpiece 120 of the device 100 can be omitted.

[0080] In this embodiment, the body 110 comprises an interface 111. In this embodiment, the interface 111 comprises a recess 111 for receiving at least a portion of the item 2. 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 items 1, 2, 3 to cooperate with them. In this embodiment, the recess 111 is elongated and sized and shaped to receive the item 2. In this embodiment, the recess 111 accommodates the entire item 2. In other embodiments, the recess 111 can receive only a portion of the item 2.

[0081] In this embodiment, the magnetic field generator 112 comprises a power supply 113, a coil 114, 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 a user to operate the controller 117.

[0082] 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.

[0083] The coil 114 can take any suitable form. In this embodiment, the coil 114 is a helical coil of a conductive material, such as copper. In some embodiments, the magnetic field generator 112 can include a magnetically permeable core around which the coil 114 is wound. Such a magnetically permeable core, in use, concentrates the magnetic flux generated by the coil 114, 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.

[0084] In this embodiment, the coil 114 of the magnetic field generator 112 extends along a longitudinal axis that substantially coincides with the longitudinal axis of the recess 111. In other embodiments, these axes may be aligned with one another by being parallel to one another, or may be angled relative to one another. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5 , when the item 2 is received in the recess 111, the longitudinal axis of the recess 111 substantially coincides with the longitudinal axis of the cavity 18 of the item 2.

[0085] In this embodiment, the impedance of the coil 114 of the magnetic field generator 112 is equal to or substantially equal to the impedance of the coil 22 of the item 2. If, instead, the impedance of the coil 22 of the item 2 is lower than the impedance of the coil 114 of the magnetic field generator 112, the voltage generated across the coil 22 of the item 2 in use may be lower than the voltage that can be generated across the coil 22 of the item 2 when the impedances are matched. Alternatively, if, instead, the impedance of the coil 22 of the item 2 is higher than the impedance of the coil 114 of the magnetic field generator 112, the current generated in the coil 22 of the item 2 when in use may be lower than the current that can be generated in the coil 22 of the item 2 when the impedances are matched. Matching the impedances may help balance the voltage and current to maximize the heating power generated in the coil 22 of the item 2 when heating during use.

[0086] Although the system 1000 in this embodiment includes the item 2 of Figure 2, in other embodiments, the system may include any other of the items described above. In such other items, the impedance of the coil 114 of the magnetic field generator 112 may be equal to or substantially equal to the impedance of the coil of the item.

[0087] In this embodiment, a device 116 for applying a varying 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 to control the device 116. More specifically, in this embodiment, the controller 117 controls the device 116 to control the supply of power from the power source 113 to the coil 114. In this embodiment, the controller 117 comprises an IC, such as an integrated circuit (IC) on a printed circuit board (PCB). In other embodiments, the controller 117 can take different forms. In some embodiments, the apparatus can 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 located on the exterior of the body 110. The user interface 118 can comprise a push button, a toggle switch, a dial, a touch screen, or the like.

[0088] 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. When the item 2 is placed in the recess 111, the coil 114 of the apparatus 100 and the coil 22 of the item 2 are positioned relative to each other so that the alternating magnetic field generated by the coil 114 penetrates the heating material of the coil 22 of the item 2. When the heating material of the coil 22 is an electrically conductive material, one or more eddy currents can be generated within the heating material. When the eddy currents flow within the heating material against the heating material's electrical resistance, the heating material is heated by Joule heating. As described above, when the heating material is made of a magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles within the heating material changes in response to changes in the applied magnetic field, thereby generating heat within the heating material.

[0089] The apparatus 100 of this embodiment includes a temperature sensor 119 for detecting the temperature of the recess 111. The temperature sensor 119 can be 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 items 1, 2, and 3. In some embodiments, the items 1, 2, and 3 can include a temperature detector, such as a resistance temperature detector (RTD), to detect the temperature of the items 1, 2, and 3. For example, the temperature detector can be disposed in or on the container 10 of the items 1, 2, and 3. The items 1, 2, and 3 can further include one or more terminals electrically or otherwise connected to the temperature detector. The terminal(s) can be for electrically or otherwise connecting to a temperature monitor of the apparatus 100 when the items 1, 2, and 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 items 1, 2, 3 while in use with the device 100.

[0090] In some embodiments, if the heating material of the coil 22 of the item 2 has an appropriate resistance, the response of the heating material to a temperature change may be sufficient to provide information about the temperature within the item 2. The temperature sensor 119 of the device 100 may further comprise a probe for analyzing the heating material.

[0091] 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 30 in the articles 1, 2, 3 placed in the recess 111 is heated at a predetermined temperature range sufficiently to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material 30 without combusting the smokable material 30. Thus, the controller 117, and the apparatus 100 as a whole, are configured to heat the smokable material 30 to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material 30 without combusting the smokable material 30. 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.

[0092] The device 100 may define an air inlet fluidly connecting the exterior of the device 100 with the recess 111. Such an air inlet may be defined by the body 110 of the device 100 and / or by the mouthpiece 120 of the device 100. A user may inhale the volatile component(s) of the smokable material 30 by drawing the volatile component(s) through the passageway 122 of the mouthpiece 120. Once the volatile component(s) leave the cavity 18 of the container 10 of the article 2, air may be drawn through the air inlet of the device 100 and into the recess 111. Furthermore, in embodiments in which the end member 14 and / or end closure 16 of the container 10 of the article 2 may be perforated, air may be drawn into the cavity 18 of the container 10 through one or both of the perforated end member 14 and end closure 16. Alternatively, in embodiments in which the article 2 includes a breathable membrane for allowing air to enter the cavity 18 from the outside of the article 2, a vapor-permeable membrane for allowing vapor generated in the cavity 18 to pass to the outside of the article 2, and first and second seals between the outside of the article 2 and the breathable membrane and the vapor-permeable membrane, respectively, a user can break or remove the first and second seals before using the device 100 and the article 2 to allow air to be drawn into the cavity 18 through the breathable membrane and vapor generated in the cavity 18 to pass through the vapor-permeable membrane and through the passage 122 of the mouthpiece 120.

[0093] The device may provide tactile feedback to the user, such as to indicate that heating is occurring, or to provide feedback via a timer to indicate that more than a predetermined percentage of the original amount of volatilizable component(s) of the smokable material 30 of articles 1, 2, 3 has been consumed, etc. The tactile feedback may be provided by coil interaction (i.e., magnetic response), by interaction of a conductive element with the coil 114 of the device 100, by rotation of an unbalanced motor, by repeatedly applying and removing current to a piezoelectric element, etc.

[0094] The device 100 may include two or more coils. The multiple coils of the device 100 may be operable to progressively heat the smokable material 30 in the articles 1, 2, and 3, thereby progressively 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 30 and vapor formation in the first region of the smokable material 30. Another coil may heat a second region of the heating material relatively slowly, initiating volatilization of at least one component of the smokable material 30 and vapor formation in the second region of the smokable material 30. Thus, vapor may be formed relatively quickly for inhalation by a user, and may continue to be formed thereafter for subsequent inhalation by a user, even after the first region of the smokable material 30 has ceased vapor generation. The second region of the smokable material 30, 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 30 is being heated.

[0095] In some embodiments, the coil of the article is a first coil, and the article may include a second coil of heating material that is heatable by the penetration of a varying magnetic field to heat the cavity 18 of the article. The first and second coils of the article may be substantially separately heatable by the varying magnetic fields generated by each of the multiple coils of the device 100. One of the first and second coils may be more susceptible to eddy currents induced therein by the penetration of the varying magnetic field than the other of the first and second coils. Such a structure may be operable to progressively heat the smokable material 30 within the article, thereby progressively producing vapour, in a manner similar to that described above.

[0096] In some embodiments, the heating material of the coil 22 may include 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.

[0097] In each of the above embodiments, the smokable material 30 includes tobacco. However, in variations of each of these embodiments, the smokable material 30 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 30 may include a vapor or aerosol former and a humectant (e.g., glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin, or diethylene glycol).

[0098] An article embodying the invention may be, for example, a cartridge or a capsule.

[0099] Each of the above articles 1, 2, and 3 can be used as a consumable item. Once all or substantially all of the volatilizable component(s) of the smokable material 30 of the article 1, 2, or 3 has been consumed, the user can remove the article 1, 2, or 3 from the device 100 and dispose of the article 1, 2, or 3. The user can subsequently reuse the device 100 with another of the articles 1, 2, or 3. However, in other embodiments, the articles 1, 2, or 3 can be refilled with smokable material 30 and reused in the device 100. Such refilling can be accomplished by removing the end closure 16 from the body 12 of the container 10 to access the cavity 18, removing any remnants of the previously used smokable material, placing new smokable material into the cavity 18, and then attaching the end closure 16 (either the original end closure 16 or the new end closure 16) over the second open end of the body 12 of the container 10. During such refilling, the coil 22 can be removed, for example, for cleaning or for replacement with a new coil 22 .

[0100] Each of the above articles 1, 2, 3 may be supplied with or without smokable material 30 within the cavity 18.

[0101] In some embodiments, the above items 1, 2, 3 are sold, supplied, or otherwise provided separately from the device 100 with which they can be used. However, in some embodiments, the device and one or more of the above items 1, 2, 3 may be provided together as a system, such as a kit or assembly, possibly with additional components such as cleaning implements.

[0102] 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 the device itself further comprises a heating material (e.g., in the form of a susceptor) for heating by penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field generated by a magnetic field generator, and heat generated by the device's own heating material can be transferred to the article to further heat the smokable material within the article.

[0103] To address various challenges and advance the art, the entire present disclosure provides illustrative examples of various embodiments that enable the claimed invention to be practiced, providing an improved article for use with an apparatus for heating smoking material to volatilize at least one component of the smoking material, and an improved system including the same. 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, components, steps, means, and the like. This disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but that may be claimed in the future. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1, 2, 3...article, 22...heating material coil, 100...device, 111...interface, 112...magnetic field generator, 114...coil for generating a varying magnetic field.

Claims

1. 1. An article for use with a device configured to heat smokable material to volatilize at least one component of said smokable material, comprising: a cavity configured to receive smokable material; a heater material that can be heated by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field and that heats the cavity; Equipped with a first portion of the heater material being more susceptible to eddy currents induced therein by the penetration of a varying magnetic field than a second portion of the heater material; (i) the first portion comprises a first material density and the second portion comprises a second material density different from the first material density; and / or (ii) An article wherein the first portion and the second portion are arranged adjacent to each other in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the article or the heater material.

2. 10. The article of claim 1, further comprising a closed circuit of heater material heatable by penetration of a varying magnetic field, said closed circuit comprising said heater material.

3. The article of claim 1 , wherein the heater material is disposed within the cavity.

4. The article of claim 1 , wherein the heater material comprises a coil of heater material.

5. The article of claim 4 , wherein the cavity is elongated and the coil extends along a longitudinal axis substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cavity.

6. The article of claim 1 , wherein the heater material comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of conductive materials, magnetic materials, and non-magnetic materials.

7. The article of claim 1 , wherein the heater material comprises a metal or metal alloy.

8. 10. The article of claim 1, wherein the heater material comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of aluminum, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, graphite, plain carbon steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, copper, and bronze.

9. The article of claim 1 , further comprising a container defining said cavity, said container being devoid of materials heatable by the penetration of a varying magnetic field.

10. The article of claim 1 , further comprising the smoking material received within the cavity.

11. 11. The article of claim 10, wherein the heating material is in contact with the smoking material.

12. The article of claim 10 , wherein the smoking material comprises tobacco and / or one or more humectants.

13. The article of claim 1 , further comprising a mouthpiece defining a passageway in fluid communication with the cavity.

14. The article of claim 1 , further comprising a passageway defined within the article and configured to fluidly connect the cavity with an exterior of the article, and an actuator operable to vary a cross-sectional area of ​​the passageway.

15. The article of claim 1 , wherein the cavity is sealed from the exterior of the article.

16. The article of claim 1 , further comprising a breathable membrane configured to allow air to enter the cavity from outside the article during use.

17. 17. The article of claim 16, further comprising a seal disposed between the breathable membrane and the exterior of the article, wherein the seal seals the breathable membrane from the exterior of the article and is breakable or removable from the article during use to place the breathable membrane in fluid communication with the exterior of the article.

18. The article of claim 1; an apparatus having an interface configured to cooperate with the article, and a magnetic field generator having a coil configured to generate a varying magnetic field that penetrates the heater material of the article when the interface is in cooperation with the article; A system comprising: A system wherein the impedance of the coil of the magnetic field generator is equal to or substantially equal to the impedance of the heater material of the article.

19. The system of claim 18 , wherein the interface defines a recess configured to receive at least a portion of the article.

20. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the recess is elongated and the coils of the magnetic field generator extend along a longitudinal axis substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the recess.

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