Heating assemblies and apparatus

Abstract

To provide a heating assembly for use with an apparatus for heating aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material.SOLUTION: The heating assembly comprises a body 10, a heating element 30, and a coupler. The body comprises a cavity 20 for storing the aerosolizable material and for insertion into a heating zone of the apparatus. A portion of the body is open or openable for insertion of the aerosolizable material into the cavity. The heating element is for use in heating the aerosolizable material when the aerosolizable material is in the cavity. The coupler is for coupling the heating assembly to a retainer of the apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heating assembly for use with an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, and a system comprising the heating assembly and an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material.

Background Art

[0002] Smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigars produce tobacco smoke by burning tobacco during use. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles by creating products that release compounds without burning. Examples of such products include so-called "non-combustion heating type" products or tobacco heating devices or products that release compounds by heating rather than burning the material. The material can be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] A first aspect of the present invention is a heating assembly for use with an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, the heating assembly comprising: a body having a cavity for storing the aerosolizable material and inserting it into a heating zone of the apparatus, a portion of the body being open or openable for inserting the aerosolizable material into the cavity; a heating element for use in heating the aerosolizable material when the aerosolizable material is in the cavity; and a coupling portion for coupling the heating assembly to a holding portion of the apparatus.

[0004] The connecting and retaining parts are configured to cooperate as an engagement mechanism. The connecting and retaining parts can cooperate to position a heating element within the device.

[0005] In exemplary embodiments, the heating assembly has an open end that can communicate with a cavity. In exemplary embodiments, the body has an open end that can communicate with a cavity.

[0006] In an exemplary embodiment, the coupling portion is for connecting to the retaining portion by an interlocking fit.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, the coupling portion comprises a first threaded portion for engaging with a corresponding second threaded portion of the retaining portion of the device.

[0008] In exemplary embodiments, the heating element extends into a cavity. In exemplary embodiments, the heating member extends from the base of the body. In exemplary embodiments, the heating member has a tapered portion for penetrating an aerosolizable material. In exemplary embodiments, the heating element is elongated. In exemplary embodiments, the heating element is a blade.

[0009] In exemplary embodiments, the heating element includes a heating material that can be heated by the intrusion of a fluctuating magnetic field. In exemplary embodiments, the body includes a material that is not sensitive to heating by a fluctuating magnetic field. The material may be ceramic, plastic, or other non-susceptor material.

[0010] In exemplary embodiments, the heating material includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of conductive materials, magnetic materials, and magnetically conductive materials.

[0011] In exemplary embodiments, the heating material includes a metal or a metal alloy.

[0012] In exemplary embodiments, the heating material includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of aluminum, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, graphite, steel, ordinary carbon steel, mild steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, molybdenum, silicon carbide, copper, and bronze.

[0013] In exemplary embodiments, the aerosolizable material includes and / or recycled tobacco and / or takes the form of a gel and / or includes an amorphous solid.

[0014] In exemplary embodiments, the heating element is heatable by electrical resistance. In exemplary embodiments, the heating assembly includes electrical contacts for activating the heating element by contacting corresponding electrical contacts of the apparatus.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the coupling is for restricting the longitudinal movement of the heating assembly relative to the apparatus when the heating assembly is coupled to the holding portion.

[0016] A second aspect of the present invention provides a heating assembly for use with a device for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, the heating assembly comprising a body having a cavity for housing the aerosolizable material and inserting into a heating zone of the device, the portion of which of the body is open or can be opened for inserting the aerosolizable material into the cavity, and a heating element for use when heating the aerosolizable material when the aerosolizable material is inside the cavity, the body comprising a first portion having a first width that can be inserted into the heating zone of the device, and a second portion having a second width greater than the first width that cannot be inserted into the heating zone.

[0017] In exemplary embodiments, the length of the first portion of the heating assembly in the longitudinal direction can be greater than the length of the second portion in the longitudinal direction.

[0018] In exemplary embodiments, the second portion comprises an aperture that communicates with the cavity, allowing an aerosolizable material to be inserted into the cavity through the aperture. In exemplary embodiments, at least the first portion comprises the cavity.

[0019] In exemplary embodiments, the heating element extends into the cavity. In exemplary embodiments, the heating member extends from the base of the body. In exemplary embodiments, the heating member extends from the base of the first portion into the cavity toward the second portion. In exemplary embodiments, the heating member includes an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first portion. In exemplary embodiments, the axis of the heating member is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the first portion. In exemplary embodiments, the heating member includes a tapered portion for penetrating an aerosolizable material. In exemplary embodiments, the heating element is elongated. In exemplary embodiments, the heating element is a blade.

[0020] In exemplary embodiments, the heating element includes a heating material that can be heated by the intrusion of a fluctuating magnetic field. In exemplary embodiments, the body includes a material that is not sensitive to heating by a fluctuating magnetic field. The material may be a ceramic material.

[0021] In exemplary embodiments, the heating material includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of conductive materials, magnetic materials, and magnetically conductive materials.

[0022] In exemplary embodiments, the heating material includes a metal or a metal alloy.

[0023] In exemplary embodiments, the heating material includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of aluminum, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, graphite, steel, ordinary carbon steel, mild steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, molybdenum, silicon carbide, copper, and bronze.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the aerosolizable material includes tobacco and / or is regenerated and / or is in the form of a gel and / or includes an amorphous solid.

[0025] A third aspect of the present invention is a heating assembly for use with an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, the heating assembly comprising a body having a cavity for storing the aerosolizable material and inserting it into a heating zone of the apparatus, a part of the body being open or openable for inserting the aerosolizable material into the cavity, and a heating element for use in heating the aerosolizable material when the aerosolizable material is in the cavity, the heating element protruding substantially linearly into the cavity from the wall of the cavity or being tubular and at least partially defining the wall of the cavity, providing a heating assembly.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating element includes a heating material that can be heated by the penetration of a varying magnetic field. In an exemplary embodiment, the body includes a material that is not sensitive to heating by a varying magnetic field. The material can be a ceramic material.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating material includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of a conductive material, a magnetic material, and a magnetoconductive material.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating material includes a metal or a metal alloy.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating material includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of aluminum, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, graphite, steel, plain carbon steel, mild steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, molybdenum, silicon carbide, copper, and bronze.

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, the aerosolizable material includes tobacco, and / or is regenerated, and / or is in the form of a gel, and / or includes an amorphous solid.

[0031] A fourth aspect of the present invention is an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, the apparatus comprising: a heating zone for receiving a body of a heating assembly; a heating device for causing heating of a heating element of the heating assembly when the heating assembly is present within the heating zone; and a sensor for detecting information regarding use of the apparatus and performing an operation when the information meets a predetermined criterion.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, the operation is to provide an indication when the information meets a predetermined criterion. In an exemplary embodiment, the indication can be displayed to warn the user by a visual / audible indicator.

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating device comprises a magnetic field generator for generating a variable magnetic field that penetrates the heating zone during use.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, the information includes information regarding the number of sessions of use of the apparatus and / or information regarding the total power-on time of the apparatus.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a memory for storing the information.

[0036] In exemplary embodiments, the device includes a controller for controlling a heating device based on information. In exemplary embodiments, the device includes an analyzer for analyzing information, and the controller controls heating based on the information analyzed by the analyzer. In exemplary embodiments, the controller modifies heating of a heating element when the analyzer determines that predetermined criteria are met. In exemplary embodiments, the controller reduces the heating power of a heating element when the analyzer determines that predetermined criteria are met. In exemplary embodiments, the controller disables heating of a heating element when the analyzer determines that predetermined criteria are met. In exemplary embodiments, actions performed by a sensor include an output to the controller, and the controller receives the output from the sensor.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a retainer for holding a heating assembly in a heating zone. In an exemplary embodiment, the retainer is for holding the heating assembly by an interlocking fit between the retainer and a connection to the heating assembly.

[0038] In exemplary embodiments, the heating element comprises a heating material that can be heated by the intrusion of a fluctuating magnetic field, and the heating device comprises a magnetic field generator for generating a fluctuating magnetic field that penetrates the corresponding portion of the heating element. In exemplary embodiments, the body comprises a material that is not sensitive to heating by a fluctuating magnetic field. The material may be a ceramic material.

[0039] In exemplary embodiments, the heating material includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of conductive materials, magnetic materials, and magnetically conductive materials.

[0040] In exemplary embodiments, the heating material includes a metal or a metal alloy.

[0041] In exemplary embodiments, the heating material includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of aluminum, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, graphite, steel, ordinary carbon steel, mild steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, molybdenum, silicon carbide, copper, and bronze.

[0042] In exemplary embodiments, the aerosolizable material includes and / or recycled tobacco and / or takes the form of a gel and / or includes an amorphous solid.

[0043] A fifth aspect of the present invention provides the apparatus described above and the heating assembly described above, wherein the heating zone of the apparatus is for receiving the body of the heating assembly.

[0044] A sixth aspect of the present invention provides a system for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, the system comprising: a heating assembly having a cavity for housing the aerosolizable material and a heating element for use in heating the aerosolizable material when the aerosolizable material is in the cavity; and a device having a heating zone for receiving the heating assembly and a heating device for causing heating of the heating element of the heating assembly when the heating assembly is in the heating zone, wherein the heating assembly is fully inserted into the heating zone of the device, and a portion of the heating assembly protrudes from the heating zone so that it can be grasped by a user to pull the heating assembly out of the heating zone.

[0045] In exemplary embodiments, the heating zone may have a shape complementary to the heating assembly so as to engage with the heating assembly.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, the heating zone can frictionally engage with the heating assembly.

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a retaining portion, the heating assembly comprises a coupling portion, and the retaining portion is for holding the coupling portion by an interlocking fit between the coupling portion and the retaining portion.

[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, the system is for heating a non-liquid aerosolizable material.

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment, the cavity is for receiving the aerosolizable material in the form of a rod.

[0050] In exemplary embodiments, the heating element comprises a heating material that can be heated by the intrusion of a fluctuating magnetic field, and the heating device comprises a magnetic field generator for generating a fluctuating magnetic field that penetrates the corresponding portion of the heating element. In exemplary embodiments, the body comprises a material that is not sensitive to heating by a fluctuating magnetic field. The material may be a ceramic material.

[0051] In exemplary embodiments, the heating material includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of conductive materials, magnetic materials, and magnetically conductive materials.

[0052] In exemplary embodiments, the heating material includes a metal or a metal alloy.

[0053] In exemplary embodiments, the heating material includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of aluminum, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, graphite, steel, ordinary carbon steel, mild steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, molybdenum, silicon carbide, copper, and bronze.

[0054] In exemplary embodiments, the aerosolizable material includes and / or recycled tobacco and / or takes the form of a gel and / or includes an amorphous solid.

[0055] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described merely as examples with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0056] [Figure 1] A schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary heating assembly for use with a device for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material is shown. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows an exemplary heating assembly and an example of an article containing an aerosolizable material that can be inserted into the heating assembly. [Figure 3] A schematic cross-sectional view is shown of an example of a system for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, and of an example of an article containing an aerosolizable material that can be inserted into the heating assembly of the system. [Figure 4] Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary system. [Figure 5] A schematic cross-sectional view is shown of another exemplary system for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0057] As used herein, the term “aerosolizable material” typically includes materials that provide volatile components upon heating, typically in the form of vapor or aerosol. “Aerosolizable material” may be non-tobacco-containing or tobacco-containing. “Aerosolizable material” may include, for example, one or more of tobacco itself, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, re-compound tobacco, tobacco extracts, homogenized tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. “Aerosolizable material” may take the form of ground tobacco, loose rag tobacco, extruded tobacco, re-compound tobacco, re-compound aerosolizable material, liquid, gel, amorphous solid, gelled sheet, powder, or mass. “Aerosolizable material” may also include other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine depending on the product. “Aerosolizable material” may include one or more humectants, such as glycerol or propylene glycol.

[0058] As mentioned above, aerosolizable materials can include "amorphous solids," which are sometimes alternatively referred to as "monolithic solids" (i.e., non-fibrous materials) or "dry gels." Amorphous solids are solid materials that may hold some kind of fluid, such as a liquid, internally. In some cases, aerosolizable materials contain approximately 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% amorphous solids, or approximately 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% amorphous solids. In some cases, aerosolizable materials consist solely of amorphous solids.

[0059] As used herein, the term "sheet" refers to an element whose width and length are substantially greater than its thickness. A sheet may be, for example, a strip.

[0060] As used herein, "heating material" or "heater material" refers to a material that can be heated by the intrusion of a fluctuating magnetic field.

[0061] Induction heating is the process by which a conductive object is heated by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field. This process is described by Faraday's law of induction and Ohm's law. An induction heater may comprise an electromagnet and a device that allows a fluctuating current, such as an alternating current, to pass through the electromagnet. When the electromagnet and the object to be heated are appropriately positioned relative to each other so that the fluctuating magnetic field resulting from the electromagnet penetrates the object, one or more eddy currents are generated inside the object. The object has resistance to the flow of current. Therefore, when such eddy currents are generated in an object, the object is heated by the flow against its electrical resistance. This process is called Joule heating, Ohmian heating, or resistance heating. An object that can be inductively heated is known as a susceptor.

[0062] It has been found that when a susceptor takes the form of a closed circuit, the magnetic coupling between the susceptor and the electromagnet during use is enhanced, resulting in increased or improved Joule heating.

[0063] Magnetic hysteresis heating is a process in which an object made from a magnetic material is heated by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field. 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 with the field. Therefore, when a fluctuating magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field generated by an electromagnet, penetrates a magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles changes in response to the application of the fluctuating magnetic field. This reorientation of magnetic dipoles generates heat in the magnetic material.

[0064] If an object is both conductive and magnetic, both Joule heating and magnetic hysteresis heating can occur within the object due to the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field. Furthermore, the use of magnetic materials can increase the strength of the magnetic field, potentially amplifying both Joule heating and magnetic hysteresis heating.

[0065] In each of the above processes, heat is generated within the object itself rather than from an external heat source. Therefore, by selecting suitable object materials and shapes, as well as appropriate magnitudes and orientations of the fluctuating magnetic field, rapid heating and a more uniform heat distribution can be achieved within the object. Furthermore, since induction heating and magnetic hysteresis heating do not require a physical connection between the fluctuating magnetic field source and the object, the design flexibility and control of the heating profile can be increased, and costs can be reduced.

[0066] Referring to Figure 1, a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a heating assembly 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The heating assembly 1 is intended for use with a device for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, such as the device 200 shown in Figure 4 and described below. The heating assembly 1 is configured to be removable or detachable from the device.

[0067] The heating assembly 1 comprises a body 10. The body 10 is formed from a first portion 11 and a second portion 12. The first portion 11 is for entering the heating zone of the apparatus. In this embodiment, the second portion 12 is not insertable into the heating zone of the apparatus. This is because the second portion 12 is located at a distance greater than the length of the heating zone of the apparatus, along the longitudinal axis AA, from the end of the first portion 11 (the end of the first portion 11 is the point furthest from the second portion). In addition, the second portion 12 has a width greater than the width of the heating zone of the apparatus (see Figure 3). Therefore, the second portion 12 cannot be inserted into the heating zone. In other embodiments, the width of the second portion 12 is less than or equal to the width of the heating zone. In such embodiments, the width of the second portion 12 can be less than or equal to the width of the first portion 11. The heating assembly 1 includes an abutment that limits the distance the heating assembly can enter the heating zone. In some embodiments, the heating assembly 1 does not have such an abutment. In the example shown, the contact area is the surface of the main body 10, for example, a first surface 10a, a second surface 10b, and / or a third surface 10c. Each or all of the first to third surfaces 10a to c can serve as a coupling for the heating assembly to connect the heating assembly to a corresponding retaining part of the apparatus. The coupling shown in Figure 1 is for connecting the corresponding retaining part by an interference fit. An example of such a retaining part is shown in Figure 3 and will be discussed in relation to Figure 3. In this embodiment, the first surface 10a, the second surface 10b, and the third surface 10c are flat. In other embodiments, at least one, but not all, of the first to third surfaces 10a to 10c may be flat. The first surface 10a and the third surface 10c are parallel to each other. The second surface 10b is perpendicular to the first surface 10a and the third surface 10c. However, in other embodiments, the respective surfaces may not be parallel and / or perpendicular.

[0068] The joint shown in Figure 1 relies on an interference fit with the retaining part of the device, but in some embodiments, a friction fit may suffice. When an interference fit is used, the width W1 of the first part 11 may be greater than the corresponding width of the heating zone of the device. Therefore, the second surface 10b may be configured to compress inward toward the longitudinal axis AA when the heating assembly 1 is inserted into the heating zone of the device. However, the interference fit provides better retention of the heating assembly 1 in the device. In the example of a friction fit, the second surface 10b is configured to engage by friction with the corresponding surface in the heating zone of the device, and the width W1 of the first part may be less than or equal to the corresponding width of the heating zone of the device, but the width W1 of the first part 11 does not change.

[0069] In some examples, the width W1 of the first portion 10 can vary toward the second portion 12 along the entire length of the first portion 11. Thus, the first portion 11 can have an outer surface that decreases in width from the end of the first portion 11, which can be the longitudinal spread of the heating assembly 1. In contrast, the inner width of the first portion 11 can be kept constant so that the wall thickness can increase toward the second portion 12. The outer surface can be tapered so that the engagement force increases as the heating assembly 1 is inserted into the heating zone of the device. The increase in engagement force can be proportional to the distance the heating assembly 1 is inserted into the heating zone of the device.

[0070] In some examples, the coupling may include a threaded member that engages with a corresponding threaded member of the retaining part. That is, the heating assembly 1 is engageable with the device by relative rotation of the heating assembly 1 and the device. This may, in some cases, be called a threaded action. An exemplary axis of rotation direction R is shown in Figure 1. In this example, the axis of rotation is the longitudinal axis AA. When the heating assembly 1 is engageable with the device by a threaded action, the first surface 10a or the second surface 10c may act as a contact member that limits the degree to which the heating assembly 1 enters the heating zone of the device. Alternatively, the threaded member itself may limit the range of entry of the heating assembly 1 into the heating zone. Other mechanical fasteners or connectors may be used as couplings and corresponding retaining parts, as long as they can couple the heating assembly 1 with the device. The second part 12 of the body 10 may include a threaded portion that functions as a coupling. Furthermore, or alternatively, the first portion 10a and / or third surface 10c of the second portion 12 may have an unthreaded portion that functions as a joint.

[0071] In this embodiment, the body 10 of the heating assembly 1 is a single unit such that the first part 11 and the second part 12 are integral with each other. Thus, the first part 11 and the second part 12 are fixed in place relative to each other. In this embodiment, the body 10 is generally T-shaped such that the second part 12 has a width W2 that is greater than the width W1 of the first part 11. That is, the outer width or diameter of the first part 11 is smaller than the outer width or diameter of the second part 12. The inner surface of the first part 11 can be parallel to the inner surface of the second part 12. The inner surfaces of the first part 11 and the second part 12 can be aligned with each other.

[0072] The main body 10 includes a cavity 20 for receiving and storing aerosolizable material, which can be in the form of a rod, as shown in Figure 2. The length range of the cavity 20 is defined by the base 14 of the heating assembly 1, which defines the inner end face of the first portion 11. The shape of the cavity 20 can be complementary to the shape of the article containing the aerosolizable material. In this embodiment, the cavity 20 has a circular cross-section and an overall cylindrical shape. In other embodiments, the cavity has a non-circular cross-section; for example, the cavity may be triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, or hexagonal. In this embodiment, the walls of the cavity 20 are closed so that the aerosolizable material inside the cavity 20 cannot be accessed through the walls of the cavity 20. Thus, the aerosolizable material can only be accessed through an inlet into which the aerosolizable material is inserted into the cavity 20. In other embodiments, the inlet may be through a side wall rather than an end of the cavity 20. In such examples, articles containing aerosolizable materials can be inserted radially with respect to the longitudinal axis AA.

[0073] As shown in Figure 1, a portion of the body 10 is open. The open portion allows access to the cavity 20 from the outside of the heating assembly 1. In some examples, the body 10 is openable to insert an aerosolizable material into the cavity 20. For example, the cavity 20 of the body 10 can be closed by a removable or openable cap or lid. An open end 40 of the body 10 that communicates with the cavity 20 is shown in Figure 1. The open end 40 is an aperture into which the aerosolizable material can be inserted. The open end 40 is located at the downstream end of the heating assembly 1, and the aerosolizable material is inserted through this open end 40, first upstream, toward the upstream end on the opposite side of the downstream end. During use, at least one component of the volatile aerosolizable material is configured to flow away from the heating assembly 1 and toward the downstream end. Thus, the aerosolizable material enters the cavity 20 through the open end 40. In this embodiment, the open end 40 is defined by a second portion 12.

[0074] The heating assembly 1 comprises a heating element 30. The heating element 30 may be a susceptor that can be inductively heated. The heating element 30 is configured to thermally approach the aerosolizable material when the aerosolizable material is inserted into the cavity 20 of the heating assembly 1. In contrast, the body 10 may be formed from a material that cannot be inductively heated. Thus, the body can function as an electrical insulator. In other embodiments, the heating element 30 may not be limited to being inductively heated. Thus, the heating element 30 may be heatable by electrical resistance. Thus, the heating assembly 1 may include electrical contacts for electrical connection to a device for electrically activating the heating element 30 by passing the heating element 30 through a flow of electrical energy.

[0075] The heating assembly 1, which includes a heating element 30, can be provided as a product that is discarded after use. That is, the heating element 30 can be fixed to the body 10 so that it cannot be easily removed from the body 10 by the user. Alternatively, the heating element 30 may be removable from the body 10 of the heating assembly 1 and discarded after use. Thus, the heating element 30 may be replaced with another heating element 30 when an article containing different types of aerosolizable materials, such as different fragrances, is inserted into the cavity 20 of the heating assembly 1. This helps to avoid cross-contamination of different fragrances. When provided as a removable item, the heating element 30 can be made combinable with the heating assembly 1 to form a consumable item. Thus, the heating element 30 can be attached to the body 10 of the heating assembly 1. Due to close contact between the heating element 30 and the consumable item (such as an article containing aerosolizable materials), aerosols or deposits of heated components from the consumable item may accumulate on the heating element 30. Therefore, to improve hygiene, the heating element 30 can be discarded and replaced with another heating element 30. As discussed in relation to Figure 4, the need for replacement can be determined by detecting information regarding the use of the device. For example, the user may receive a warning that the heating element 30 should be replaced after a predetermined number of sessions, e.g., at least 20 sessions. In some embodiments, the warning includes a visual and / or audible indicator. Each session can be the time between activation and deactivation of the heating element 30 while the user is inhaling an article to inhale volatile components generated by the aerosolizable material. The number of sessions required to replace the heating element 30 can be, for example, 20 to 40 sessions.

[0076] In this embodiment, the heating element 30 is elongated. Therefore, the length of the heating element 30 is greater than the width of the heating element 30 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis AA of the heating assembly 1. The heating element 30 extends from the base 14 of the body 10 into the cavity 20 of the heating assembly 1. The heating member includes a main body 31 and a tapered portion 32. The tapered portion 32 is located at the tip of the main body 31. The tapered portion 32 is for penetrating the aerosolizable material. In some embodiments, the tapered portion 32 is tapered. The taper may be toward the tip. Therefore, the heating element 30 shown in this embodiment can be a male member such as a rod, blade, or pin, and can be configured to penetrate an article containing an aerosolizable material when the article is received in the cavity 20 of the heating assembly 1. In this embodiment, the male member is configured to extend along the central axis AA of the heating zone 110. However, in other embodiments, the male member may be offset from the central axis AA. In either case, the male member is configured to automatically penetrate the article 70 containing the aerosolizable material when the article 70 is pressed against the male member. Once inserted into the cavity 20 of the heating assembly 1, the consumable comes into contact with the heating element 30 and engages tightly.

[0077] In some embodiments, the heating element 30 can be tubular. The tubular heating element 30 can be inserted into the cavity 20 of the main body 10. The tubular heating element 30 may have a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis AA of the heating device 1. The longitudinal axis of the heating element 30 may be coaxial with the longitudinal axis AA of the heating device 1. The tubular heating element 30 can at least partially define the wall of the cavity 20 into which an article containing an aerosolizable material is inserted. An example of this is shown in Figure 5 and discussed below.

[0078] Referring to Figure 2, an article 2 is shown comprising an aerosolizable material 2a in the form of a rod. Article 2 may comprise a cover around the aerosolizable material 2a. The cover encloses the aerosolizable material 2a and helps protect the aerosolizable material 2a from damage during transport and use of Article 2. The cover may comprise an adhesive (not shown) that bonds the overlapping free ends of the wrapper or covering together. The adhesive helps prevent the overlapping free ends of the covering from separating. In other embodiments, the adhesive and / or cover may be omitted. In yet another embodiment, the article may take a different form from any of those discussed above. Article 2 may comprise at least one filter (not shown). Article 2 includes a downstream end and an upstream end, the upstream end being insertable into the cavity 20 of the heating assembly 1 before the downstream end. Article 2 is configured so that a user inhales one or more volatile components of the aerosolizable material through the downstream end of Article 2.

[0079] Article 2 is insertable into the cavity 20 of the heating assembly 1 in the direction of the longitudinal axis AA. In this embodiment, the insertion direction of article 2 is the same as the insertion direction of the heating assembly 1 into the apparatus for heating the heating element 30 of the heating assembly 1. Thus, article 2 is inserted into the heating assembly 1 in the upstream direction. Similarly, the heating assembly 1 is inserted into the apparatus in the upstream direction. Article 2 has a mouth end and a distal end. The distal end is the upstream end, and the mouth end is the downstream end. The distal end of article 2a is first inserted into the cavity 20 through the open end 40. Thus, the heating assembly 1 has a downstream end (e.g., distal end) and an upstream end (e.g., proximal end). When article 2 is fully inserted into the cavity 20, it abuts against the downstream end but protrudes away from the proximal end.

[0080] An insertion force F1 is required to overcome the resistance of the heating assembly 1 in order to move article 2. The insertion force F1 can be substantially constant or can vary with the degree of insertion of article 2. As article 2 continues to be inserted into the cavity 20, the end of article 2 is perforated by the tapered portion 32 of the heating element 30. When fully inserted into the heating assembly 1, article 2 is configured to protrude from the heating assembly 1. The heating assembly 1 has a length L0 that is shorter than the length of article 2, thereby causing the protrusion. If the heating assembly 1 is removable from the device, article 2 can be inserted before or after the heating assembly 1 is coupled to the device. Similarly, article 2 can be removed from the heating assembly 1 before or after the heating assembly 1 is disconnected from the device. The coupling portion of the heating assembly 1 can resist the movement of the heating assembly 1 from the retaining portion of the device when article 2 is pulled out of the heating assembly 1. Thus, the connecting force of the coupling portion and the retaining portion can be greater than the force required to remove article 2 from the heating assembly 1.

[0081] Referring to Figure 3, a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a system 2000 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The system 2000 comprises a device 200 and a heating assembly 1, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, which can be inserted into the device. Further shown is an article 2 containing an aerosolizable material 2a, as discussed in Figure 2. As discussed with respect to Figures 1 and 2, the heating assembly 1 comprises a heating element 30 for use in heating the aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material. The device 200 comprises a magnetic field generator 212 for generating a fluctuating magnetic field when in use. The heating element 1 is formed from a heating material that can be heated by the intrusion of a fluctuating magnetic field. The magnetic field generator 212 comprises a power supply 213 and a device 216 for passing a fluctuating current, such as an alternating current, through a coil 214.

[0082] The apparatus 200 comprises a housing 210 defining a heating zone 211, which is a chamber into which the heating assembly 1 can be inserted. Thus, the chamber of the apparatus 200 is a receiving section. The chamber may have a surface shape that complements the bonding surface of the heating assembly 1.

[0083] As shown in Figure 3, article 2 is first inserted into heating assembly 1 before heating assembly 1 and article 2 are inserted together into heating zone 211 of device 200. However, heating assembly 1 may first be inserted into heating zone 211 of device 200 before article 2 is inserted into the cavity 20 of heating assembly 1. The combined heating assembly 1 and article 2 are inserted in direction X, which corresponds to the longitudinal dimension of the device. Once inserted, heating assembly 1 can be constrained by device 200 so that heating assembly 1 cannot move relative to device 200 in direction Y, which is perpendicular to direction X.

[0084] The heating assembly 1 is shown together with bonding regions, for example, a first surface 10a, a second surface 10b, and a third surface 10c. Each bonding region can be called a bonding portion. While a single bonding portion 10a, 10b, 10c may be required to engage with the corresponding retaining portions 200a, 200b, 200c of the apparatus, multiple bonding portions may be provided. When the heating assembly 1 is installed in the apparatus 200, the bonding portions 10a, 10b, 10c may be suitable for restricting the movement of the heating assembly 1 relative to the apparatus 200, for example, longitudinal movement. Thus, the bonding portions 10a, 10b, 10c and / or retaining portions 200a, 200b, 200c function as retaining members that prevent the movement of the heating assembly 1, holding the heating assembly 1 within the apparatus 200 with respect to movement in at least one direction of movement, for example, direction X and / or direction Y. Such movement can be, for example, axial movement (corresponding to direction X) of the heating assembly 1 along the longitudinal axis AA shown in Figure 1. The coupling parts 10a, 10b, 10c and / or the holding parts 200a, 200b, 200c can resist translational movement (corresponding to direction Y) of the heating assembly 1. Alternatively, or further, each coupling part 10a, 10b, 10c and / or each corresponding holding part 200a, 200b, 200c can resist rotation of the heating assembly 1 relative to the device 200 about the longitudinal axis AA.

[0085] The connecting parts 10a, 10b, 10c and / or retaining parts 200a, 200b, 200c can be contact members for contacting at least one surface of the corresponding device 200 or heating assembly 1. The connecting parts 10a, 10b, 10c and / or retaining parts 200a, 200b, 200c can restrict the range of motion of the heating assembly 1.

[0086] In particular, when an article containing an aerosolizable material is removed from the heating assembly 1, the couplings 10a, 10b, and 10c can be prevented by the corresponding contact members or parts of the device 200 from moving within the device 200. In contrast to relying on restricting movement by a press-fit relationship between the body 10 of the heating assembly 1 and the device 200, the interaction between the couplings 10a, 10b, and 10c and the corresponding retaining parts 200a, 200b, and 200c can be used to hold the heating assembly 1 in a specific location within the device 200. Thus, an engagement force F2 may be required to connect the heating assembly 1 to the device 200. The engagement force F2 can be greater than the insertion force F1 described in relation to Figure 2.

[0087] In this example, a press-fit relationship is when the first member can be inserted into the second member using an insertion force. The insertion force is a force that can be applied by the user's fingers to overcome the frictional resistance between the first and second members. The frictional resistance holds the first and second members together as a single unit under friction. Therefore, separation of the first and second members is achieved by applying a finger force similar to the insertion force. In a press-fit relationship, the first and second members cannot move freely relative to each other, but they are also not permanently fixed in a fixed position relative to each other.

[0088] The connecting parts 10a, 10b, 10c and the corresponding retaining parts 200a, 200b, 200c can prevent the heating assembly 1 from moving freely without being fixed in place. Therefore, the connecting parts 10a, 10b, 10c and the corresponding retaining parts 200a, 200b, 200c facilitate improved retention of the heating assembly 1 in the apparatus 200, such as in the example described in Figure 4. By placing the heating assembly 1 near an article containing an aerosolizable material, improved heat transfer to the article is achieved.

[0089] Referring to Figure 4, a cross-sectional view of an example of system 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Features in Figure 4 that have the same reference numerals as those in Figures 1 to 3 are the same.

[0090] The system 2000 comprises a device 200 and a heating assembly 1 insertable into the device, the heating assembly 1 comprising a heating element 30 for use in heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material. The device 2000 comprises a magnetic field generator 212 for generating a fluctuating magnetic field during use. The heating element 1 is formed from a heating material that can be heated by the intrusion of a fluctuating magnetic field.

[0091] More specifically, the apparatus 200 of this embodiment comprises a housing 210. A mouthpiece (not shown) can be connected to the housing 210 and / or the heating assembly 1. The mouthpiece can be made from any suitable material such as plastic, cardboard, cellulose acetate, paper, metal, glass, ceramic, or rubber. The mouthpiece can define a channel through which it passes. The mouthpiece can be positioned relative to the housing 210 so as to cover the opening of the heating assembly 1 to the heating zone 211 or cavity 20 when the heating assembly 1 is inserted into the heating zone 211. When the mouthpiece is positioned relative to the housing 210 in this manner, the channel of the mouthpiece is in fluid communication with the heating zone 211. In use, the channel functions as a passage that allows volatile material to pass from the aerosolizable material of the article inserted into the heating zone 211 to the outside of the apparatus 200. The mouthpiece of the apparatus 200 may be releasably engaged with the housing 210 in order to connect the mouthpiece to the housing 210. In other embodiments, the mouthpiece and housing 210 may be permanently connected by a hinge or a flexible member, etc. In some embodiments, such as embodiments in which the article itself includes a mouthpiece, the mouthpiece 120 of the device 200 may be omitted.

[0092] The apparatus 200 may define an air inlet (not shown) that fluidly connects the heating zone 211 to the outside of the apparatus 200. Such an air inlet may be defined by the housing 210 and / or an optional mouthpiece. The user may be able to aspirate one or more volatile components of the aerosolizable material by drawing them in through the channel of the optional mouthpiece. Once one or more volatile components have been removed from the article, air may be drawn into the heating zone 211 through the air inlet of the apparatus 200.

[0093] In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, there is no mouthpiece. Articles comprising an aerosolizable material (also not shown) may have an oral end for the user to inhale one or more volatile components of the aerosolizable material. The oral end can function as a mouthpiece. Thus, the cavity 20 of the heating assembly remains open until an article is inserted into the cavity 20 to close the open end 40 of the heating assembly 1.

[0094] In this embodiment, the housing 210 of the apparatus 200 receives the heating assembly 1, which includes the heating element 30. Therefore, the internal dimensions, for example, the inner diameter, of the heating zone 211 of the apparatus 200 are greater than the first width W1 of the body 2 of the heating assembly 1. In this embodiment, the walls of the cavity 20, which are the inner surfaces of the cavity 20, constrain the heating zone 211 and engage with a portion of an article containing an aerosolizable material. The portion of the article is the upstream portion. The walls of the cavity 20 cooperate with the article and mechanically bond with it to receive the article. In this embodiment, the heating zone 211 is elongated and sized and shaped to accommodate the entire first portion 11 of the body 10 of the heating assembly 1. In other embodiments, the heating zone 211 may be sized to accommodate only a portion of the first portion 11 of the body 10.

[0095] The heating assembly 1, comprising the heating element 30, can be housed within the housing of the main body 210 of the device 200. The heating element 30 is positioned to partially extend into a portion of the housing of the main body 210, such as the upstream portion of the housing. The heating assembly 1 includes a contact portion that determines the extent to which the heating assembly 1 enters the heating zone 211. The wall of the second portion 12 of the main body 10 of the heating assembly can function as a contact portion that abuts against the corresponding wall of the housing 210 of the device 200. The wall is an outer wall. The wall can be the upstream wall of the second portion 12 of the main body 10, and / or the upstream wall of the first portion 11 of the main body 10. Alternatively, the extent to which the heating assembly 1 enters the heating zone 211 can be determined by the full operation of an engagement mechanism, such as a threaded portion. The contact portion prevents the movement of the heating assembly 1 by contact between the device 200 and the heating assembly 1. When the heating assembly 1 is installed within the apparatus 200, the contact portion can restrict the movement of the heating assembly 1 relative to the apparatus 200 by contact with the contact portion. The heating assembly 1 is removable from the apparatus 200, for example, to access the heating zone 211 and to clean or inspect the heating zone 211.

[0096] In this embodiment, the magnetic field generator 212 comprises a power supply 213, a coil 214, a device 216 for passing a fluctuating current such as alternating current through the coil 214, a controller 217, and a user interface 218 for user operation of the controller 217. The apparatus 200 of this embodiment further comprises a temperature sensor 219 for sensing the temperature of the heating zone 211.

[0097] In this embodiment, the device 200 further includes a sensor 215 that detects information regarding the use of the device 200 when the device 200 is coupled to the heating assembly 1. The information can be stored in the device's memory 222, which is a data storage device. The sensor 215 will perform further actions when the information meets predetermined criteria. In some embodiments, the sensor provides an indication of when the information meets predetermined criteria. The predetermined criteria may be the total power-on time. For example, the information detected by the sensor 215 may be elapsed time. Thus, the total power-on time corresponds to the detected time elapsed since the device 200 was turned on. The device 200 can be considered turned on when the heating element 30 is first activated. Alternatively, or in addition, the sensor 215 may detect information regarding the number of sessions of use of the device. A single session may include a predetermined number of articles sucked in by the user. Alternatively, a single session may include a predetermined time since the user first sucked in an article or since the heating element 30 was first activated or started.

[0098] The controller 217 is configured to control the heating device 216 based on information. In some embodiments, the information can be analyzed by an analyzer 220 of the device 200. The analyzer 220 receives information from at least one sensor 215, 219, and this information is sent to the controller to determine how to control the heating device 216 based on the information analyzed by the analyzer 220. For example, the heating device 216 can be configured to measure the number of sessions, which can be the number of times the power-on button or puff sensor is activated, or it can be configured to measure the total power consumption or total power-on time. When a threshold is reached, the heating device 216 can indicate to the user that the heating element 30 needs to be changed and / or that the heating device 216 may not allow the heating element 30 to be heated.

[0099] In this embodiment, the power supply 213 is a rechargeable battery. In other embodiments, the power supply 213 may be something other than a rechargeable battery, such as a non-rechargeable battery, a capacitor, a hybrid battery / capacitor, or a connection to a main power supply.

[0100] The coil 214 can take any suitable form. In this embodiment, the coil 214 is a helical coil of a conductive material such as copper. In some embodiments, the magnetic field generator 212 may include a permeable core around which the coil 214 is wound. Such a permeable core concentrates the magnetic flux generated by the coil 214 during use, resulting in a stronger magnetic field. The permeable core can be made from, for example, iron. In some embodiments, the permeable core may extend only partially along the length of the coil 214 in order to concentrate the magnetic flux only in a specific region. In some embodiments, the coil 214 may be a flat coil; that is, the coil 214 may be a two-dimensional spiral. In this embodiment, the coil 214 surrounds the heating zone 211. The coil 214 extends along a longitudinal axis substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the heating zone 211. The aligned axes coincide. In variations of this embodiment, the aligned axes may be parallel or oblique to each other. In other embodiments, the coil 214 may be other than helical. For example, the coil 214 may be spiral. In some embodiments, the magnetic field generator 212 comprises a plurality of coils 214 for generating corresponding magnetic fields to penetrate corresponding portions of the heating element 30.

[0101] When the heating assembly 1 is coupled to the device 200, a length L1 of the heating assembly 1 protrudes from the cavity 20. As shown in Figure 4, the protrusion may be included in at least a portion of the second portion 12 of the body 10 of the heating assembly 1. The protrusion provides a portion that can be gripped by a user to detach the heating assembly 1 from the device 2 and remove the heating assembly 1. That is, a portion of the heating assembly 1 protrudes from within the heating zone 211 so that it can be gripped by a user to pull the heating assembly 1 out of the heating zone 211. This portion may be configured to be gripped by a user's fingers, and may not require a tool to remove the heating assembly 1. This portion can be rotated or moved linearly relative to the device 200 to pull the heating assembly 1 out of the device 200.

[0102] Referring to Figure 5, a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of system 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. System 2000 comprises a device 200 and a heating assembly 1 insertable into the device, the heating assembly 1 comprising a heating element 30a for use in heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material. Features in Figure 5 that have the same reference numerals as in Figure 4 are the same. The difference between Figure 4 and Figure 5 is that the heating element 30 in Figure 4 is elongated and in the shape of a blade, whereas in Figure 5 the heating element 30a is tubular.

[0103] The heating element 30a shown in Figure 5 is hollow. The heating element 30a can be formed from a sheet. The heating element 30a can be a single unit. The sheet can have a certain thickness. The heating element 30a can have a certain cross-sectional shape. For example, the heating element 30a can have a substantially circular, square, or rectangular cross-section along its length. The length of the heating element 30a can be greater than the width of the heating element 30a perpendicular to its length. In other embodiments, the length and width can be substantially equal. In yet another embodiment, the heating element 30a can have a length less than its width.

[0104] The heating element 30a shown in Figure 5 is substantially cylindrical with a circular cross-section. In other embodiments, the heating element 30a may have an oval or elliptical cross-section, or may not be cylindrical. In some embodiments, the heating element 30a may have, for example, a polygonal, quadrilateral, rectangular, square, triangular, star-shaped, or irregularly shaped cross-section. In this embodiment, the heating element 30a is a tube. The heating element 30a comprises a chamber, which is a hollow inner region of the tube. The chamber may correspond to a heating zone when the heating element 30a is placed in the apparatus 200. The chamber is configured to receive an aerosolizable material.

[0105] The heating element 30a may include an extruded member formed by an extrusion process. The extruded member may be tubular in shape so that the cross-section of the main body is connected without seams.

[0106] The heating element 30a in Figure 5 is open at both a first end and a second end opposite the first end. Thus, the first end has a first opening, and the second end has a second opening. The first and second openings can be axially aligned on the longitudinal axis AA shown in Figure 1. The first and second openings can be parallel to each other. The aerosolizable material can be inserted into the cavity 20 through the opening 40. Thus, the opening 40 is the initial point of passage for the aerosolizable material into the cavity 20. One or more longitudinal walls of the heating element 30a extend between the first and second ends of the heating element 30a. Alternatively, the heating element 30a may have a single open end.

[0107] The thickness of the heating element 30a can be less than 100 μm. The thickness can be 10 μm to 40 μm. The thickness can be 20 μm to 30 μm. The thickness can be approximately 25 μm.

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

[0109] In some embodiments, the sheet containing the heating material has no holes or cuts. In some embodiments, the sheet containing the heating material includes a foil made of metal or a metal alloy, such as aluminum foil. However, in some embodiments, the sheet containing the heating material may have holes or cuts. For example, in some embodiments, the sheet containing the heating material may include a mesh, a perforated sheet, or a perforated foil made of metal or a metal alloy, such as perforated aluminum foil.

[0110] In some embodiments, where the heating material includes iron or aluminum such as steel (e.g., mild steel or stainless steel), the sheet containing the heating material can be coated to help prevent corrosion or oxidation of the heating material during use. Such coatings may include, for example, nickel plating, gold plating, or ceramic or inert polymer coatings. In some embodiments, the sheet containing the heating material includes or consists of nickel-plated aluminum foil.

[0111] The heating material may have a skin depth that is the outer zone where most of the induced current and / or induced reorientation of magnetic dipoles occurs. Assuming the thickness of the heating material is relatively small, a larger proportion of the heating material may be heated by a given fluctuating magnetic field compared to heating materials with relatively large depths or thicknesses compared to other dimensions of the heating material. This leads to more efficient use of the material and, consequently, lower costs.

[0112] In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material includes tobacco. However, in other embodiments, the aerosolizable material may consist of tobacco, may consist substantially entirely of tobacco, may contain tobacco and other aerosolizable materials, may contain other aerosolizable materials, or may not contain tobacco. In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material may contain vapor or aerosol-forming agents, or humectants such as glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin, or diethylene glycol.

[0113] In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material is a non-liquid aerosolizable material, and the apparatus heats the non-liquid aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material.

[0114] In some embodiments, article 2 is a consumable item. When all or substantially all of one or more volatile components of the aerosolizable material 2a in article 2 are used up, the user can remove article 2 from the cavity 20 of the heating assembly 1 and discard it. The user can then reuse the apparatus 200 with another article 2. However, in each of the other embodiments, article 2 does not have to be consumable with respect to the heating assembly. That is, when one or more volatile components of the aerosolizable material 2a are used up, the heating assembly 1 and article 2 can be discarded together.

[0115] In some embodiments, article 2 is sold, supplied, or otherwise provided separately from the apparatus 200 which can be used with article 2. However, in some embodiments, the apparatus 200 and one or more of the articles 2 may be provided together as a system such as a kit or assembly, possibly with additional components such as cleaning tools.

[0116] To address various issues and advance technology, this disclosure as a whole enables the implementation of the claimed invention and provides various embodiments for illustrative purposes that enable a superior heating element for use with a device for heating an aerosolizable material, a method for forming a heating element for use with a device for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, a device for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, and a system comprising a heating element that can be heated by such a device. The advantages and features of this disclosure are merely representative samples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. They are presented solely for the purpose of assisting and teaching the understanding of the features claimed and otherwise disclosed. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of this disclosure should not be considered as limitations to this disclosure as defined by the claims, or to equivalents of the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments can be used and improved upon without departing from the scope and / or spirit of this disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably include, consist of, or essentially consist of various combinations of elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. of the disclosure. The disclosure may also include other inventions that are not claimed at present but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. A heating assembly for use with a device for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, A body having a cavity for storing the aerosolizable material and for insertion into the heating zone of the apparatus, comprising a first part and a second part, wherein the second part of the body defines an open end and is open or can be opened for insertion of the aerosolizable material into the cavity, A heating element extending into the cavity for use when heating the aerosolizable material while the aerosolizable material is inside the cavity, A coupling portion for connecting the heating assembly to the holding portion of the device, Equipped with, A heating assembly comprising a body, the base defining the inner end face of the first portion of the body, and the walls of the cavity being closed such that the aerosolizable material in the cavity cannot be accessed through the walls of the cavity, but only through the open end of the second portion which forms an entrance into which the aerosolizable material is inserted.

2. The heating assembly according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion is for connecting the retaining portion by interlocking with the retaining portion.

3. The heating assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the coupling portion comprises a first threaded portion for engaging with a corresponding second threaded portion of the holding portion of the device.

4. The heating assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the heating element comprises a heating material that can be heated by the intrusion of a fluctuating magnetic field.

5. The heating assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the coupling portion is for restricting the longitudinal movement of the heating assembly relative to the device when the heating assembly is coupled to the holding portion.

6. A heating assembly for use with a device for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, A body having a cavity for storing the aerosolizable material and for insertion into the heating zone of the apparatus, comprising a first part and a second part, wherein the second part of the body defines an open end and is open or can be opened for insertion of the aerosolizable material into the cavity, A heating element extending into the cavity for use when heating the aerosolizable material while the aerosolizable material is inside the cavity, Equipped with, The first portion of the main body has a first width that can be inserted into the heating zone of the device, and the second portion of the main body has a second width that is larger than the first width and cannot be inserted into the heating zone. A heating assembly comprising a body, the base defining the inner end face of the first portion of the body, the wall of the cavity being closed so that the aerosolizable material in the cavity cannot be accessed through the wall of the cavity, and can only be accessed by the open end of the second portion which forms an entrance into which the aerosolizable material is inserted.

7. The heating assembly according to claim 6, wherein the second portion comprises an aperture that can communicate with the cavity, and the aerosolizable material can be inserted into the cavity through the aperture.

8. The heating assembly according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the heating element extends from the base of the first portion into the cavity toward the second portion.

9. The heating assembly according to claim 8, wherein the heating element has an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first portion.

10. The heating assembly according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the heating element comprises a tapered portion for penetrating into an aerosolizable material.

11. A heating assembly for use with a device for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, A body having a cavity for storing the aerosolizable material and for insertion into the heating zone of the apparatus, comprising a first part and a second part, wherein the second part of the body defines an open end and is open or can be opened for insertion of the aerosolizable material into the cavity, A heating element extending into the cavity for use when heating the aerosolizable material while the aerosolizable material is inside the cavity, Equipped with, The heating element protrudes substantially linearly from the wall of the cavity into the cavity, A heating assembly comprising a body, the body, the base defining the inner end face of the first portion of the body, the base closing the walls of the cavity so that the aerosolizable material in the cavity cannot be accessed through the walls of the cavity, and can only be accessed by the open end of the second portion which forms an entrance into which the aerosolizable material is inserted.

12. A system for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, A heating assembly comprising a body and a heating element, wherein the body comprises a cavity for housing the aerosolizable material, a first portion and a second portion, and a base, the second portion of the body being open or openable for insertion of the aerosolizable material into the cavity, the base defining the inner end face of the first portion of the body, the wall of the cavity being closed so that the aerosolizable material in the cavity cannot be accessed through the wall of the cavity and can only be accessed by the open end of the second portion forming an entrance into which the aerosolizable material is inserted, and the heating element extending into the cavity for use in heating the aerosolizable material when the aerosolizable material is in the cavity, An apparatus comprising a heating zone for receiving the heating assembly, and a heating device for causing heating of the heating elements of the heating assembly when the heating assembly is located within the heating zone, Equipped with, A system wherein, when the heating assembly is fully inserted into the heating zone of the apparatus, a portion of the heating assembly protrudes from the heating zone so that it can be grasped by a user to pull the heating assembly out of the heating zone.

13. The device includes a holding part, The heating assembly includes a connecting portion, The system according to claim 12, wherein the retaining portion is for holding the connecting portion by an interlocking fit between the connecting portion and the retaining portion.

14. The system according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the system is for heating a non-liquid aerosolizable material.

15. The system according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the cavity is for receiving the aerosolizable material in the form of a rod.

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