JP7717817B2 - Non-flammable aerosol delivery device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a non-flammable aerosol delivery device that heats an aerosol-forming material in a consumable product to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-forming material.

Cigarettes, cigars, and other articles burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these tobacco-burning articles by creating products that release compounds without combustion. Examples of such products are so-called non-combustion heating products (also known as tobacco heating products) or tobacco heating devices, which release compounds by heating a material without burning it. This material may be, for example, tobacco, other non-tobacco products, or a combination such as a blended mix, and may or may not contain nicotine.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a non-flammable aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material contained in a consumable, the non-flammable aerosol delivery device comprising: a receptacle for receiving the consumable; and an adapter configured to adapt the non-flammable aerosol delivery device when received in the receptacle for use by changing the effective length of the receptacle so that multiple consumables of different lengths individually receivable in the receptacle each protrude from the non-flammable aerosol delivery device by a substantially equal amount.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a non-flammable aerosol delivery system comprising: a non-flammable aerosol delivery device according to the first aspect; a first consumable containing an aerosol-generating material and having a first width; and a second consumable containing an aerosol-generating material and having a second width smaller than the first width.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a non-flammable aerosol delivery system comprising the non-flammable aerosol delivery device according to the first aspect, a first consumable containing an aerosol-generating material and having a first length, and a second consumable containing an aerosol-generating material and having a second length greater than the first length.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a non-combustible aerosol delivery device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol-forming material contained in a consumable product. FIG. 1 is a schematic block cross-sectional side view of a second non-combustible aerosol delivery device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol-forming material contained in a consumable product. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a first consumable containing an aerosol-forming material. FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of a second consumable containing an aerosol-forming material. FIG. 1 is a first schematic cross-sectional side view of a second non-flammable aerosol delivery device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a second schematic cross-sectional side view of a second non-flammable aerosol delivery device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a first schematic perspective view of a second non-flammable aerosol delivery device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a second schematic perspective view of a second non-flammable aerosol delivery device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a first schematic perspective view of a cross-sectional side view of a second non-flammable aerosol delivery device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a second schematic perspective view of a cross-sectional side view of a second non-flammable aerosol delivery device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a first cross-sectional side view of a second non-flammable aerosol delivery device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a third schematic perspective view of a cross-sectional side view of a second non-combustible aerosol delivery device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a second schematic cross-sectional side view of a second non-flammable aerosol delivery device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a first schematic perspective view of a second non-flammable aerosol delivery device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a second schematic perspective view of a second non-flammable aerosol delivery device according to a third embodiment.

Detailed Description
1 is a schematic block diagram of a non-combustible aerosol delivery device 100. The non-combustible aerosol delivery device 100 includes a receptacle, such as a chamber, cavity, or holder, for receiving a consumable containing an aerosol-generating material. For example, the receptacle may be a heating chamber 102. The following description is based on the example in which the receptacle is a heating chamber.

An aerosol-generating material is a material capable of generating an aerosol when supplied with energy, for example, by heating, irradiation, or any other method. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain active substances and/or flavorings. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise an "amorphous solid," which may alternatively be referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e., non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material capable of retaining some fluid, such as a liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, approximately 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% to approximately 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% amorphous solid.

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

A consumable is an item containing or consisting of an aerosol-generating material, intended to be consumed, in part or in whole, upon use by a user. A consumable may include one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter, and/or an aerosol modifier. A consumable may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that releases heat upon use to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material. The heater may include, for example, a combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

The non-combustible aerosol delivery device 100 is for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material in a consumable product. The non-combustible aerosol delivery device 100 includes an aerosol generator that generates an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material. In some examples, the non-combustible aerosol delivery device 100 is for heating the aerosol-generating material in the consumable product to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material. In such examples, the aerosol generator functions to provide heat to the aerosol-generating material. In other examples, the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to apply one or more of vibrations, high pressure, electrostatic energy, or ultrasonic energy to the aerosol-generating material. In some such examples, the aerosol generator includes one or more piezoelectric elements that apply vibrations to the aerosol-generating material.

The non-combustible aerosol delivery device 100 may be configured to deliver an aerosol generated by heating an aerosolizable material. The consumable may be an article of tobacco heating product (THP). The non-combustible aerosol delivery device 100 may be, for example, a handheld device used to deliver an inhalable aerosol.

Hereinafter, the non-flammable aerosol delivery device 100 will be referred to as device 100. The following description will be given in the context of an example in which device 100 is configured to heat an aerosol-generating material.

The device 100 is configured to heat aerosol-forming material in a consumable received in the heating chamber 102 described above. The device 100 includes a heating element 104 configured to provide energy to heat the aerosol-forming material in the consumable received in the heating chamber 102. In some examples, the heating element 104 includes one or more resistive heating elements positioned in thermal contact with the heating chamber 102. The flow of electrical current against the electrical resistance of the one or more resistive heating elements generates heat. This process is referred to as Joule heating, ohmic heating, or resistive heating.

A susceptor is a material that can be heated by the penetration of a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be a conductive material, such that the penetration of the varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material, such that the penetration of the varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be bi-directional, such that it can be heated by both conductive and magnetic heating mechanisms. A device configured to generate a varying magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

In some examples, the heating arrangement 104 is a magnetic field generator configured to generate a varying magnetic field to inductively heat the susceptor. The magnetic field generator may include one or more inductors through which an alternating current is passed to generate the varying magnetic field. In some examples, the magnetic field generator may include one or more susceptors. In other examples, the magnetic field generator may not include a susceptor, and instead, one or more susceptors may be provided as part of/with a consumable intended for use with the device 100.

Device 100 includes a power source 106. Power source 106 provides power to the various components of device 100. In some examples, power source 106 is a battery. In some examples, power source 106 includes a battery and a DC-DC converter, with power being supplied from the battery through the DC-DC converter. The DC-DC converter may allow power source 106 to provide power at a voltage different from that of the battery. In some examples, device 100 may include a DC-AC converter that converts DC current, for example from a battery, to AC current to provide power to one or more inductors of heating element 104, for example an induction heating element. In the following examples, power source 106 will be referred to simply as battery 106.

1, the non-flammable aerosol delivery device 100 includes a processor 108 in data communication with a computer-readable memory 110. The processor 108 is configured to control various aspects of the operation of the device 100. The processor 108 controls various aspects by executing instructions stored in the computer-readable memory 110. For example, the processor 108 may control the operation of the heating element 104. For example, the processor may control the delivery of power from the battery 106 to the heating element 104 by controlling various electrical components (not shown in FIG. 1), such as switches.

In the example of FIG. 1, device 100 includes a holding device 112. Holding device 112 is configured to hold in place consumables intended for use with device 100, one at a time. For example, holding device 112 holds in place consumables received in heating chamber 102.

Of course, device 100 may include other components not shown in FIG. 1, such as ventilation inlets/outlets, control interfaces, charging ports, etc. It should be noted that FIG. 1 is merely a schematic diagram illustrating some of the components that may be included in device 100. FIG. 1 is not intended to reveal the specific locations of the various components. For example, retainer 112 may be located anywhere within/on device 100, as long as it functions to hold in place the consumables received in heating chamber 102.

The device 100 also includes a housing 114 in which the above-mentioned components can be housed. A more specific example of the device 100 is described below.

Figure 2 is a schematic block cross-sectional side view of device 100 according to one example. In Figure 2, numeral 202 indicates the proximal end of device 100, and numeral 204 indicates the distal end of device 100. Proximal end 202 is the end that a user holds closer to the mouth (e.g., toward the mouth) than distal end 204 when device 100 is being used to inhale aerosols as intended. Meanwhile, distal end 204 of device 100 is the end that a user holds farther from the mouth than proximal end 202 when device 100 is being used to inhale aerosols as intended.

Figure 2 does not show all components that may be part of device 100. Device 100 includes an adapter 206 configured to accommodate device 100 when received in heating chamber 102 for use by varying the effective length 201 of heating chamber 102 so that multiple consumables of different lengths individually receivable in heating chamber 102 each protrude from device 100 by a substantially equal amount.

As used herein, different lengths do not represent variations in the length of a consumable due to manufacturing tolerances. As used herein, different lengths represent different intended dimensions of a consumable. For example, consumables with different intended lengths fit into different sized receptacles. Consumables with different intended lengths may be referred to as different types of consumables. Different types of consumables may differ only in their intended lengths, or may differ in other aspects such as internal configuration, internal structure, etc.

As used herein, the effective length 201 is the length of the heating chamber 102 plus the amount of length added to the heating chamber 102 by including the adapter 206. As used herein, the amount by which a given consumable protrudes from the device 100 is the amount (e.g., length) of the given consumable that is not covered by the housing 114 or any other element, such as the adapter described above. In other words, the amount by which a given consumable protrudes from the device 100 is the amount (e.g., length) of the given consumable that is exposed outside the effective length 201. Thus, the effective length 201 of the heating chamber defines the amount of the consumable that protrudes from the device 100 when received in the heating chamber 102.

In some examples, a consumable may have an airflow structure (e.g., an opening or a portion of material that allows air to flow) toward the proximal end of the consumable. The airflow structure may, for example, control the resistance to withdrawal of the consumable and/or the degree of dilution of the aerosol by air. During use, it may be desirable to cover at least a portion of the airflow structure to inhibit airflow. This may be desirable, for example, to enable the consumable to function with device 100 in its intended manner. The airflow structure may be located at a specific distance from the proximal end of the various consumables in multiple consumables. Thus, for example, if the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302 are not allowed to protrude from device 100 by a substantially equal amount, consumables of different lengths may not be usable with device 100 in their intended use. By ensuring that consumables of different lengths protrude from each other by the same amount, airflow structures located a particular distance from each proximal end of the consumable can be at least partially covered by the housing 114 and/or adapter 206, as intended.

In some examples, it may be advantageous for only a predetermined length of the consumable to protrude from the device 100, reducing the likelihood of the consumable being unintentionally removed from the device 100, for example, if the device 100 is struck. In some examples, the adapter 206 may allow for cleaning of the heating chamber 102 (e.g., when one or more adapters are inserted and removed from the heating chamber 102). In some examples, the adapter 206 may support the proximal end of the consumable during use, reducing the risk of damage to the consumable during use.

Figure 2 is merely a schematic diagram and should not be considered to specify a particular structure, position, configuration, etc., regarding the adapter 206. Figure 2 merely illustrates that the device 100 includes the adapter 206.

The airflow structures may be located in multiple consumables at specific distances from the proximal ends of the various consumables. Therefore, without the adapter described above, consumables of different lengths may not be usable with device 100 in the manner in which the consumables are intended to be used (as consumables of different lengths protrude by different amounts). By ensuring that consumables of different lengths protrude the same amount from each other, airflow structures located at specific distances from the proximal ends of the consumables can be at least partially covered by housing 114 and/or adapter 206, as intended.

Various examples of devices 100 equipped with adapters 206 are described below. The following examples describe more specific features of the adapters 206.

Figure 3A shows a first consumable item 300 of the plurality of consumable items, and Figure 3B shows a second consumable item 302 of the plurality of consumable items. The first consumable item 300 has a first length that is smaller than a second length of the second consumable item 302. In other words, the second consumable item 302 is longer than the first consumable item 300.

3A and 3B, the first consumable product 300 has a first width and the second consumable product 302 has a second width. In the example of FIGS. 3A and 3B, the first consumable product 300 has a width greater than the second consumable product 302. In examples where the consumable product is rod-shaped (e.g., similar to a conventional cigarette), the width of the consumable product may be taken as the outer diameter of the consumable product.

In Examples 1, 2, and 3 described below, the adapter 206 is configurable to adopt a first operating configuration or a second operating configuration with respect to the housing 114 of the device 100, and the effective length 201 of the heating chamber 102 in the first operating configuration of the adapter 206 is less than the effective length of the heating chamber 102 in the second configuration of the adapter 206. In the first operating configuration, the adapter 206 is configured to adjust the effective length 201 of the heating chamber 102 so that, when received in the heating chamber 102 for use, the first consumable 300 protrudes from the proximal end 202 by substantially a first amount. In the second configuration, the adapter 206 is configured to adjust the effective length 201 of the heating chamber 102 so that, when received in the heating chamber 102 for use, the second consumable 302 protrudes from the proximal end 202 by substantially a first amount.

Example 1
4A and 4B illustrate the device and adapter described above according to Example 1. FIG. 4A is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a particular consumable inserted into heating chamber 102. FIG. 4B is a schematic cross-sectional side view of another consumable inserted into heating chamber 102 and an example of the adapter described above. The solid line at proximal end 202 represents the boundary of housing 114 of device 100. The adapter of Example 1 is designated by reference numeral 206a. In Example 1, adapter 206a is a removable adapter configured to be installed at proximal end 202.

The adapter 206a is installed at the proximal end 202 of the device 100. The adapter 206a is removable from the proximal end 202. For example, a user can remove the adapter 206a by pulling it off the proximal end 202. In a first operating configuration, the adapter is not installed at the proximal end 202. In a second operating configuration, the adapter is installed at the proximal end 202. The effective length 201 of the heating chamber 102 is greater when the adapter 206a is installed at the proximal end 202 than when the adapter 206a is not installed at the proximal end 202. In FIG. 4A, the adapter 206a is removed, while in FIG. 4B, the adapter 206a is installed at the proximal end 202. The effective length in FIG. 4A is less than the effective length in FIG. 4B.

When the adapter 206a is not installed at the proximal end 202 (as shown in FIG. 4A), the first length of the first consumable 300 protrudes from the proximal end by substantially the first amount 402 when inserted into the device 100 for use. In the example of FIG. 4A, the protruding portion of the first consumable 300 is the portion of the first consumable 300 that is not covered by the device 100. In this example, the protruding portion has a length of substantially the first amount 402.

When the adapter 206a is installed at the proximal end 202 (as shown in FIG. 4B ), the second length of the second consumable 302 protrudes from the proximal end 202 by substantially a first amount 402 when inserted into the device 100 for use. In the example of FIG. 4B , the proximal end 202 is defined by the adapter 206a because the adapter 206a is the end of the device 100 that a user holds closer to their mouth than the distal end 204. The protruding portion is the portion of the second consumable 302 that is not covered by either the device 100 or the adapter 206a when inserted for use. The length of the protruding portion is substantially the first amount 402. Thus, when the adapter 206a is installed at the proximal end 202, the second consumable 302 protrudes the same amount as the first consumable 300 would if the adapter 206a were not installed.

The adapter 206a may be a cylindrical element having a side cross-section as shown in FIG. 4B. For example, the adapter 206a may be a cylindrical element having a first portion 404 and a second portion 406, where the first portion 404 has a larger outer diameter than the second portion 406, but the inner diameter is the same overall. The second portion 406 may be sized to be inserted into an opening leading to the heating chamber 102. In this manner, the adapter 206a can be installed in the device 100 by inserting the second portion 406 into the opening leading to the heating chamber 102.

The plurality of consumables described above may include consumables of different widths. Not all consumables in the plurality of consumables necessarily have the same width. For example, in the example of FIGS. 3A and 3B, the first consumable 300 has a width greater than the second consumable 302. In examples where the consumables are rod-shaped (e.g., similar to conventional cigarettes), the width of the consumable may be obtained as the outer diameter of the consumable.

In some examples, the removable adapter 206a is sized to define an insertion opening that is centered into the heating chamber 102 and is positioned relative to the heating chamber 102 when installed at the proximal end 202. Thus, when the adapter 206a is installed at the proximal end 202 and the second consumable 302 is received in the heating chamber 102, the second consumable 302 is centered within the heating chamber when inserted into the device 100 for use. In this example, this allows the second consumable to be centered despite having a smaller width than the first consumable 300.

For example, if the adapter 206a is a cylindrical element as described above, it may be positioned such that when installed at the proximal end 202, the central axis of the adapter 206a substantially coincides with the central axis of the heating chamber 102. In this manner, when the second consumable item 302 is inserted into the heating chamber 102 via the adapter 206a, it is centered within the heating chamber 102.

The device 100 of Example 1 includes a stop element 408 within the heating chamber that defines the depth to which the first and second consumables can be inserted. The stop element 408 prevents the consumables from being inserted deeper than a certain point within the heating chamber 102. For example, the stop element 408 prevents further movement of the consumable at a given distance from the distal end 204, regardless of the length and/or width of the consumable. In some examples, the stop element 408 may be configured to prevent further movement of the consumable at various distances from the distal end 204 depending on the physical dimensions of the consumable (e.g., by having a stepped structure that allows greater movement for thinner consumables). In either case, the adapter 206a of Example 1 compensates for the additional length of the second consumable 302 as needed, so that it protrudes by substantially the first amount, similar to the shorter first consumable 300.

In some examples, the adapter 206a is configured to hold an auxiliary heating switch (not shown in FIGS. 4A or 4B) in an on state when installed at its proximal end, as shown in FIG. 4B. The auxiliary heating switch may be, for example, a mechanical switch located on the portion of the housing 114 where the adapter 206a engages with the housing 114. As described above, the device 100 includes a heating element 104. In this example, the heating element 104 includes different heating elements that substantially provide heat to portions along the heating chamber 102. For example, the heating element 104 includes two or more heating elements that substantially provide heat to portions of the heating chamber 102. When the adapter is in the second operating configuration, the adapter is configured to activate at least one of the two or more heating elements that is not activated in the first operating configuration to provide heat by maintaining the auxiliary heating switch in an on state.

In this example, the heating arrangement 104 includes a first heating section and a second heating section. The first heating section supplies heat to a first area of the heating chamber 102, and the second heating section supplies heat to a second area of the heating chamber. When the auxiliary heating switch is in an on state, it can activate one of the first and second heating sections. For example, when the auxiliary heating switch is in an off state, it can activate only the first heating section. On the other hand, when the auxiliary heating switch is in an on state, it can activate both the first and second heating sections. Thus, when the auxiliary heating switch is in an on state, it can heat a larger area of the heating chamber 102.

For example, the second consumable item 302 has a greater length of aerosolizable material present compared to the first consumable item 300. To maximize the amount of aerosolizable material heated in the second consumable item 302, activation of the second heating element may increase the length along the chamber to which heat is supplied.

In the example of FIG. 4B, the heating arrangement 104 is shown as including a first heating section 410 and a second heating section 412. In this example, the second heating section 412 can be activated by holding an auxiliary heating switch in an on state. For example, holding the auxiliary heating switch in the on position can allow power to be delivered from the power source 106 to the second heating section 412. Activating the second heating section 412 increases the length along the heating chamber 102 over which heat is supplied. In the case of use of a second consumable 302, this can increase the length of the second consumable 302 over which the aerosolizable material is directly heated.

In the example of FIGS. 4A and 4B, the heating arrangement 102 comprises an inductor coil for induction heating. A susceptor may be provided as part of the device 100 (e.g., surrounding an inserted consumable) and/or as part of a consumable intended for use with the device 100. In the example of FIG. 4B, the second heating section 412 may be a coil supplied with a variable current separately from the first heating section 410. In an example relating to an auxiliary heating switch, when the auxiliary heating switch is held in an on state, only the coil of the second heating section 412 may be supplied with a variable current.

The auxiliary heat switch may be in the form of, for example, a depressible button located on the housing 114 where the adapter 206a contacts the housing 114. For example, when the adapter 206a is placed on the proximal end 202, the depressible button is pressed to hold the auxiliary heat switch in an on state. In some examples, the adapter 206a may include a conductive material that completes a circuit to hold the auxiliary heat switch in an on state. There may be a variety of different mechanisms for holding the auxiliary heat switch in an on state when the adapter 206a is placed on the proximal end 202 as intended, and these mechanisms are merely a few illustrative examples.

The adapter 206a may have an inner diameter that contacts the second consumable 302 and acts as a retaining element to hold it in place by friction. In some examples, the adapter 206a may include other components that contact the second consumable 302 and hold it in place.

Example 2
Figures 5A and 5B show the above-mentioned device and adapter according to Example 2. Figure 5A is a schematic perspective view of device 100 with adapter 206b according to Example 2.

More specifically, in Example 2, the adapter 206b is pivotally attached to the proximal end 202. In this example, the proximal end 202 is defined by the adapter 206b because the adapter 206b is the end of the device 100 that the user holds closer to their mouth than the distal end 204 (see Figures 5A and 5B). The adapter 206b transitions between the first and second operating configurations by pivoting relative to the housing 114 of the device 100.

More specifically, adapter 206b includes a first opening 502 and a second opening 504. In the first operating configuration, the first opening 502 is aligned with the heating chamber 102. In the example of FIG. 5A, adapter 206b is set in the first operating configuration with respect to housing 114, as shown, because the first opening 502 is aligned with the heating chamber 102. In the second configuration, the second opening 504 is aligned with the heating chamber 102 of device 100.

As used herein, an opening being aligned with the heating chamber 102 means that a consumable of an appropriate size can be inserted into the chamber 102 through the opening. For example, a first opening 502 is aligned with the heating chamber 102 if the central axis of the first opening 502 substantially coincides with the central (i.e., longitudinal) axis of the heating chamber 102. Similarly, a second opening 504 is aligned with the heating chamber 102 if the central axis of the second opening 504 substantially coincides with the central (i.e., longitudinal) axis of the heating chamber 102.

In Example 2, the second opening 504 is formed to begin a greater distance from the heating chamber 102 toward the proximal end 202 than the first opening 502 when aligned with the heating chamber 102. The distance from the heating chamber 102 at which either opening begins is the distance between the start of that opening and the heating chamber 102 when aligned with the heating chamber 102. As shown in FIG. 5A, the second opening 504 is formed in a raised region 506 on the proximal surface of the adapter 206b. In contrast, the first opening 502 is not formed in the raised region on the proximal surface of the adapter 206b. Thus, the second opening 504 begins a greater distance from the heating chamber 102 than the first opening 502 when aligned with the heating chamber 102.

As described above, adapter 206b transitions between the first and second operational configurations by rotating relative to housing 114. For example, a user of device 100 may change the operational configuration by twisting adapter 206b as indicated by arrow 508 (and/or in the direction opposite to that indicated by arrow 508).

The adapter 206b may be pivotally mounted to the housing 114, for example, by a rod or cylindrical element extending from the adapter 206b, inserted into an opening in the housing 114, and configured to be pivotable relative to the housing 114. Various mechanisms are contemplated for pivotally mounting the adapter 206b to the housing 114.

A locking mechanism may be provided to facilitate achieving the first and second configurations and/or to hold the adapter 206b in place in a selected configuration. For example, the adapter 206b may have a clip that clips to two different positions on the housing 114 corresponding to the two operating configurations. Various mechanisms are contemplated for locking the adapter 206b to the housing 114 in the desired operating configuration.

As mentioned above, FIG. 3A shows a first consumable item 300 of a plurality of consumable items and a second consumable item 302 of the plurality of consumable items. The first consumable item 300 has a first length that is smaller than a second length of the second consumable item 302. In other words, the second consumable item 302 is longer than the first consumable item 300.

Figure 5B is another schematic perspective view of device 100 with adapter 206b in a first operating configuration according to Example 2.

According to the described configuration, when the first consumable 300 is inserted into the heating chamber 102 in the first operating configuration, the device 100 and adapter 206b can protrude from the proximal end 202 by the same amount (i.e., a first amount) as the second consumable 302 when the device 100 and adapter 206b are in the second operating configuration. In the second operating configuration, more of the second consumable 302 is covered (i.e., does not protrude) because the second opening 504 for the second consumable 302 is present in the raised region 506. The raised region 506 compensates for the longer length of the second consumable 302, so that it protrudes the same first amount as the first consumable 300 in the first configuration.

The device 100 of Example 2 may include a stop element within the heating chamber that defines the depth to which the first and second consumables may be inserted. In some examples, the stop element may prevent the consumables from being inserted deeper than a certain point within the heating chamber 102. For example, the stop element may prevent further movement of the consumable at a given distance from the distal end 204, regardless of the length and/or width of the consumable. In some examples, the stop element may be configured to prevent further movement of the consumable at various distances from the distal end 204 depending on the physical dimensions of the consumable (e.g., by having a stepped structure that allows greater movement for thinner consumables). In either case, the adapter 206b of Example 2 compensates for the additional length of the second consumable 302 as needed, so that it protrudes by substantially the first amount, similar to the shorter first consumable 300.

The first opening 502 and the second opening 504 may each have an inner diameter such that the interior of the opening contacts the respective consumable item and holds it in place by friction.

The plurality of consumables described above may include consumables of different widths. Not all consumables in the plurality of consumables have the same width.

The first opening 502 is positioned so as to be centrally aligned with the heating chamber 102 in the first operating configuration. This means that in the first operating configuration, when the consumable 300 is inserted into the device 100 for use, it will be centrally aligned within the heating chamber 102. The second opening 504 is positioned so as to be centrally aligned with the heating chamber 102 in the second operating configuration. This means that in the second operating configuration, when the second consumable 302 is inserted into the device 100 for use, it will be centrally aligned within the heating chamber 102. The first opening 502 has a first inner diameter, and the second opening 504 has a second inner diameter that is different from the first inner diameter.

For example, the first opening 504 has an inner diameter for holding the first consumable 300 in place, and the second opening 504 has an inner diameter for holding the second consumable 302 in place. In some examples, there may be other forms of retention devices located at the proximal end 202 to hold the consumables in place one at a time. For example, a retention device may be located at the proximal end 202 within the heating chamber 102. The retention device may be configured to hold at least the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302 in place.

In some examples, the adapter 206b is configured to maintain an auxiliary heating switch (not shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B ) in an on state when configured in the device 100 such that the second consumable 302 of the second length protrudes substantially the first amount from the proximal end 202 when inserted into the device 100 for use. In other words, the auxiliary heating switch may be maintained in an on state when the adapter 206b is in the second operating configuration. As described above, the device 100 includes a heating element 104. The heating element 104 may include different heating elements that provide heat to respective portions along the heating chamber 102. For example, the heating element 104 may include two or more heating elements that provide heat to respective portions of the heating chamber 102. When the adapter is in the second operating configuration, maintaining the auxiliary heating switch in an on state activates at least one of the two or more heating elements that is not activated in the first operating configuration to provide heat. When in the on state, the auxiliary heating switch may enable activation of a specific heating element.

In this example, the second consumable item 302 has a greater length of aerosolizable material present than the first consumable item 300. To maximize the amount of aerosolizable material heated in the second consumable item 302, activation of the heating element may increase the length along the chamber to which heat is supplied.

For example, the proximal end 202 may include an additional heating element positioned to heat an additional length containing aerosolizable material in the second consumable 302 compared to the first consumable 300. The additional heating element may be activated by holding an auxiliary heating switch in an on position. For example, holding the auxiliary heating switch in the on position may allow power to be delivered from the power source 106 to the additional heating element. In such an example, activating the additional heating element increases the length along the heating chamber 102 over which heat is supplied. In the case of use of the second consumable 302, this may increase the length of the second consumable 302 over which the aerosolizable material is directly heated.

Example 3
6A to 6G show a device and an adapter according to Example 3. Fig. 6A is a schematic perspective view of the device 100 with an adapter 206c according to Example 3.

More specifically, in Example 3, the adapter 206c is slidably mounted relative to the proximal end 202. The adapter 206c is slidably mounted relative to the housing 114 at the proximal end 202. The adapter 206c is configured to transition between a first operating configuration and a second operating configuration by sliding relative to the housing 114 of the device 100.

The adapter 206c includes an insertion opening 602 that is aligned with the heating chamber 102. The insertion opening 602 is positioned closer to the heating chamber 102 in the first configuration than in the second configuration.

6A, the adapter 206c is in a second operating configuration. In this example, the adapter 206c includes a shell 604, the inner surface 606 of which slides along the coatable surface 608 of the housing 114 (the coatable surface 608 is the surface of the housing 114 extending longitudinally along the housing 114 in a region toward the proximal end 202). Thus, the shell 604 transitions between the first and second operating configurations by sliding along the coatable surface 608 toward and away from the distal end 204 (e.g., up and down with respect to the orientation of FIG. 6B). The adapter 206c slides away from the housing 114 (toward the proximal end of the coatable surface 608) to transition to the second configuration, and slides toward the housing 114 (toward the distal portion of the coatable surface 608) to transition to the first configuration.

In some examples, the shell 604 may be sized to provide sufficient friction between the inner surface 606 and the coatable surface 608 to physically fit the coatable surface 608 and hold the shell 604 in place (e.g., to prevent it from sliding downward due to gravity) without the need for an external force from a user attempting to transition the shell 604 between the first and second configurations. In some examples, a bearing or the like may be provided between the shell 604 and the coatable surface 608 to facilitate sliding of the shell 604 between the first and second configurations.

In some examples, specific structure may be provided to prevent the shell 604 from disengaging from the housing 114. For example, the proximal end of the coatable surface 608 may include a first structure (e.g., an outwardly extending lip) that engages with a second structure (e.g., an inwardly extending lip) formed on the distal end of the shell 604 to prevent disengagement.

During use, the user operates adapter 206c to transition between the first and second operating configurations.

The plurality of consumables described above may include consumables of different widths. Not all consumables in the plurality of consumables have the same width.

As mentioned above, FIG. 3A shows an example of a first consumable item 300 of the plurality of consumable items and an example of a second consumable item 302 of the plurality of consumable items. The first consumable item 300 has a first length that is smaller than a second length of the second consumable item 302. In other words, the second consumable item 302 is longer than the first consumable item 300.

The adapter 206c includes a first retaining element 610 and a second retaining element 612. The first retaining element 610 includes a first elastic opening with a first initial size. The second retaining element 612 includes a second elastic opening with a second initial size that is smaller than the first initial size. In other words, the first elastic opening is larger than the second elastic opening. The elastic openings are intended to accommodate and hold the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302 in place.

In the example of FIG. 6A, the adapter 206c includes a column element 614 extending from the proximal end of the adapter 206c toward the distal end 204. The column element 614 is hollow. The first retaining element 610 and the second retaining element 612 are disposed inside the hollow column element 614. The column element 614 is aligned with the insertion opening 602 and thus with the heating chamber 102. The column element 614 serves as an access channel into the heating chamber 102.

In the example of FIG. 6A, the column element 614 extends partially into the opening 616 leading to the heating chamber 102 when the adapter 206c is in the second configuration. As the adapter 206c slides downward along the coatable surface 608, the column element 614 extends further into the opening 616 leading to the heating chamber 102.

In the example of FIG. 6A, both the first retaining element 610 and the second retaining element 612 are aligned with the heating chamber 102 so that when the consumable is inserted into the heating chamber 102 (by being inserted into the insertion opening 602 of the adapter 206c and then into the opening 616 leading to the heating chamber 102), the consumable also passes through the first resilient opening of the first retaining element 610 and the second resilient opening of the second retaining element 612.

As described above, in this example, the first elastic opening is larger than the second elastic opening. The first elastic opening is primarily intended to accommodate and hold the first consumable item 300 in place. The first size of the first elastic opening is smaller than the width of the first consumable item 300. The first elastic opening is biased to the first size. When the first consumable item 300 is inserted, the size of the first elastic opening increases to accommodate the first consumable item 300. However, due to its bias, the first elastic opening presses toward the first consumable item 300, thereby holding it in place.

Similarly, the second elastic opening is primarily intended to accommodate and hold the second consumable item 302 in place. The second size of the second elastic opening is smaller than the width of the second consumable item 302. The second elastic opening is biased to return to its second size. When the second consumable item 302 is inserted, the size of the second elastic opening increases to accommodate the second consumable item 302. However, due to its bias, the second elastic opening presses against the second consumable item 302, thereby holding it in place.

For example, the resilient openings may be defined by resilient arms with gaps therebetween corresponding to the resilient openings. The resilient arms may be adapted to deflect away from a biased position to accommodate and hold the respective widths of consumables in place. In the example of FIG. 6A, both the first retaining element 610 and the second retaining element 612 are aligned with the heating chamber 102. Thus, consumables received in the heating chamber 102 pass through both the first retaining element 610 and the second retaining element 612.

The first elastic opening is configured so that the size of the first elastic opening can be increased from a first initial size in response to the bias of the first elastic opening, and the second elastic opening is configured so that the size of the second elastic opening can be increased from a first initial size in response to the bias of the second elastic opening. At least the second elastic opening is configured so that the size of the second elastic opening can be increased from a second initial size in response to the bias of the second elastic opening.

When the first consumable item 300 is inserted into the insertion opening 602, the size of the first elastic opening and the size of the second elastic opening become larger than the first size (the initial size of the first elastic opening, which is smaller than the width of the first consumable item 300) so that the first consumable item 300 is contained and held in place by both the first holding element 610 and the second holding element 612.

Figure 6B is a schematic perspective side cross-sectional view of the device 100 with the first consumable item 300 inserted therein according to Example 3, and an enlarged view of the first consumable item 300 held by the first holding element 610 and the second holding element 612. Figure 6C is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the device 100 with the first consumable item 300 inserted therein according to Example 3. In the examples of Figures 6B and 6C, the adapter 206c is in a first configuration with the device 100.

The downward arrow (with respect to the orientation of the figure) indicates that the adapter 206c slides downward (toward the distal end 204) to the first operating configuration. The device 100 of Example 3 may include a stop element 618 within the heating chamber that defines the depth to which the first and second consumables may be inserted. In some examples, the stop element 618 may prevent the consumables from being inserted deeper than a certain point within the heating chamber 102. For example, the stop element 618 may prevent further movement of the consumable at a given distance from the distal end 204, regardless of the length and/or width of the consumable. In some examples, the stop element 618 may be configured to prevent further movement of the consumable at various distances from the distal end 204 depending on the physical dimensions of the consumable (e.g., by having a stepped structure that allows greater movement for thinner consumables). In either case, the adapter 206c of Example 3 compensates for the additional length of the second consumable 302, as needed, so that it protrudes substantially the first amount, similar to the shorter first consumable 300. The following discussion is in the context of the stop element 618, which prevents further movement of the distal end 204 of the consumable at a given distance from the distal end 204, regardless of the length and/or width of the consumable.

In the first configuration, the first consumable 300 is inserted into the heating chamber 102 to a depth defined by the consumable stop element 618. The position of the adapter 206c relative to the housing 114 defines the amount of a given consumable that protrudes from the proximal end 202. In the example of FIGS. 6B and 6C, the distal end of the first consumable 300 abuts the consumable stop element 618, and the adapter 206c is in the first configuration, so that the first consumable 300 protrudes from the proximal end 202 by a substantially first amount 620.

When the second consumable 302 is inserted into the insertion opening 602, the size of at least the second resilient opening increases so that the second consumable 302 is received and held in place by at least the second retaining element 612. In some examples, the width of the second consumable 302 may be smaller than the first size of the first resilient opening. In this case, the second consumable 302 passes through both the first retaining element 610 and the second retaining element 612, but is held in place only by the second retaining element 612. In such examples, the second consumable increases the size of the second resilient opening because it is only wide enough to be held in place by the bias of the second resilient opening.

In some examples, the width of the second consumable 302 may be greater than both the first size and the second size. In such cases, the second consumable 302 increases the size of both the first elastic opening and the second elastic opening and is held by both the first holding element 610 and the second holding element 612.

The first holding element 610 and the second holding element 612 are both aligned with the central heating chamber 102. Therefore, regardless of their respective widths, the first consumable item 300 and the second consumable item 302 can be held so that their centers are aligned within the heating chamber when inserted into the device 100 for use.

Figure 6D is a schematic perspective side cross-sectional view of the device 100 according to Example 3, with the second consumable 302 inserted, and an enlarged view of the second consumable 302 held by at least the second holding element 612. Figure 6E is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the device 100 according to Example 3, with the second consumable 302 inserted. In the examples of Figures 6D and 6E, the adapter 206c is in the second configuration with the device 100. In the examples of Figures 6D and 6E, the adapter 206c is in the second configuration with the device 100.

In the second configuration, the second consumable 302 is inserted into the heating chamber 102 to a depth defined by the stop element 618. The position of the adapter 206c relative to the housing 114 defines the amount of a given consumable that protrudes from the proximal end 202. In the example of FIGS. 6D and 6E, the distal end of the second consumable 302 abuts the stop element 618, and the adapter 206c is in the second configuration, so that the second consumable 302 protrudes from the proximal end 202 by substantially the first amount 620.

Figure 6F is a schematic perspective view of device 100 with adapter 206c. The arrows in Figure 6F indicate how adapter 206c transitions between the first and second operating configurations by sliding along coatable surface 608.

Referring again to FIG. 6A , the stopper element 618 may include a guide structure 622. The guide structure 622 may be configured to position the distal end of an inserted consumable such that the consumable is substantially centered throughout the length of the heating chamber 102. For example, the guide structure 622 may include a tapered region where the cross section of the taper decreases toward the distal end 204 to guide the distal end of the narrower second consumable 302 so that it is centered within the heating chamber 102.

In the example of FIG. 6A, the device 100 also includes a bottom cover 624 located on the distal end 204. The bottom cover 624 may be used to remove the stopper element 618, as shown in the schematic perspective view of FIG. 6G, to allow cleaning of the heating chamber 102.

In some examples, the adapter 206c is configured to maintain an auxiliary heating switch (not shown in FIGS. 6A-6G) in an on state when configured in the device 100 such that a second consumable of a second length protrudes substantially the first amount 620 from the proximal end 202 when inserted into the device 100 for use. As described above, the device 100 includes a heating element 104. The heating element 104 may include different heating elements that provide heat to respective portions along the heating chamber 102. For example, the heating element 104 may include two or more heating elements that provide heat to respective portions of the heating chamber 102. When the adapter is in the second operating configuration, the auxiliary heating switch is configured to maintain an on state, thereby activating at least one of the two or more heating elements that is not activated in the first operating configuration to provide heat. When in the on state, the auxiliary heating switch may enable activation of a particular heating element.

For example, the second consumable item 302 may have a greater length of aerosolizable material present compared to the first consumable item 300. To maximize the amount of aerosolizable material heated in the second consumable item 302, activation of the heating element may increase the length along the chamber to which heat is supplied.

6C and 6E, a first heating element 626 and a second heating element 628 are shown. In this example, the second heating element 628 can be activated by holding an auxiliary heating switch in an on state. For example, holding the auxiliary heating switch in the on position can allow power to be delivered from the power source 106 to the second heating element 628. Activating the second heating element increases the length along the heating chamber 102 over which heat is supplied. In the case of use of a second consumable item 302, this can increase the length of the second consumable item 302 over which the aerosolizable material is directly heated.

In the example of FIG. 6C, adapter 206c is in the first configuration, the auxiliary heating switch is not held in the on state, and only the first heating element 626 is activated. In contrast, in the example of FIG. 6E, adapter 206c is in the second configuration, the auxiliary heating switch is held in the on state, and heat is generated by activating both the first heating element 626 and the second heating element 628.

In the example of FIGS. 6A-6G, the heating arrangement 104 includes an inductor coil for inductive heating. A susceptor may be provided as part of the device 100 (e.g., surrounding an inserted consumable) and/or as part of a consumable intended for use with the device 100. In this example, the second heating section 628 may be a coil supplied with a variable current separately from the first heating section 626. In an example involving an auxiliary heating switch, when the auxiliary heating switch is held in an on state, only the coil of the second heating section 628 may be supplied with a variable current.

The auxiliary heat switch may be in the form of a depressible button, for example, on the housing 114. For example, the adapter 206c may depress the depressible button to hold the auxiliary heat switch in an on state when in the second operating configuration. In some examples, the adapter 206c may include a conductive material that completes a circuit to hold the auxiliary heat switch in an on state when in the second operating configuration. There may be a variety of different mechanisms for holding the auxiliary heat switch in an on state when the adapter 206c is in the second configuration, and these mechanisms are merely a few illustrative examples.

The device 100 equipped with the adapter 206c of Example 3 may be provided as a non-flammable aerosol delivery system with a first consumable including an aerosol-generating material of a first width and a second consumable including an aerosol-generating material of a second width smaller than the first width. In these examples, when the first consumable is inserted into the insertion opening, the size of the first elastic opening and the size of the second elastic opening are larger than the first initial size so that the first consumable is contained and held in place by both the first and second holding elements. Furthermore, when the second consumable is inserted into the insertion opening, the size of at least the second elastic opening is larger than the second initial size so that the second consumable is contained and held in place by at least the second holding element.

Device 100 equipped with an adapter according to any one of Examples 1 to 3 may be provided as a non-flammable aerosol delivery system, along with a first consumable containing a first length of aerosol-generating material and a second consumable containing aerosol-generating material of a second length greater than the first length.

The above examples are to be understood as illustrative examples of the present invention. Other examples of the present invention are also contemplated. It is to be understood that any feature described with respect to any example can be used alone or in combination with other described features, and can also be used in combination with one or more features of any other example or any combination thereof. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (12)

1. A non-flammable aerosol delivery device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol-forming material contained in a consumable product, comprising:
a receptacle for receiving the consumable;
an adapter configured to adapt the non-combustible aerosol delivery device by varying the effective length of the receptacle when received in the receptacle for use so that each of a plurality of consumables of different lengths individually receivable in the receptacle protrudes from the non-combustible aerosol delivery device by a substantially equal amount;
Equipped with
The non-flammable aerosol delivery device comprises a housing;
the adapter is configurable to adopt a first operational configuration or a second operational configuration with respect to the housing of the non-flammable aerosol delivery device;
A non-flammable aerosol delivery device, wherein the effective length of the receptacle in the first operational configuration of the adapter is less than the effective length of the receptacle in the second operational configuration of the adapter. the adapter is rotatably attached to a proximal end of the non-combustible aerosol delivery device, the end of the non-combustible aerosol generation device being closest to a user's mouth when the user inhales the aerosol delivered by the non-combustible aerosol delivery device in use;
10. The non-combustible aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the adapter transitions between the first and second operating configurations by pivoting relative to the housing of the non-combustible aerosol delivery device. the adapter includes a first opening and a second opening;
In the first operating configuration, the first opening is aligned with the receptacle;
In the second operating configuration, the second opening is aligned with the receptacle;
3. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of claim 2, wherein the second opening is formed to begin at a greater distance from the receptacle toward the proximal end than the first opening when aligned with the receptacle. the first opening is positioned to be centrally aligned with the receptacle in the first operating configuration;
the second opening is positioned to be centrally aligned with the receptacle in the second operating configuration;
4. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of claim 3, wherein the first opening has a first inner diameter and the second opening has a second inner diameter that is different from the first inner diameter. the adapter is slidably attached to a proximal end of the non-combustible aerosol delivery device, the end of the non-combustible aerosol generation device being closest to a user's mouth when the user inhales the aerosol delivered by the non-combustible aerosol delivery device in use;
2. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the adapter is configured to transition between the first and second operating configurations by sliding relative to the housing of the non-flammable aerosol delivery device. the adapter includes an insertion opening aligned with the receptacle;
The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of claim 5 , wherein the insertion opening is located closer to the receptacle in the first operating configuration than in the second operating configuration. the adapter comprises a first retaining element and a second retaining element;
the first retention element includes a first resilient opening of a first initial size;
the second retaining element includes a second resilient opening of a second initial size smaller than the first initial size;
the first elastic opening is configured such that a size of the first elastic opening can be increased to be larger than the first initial size in response to biasing of the first elastic opening, and the second elastic opening is configured such that a size of the second elastic opening can be increased to be larger than the first initial size in response to biasing of the second elastic opening,
7. The non-combustible aerosol delivery device of claim 6, wherein at least the second elastic opening is configured such that the size of the second elastic opening can increase beyond the second initial size in response to the bias of the second elastic opening. the adapter is configured to be placed at a proximal end of the non-combustible aerosol delivery device, which is the end of the non-combustible aerosol generation device closest to a user's mouth when the user inhales the aerosol delivered by the non-combustible aerosol delivery device, and the adapter is detachable from the proximal end of the non-combustible aerosol delivery device;
In the first operating configuration, the adapter is not located at the proximal end;
The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of claim 1 , wherein in the second operating configuration, the adapter is disposed at the proximal end. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of claim 8, wherein the adapter is sized and positioned relative to the receptacle when installed at the proximal end to define an insertion opening centered within the receptacle. the non-flammable aerosol delivery device includes a heating element configured to heat the aerosol-forming material in the consumable received in the receptacle, the heating element including two or more heating sections configured to provide heat substantially to respective sections of the receptacle;
A non-flammable aerosol delivery device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein when the adapter is in the second operating configuration, an auxiliary heating switch is held on to activate at least one of the two or more heating sections that is not activated in the first operating configuration to supply heat. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of claim 7;
a first consumable including an aerosol-generating material and having a first width;
a second consumable including an aerosol-forming material and having a second width smaller than the first width;
A non-flammable aerosol delivery system comprising:
a size of the first elastic opening and a size of the second elastic opening are increased from the first initial size so that when the first consumable is inserted into the insertion opening, the first consumable is accommodated and held in place by both the first holding element and the second holding element;
A non-flammable aerosol supply system, wherein the size of at least the second elastic opening is larger than the second initial size so that when the second consumable is inserted into the insertion opening, the second consumable is contained and held in place by at least the second holding element. A non-flammable aerosol delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 11;
a first consumable including an aerosol-forming material and having a first length;
a second consumable including an aerosol-forming material and having a second length greater than the first length;
A non-flammable aerosol delivery system comprising: