Patent Description:
Smoking articles, such as cigarettes, cigars and the like, burn tobacco during use to create tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles by creating products that release compounds without combusting. Examples of such products are so-called "heat not burn" products or tobacco heating devices or products, which release compounds by heating, but not burning, material. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine.

<CIT> discloses a cartridge for use with apparatus for heating smokable material comprising a container defining a cavity and smokable material located in the cavity, the cartridge comprising heating material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field to heat the smokable material. Also disclosed is apparatus for heating smokable material comprising: an interface for cooperating with an article comprising smokable material, a magnetic field generator for generating a varying magnetic field for penetrating the article when the interface is cooperating with the article, and a device for puncturing the article.

A first aspect of the present invention provides a heating element according to claim <NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one retainer comprises at least one protrusion, wherein the at least one protrusion extends away from the body of the heating element. In an exemplary embodiment, the chamber comprises a tapering inlet. In an exemplary embodiment, the tapering inlet is formed by a flared end. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one protrusion forms the flared end. The tapering inlet which may be formed by a flared end is to facilitate insertion of aerosolisable material into the chamber. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one retainer comprises a plurality of protrusions that extend away from the body of the heating element. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of protrusions extends radially outwardly from the body of the heating element.

In an exemplary embodiment, the body is tubular.

In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one retainer is located at one end of the heating element.

In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one retainer defines the converging entrance of the heating element. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one retainer is manipulatable to form the converging entrance of the heating element.

In an exemplary embodiment, the heating element is a single piece.

In an exemplary embodiment, the heating element comprises heating material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field.

In an exemplary embodiment, the retainer is for restraining longitudinal movement of the heating element relative to the apparatus when the heating element is installed in the apparatus.

In an exemplary embodiment, the heating element is changeable between a first shape, in which the retainer is not for restraining movement of the heating element relative to the apparatus when the heating element is installed in the apparatus, and a second shape, in which the retainer is for restraining movement of the heating element relative to the apparatus when the heating element is installed in the apparatus.

In an exemplary embodiment, the aerosolisable material comprises tobacco and/or is reconstituted and/or is in the form of a gel and/or comprises an amorphous solid.

In an exemplary embodiment, the heating material comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: an electrically-conductive material, a magnetic material, and a magnetic electrically-conductive material.

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

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

A second aspect of the present invention provides a system according to claim <NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment, the heating element comprises heating material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, and the heating device comprises a magnetic field generator for generating a varying magnetic field that penetrates the heating element when the heating element is installed in the apparatus. In an exemplary embodiment, the magnetic field generator is for generating a plurality of varying magnetic fields that penetrate respective portions of the heating element when the heating element is installed in the apparatus. In an exemplary embodiment, the magnetic field generator is for generating a single magnetic field.

In an exemplary embodiment, the heating device comprises the abutment. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the abutment is moveable relative to the heating device.

In an exemplary embodiment, the heating element is a component discrete from any element configured to support the heating element.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a method according to claim <NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment, the orientating the at least one retainer comprises changing the heating element from a first shape, in which the at least one retainer is not configured for restraining movement of the heating element relative to the apparatus, to a second shape, in which the at least one retainer is configured to restrain movement of the heating element relative to the apparatus.

In an exemplary embodiment, the providing the heating element comprises providing a unitary object comprising the body and the at least one retainer. In an exemplary embodiment, the providing the heating element comprises providing a sheet and forming the body and the at least one retainer from the sheet. In an exemplary embodiment, the forming the body and the at least one retainer from the sheet comprises manipulating the sheet to form a tube. In an exemplary embodiment, the manipulating the sheet comprises rolling the sheet.

In an exemplary embodiment, the orientating the at least one retainer comprises bending the at least one retainer outwards from the body to the retention position.

As used herein, the term "aerosolisable material" includes materials that provide volatilised components upon heating, typically in the form of vapour or an aerosol. "Aerosolisable material" may be a non-tobacco-containing material or a tobacco-containing material. "Aerosolisable material" may, for example, include one or more of tobacco per se, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco extract, homogenised tobacco or tobacco substitutes. The aerosolisable material can be in the form of ground tobacco, cut rag tobacco, extruded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, reconstituted aerosolisable material, liquid, gel, amorphous solid, gelled sheet, powder, or agglomerates, or the like. "Aerosolisable material" also may include other, non-tobacco, products, which, depending on the product, may or may not contain nicotine. "Aerosolisable material" may comprise one or more humectants, such as glycerol or propylene glycol.

As noted above, the aerosolisable material may comprise an "amorphous solid", which may alternatively be referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e. non-fibrous), or as a "dried gel". The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some cases, the aerosolisable material comprises from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid. In some cases, the aerosolisable material consists of amorphous solid.

As used herein, the term "sheet" denotes an element having a width and length substantially greater than a thickness thereof. The sheet may be a strip, for example.

As used herein, the term "heating material" or "heater material" refers to material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field.

Induction heating is a process in which an electrically-conductive object is heated by penetrating the object with a varying magnetic field. The process is described by Faraday's law of induction and Ohm's law. An induction heater may comprise an electromagnet and a device for passing a varying electrical current, such as an alternating current, through the electromagnet. When the electromagnet and the object to be heated are suitably relatively positioned so that the resultant varying magnetic field produced by the electromagnet penetrates the object, one or more eddy currents are generated inside the object. The object has a resistance to the flow of electrical currents. Therefore, when such eddy currents are generated in the object, their flow against the electrical resistance of the object causes the object to be heated. This process is called Joule, ohmic, or resistive heating. An object that is capable of being inductively heated is known as a susceptor.

It has been found that, when the susceptor is in the form of a closed electrical circuit, magnetic coupling between the susceptor and the electromagnet in use is enhanced, which results in greater or improved Joule heating.

Magnetic hysteresis heating is a process in which an object made of a magnetic material is heated by penetrating the object with a varying magnetic field. A magnetic material can be considered to comprise many atomic-scale magnets, or magnetic dipoles. When a magnetic field penetrates such material, the magnetic dipoles align with the magnetic field. Therefore, when a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field, for example, as produced by an electromagnet, penetrates the magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles changes with the varying applied magnetic field. Such magnetic dipole reorientation causes heat to be generated in the magnetic material.

When an object is both electrically-conductive and magnetic, penetrating the object with a varying magnetic field can cause both Joule heating and magnetic hysteresis heating in the object. Moreover, the use of magnetic material can strengthen the magnetic field, which can intensify the Joule and magnetic hysteresis heating.

In each of the above processes, as heat is generated inside the object itself, rather than by an external heat source by heat conduction, a rapid temperature rise in the object and more uniform heat distribution can be achieved, particularly through selection of suitable object material and geometry, and suitable varying magnetic field magnitude and orientation relative to the object. Moreover, as induction heating and magnetic hysteresis heating do not require a physical connection to be provided between the source of the varying magnetic field and the object, design freedom and control over the heating profile may be greater, and cost may be lower.

Referring to <FIG>, there is shown a schematic perspective view of an example of a heating element <NUM>. The heating element <NUM> is for use with apparatus for heating aerosolisable material to volatilise at least one component of the aerosolisable material, such as one of the apparatuses <NUM>, <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, which are described below. The heating element <NUM> is formed from a member <NUM>'. An example of the member <NUM>' is shown in <FIG> and discussed below. The heating element <NUM> shown is a susceptor that is capable of being inductively heated. In some embodiments, the heating element <NUM> is capable of being resistively heated.

The heating element <NUM> comprises a body <NUM> and a plurality of retainers <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG>, eight retainers are shown, for illustrative purposes, even though only a single retainer may be provided in other embodiments to perform a retention function, as described below. Therefore, in some embodiments, the heating element may comprise at least one retainer.

The body <NUM> has a volume which defines a first volume of the heating element <NUM>. The first volume is shown as a majority volume of the heating element <NUM>. The plurality of retainers <NUM> has a volume which defines a second volume of the heating element <NUM>. In this embodiment, the second volume is shown as a minority volume of the heating element <NUM>. The first volume is therefore shown to be greater than the second volume.

In some embodiments, the body <NUM> and plurality of retainers <NUM> have different rates of thermal conductivity. In some embodiments, the plurality of retainers <NUM> have a lower rate of thermal conductivity than the body <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the body <NUM> and the plurality of retainers <NUM> are integral with each other and formed from the same raw material. For example, the body <NUM> and plurality of retainers <NUM> are formed from the same sheet. Alternatively, in other embodiments, at least one retainer <NUM> may be discrete from and coupled to the body <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, each retainer <NUM> is shown in "wireframe" form and the retainers <NUM> comprise a hollow central region. In some embodiments, the "wireframe" form of each retainer <NUM> may comprise an extension from the body <NUM> in a single direction. The single direction may be a radial direction such that any length of the retainer <NUM> is aligned with a line along the radius of the body <NUM> from a longitudinal axis A-A of the body <NUM>.

The aforementioned "wireframe" form comprises at least one elongate portion to represent a skeleton or outline of an object. Therefore, when each retainer <NUM> is provided in "wireframe" form, each edge of the retainer <NUM> is only shown and any regions between edges are absent. This produces the hollow appearance of the retainers <NUM> shown in <FIG> which are present at approximately a <NUM> o'clock position and a <NUM> o'clock position in the view shown in <FIG>.

The "wireframe" form is used to reduce heat transfer away from the body <NUM> because the material used to form each retainer <NUM> is minimised. This allows each retainer <NUM> to minimise heat conduction away from the body <NUM> to improve heat concentration to the body <NUM>. Therefore, in situations where the retainer <NUM> and body <NUM> are formed from the same material, and therefore have the same rate of thermal conductivity (as shown in the embodiment of <FIG>), heat conduction away from the body <NUM> is mitigated.

In some embodiments, at least one retainer <NUM> may be planar, as opposed to being in a "wireframe" form, and may comprise a solid central region. In these embodiments, the body <NUM> may have a different rate of thermal conductivity compared to each retainer. However, in other embodiments, at least one retainer <NUM> is planar and not in "wireframe" form.

In the orientation shown in <FIG>, the heating element <NUM> is generally cylindrical with a substantially circular cross-section. In other embodiments, the heating element <NUM> may have a cross-section other than circular, such as oval or elliptical, and/or may be other than cylindrical. In some embodiments, the heating element <NUM> may have a polygonal, quadrilateral, rectangular, square, triangular, star-shaped, or irregular cross-section, for example. In this embodiment, the heating element <NUM> is generally tubular. The body <NUM> is therefore in the form of a tube. The heating element <NUM> comprises a chamber <NUM> which is the hollow inner region of the tube. The chamber <NUM> corresponds to a heating zone <NUM>, <NUM> when the heating element <NUM> is arranged in an apparatus <NUM>, <NUM>. The chamber <NUM> is formed by the body <NUM> of the heating element <NUM> and is configured for receiving the aerosolisable material.

In this embodiment, the heating element <NUM> is elongate and has a longitudinal axis A-A. A length of the heating element <NUM> in the direction of the longitudinal axis A-A is therefore greater than a diameter D<NUM> of the heating element <NUM> perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A. However, in other embodiments, the heating element <NUM> may not be elongate and may be annular, for example, ring-shaped.

The heating element <NUM> may be formed from a sheet, shown as member <NUM>' in <FIG>. In the orientation shown in <FIG>, the sheet is flat. In <FIG>, a width W<NUM> of the member <NUM>' is shown. The width W<NUM> of the member <NUM>' exceeds the circumference of the body <NUM> of the formed tubular heating element <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, when the member <NUM>' is formed into the heating element <NUM>. This is due to the presence of an overlap of the body <NUM>, which is formed by a coupling region 2a at one edge of the body <NUM>. When formed, the coupling region 2a overlaps the opposite end of the body <NUM>. In a final position, the coupling region 2a may be concealed when the coupling region 2a is underneath the opposite end of the body <NUM>. In some embodiments, the final position of the coupling region 2a may be external of the opposite end of the body <NUM> such that the coupling region 2a is above the opposite end of the body <NUM>.

In some embodiments, ends of the sheet, which is shown as the member <NUM>', may be joined end-to-end and no overlap may be present.

The body <NUM> is a collar or shim that is insertable within an apparatus and may act as a structural support for aerosolisable material insertable in the chamber <NUM>. In other embodiments, the aerosolisable material may be held away from the chamber <NUM>. At least the body <NUM> is operable as a susceptor in an induction heating mechanism. A consumable, for example, an article comprising aerosolisable material to be heated, is placeable inside the chamber <NUM> of the body <NUM>. In this arrangement, the body <NUM>, which is not part of the consumable, surrounds an outside of the article comprising aerosolisable material. In other embodiments, the heating element <NUM> may be part of the consumable.

Although a plurality of retainers <NUM> is shown, in other embodiments, the heating element <NUM> may comprise at least one retainer <NUM>, as long as the at least one retainer <NUM> is suitable for restraining movement, for example, longitudinal movement, of the heating element <NUM> relative to an apparatus <NUM>, <NUM>, when the heating element <NUM> is installed in the apparatus <NUM>, <NUM>. An example of such an installation in apparatus <NUM> is discussed in relation to <FIG> and <FIG> below. The retainer <NUM> therefore acts as a blocking member to block a movement of the heating element <NUM> and retain the heating element <NUM> in the apparatus <NUM>, <NUM> relative to at least one direction of movement. Such directional movement may be axial movement which is movement in an axial direction of the heating element <NUM>, for example, along longitudinal axis A-A, shown in <FIG>. The retainer <NUM> resists translational movement of the heating element <NUM>. In other embodiments, the retainer <NUM> may alternatively or additionally resist rotation of the heating element <NUM> about the longitudinal axis A-A with respect to the housing of the apparatus <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the retainer <NUM> is an abutment member for abutting at least one surface of an apparatus <NUM>, <NUM> and limiting the extent of movement of the heating element <NUM> relative to a housing of the apparatus. The retainer <NUM> is blockable by a corresponding abutment member or portion of the apparatus <NUM>, <NUM> to prevent movement of the heating element <NUM> relative to the housing of the apparatus <NUM>, <NUM>, particularly when an article containing aerosolisable material is removed from the apparatus <NUM>, <NUM>. In some embodiments, the retainer <NUM> may be used to hold the heating element <NUM> in a specific location in the apparatus <NUM>, <NUM> as opposed to relying on restraining movement by a push fit relationship between the body <NUM> of the heating element <NUM> and the apparatus <NUM>, <NUM>. In this instance, a push fit relationship is when a first member is insertable into a second member using an insertion force. The insertion force is force exertable by a user's fingers to overcome frictional resistance between the first and second members. The frictional resistance holds the first and second members together under friction as one combination. Therefore, separation of the first and second members is achieved by exerting a finger force similar to the insertion force. In a push fit relationship, the first and second members are not free to move relative to each other but are also not permanently fixed in position relative to each other. The retainer <NUM> prevents free movement of the heating element <NUM> without being fixed in position. The retainer <NUM> therefore facilitates improved retention of the heating element <NUM> in an apparatus, such as the examples described in <FIG> and <FIG>. Close positioning of the heating element <NUM> with an article comprising aerosolisable material provides improved heat transfer to the article in use.

Although, in the embodiment shown, the total number of retainers <NUM> is an even number, in other embodiments, the total number of the plurality of retainers <NUM> may be an odd number. Eight retainers <NUM> are shown in <FIG> for demonstrative purposes. Although the plurality of retainers <NUM> is arranged at one end of the body <NUM>, for example, a first end <NUM> (see <FIG>), in some embodiments, at least one retainer <NUM> may be located at another end of the heating element <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments, at least one retainer may be additionally arranged at a second end <NUM> of the body <NUM>, for example, an end of the body <NUM> opposite the first end <NUM>.

A first plurality of retainers <NUM> is shown as a first group. However, additional groups of retainers <NUM> is possible, such as a second group. Each of the first group and second group may be separated along the length of the heating element <NUM>. The second group may be arranged at an opposite end of the heating element <NUM>, for example, the second end <NUM>.

In this embodiment, each retainer <NUM> is a protrusion that extends away from the body <NUM> of the heating element <NUM>, for example, in a radial direction. In this embodiment, each retainer <NUM> is planar. However, in some embodiments, each retainer <NUM> may be in a "wireframe" form, as previously discussed. That is, the retainer <NUM> may be formed from a rod or a strip. The rod or strip may be coupled to the body <NUM> or may be formed integrally with the body <NUM>.

As is best shown in <FIG>, a thickness T<NUM> of the retainer <NUM> is the same as a thickness T<NUM> of the body <NUM> of the heating element <NUM>. In some embodiments, the thickness T<NUM> of the retainer <NUM> may be greater than or less than the thickness T<NUM> of the body <NUM> of the heating element <NUM>. In some embodiments, the thickness T<NUM> of the body <NUM> of the heating element <NUM> may be less than <NUM>. In some embodiments, the thickness T<NUM> may be between <NUM> and <NUM>. In some embodiments, the thickness T<NUM> may be between <NUM> and <NUM>. In some embodiments, the thickness T<NUM> may be about <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, which shows a schematic end view of the example heating element <NUM> of <FIG>, the extent of protrusion of each retainer <NUM> is an exaggeration, for illustration purposes. In some embodiments, the extent of protrusion of each retainer <NUM> may be less than or equal to the thickness T<NUM> of the of the retainer <NUM>. Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments the extent of protrusion of each retainer <NUM> may be less than or equal to the thickness T<NUM> of the body <NUM> of the heating element <NUM>. In both instances, the at least one retainer <NUM> should still be suitable for restraining movement of the heating element <NUM> relative to an apparatus <NUM>, <NUM> when the heating element <NUM> is installed in the apparatus <NUM>, <NUM>. The plurality of retainers <NUM> is rotationally symmetric about the longitudinal axis A-A of the heating element <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, the plurality of retainers <NUM> may not be rotationally symmetric.

Referring to <FIG>, a schematic cross-sectional side view of the example heating element <NUM> of <FIG> and an enlarged partial schematic cross-sectional side view of an example of an entrance region <NUM> of the heating element <NUM> of <FIG> are shown, respectively.

The heating element <NUM> in <FIG> is open at both a first end <NUM>, and a second end <NUM> that is opposite the first end <NUM>. The first end <NUM> therefore comprises a first opening and the second end <NUM> comprises a second opening. The first and second openings are axially aligned on the longitudinal axis A-A shown in <FIG>. The first and second openings are also parallel to one another. The opening of the first end <NUM> comprises an entrance <NUM>. Aerosolisable material is insertable through the entrance <NUM> to access the chamber <NUM> of the heating element <NUM>. Therefore, the entrance <NUM> is the initial point of passage of aerosolisable material into the chamber <NUM>. The chamber <NUM>, in this embodiment, comprises a constant cross-section and extends between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the heating element <NUM>. In other embodiments, the chamber <NUM> may have a variable cross-section along a length of the chamber <NUM>.

When arranged in the retention position, as shown in <FIG>, each retainer <NUM> extends away from the longitudinal axis A-A of the heating element <NUM>. In this embodiment, at least a portion 3c of the retainer <NUM> converges towards the longitudinal axis A-A. That is, the portion 3c of the retainer <NUM> is a tapering portion. In this exemplary embodiment, the tapering portion is a tapering inlet for facilitating insertion of one or more articles comprising aerosolisable material into the chamber <NUM>. In some exemplary embodiments, the tapering inlet may be formed by at least one retainer <NUM> being flared. That is, the at least one retainer <NUM> may cause an end, for example, the first end <NUM>, of the body <NUM> of the heating element <NUM> to be flared. In some exemplary embodiments, for example when the heating element <NUM> is a tubular susceptor, at least one protrusion may cause an end of the tubular susceptor to be flared to facilitate insertion of a consumable (for example, an article comprising aerosolisable material) into the chamber <NUM>. The heating element <NUM> therefore comprises a swaged or converging entrance <NUM> for inserting one or more articles comprising aerosolisable material into the chamber <NUM>. In some exemplary embodiment, the entrance <NUM> comprises the tapering inlet, as previously described.

As shown in <FIG>, the at least one retainer <NUM> defines the converging entrance <NUM> of the heating element <NUM> and is manipulatable to form the converging entrance <NUM>. The at least one retainer <NUM> defines the converging entrance <NUM> of the heating element <NUM>. For example, at least a part of a neck portion 3a, for example, an entrance portion 3c, of the retainer <NUM> defines the converging entrance <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The converging entrance <NUM> provides a narrowing portion which reduces the size of the first end <NUM> towards the second end <NUM>. The converging entrance <NUM> is a gradual reduction in size of an inner surface of the heating element <NUM> towards the chamber <NUM> which helps in guiding the consumable (for example, an article comprising aerosolisable material) into the chamber <NUM>. In this embodiment, the converging entrance <NUM> is formed by bending each retainer <NUM> to form an entrance portion 3c. This enables the heating element <NUM> to have a reduced thickness to provide increased heat transfer to the aerosolisable material when provided in the chamber <NUM>. The entrance portion 3c of the retainer <NUM> is a part of the neck portion 3a which gradually reduces a diameter of the first end <NUM> towards a diameter of the chamber <NUM>.

Although the entrance portion 3c is shown as a chamfered portion, in some embodiments, the entrance portion 3c is a bevelled portion that is rounded rather than linear. In some embodiments, the entrance portion 3c comprises an arcuate surface. The arcuate surface may be generally convex. In the embodiment shown, the entrance portion 3c is inherently formed when the retainer <NUM> is moved to the retention position.

A schematic plan view of an example of a member <NUM>' for forming into the heating element <NUM> of <FIG> is shown in <FIG>. The member <NUM>' shown in <FIG> is substantially planar. The member <NUM>' is formed from a sheet. The member <NUM>' is therefore a single piece. The sheet shown in this embodiment has a constant thickness. However, the thickness of the sheet may instead vary between different regions of the member <NUM>'. In plan view, that is, looking into the page, in a thickness direction of the member <NUM>', the member <NUM>' is substantially rectangular. A length L<NUM> of the member <NUM>' is therefore greater than a width W<NUM> of the member <NUM>', perpendicular to the length L<NUM>. In other embodiments, in which the member <NUM>' is substantially a square, the length L<NUM> and width W<NUM> may be substantially equal. In yet more embodiments, the length L<NUM> of the member <NUM>' may be smaller than the width W<NUM> of the member <NUM>'.

The retainers <NUM> are arranged across the width W<NUM> of the member <NUM>'. In some embodiments, lateral or transverse ends of the body <NUM> at the outermost portions along the width W<NUM> may be coupleable to one another to form a tubular arrangement, as shown in <FIG>.

The body <NUM> shown in the embodiment of <FIG> is tubular. A portion of the body <NUM> of the member <NUM>' comprises a coupling region 2a that is generally free from retainers <NUM>. This enables the coupling region 2a to overlap with an opposite lateral or transverse end of the body <NUM>. Alternatively, in other embodiments, overlapping ends are replaced with abutment ends, whereby the coupling region 2a is not present and the abutment ends are joined together by abutment. In such an arrangement, the abutment ends may be adhered together, for example, by soldering.

Each retainer <NUM> is shown with the same general shape. Each retainer <NUM> protrudes away from the body <NUM> of the member <NUM>' to a similar extent, shown by length L<NUM>. Each retainer <NUM> extends along the width W<NUM> of the member <NUM>' to a similar extent, shown by width W<NUM>. However, in some embodiments, the length L<NUM> and width W<NUM> of each retainer <NUM> amongst the plurality of retainers <NUM> may vary with a varying gap G<NUM>, G<NUM> between each retainer <NUM> or a consistently sized gap G<NUM>, G<NUM>. In some embodiments, corners and/or edges of at least one retainer <NUM> may be chamfered or bevelled.

The heating element <NUM> shown is changeable between a first shape, in which the retainer <NUM> is not suitable for restraining movement of the heating element <NUM> relative to an apparatus <NUM>, <NUM> when the heating element is installed in the apparatus <NUM>, <NUM>, to a second shape, in which the retainer <NUM> is suitable for restraining movement of the heating element <NUM> relative to the apparatus <NUM>, <NUM> when the heating element <NUM> is installed in the apparatus <NUM>, <NUM>. The heating element <NUM> is switchable between the first and second shapes so as to be reversibly arrangeable between the first shape and the second shape. However, in some embodiments, the heating element <NUM> is not switchable between the first and second shapes.

As shown in the embodiment of <FIG>, each retainer <NUM> comprises a neck portion 3a and a head portion 3b, wherein the neck portion 3a is arranged between the head portion 3b and the body <NUM> of member <NUM>'. The neck portion 3a is shown to be a narrowing portion or geometric restriction of the retainer <NUM> compared to the head portion 3b. However, in some embodiments, the neck portion 3a has a similar dimension to the head portion 3b, for example, a similar width measured in a direction of the width W<NUM> of the member <NUM>'.

Each head portion 3b is bendable relative to the body <NUM> about the neck portion 3a. In some embodiments, the neck portion 3a is made from a more flexible or malleable material than the body <NUM>. In some embodiments, the neck portion 3a has a bias towards a certain direction, for example, towards a longitudinal axis A-A of the heating element <NUM>. Alternatively, or additionally, the neck portion 3a may have a bias towards a radial direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A. In other embodiments, the neck portion 3a may be biased to a first direction and a second direction. That is, the neck portion 3a may be biased to two directions. One of the two directions may include the direction of the longitudinal axis A-A of the heating element <NUM>, whereas another one of the two directions may include the radial direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A. In a first orientation, the retainers <NUM> are arranged in a radial direction. In a second orientation, the retainers <NUM> are in an axial direction. That is, the retainers are arrangeable between an axial direction and a radial direction.

The plurality of retainers <NUM> is shown as a repeating pattern. Each retainer <NUM> is formed as a petal or a castellation. The member <NUM>' shown in <FIG> is therefore a petalled or castellated body <NUM>, whereby the retainers <NUM> are petals or castellations formed at least at one end of the body <NUM>.

A first space or first gap G<NUM> between adjacent retainers <NUM> is equal to a second space or second gap G<NUM> between other adjacent retainers <NUM>. The spacing or gap G<NUM>, G<NUM> between adjacent retainers <NUM> is therefore equal. In other embodiments, the spacing or gap G<NUM>, G<NUM> between adjacent retainers <NUM>, amongst the plurality of retainers <NUM>, may vary. For example, in some embodiments, the spacing or gap G<NUM>, G<NUM> between adjacent retainers <NUM> may be unequal.

Each retainer <NUM> is shown with a length L<NUM> that is greater than a thickness of the heating element <NUM>, particularly a thickness T<NUM> of the body <NUM> of the member <NUM>'. The length L<NUM> is measured in the same direction as a length L<NUM> of the member <NUM>'. The length L<NUM> of at least one retainer <NUM> is smaller than a length L<NUM> of the member <NUM>'. In some embodiments, the length L<NUM> of at least one retainer <NUM> may be the same as the length L<NUM> of the member <NUM>'.

In some embodiments, the sheet, comprising heating material, is free from holes or discontinuities. In some embodiments, the sheet, comprising heating material, comprises a foil, such as a metal or metal alloy foil, such as aluminium foil. However, in some embodiments, the sheet, comprising heating material, may have holes or discontinuities.

The heating element <NUM> of <FIG> can be formed from the member <NUM>'of <FIG>. However, in some embodiments, the heating element <NUM> is an extruded member formed by an extrusion process. The extruded member may be tubular so that a cross-section of the body is endless with no joins. The extruded member may be further adapted to form the body <NUM> and the at least one retainer <NUM>. For example, the at least one retainer <NUM> may be formed by cutting the extruded member, for example, by laser cutting. Alternatively, or additionally, the body <NUM> may be formed alone by an extrusion process. In this instance, the heating element <NUM> may be formed by coupling the at least one retainer <NUM> to the extruded body <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the heating element <NUM> is formed from sheet material. The body <NUM> and the plurality of retainers <NUM> are formed from the same material. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the body <NUM> and the plurality of retainers <NUM> are formed from different materials. The configuration of the body <NUM> shown in <FIG>, in which the heating member <NUM> is generally tubular, is formed by rolling the sheet. The retainers <NUM> are then moved in a radial direction, away from the longitudinal axis A-A, to a retention position.

Referring to <FIG>, a schematic perspective view of an example of a structure according to an embodiment of the invention is shown. The structure <NUM> is for use with apparatus for heating aerosolisable material to volatilise at least one component of the aerosolisable material, such as the apparatus <NUM> shown in <FIG> and described below.

The structure <NUM> of this embodiment comprises first to fifth induction coil arrangements 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e each comprising a flat spiral induction coil of electrically-conductive material, such as copper, mounted on a side of a board or plate <NUM>. In use, a varying (for example, alternating) electric current is passed through each of the induction coils so as to create a varying (for example, alternating) magnetic field that is usable to penetrate a heating element to cause heating of the heating element, as will be described in more detail below. In some embodiments, there may be only one magnetic field generated in an apparatus.

The structure <NUM> comprises a holder <NUM> to which respective plates <NUM> of the induction coil arrangements 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e are attached to fix the induction coil arrangements 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e in position relative to one another. In this embodiment, each plate <NUM> is substantially planar. In some embodiments, each plate <NUM> is made from a non-electrically-conductive material, such as a plastics material, so as to electrically-insulate the coils of adjacent coil arrangements from each other.

In this embodiment, the holder <NUM> comprises a base <NUM> and the induction coil arrangements 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e extend away from the base <NUM> in a direction orthogonal or normal to a surface of the base <NUM>.

The holder <NUM> holds the induction coil arrangements 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e relative to one another so that the flat spiral coils of the induction coil arrangements 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e are arranged sequentially and in respective planes along an axis B-B. In this embodiment, the flat spiral coils of the induction coil arrangements 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e lie in respective substantially parallel planes, each of which is orthogonal to the axis B-B. Further, the flat spiral coils are all axially-aligned with each other, since the respective virtual points from which the paths of the coils emanate all lie on a common axis, in this case the axis B-B.

In this embodiment, the structure <NUM> comprises a controller (not shown) for controlling operation of the flat spiral coils. The controller is housed in the holder <NUM> and comprises an integrated circuit (IC), but in other embodiments, the controller takes a different form. In some embodiments, the controller is for controlling operation of at least one of the induction coil arrangements 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e independently of at least one other of the induction coil arrangements 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e. For example, the controller may supply electrical power to the coils of each of the induction coil arrangements 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e independently of the coils of the other induction coil arrangements 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e. In some embodiments, the controller may supply electrical power to the coils of each of the induction coil arrangements 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e sequentially. Alternatively, in one mode of operation at least, the controller may be for controlling operation of all of the induction coil arrangements 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e simultaneously.

The holder <NUM> further comprises three arms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> that extend away from the base <NUM> in a direction orthogonal or normal to a surface of the base <NUM>, and substantially parallel to the induction coil arrangements 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e. In this embodiment, the arms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are 3D printed SLS (selective laser sintering) nylon and are integral with the base <NUM>. In other embodiments, the arms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be separate components from the base <NUM>, which are assembled together with the base <NUM>.

Each of the arms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> has an opening therethrough. In each of the openings is located an annular washer or shim 55b, 56b, 57b. Each of the shims 55b, 56b, 57b is made from a dielectric or electrically-insulating material, such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK) or glass. PEEK has a relatively high melting point compared to most other thermoplastics, and is highly resistant to thermal degradation. Each of the shims 55b, 56b, 57b defines a hole therethrough. The holes all lie on the same axis B-B as the respective virtual points from which the paths of the coils emanate.

Referring to <FIG>, there is shown a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a system according to an embodiment of the invention. The system <NUM> comprises an article <NUM> comprising aerosolisable material <NUM>, and an apparatus <NUM> for heating the aerosolisable material <NUM> to volatilise at least one component of the aerosolisable material <NUM>. In this embodiment, the aerosolisable material <NUM> comprises tobacco, and the apparatus <NUM> is a tobacco heating product (also known in the art as a tobacco heating device or a heat-not-burn device).

As shown in <FIG>, the system <NUM> comprises a heating element <NUM>. The heating element <NUM> acts as an elongate support for supporting, in use, the article <NUM> comprising aerosolisable material. In this embodiment, the heating element <NUM> is tubular and has a longitudinal axis C-C that is coaxial with the axis B-B. In use, the heating element <NUM> is therefore configurable to extend coaxially through the coils. In other embodiments, the heating element <NUM> may be non-tubular. The heating element <NUM> may be held in a radial position by the shims 55b, 56b, 57b and extends through the holes in the plurality of flat spiral coils, through the holes in the shims 55b, 56b, 57b, through the openings in the arms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and through the apertures in the plates <NUM>. The shims 55b, 56b, 57b help prevent the heating element <NUM> contacting the induction coil arrangements 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, and particularly the coils thereof. The shims 55b, 56b, 57b may be used to locate the heating element <NUM> in a radial direction and the retainer <NUM>, which is part of the heating element <NUM>, is used to prevent axial movement of the heating element <NUM> in at least one direction.

In this embodiment, the heating element <NUM> comprises heating material that is heatable by penetration with varying magnetic fields to heat an interior volume of the heating element <NUM>. More specifically, in use the respective varying magnetic fields generated by the coils penetrate the heating element <NUM>. Accordingly, respective portions of the heating element <NUM> are heatable by penetration with the respective varying magnetic fields. The heating element <NUM> is therefore a support that acts as a heatable component in use. The controller <NUM> may be configured to cause heating of the respective portions of the heating element <NUM>, for example, at different respective times, for different respective durations, and/or at different respective rates.

The retainer <NUM> is shown at an end region of the heating element <NUM> and in proximity to a first end <NUM> of the heating element <NUM>. The retainer <NUM> in this embodiment is therefore close to the first end <NUM> of the heating element but is not shown at the first end <NUM> of the heating element <NUM>. In other embodiments, the retainer <NUM> is located at the first end <NUM> of the heating element <NUM>. The first end <NUM> may therefore comprise the retainer <NUM>. The retainer <NUM> protrudes into the opening of one of the arms <NUM> and is abuttable against one of the shims 57b adjacent the arm <NUM> when the retainer <NUM> is moved in an axial direction along axis C-C. The retainer <NUM> and body <NUM> part are of the same piece. In the example provided in <FIG>, the retainer <NUM> opposes movement of the heating element <NUM> when the article <NUM> is removed from the chamber <NUM>, for example, after a smoking session. Although the shim 55b also opposes this movement due to a recess of the shim 55b, within which the heating element <NUM> fits, the recess is optional and may be omitted in other embodiments. In some embodiments, the shim 57b is a washer. The washer is planar and absent of the recess. In contrast to the washer, the shim 57b is a thicker member than the washer and is capable of comprising a recess. A further additional washer may be provided, against which the retainer <NUM> is configured to abut. Therefore, the retainer <NUM> may be arranged between two washers that are each configured to abut with and resist axial movement of the retainer <NUM>. The washers may together hold the heating element <NUM> securely in place or may at least hold the retainer <NUM> in the retention position if the retainer <NUM> is biased away from the retention position or cannot maintain the retention position alone. The washer may therefore be a blocking member to prevent movement of the retainer <NUM>. However, the washer may comprise an internal diameter that is greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the body <NUM> of the heating element <NUM> so that the washer can be placed over the body <NUM> of the heating element <NUM>.

The heating element <NUM> may be separate and distinct from any element configured to support the heating element <NUM>, for example, the washer (not shown). In use, the retainer <NUM> may abut an inwardly facing side of the shim 57b or washer. Furthermore, the retainer <NUM> may be positionable towards the inwardly facing side of the shim 57b or washer. In some embodiments, the heating element <NUM> may be first inserted into the opening of the arms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> with the retainer <NUM> in a withdrawn position and then, when inserted, the retainer <NUM> may deploy to a retention position for abutting the inwardly facing side of the shim 57b or washer. The retainer <NUM> and the washer may be locatable between adjacent plates <NUM>, for example, between a first coil arrangement 1a and a second coil arrangement 1b, or a plate <NUM> and an arm <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the housing. Therefore, in some cases, the retainer <NUM> is manipulatable towards and/or about the retention position once the heating element <NUM> is at least partly inside the apparatus <NUM>. The washer is therefore configured to further reduce the degree of movement of the heating element <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the aerosolisable material <NUM> is in the form of a rod, and the article <NUM> comprises a cover <NUM> around the aerosolisable material <NUM>. The cover <NUM> encircles the aerosolisable material <NUM> and helps to protect the aerosolisable material <NUM> from damage during transport and use of the article <NUM>. The cover <NUM> may comprise an adhesive (not shown), that adheres the overlapped free ends of the wrapper to each other. The adhesive helps prevent the overlapped free ends of the wrapper from separating. In other embodiments, the adhesive and/or the cover <NUM> may be omitted. In still other embodiments, the article may take a different form to any of those discussed above.

Broadly speaking, the apparatus <NUM> comprises an elongate chamber or heating zone <NUM> for receiving the article <NUM>, and a heating device such as a magnetic field generator <NUM> for generating varying magnetic fields that penetrate respective portions 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, 110e of the heating zone <NUM> in use. In this embodiment, the heating zone <NUM> comprises a recess for receiving the article <NUM>. The article <NUM> is insertable into the heating zone <NUM> by a user in any suitable manner, such as through a slot in a wall of the apparatus <NUM>, or by first moving a portion of the apparatus <NUM>, such as a mouthpiece, to access the heating zone <NUM>. In other embodiments, the heating zone <NUM> may be other than a recess, such as a shelf, a surface, or a projection, and may require mechanical mating with the article in order to co-operate with, or receive, the article. In this embodiment, the heating zone <NUM> is sized and shaped to accommodate the whole article <NUM>. In other embodiments, the heating zone <NUM> may be dimensioned to receive only a portion of the article <NUM> in use.

The apparatus <NUM> has an air inlet (not shown) that fluidly connects the heating zone <NUM> with the exterior of the apparatus <NUM>, and an outlet (not shown) for permitting volatilised material to pass from the heating zone <NUM> to an exterior of the apparatus <NUM> in use. A user may be able to inhale the volatilised component(s) of the aerosolisable material <NUM> by drawing the volatilised component(s) through the outlet. As the volatilised component(s) are removed from the heating zone <NUM>, air may be drawn into the heating zone <NUM> via the air inlet of the apparatus <NUM>. A first end <NUM> of the heating zone <NUM> is closest to the outlet, and a second end <NUM> of the heating zone <NUM> is closest to the air inlet. The first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> oppose each other and are arranged at the furthest longitudinal extents of the heating zone <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the article <NUM> is elongate with a longitudinal axis D-D. When the article <NUM> is located in the heating zone <NUM> in use, this axis D-D lies coaxial with, or parallel to, the longitudinal axis C-C of the heating zone <NUM>. Accordingly, the heating of one of more portion(s) of the heating element <NUM> causes heating of one or more of the corresponding portion(s) 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, 110e of the heating zone <NUM>. In turn, this causes heating of one of more corresponding section(s) 72a, 72b, 72c, 72d, 72e of the aerosolisable material <NUM> of the article <NUM>, when the article <NUM> is located in the heating zone <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, there is shown a schematic cross-sectional side view of an example of a system <NUM>, according to an embodiment of the invention. The system <NUM> comprises apparatus <NUM> and heating element <NUM> for heating aerosolisable material to volatilise at least one component of the aerosolisable material. The apparatus <NUM> comprises a magnetic field generator <NUM> for generating a varying magnetic field in use. The heating element <NUM> is formed from heating material that is heatable by penetration with the varying magnetic field.

More specifically, the apparatus <NUM> of this embodiment comprises a housing <NUM> and a mouthpiece <NUM>. The mouthpiece <NUM> may be made of any suitable material, such as a plastics material, cardboard, cellulose acetate, paper, metal, glass, ceramic, or rubber. The mouthpiece <NUM> defines a channel <NUM> therethrough. The mouthpiece <NUM> is locatable relative to the housing <NUM> so as to cover an opening into a heating zone <NUM>. When the mouthpiece <NUM> is so located relative to the housing <NUM>, the channel <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> is in fluid communication with the heating zone <NUM>. In use, the channel <NUM> acts as a passageway for permitting volatilised material to pass from aerosolisable material of an article inserted in the heating zone <NUM> to an exterior of the apparatus <NUM>. In this embodiment, the mouthpiece <NUM> of the apparatus <NUM> is releasably engageable with the housing <NUM> so as to connect the mouthpiece <NUM> to the housing <NUM>. In other embodiments, the mouthpiece <NUM> and the housing <NUM> may be permanently connected, such as through a hinge or flexible member. In some embodiments, such as embodiments in which the article itself comprises a mouthpiece, the mouthpiece <NUM> of the apparatus <NUM> may be omitted.

The apparatus <NUM> may define an air inlet (not shown), that fluidly connects the heating zone <NUM> with the exterior of the apparatus <NUM>. Such an air inlet may be defined by the body <NUM> and/or by the mouthpiece <NUM>. A user is able to inhale the volatilised component(s) of the aerosolisable material by drawing the volatilised component(s) through the channel <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM>. As the volatilised component(s) are removed from an article, air is drawn into the heating zone <NUM> via the air inlet of the apparatus <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the body <NUM> of the apparatus receives the heating element <NUM>. In this embodiment, the internal surface of the chamber <NUM> defines the heating zone <NUM> for receiving at least a portion of the article. In other embodiments, the heating zone <NUM> may be other than a recess, such as a shelf, a surface, or a projection, and may require mechanical mating with the article in order to co-operate with, or receive, the article. In this embodiment, the heating zone <NUM> is elongate, and is sized and shaped to accommodate the whole article. In other embodiments, the heating zone <NUM> may be dimensioned to receive only a portion of the article. The heating element <NUM> is receivable within an accommodating part of the body <NUM> of the apparatus <NUM>. The apparatus <NUM> comprises a washer <NUM> which defines an abutment for blocking movement of the heating element <NUM> by contact with the retainer <NUM>. The heating element <NUM> may be separate and distinct from any element configured to support the heating element <NUM>, for example, the washer <NUM>. When the heating element <NUM> is installed in the apparatus <NUM>, the washer <NUM> acts as an abutment for restraining movement of the heating element <NUM> relative to the apparatus <NUM> by contact with the abutment. The washer <NUM> is removable from the apparatus <NUM> and is therefore moveable relative to the heating device <NUM>. The mouthpiece <NUM> is removed from the apparatus <NUM> to access and remove an article comprising aerosolisable material inserted in the body <NUM> of the apparatus <NUM>. If an abutment such as the washer <NUM> remains in the apparatus <NUM>, movement of the retainer <NUM> out of the apparatus <NUM> is prevented by contact with the abutment, for example, the washer <NUM>. This allows the heating element <NUM> to remain in the apparatus once the aerosolisable material requires replacement. Further removal of the washer <NUM> may allow removal of the heating element <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the magnetic field generator <NUM> comprises an electrical power source <NUM>, a coil <NUM>, a device <NUM> for passing a varying electrical current, such as an alternating current, through the coil <NUM>, a controller <NUM>, and a user interface <NUM> for user-operation of the controller <NUM>. The apparatus <NUM> of this embodiment further comprises a temperature sensor <NUM> for sensing a temperature of the heating zone <NUM>.

The electrical power source <NUM> of this embodiment is a rechargeable battery. In other embodiments, the electrical power source <NUM> may be other than a rechargeable battery, such as a non-rechargeable battery, a capacitor, a battery-capacitor hybrid, or a connection to a mains electricity supply.

The coil <NUM> may take any suitable form. In this embodiment, the coil <NUM> is a helical coil of electrically-conductive material, such as copper. In some embodiments, the magnetic field generator <NUM> may comprise a magnetically permeable core around which the coil <NUM> is wound. Such a magnetically permeable core concentrates the magnetic flux produced by the coil <NUM> in use and makes a more powerful magnetic field. The magnetically permeable core may be made of iron, for example. In some embodiments, the magnetically permeable core may extend only partially along the length of the coil <NUM>, so as to concentrate the magnetic flux only in certain regions. In some embodiments, the coil may be a flat coil. That is, the coil may be a two-dimensional spiral. In this embodiment, the coil <NUM> encircles the heating zone <NUM>. The coil <NUM> extends along a longitudinal axis that is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the heating zone <NUM>. The aligned axes are coincident. In a variation to this embodiment, the aligned axes may be parallel or oblique to each other.

Referring to <FIG>, an enlarged partial schematic cross-sectional side view of the example system of <FIG> is shown. A first, inner diameter D<NUM> of the body <NUM> of the heating element <NUM> is smaller than a second, outer diameter D<NUM> of the body <NUM>. A further inner diameter D<NUM> of the washer <NUM> is at least equal to the second, outer diameter D<NUM> of the body <NUM> so that the washer <NUM> is optionally placeable over the body <NUM> of the heating element <NUM>. This allows the washer <NUM> to provide a thermal barrier between the retainer <NUM> and an end of the body <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, the inner diameter D<NUM> of the washer <NUM> is smaller than the second, outer diameter D<NUM> of the body <NUM> so that the washer <NUM> is not placeable over the body <NUM> of the heating element <NUM>. Further, the inner diameter D<NUM> of the washer <NUM> is less than or equal to a tip of the retainer <NUM> defining the greatest radial protrusion of the retainer <NUM> or third diameter D<NUM>. The washer <NUM> is therefore abuttable against the retainer <NUM> to prevent movement of the retainer <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a flow diagram showing an example of a method <NUM> of preparing a heating element for use with apparatus for heating aerosolisable material to volatilise at least one component of the aerosolisable material. The method comprises providing <NUM> a heating element comprising a body and at least one retainer. The method also comprises orientating <NUM> the at least one retainer relative to the body to a retention position at which the at least one retainer is for restraining movement of the heating element relative to the apparatus when the heating element is installed in the apparatus.

The orientating <NUM> the at least one retainer may comprise changing <NUM> the heating element from a first shape, in which the at least one retainer is not configured for restraining movement of the heating element relative to the apparatus to a second shape, in which the at least one retainer is configured to restrain movement of the heating element relative to the apparatus. The second shape is a retention position.

The providing <NUM> the heating element may comprise providing the heating element as a unitary object comprising the body and the at least one retainer. The providing <NUM> the heating element may comprise extruding a body and/or cutting the body to form the at least one retainer, for example, by laser cutting. The providing <NUM> the heating element may comprise providing a sheet and forming the body and the at least one retainer from the sheet. The forming the body and the at least one retainer from the sheet may comprise manipulating the sheet to form a tube for example, by rolling. The forming the body and the at least one retainer from the sheet may comprise cutting the sheet to form at least one retainer, for example, by laser cutting.

Furthermore, the orientating <NUM> the at least one retainer may comprise bending <NUM> the at least one retainer outwards from the body to the retention position.

In some embodiments, the heating material is aluminium. However, in other embodiments, the heating material may be other than aluminium. In some embodiments, the heating material may comprise one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: an electrically-conductive material, a magnetic material, and a magnetic electrically-conductive material. In some embodiments, the heating material may comprise a metal or a metal alloy. In some embodiments, the heating material may comprise one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: aluminium, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, graphite, steel, plain-carbon steel, mild steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, molybdenum, silicon carbide, copper, and bronze. Other heating material(s) may be used in other embodiments.

In some embodiments, such as those in which the heating material comprises iron, such as steel (for example, mild steel or stainless steel) or aluminium, the sheet comprising heating material may be coated to help avoid corrosion or oxidation of the heating material in use. Such coating may, for example, comprise nickel plating, gold plating, or a coating of a ceramic or an inert polymer. In some embodiments, the sheet comprising heating material comprises or consists of nickel plated aluminium foil.

The heating material may have a skin depth, which is an exterior zone within which most of an induced electrical current and/or induced reorientation of magnetic dipoles occurs. By providing that the heating material has a relatively small thickness, a greater proportion of the heating material may be heatable by a given varying magnetic field, as compared to heating material having a depth or thickness that is relatively large as compared to the other dimensions of the heating material. Thus, a more efficient use of material is achieved and, in turn, costs are reduced.

In some embodiments, the aerosolisable material comprises tobacco. However, in other embodiments, the aerosolisable material may consist of tobacco, may consist substantially entirely of tobacco, may comprise tobacco and aerosolisable material other than tobacco, may comprise aerosolisable material other than tobacco, or may be free from tobacco. In some embodiments, the aerosolisable material may comprise a vapour or aerosol forming agent or a humectant, such as glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin, or diethylene glycol.

In some embodiments, the aerosolisable material is non-liquid aerosolisable material, and the apparatus is for heating non-liquid aerosolisable material to volatilise at least one component of the aerosolisable material.

In some embodiments, the article <NUM> is a consumable article. Once all, or substantially all, of the volatilisable component(s) of the aerosolisable material in the article <NUM> has/have been spent, the user may remove the article <NUM> from the heating zone <NUM> of the apparatus <NUM>, <NUM> and dispose of the article <NUM>. The user may subsequently re-use the apparatus <NUM>, <NUM> with another of the articles <NUM>. However, in other respective embodiments, the article may be non-consumable, and the apparatus and the article may be disposed of together once the volatilisable component(s) of the aerosolisable material has/have been spent.

In some embodiments, the article <NUM> is sold, supplied or otherwise provided separately from the apparatus <NUM>, <NUM> with which the article <NUM> is usable. However, in some embodiments, the apparatus <NUM>, <NUM> and one or more of the articles <NUM> may be provided together as a system, such as a kit or an assembly, possibly with additional components, such as cleaning utensils.

Claim 1:
A heating element (<NUM>) for use with apparatus for heating aerosolisable material to volatilise at least one component of the aerosolisable material, wherein the heating element (<NUM>) comprises:
a body (<NUM>) forming a chamber (<NUM>) for receiving the aerosolisable material;
at least one retainer (<NUM>) for restraining movement of the heating element (<NUM>) installed in the apparatus relative to the apparatus; and
a converging entrance (<NUM>) for inserting one or more articles comprising aerosolisable material into the chamber (<NUM>).