Patent Description:
With regard to the prior art, reference is directed to <CIT>, which discloses a heater having multiple resistive heating elements. The document teaches that the heater may be formed by screen-printing a plurality of resistive heating elements and conductive elements onto a ceramic substrate.

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.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a heating device for use with apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material, the heating device comprising:.

wherein the heating element comprises a body of electrically-conductive material, a first body of electrically-insulating material, and a second body of electrically-insulating material, and wherein the body of electrically-conductive material is located between the first and second bodies of electrically-insulating material.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a heating device for use with apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material, the method comprising:.

The present disclosure, in a first aspect, provides a heating device for use with apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material, the heating device comprising:.

In an exemplary embodiment, the electrically-conductive material is a metal or a metal alloy.

In an exemplary embodiment, the electrically-conductive material is selected from the group consisting of: steel, stainless steel, copper and nichrome.

In an exemplary embodiment, the layer of electrically-conductive material is a layer of patterned electrically-conductive material.

In an exemplary embodiment, the layer of electrically-conductive material is a layer of etched or printed electrically-conductive material.

In an exemplary embodiment, the layer of electrically-conductive material is a foil layer.

In an exemplary embodiment, the layer of electrically-conductive material is in contact with the first and second layers of polyimide.

In an exemplary embodiment, the smokable material is bonded by an adhesive to the first layer. In an exemplary embodiment, the smokable material is bonded by an adhesive to the second layer.

In an exemplary embodiment, the heating element is planar.

In an exemplary embodiment, the heating element is non-planar.

In an exemplary embodiment, the heating element is folded or corrugated or cruciform in cross section.

In an exemplary embodiment, the smokable material comprises tobacco.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a heating device for use with apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material, the heating device comprising:.

In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first layer of material and the second layer of material is resistant to heat. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first layer of material and the second layer of material is resistant to heat at least over a temperature range of <NUM> degrees Celsius to <NUM> degrees Celsius.

In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first layer of material and the second layer of material is an electrical insulator.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first layer of material is a layer of polyimide.

In an exemplary embodiment, the second layer of material is a layer of polyimide.

In an exemplary embodiment, the layer of steel is a layer of patterned steel.

In an exemplary embodiment, the steel is etched or printed.

In an exemplary embodiment, the layer of steel is a layer of steel foil.

In an exemplary embodiment, the steel is stainless steel.

In an exemplary embodiment, the layer of steel is in contact with each of the first layer of material and the second layer of material.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cartridge for use with apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material, the cartridge comprising a heating device according to the first or second aspect of the present disclosure.

In an exemplary embodiment, the cartridge comprises a housing defining a chamber, wherein the heating device is located within the chamber.

In an exemplary embodiment, the cartridge comprises two electrically-conductive terminals that are accessible from an exterior of the cartridge, wherein the heating element is electrically connected across the electrically-conductive terminals.

According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material, the apparatus comprising a heating device according to the first or second aspect of the present disclosure; or comprising a cartridge according to the third aspect of the present disclosure and an assembly, wherein the assembly has an interface and the cartridge is for co-operating with the interface of the assembly.

In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus is arranged to heat the smokable material to volatilise the at least one component of the smokable material without combusting the smokable material.

In an exemplary embodiment, the assembly comprises a controller for controlling the supply of electrical power to the heating element from an electrical power source when the cartridge is co-operating with the interface of the assembly.

In an exemplary embodiment, the assembly comprises a controller arranged to control heating of the heating element so as to cause heating of the smokable material to volatilise the at least one component of the smokable material without combusting the smokable material when the cartridge is co-operating with the interface of the assembly.

According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of manufacturing a heating device for use with apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material, the method comprising:.

In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises patterning electrically-conductive material to form the layer of electrically-conductive material. In an exemplary embodiment, the patterning comprises etching or printing the electrically-conductive material.

In an exemplary embodiment, the bonding comprises bonding with an adhesive the smokable material to the first layer. In an exemplary embodiment, the bonding comprises bonding with an adhesive the smokable material to the second layer.

According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of manufacturing a heating device for use with apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material, the method comprising:.

In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises patterning steel to form the layer of steel. In an exemplary embodiment, the patterning comprises etching or printing the steel.

As used herein, the term "smokable material" includes materials that provide volatilised components upon heating, typically in the form of an aerosol. "Smokable material" may be a non-tobacco-containing material or a tobacco-containing material. "Smokable 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 smokable material can be in the form of ground tobacco, cut rag tobacco, extruded tobacco, gel or agglomerates. "Smokable material" also may include other, non-tobacco, products, which, depending on the product, may or may not contain nicotine.

As used herein, "polysaccharides" encompasses polymeric carbohydrate molecules composed of long chains of monosaccharide units bound together by glycosidic linkages, and salts and derivatives of such compounds. Suitably, derivatives of such compounds may have ester, ether, acid, amine, amide, urea, thiol, thioether, thioester, thiocarboxylic acid or thioamide side groups on the monosaccharide units. Example polysaccharides include cellulose and cellulose derivatives and alginic acid and salts thereof. In some embodiments, the polysaccharide may adhere the smokable material to the heating element. In other embodiments, the adhesive may comprise the polysaccharide as an adhesion promoter.

As used herein, "cellulose derivatives" are compounds in which the hydroxyl groups of cellulose are partially or fully substituted by various groups. Example cellulose derivatives are cellulose esters and ethers. In some embodiments, the cellulose derivative may comprise a cellulose ether, which may include alkyl, hydroxyalkyl and carboxyalkyl cellulose ethers. In some embodiments, the cellulose derivative may be a hydroxyalkyl cellulose ether, such as hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and hydroxyethyl ethylcellulose. The cellulose derivative may be selected from hydroxyethyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and hydroxyethyl ethylcellulose in some cases. The cellulose derivative may comprise or substantially consist of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.

As used herein, "polyimide" refers to any polymer comprising or substantially formed of imide monomers and may be saturated or unsaturated. The polyimide may be hydrophobic.

As used herein, "polyester" refers to polymers which contain the ester functional group in their main chain. They may be formed by the esterification condensation of polyfunctional alcohols and acids. In some cases, the ester functional group is present about half or the repeating units, or in the majority of or substantially all of the repeating units. Polyesters may be saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic, semi-aromatic or aromatic, and may be copolymers or homopolymers. The polyester may be hydrophobic.

As used herein, the terms "flavour" and "flavourant" refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste or aroma in a product for adult consumers. They may include extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, piment, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, oil, liquid, or powder.

Referring to <FIG>, there is shown a perspective view and a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of an apparatus <NUM> for heating smokable material to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material. The apparatus <NUM> is arranged to heat smokable material to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material, typically to form an aerosol which can be inhaled, without combusting, or burning, the smokable material. The apparatus <NUM> comprises a first casing portion <NUM>, a second casing portion <NUM>, a mouthpiece <NUM> and a cartridge <NUM>. The combination of the first and second casing portions <NUM>, <NUM> constitutes a casing of the apparatus <NUM>. The combination of the first and second casing portions <NUM>, <NUM> and the mouthpiece <NUM> constitutes an assembly having an interface (discussed below) with which the cartridge <NUM> is able to co-operate. Each of these components will be discussed in turn.

The first casing portion <NUM> is located between the second casing portion <NUM> and the mouthpiece <NUM>. Each of the first and second casing portions <NUM>, <NUM> and the mouthpiece <NUM> defines a respective portion of the outer casing of the overall apparatus <NUM>. Accordingly, the outward appearance of the apparatus <NUM> is defined by the combination of the first and second casing portions <NUM>, <NUM> and the mouthpiece <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, the first casing portion <NUM> is generally tubular and elongate, has first and second opposite longitudinal ends <NUM>, <NUM>, and defines the interface for co-operating with the cartridge <NUM>. In this embodiment, the interface comprises a recess <NUM> for receiving the cartridge <NUM>. In other embodiments, the interface can take a different form, such as a shelf, a surface, or a projection, and optionally requires mechanical mating with the cartridge <NUM> in order to co-operate with the cartridge <NUM>. The second longitudinal end <NUM> of the first casing portion <NUM> defines an opening <NUM> into the recess <NUM>. The opening <NUM> is shaped and sized so that the cartridge <NUM> is movable through the opening <NUM> to allow a user to insert the cartridge <NUM> into the recess <NUM> and/or to remove the cartridge <NUM> from the recess <NUM>, as will be described in more detail below. The first longitudinal end <NUM> of the first casing portion <NUM> comprises a first connector <NUM> that is releasably engageable with a second connector <NUM> of the second casing portion <NUM>, as is also described in more detail below.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, the second casing portion <NUM> is generally tubular and elongate, has first and second opposite longitudinal ends <NUM>, <NUM>, and defines a compartment <NUM>. A plurality of first electrical components is contained in the compartment <NUM>. The first electrical components in this embodiment comprise an electrical power source <NUM> in the form of a rechargeable battery, a printed circuit board (PCB) <NUM> and a universal serial bus (USB) charging interface <NUM>. In other embodiments, the electrical power source <NUM> may be other than a rechargeable battery, such as a non-rechargeable battery or a capacitor. The charging interface <NUM> is accessible at the exterior of the apparatus <NUM> at the first longitudinal end <NUM> of the second casing portion <NUM>. An electrical charging circuit and a voltage regulator 26b are provided on the PCB <NUM>. The combination of the electrical charging circuit and the charging interface <NUM> constitutes a charging arrangement of the apparatus <NUM>. The electrical charging circuit is electrically connected to positive and negative terminals 24a, 24b of the battery <NUM> and is electrically connected to the charging interface <NUM>. The battery <NUM> is chargeable by connecting the charging arrangement to an external supply (not shown) of electrical power using the charging interface <NUM>. The electrical charging circuit comprises an overcharge preventer for preventing overcharging of the battery <NUM>. In variations to the illustrated embodiment, the charging interface <NUM> may take a form other than that dictated by the USB standard and/or may be located elsewhere on the second casing portion <NUM> or elsewhere on the apparatus <NUM>. In some embodiments, the charging arrangement may be omitted.

Referring to <FIG>, the second longitudinal end <NUM> of the second casing portion <NUM> comprises the second connector <NUM> that is engageable with the first connector <NUM> of the first casing portion <NUM>. In this embodiment, the first connector <NUM> is engageable with the second connector <NUM> so as to connect the second casing portion <NUM> to the first casing portion <NUM>. In other embodiments, the first and second casing portions <NUM>, <NUM> may be permanently connected, such as through a hinge or flexible member, so that engagement of the first connector <NUM> with the second connector <NUM> would not connect the second casing portion <NUM> to the first casing portion <NUM>, as such but would serve to facilitate partial separation or opening of the first casing portion <NUM> and the second casing portion <NUM>. In this embodiment, the first connector <NUM> is releasably engageable with the second connector <NUM> so as to detachably connect the second casing portion <NUM> to the first casing portion <NUM>. Accordingly, if the rechargeable battery <NUM> contained in the second casing portion <NUM> becomes exhausted, a user is able to swap the second casing portion <NUM> for another second casing portion <NUM> containing a non-exhausted electrical power source <NUM>. The user is thus able to continue using the apparatus <NUM>, for example during recharging of the first, exhausted rechargeable battery <NUM>. In other embodiments, the first connector <NUM> may not be disengageable from the second connector <NUM> once the first and second connectors <NUM>, <NUM> are connected to each other. In such other embodiments the second casing portion <NUM> becomes permanently connected to the first casing portion <NUM> on engagement of the first and second connectors <NUM>, <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in this embodiment the first and second connectors <NUM>, <NUM> are female and male connectors <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, and comprise co-operable female and male screw threads 15a, 25a, respectively. In some other embodiments, the first and second connectors <NUM>, <NUM> may be female and male connectors <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, and may comprise co-operable female and male screw threads, respectively. In still further embodiments, the first and second connectors <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise co-operable structures other than screw threads, such as a pin and slot together defining a bayonet coupling, a protrusion and a hole together defining a snap-fit connection, a plug and a socket, or the like.

In this embodiment, the first and second connectors <NUM>, <NUM> are electrically-conductive so that, when the first and second connectors <NUM>, <NUM> are engaged, an electric current can be conducted from the second connector <NUM> to the first connector <NUM>, as discussed in more detail below. In this embodiment, each of the first and second connectors <NUM>, <NUM> is made from a metal or a metal alloy, such as copper or stainless steel, etc.. In other embodiments, one or both of the first and second connectors <NUM>, <NUM> may be made from a different electrically-conductive material.

Referring to <FIG>, it can be seen that in this embodiment the second screw thread 25a has four notches 25n therethrough, spaced circumferentially around the second screw thread 25a. In other embodiments, there may be more or fewer notches 25n through the second screw thread 25a. In this embodiment, each of the notches 25n extends linearly and radially through the second screw thread 25a. In other embodiments, the notch(es) 25n may extend radially and non-linearly through the second screw thread 25a, or linearly and non-radially through the second screw thread 25a, or non-linearly and non-radially through the second screw thread 25a. In this embodiment, the notches 25n are provided only through the second screw thread 25a. In other embodiments, there may be one or more notches additionally or alternatively provided through the first screw thread 15a. In some embodiments, the first and second connectors <NUM>, <NUM> may be arranged so that the notch(es) provided through the first screw thread 15a align with the notch(es) provided through the second screw thread 25a when the first connector <NUM> is fully engaged with the second connector <NUM>.

When the first connector <NUM> is fully engaged with the second connector <NUM>, as shown most clearly in <FIG>, the first and second connectors <NUM>, <NUM> cooperate to define between the first and second connectors <NUM>, <NUM> four inlets <NUM> for admitting air into the apparatus <NUM>, and more specifically into the recess <NUM> of the first casing portion <NUM>, from an exterior of the apparatus <NUM>. The inlets <NUM> fluidly communicate with the exterior of the apparatus <NUM> via an annular gap <NUM> that remains between the first and second connectors <NUM>, <NUM> at an exterior surface of the apparatus <NUM> when the first connector <NUM> is fully engaged with the second connector <NUM>. The first connector <NUM> is fully engaged with the second connector <NUM> when no more of the first connector <NUM> can be made to engage with the second connector <NUM>. In this embodiment, this full engagement occurs when the first connector <NUM> cannot be moved further into the second connector <NUM>. This may, for example, be because the leading edge of the first screw thread 15a of the first connector <NUM> has reached the end of the second screw thread 25a of the second connector <NUM>, or because respective stops of the first and second connectors <NUM>, <NUM> have been brought into contact with each other during the engagement of the first and second connectors <NUM>, <NUM>. In other embodiments, there may be provided other mechanisms for defining the point at which the first and second connectors <NUM>, <NUM> are fully engaged. In this embodiment, the first and second connectors <NUM>, <NUM> are relatively movable to alter a cross-sectional area of each of the inlets <NUM>, while maintaining engagement of the first and second connectors <NUM>, <NUM>, so as to control the flow of air through the inlets <NUM>. In this embodiment, the degree of engagement of the first and second connectors <NUM>, <NUM> is changeable by rotating one of the first and second connectors <NUM>, <NUM> relative to the other. This has the effect of correspondingly altering the axial dimension of the inlets <NUM> between the first and second connectors <NUM>, <NUM>, so as to alter the cross-sectional area of each of the inlets <NUM>. In this embodiment, each of the inlets <NUM> is defined by a respective one of the notches 25n and a corresponding adjacent portion of the first connector <NUM>. In other embodiments in which more or fewer notches are provided, there would be correspondingly more or fewer inlets, respectively.

In this embodiment, the compartment <NUM> provided in the second casing portion <NUM>, and thus each of the first electrical components therein, is isolated from each of the inlets <NUM> by the material of the second connector <NUM>, a board comprising second and third electrical conductors <NUM>, <NUM> (discussed below and shown in <FIG>), and a plug 25b nested within the second connector <NUM> between the second connector <NUM> and the board. This helps prevent the first electrical components being brought into contact with dust or other foreign matter that might be drawn into the apparatus <NUM> through the inlet(s) <NUM> during operation of the apparatus <NUM>, which otherwise could negatively affect performance of the first electrical components. However, in other embodiments, the compartment <NUM> and/or the electrical power source <NUM> and/or the PCB <NUM> (if provided) and/or the charging interface <NUM> (if provided) may be fluidly connected to one or more or all of the inlets.

In this embodiment, the first and second casing portions <NUM>, <NUM> comprise respective electrical connections for supplying electrical power from the electrical power source <NUM> to the first casing portion <NUM>, for powering the cartridge <NUM> as discussed below. More specifically, in this embodiment the second casing portion <NUM> comprises a first electrical conductor <NUM> (shown most clearly in <FIG>) that extends from the negative terminal 24b of the battery <NUM> to the second screw thread 25a of the second connector <NUM> and bypasses the voltage regulator 26b, the second electrical conductor <NUM> (shown most clearly in <FIG>) that extends from the positive terminal 24a of the battery <NUM> to the voltage regulator 26b on the PCB <NUM>, and a third electrical conductor <NUM> (also shown most clearly in <FIG>) that extends from the voltage regulator 26b to a terminal 283a. The third electrical conductor <NUM> is separated from the second electrical conductor <NUM> by an electrical insulator <NUM> so as to be electrically insulated from the second electrical conductor <NUM>. The terminal 283a is centrally located on the longitudinal axis of the second casing portion <NUM> at the second longitudinal end <NUM> of the second casing portion <NUM>. The terminal 283a is contactable via a hole 25c in the plug 25b. In this embodiment, the terminal 283a is a positive terminal of the second casing portion <NUM>, and the second screw thread 25a of the second connector <NUM> is a negative terminal of the second casing portion <NUM>.

A portion of the second electrical conductor <NUM> is in contact with the positive terminal 24a of the battery <NUM>. A portion of the third electrical conductor <NUM> comprises the terminal 283a. These portions of the second and third electrical conductors <NUM>, <NUM> are wrapped around a resilient member <NUM>. The resilient member <NUM> biases the second electrical conductor <NUM> into contact with the positive terminal 24a of the battery <NUM> in a first direction. This helps to maintain good electrical contact between the second electrical conductor <NUM> and the positive terminal 24a of the battery <NUM>. The resilient member <NUM> also biases the portions of the second and third electrical conductor <NUM>, <NUM> into contact with the plug 25b in a second direction. This helps to provide a seal between the second and third electrical conductors <NUM>, <NUM> and the plug 25b, thereby to aid isolation of the compartment <NUM> from the inlets <NUM>. The second electrical conductor <NUM> extends from the positive terminal 24a of the battery <NUM>, around the resilient member <NUM>, and along the majority of the longitudinal length of the second casing portion <NUM> to the PCB <NUM>, so as to electrically connect the positive terminal 24a of the battery <NUM> to the electrical charging circuit and the voltage regulator 26b on the PCB <NUM>, as previously mentioned. The third electrical conductor <NUM> extends from the voltage regulator 26b and along the majority of the longitudinal length of the second casing portion <NUM> to the terminal 283a.

In this embodiment, each of the first, second and third electrical conductors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is made from a metal or a metal alloy, such as copper or stainless steel, etc., but in other embodiments one or more of the first, second and third electrical conductors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be made from a different electrically-conductive material.

The respective electrical connections of the first and second casing portions <NUM>, <NUM> for supplying electrical power from the electrical power source <NUM> to the first casing portion <NUM> in the present embodiment are further illustrated in <FIG>. The first screw thread 15a of the first connector <NUM> is in this embodiment a negative terminal of the first casing portion <NUM>, and is electrically connected to the negative terminal, i.e. the second screw thread 25a of the second connector <NUM>, of the second casing portion <NUM> when the first connector <NUM> is fully engaged with the second connector <NUM>. A plate <NUM> is mounted to the first connector <NUM>. The plate <NUM> is circular about a central axis that is coincident with the longitudinal axis of the first casing portion <NUM>. The plate <NUM> is within the first casing portion <NUM> between the first longitudinal end <NUM> of the first casing portion <NUM> and the recess <NUM> of the first casing portion <NUM>. Five holes 16a-16e are provided through the plate <NUM>. A first hole 16a of these holes is centrally located on the longitudinal axis of the first casing portion <NUM>. Within the first hole 16a is a first pin 17a that projects away from the plate <NUM> towards the first longitudinal end <NUM> of the first casing portion <NUM>. The first pin 17a is electrically-conductive and may be made from a metal or a metal alloy, such as copper or stainless steel or the like. The first pin 17a is a positive terminal of the first casing portion <NUM>. When the first connector <NUM> is fully engaged with the second connector <NUM>, as is most clearly illustrated in <FIG>, the first pin 17a is located in the hole 25c in the plug 25b and is in surface contact with the positive terminal, i.e. the terminal 283a, of the second casing portion <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, within second and third holes 16b, 16c of the holes through the plate <NUM> are second and third pins 17b, 17c that project away from the plate <NUM> in an opposite direction to the pin 17a, and into the recess <NUM>. Each of the second and third pins 17b, 17c is electrically-conductive and may be made from a metal or a metal alloy, such as copper or stainless steel or the like. Herein, the second pin 17b is referred to as a "first electrically-conductive terminal" and the third pin 17c is referred to as a "second electrically-conductive terminal". Moreover, herein, the first pin 17a is referred to as a "third electrically-conductive terminal", the terminal 283a of the second casing portion <NUM> is referred to as a "fourth electrically-conductive terminal", the first screw thread 15a of the first connector <NUM> is referred to as a "fifth electrically-conductive terminal", and the second screw thread 25a of the second connector <NUM> is referred to as a "sixth electrically-conductive terminal". The first and second electrically-conductive terminals 17b, 17c are for supplying electrical power to the cartridge <NUM>, when the interface is co-operating with the cartridge <NUM> (i.e. when the cartridge <NUM> is fully located in the recess <NUM>) and the first connector <NUM> is fully engaged with the second connector <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the second electrically-conductive terminal 17c is electrically connected to the fifth electrically-conductive terminal 15a via a controller <NUM> contained in the first casing portion <NUM>. Moreover, in this embodiment, the first electrically-conductive terminal 17b is electrically connected to the third electrically-conductive terminal 17a via the controller <NUM>. In this embodiment, the controller <NUM> comprises an integrated circuit (IC). In other embodiments, the controller <NUM> may take a different form. The controller <NUM> is for controlling the supply of electrical power to a heating element <NUM> in the cartridge <NUM>, when the cartridge <NUM> is fully located in the recess <NUM>, as will be described in more detail below. When the first connector <NUM> is fully engaged with the second connector <NUM>, the third electrically-conductive terminal 17a is in surface contact with the fourth electrically-conductive terminal 283a, and the fifth electrically-conductive terminal 15a is in surface contact with the sixth electrically-conductive terminal 25a. That is, the first casing portion <NUM> is connected to the second casing portion <NUM> with the third and fifth electrically-conductive terminals 17a, 15a in surface contact with the fourth and sixth electrically-conductive terminals 283a, 25a, respectively.

Accordingly, when the first connector <NUM> is fully engaged with the second connector <NUM>, the positive terminal 24a of the electrical power source <NUM> is electrically connected to the controller <NUM> via the voltage regulator 26b, and the negative terminal 24b of the electrical power source <NUM> is electrically connected to the controller <NUM> by an electrically-conductive path that is free of the voltage regulator 26b. Since each of the first and second screw threads 15a, 25a is part of the casing of the apparatus <NUM>, the electrically-conductive path comprises a part of the casing.

In this embodiment, the controller <NUM> is located in the first casing portion <NUM>, and more specifically radially outwardly of the recess <NUM> and between the first and second longitudinal ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the first casing portion <NUM>. The controller <NUM> is operated in this embodiment by user-actuation of an actuator <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> is located at the exterior of the first casing portion <NUM> radially outwardly of the controller <NUM> and the recess <NUM> and takes the form of a push-button. In other embodiments, a different form of actuator <NUM> may be provided, such as a toggle switch, a dial, or the like. In this embodiment, the controller <NUM> is isolated from each of the inlets <NUM> by the plate <NUM> and the section of the first casing portion <NUM> that defines the recess <NUM>. In other embodiments, additional or alternative electrical components located in the first casing portion <NUM> may be isolated from the inlets <NUM>. This helps prevent the electrical components in the first casing portion <NUM> being brought into contact with dust or other foreign matter that might be drawn into the apparatus <NUM> through the inlet(s) <NUM> during operation of the apparatus <NUM>, which otherwise could negatively affect performance of those electrical components. However, in other embodiments, the controller <NUM> and/or other electrical components in the first casing portion <NUM> may be fluidly connected to one or more of the inlets <NUM>.

In other embodiments, the controller <NUM> may be provided in the plate <NUM> of the first casing portion <NUM>, or in the second casing portion <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may be provided on a PCB or another structure. In embodiments in which the controller <NUM> is comprised in the second casing portion <NUM>, one of the positive and negative terminals 24a, 24b of the electrical power source <NUM> may be electrically connected to the controller <NUM> via the voltage regulator 26b, and the other of the positive and negative terminals 24a, 24b of the electrical power source <NUM> may be electrically connected to the controller <NUM> by an electrically-conductive path that is free of the voltage regulator 26b.

In this embodiment, the first, third and fourth electrically-conductive terminals 17b, 17a, 283a are electrically connected to the positive terminal 24a of the electrical power source <NUM>, and the second, fifth and sixth electrically-conductive terminals 17c 15a, 25a are electrically connected to the negative terminal 24b of the electrical power source <NUM>, when the first connector <NUM> is engaged with the second connector <NUM>. In some other embodiments, the polarities of the terminals 24a, 24b of the battery <NUM> may be reversed.

Providing that one of the positive and negative terminals 24a, 24b of the electrical power source <NUM> is electrically connected to the controller <NUM> via the voltage regulator 26b, while the other of the positive and negative terminals 24a, 24b of the electrical power source <NUM> is electrically connected to the controller <NUM> by an electrically-conductive path that is free of the voltage regulator 26b, helps to simplify manufacture of the apparatus <NUM>. Fewer connections to the voltage regulator 26b may be required and the electrically-conductive path can be provided regardless of the location of the voltage regulator 26b in the apparatus <NUM>. This also gives a designer of the apparatus <NUM> greater design freedom when designing the apparatus <NUM>.

The mouthpiece <NUM> of this embodiment of the apparatus <NUM> will now be described in more detail, with particular reference to <FIG>. The mouthpiece <NUM> is generally tubular and elongate and has first and second opposite longitudinal ends <NUM>, <NUM>. The first longitudinal end <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> is a first longitudinal end of the apparatus <NUM>, whereas the first longitudinal end <NUM> of the second casing portion <NUM> is a second longitudinal end of the apparatus <NUM>. The second longitudinal end <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> comprises a connector <NUM> that is engageable with a second connector <NUM> of the first casing portion <NUM> at the second longitudinal end <NUM> of the first casing portion <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the connector <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> is engageable with the second connector <NUM> of the first casing portion <NUM> so as to connect the mouthpiece <NUM> to the first casing portion <NUM>. In other embodiments, the mouthpiece <NUM> and the first casing portion <NUM> may be permanently connected, such as through a hinge or flexible member, so that engagement of the connector <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> with the second connector <NUM> of the first casing portion <NUM> would not be so as to connect the mouthpiece <NUM> to the first casing portion <NUM>, as such. In this embodiment, the connector <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> is releasably engageable with the second connector <NUM> of the first casing portion <NUM> so as to detachably connect the mouthpiece <NUM> to the first casing portion <NUM>. In other embodiments, the connector <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> may not be disengageable from the second connector <NUM> of the first casing portion <NUM> once connected thereto. In such other embodiments the mouthpiece <NUM> may become permanently connected to the first casing portion <NUM> on engagement of the connector <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> with the second connector <NUM> of the first casing portion <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the connector <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> and the second connector <NUM> of the first casing portion <NUM> respectively comprise two protrusions and two corresponding holes or recesses. The protrusions and recesses together define a snap-fit connection for connecting the mouthpiece <NUM> to the first casing portion <NUM>. In other embodiments the connector <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> and the second connector <NUM> of the first casing portion <NUM> may comprise other forms of co-operable structures, such as co-operable screw threads, a bayonet coupling, a plug and a socket, or the like.

The mouthpiece <NUM> comprises an inlet <NUM> at the second longitudinal end <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM>, an outlet <NUM> at the first longitudinal end <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM>, and a channel <NUM> fluidly connecting the inlet <NUM> with the outlet <NUM>. In this embodiment, the channel <NUM> extends substantially linearly along the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece <NUM>. In other embodiments, the channel <NUM> may be located elsewhere in the mouthpiece <NUM> or may take other than a substantially linear form. The mouthpiece <NUM> also comprises a seal <NUM> surrounding the inlet <NUM>. In this embodiment, the seal <NUM> defines the inlet <NUM>, but in other embodiments the inlet <NUM> may be defined by another member and the seal <NUM> may surround the other member. In this embodiment, the seal <NUM> is flexible and resilient, but in other embodiments the seal <NUM> may be hard, rigid or inflexible. Moreover, in this embodiment the seal <NUM> comprises an O-ring that is attached to the rest of the mouthpiece <NUM>, but in other embodiments the seal <NUM> could take a different form and may not even be circular. For example, in some embodiments, the seal <NUM> may be co-moulded with the rest of the mouthpiece <NUM>. In some such embodiments, the seal <NUM> may be resilient while other portions of the mouthpiece <NUM> are less resilient or inflexible.

In some embodiments, the mouthpiece <NUM> may comprise, or be impregnated with, a flavourant. The flavourant may be arranged so as to be picked up by the hot aerosol as the aerosol passes through the channel <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> in use.

The mouthpiece <NUM> is locatable relative to the first casing portion <NUM> so as to cover the opening <NUM> into the recess <NUM>. More specifically, in this embodiment, the mouthpiece <NUM> is locatable relative to the first casing portion <NUM> so as to cover the opening <NUM> with the outlet <NUM> at the exterior of the apparatus <NUM>, and with the seal <NUM> facing the recess <NUM>. When the mouthpiece <NUM> is so located relative to the first casing portion <NUM>, the seal <NUM> is for contacting the cartridge <NUM> when the cartridge <NUM> is in the recess <NUM> to seal the inlet <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> to the cartridge <NUM> in use. In this embodiment, when the mouthpiece <NUM> is so located relative to the first casing portion <NUM>, and when the cartridge <NUM> is in the recess <NUM>, the seal <NUM> is compressed between the channel <NUM> and the cartridge <NUM>. This presses the cartridge <NUM> into the recess <NUM>, which in turn helps ensure that the seventh and eighth electrically-conductive terminals 47a, 47b (discussed below) of the cartridge <NUM> are in surface contact with the first and second electrically-conductive terminals 17b, 17c, respectively.

The cartridge <NUM> of this embodiment of the apparatus <NUM> will now be described in more detail, with particular reference to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. In this embodiment, the cartridge <NUM> comprises a housing <NUM> defining a chamber <NUM>. A heating device <NUM> is located within the chamber <NUM>. In other embodiments, the housing <NUM> may be omitted or take a different form to that illustrated. In some embodiments, the heating device may be comprised in an apparatus that does not comprise a cartridge. As will be described in more detail below, in this embodiment, the heating device <NUM> comprises a heating element <NUM> with smokable material <NUM> arranged on the heating element <NUM>. The heating element <NUM> is for heating the smokable material <NUM>, and is a support on which the smokable material <NUM> is arranged. The heating device <NUM> is arranged to heat the smokable material <NUM> to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material <NUM> to create volatilised material. Typically, this volatilisation causes the formation of an aerosol. The aerosol is inhalable by a user of the apparatus <NUM> via the channel <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM>. Operation of the apparatus <NUM> will be described in more detail below.

In this embodiment, the housing <NUM> comprises first and second housing parts 43a, 43b that cooperate so as to define the chamber <NUM>. The heating device <NUM> extends from the first housing part 43a into the chamber <NUM> and towards and through the second housing part 43b. The first and second housing parts 43a, 43b define first and second longitudinal ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM>, respectively. In other embodiments, first and second longitudinal ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM> may both be defined by one housing part, i.e. by one component. In this embodiment, the first housing part 43a is non-unitary with the second housing part 43b and is attached to the second housing part 43b. In this embodiment, this attachment is effected through a snap-fit connection between the first and second housing parts 43a, 43b, but in other embodiments the attachment may be effected through other mechanisms. In this embodiment, all of the housing <NUM> is made of non-porous material. Accordingly, air is unable to pass through the material of the housing <NUM> itself. However, with the first and second housing parts 43a, 43b so attached, the first and second housing parts 43a, 43b cooperate so as to define an air flow path <NUM> in the form of a hole <NUM> between the first and second housing parts 43a, 43b. The air flow path <NUM> extends through the housing <NUM> and is for admitting air into the chamber <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM> from an exterior of the housing <NUM>.

In other embodiments, the air flow path <NUM> may be defined differently, such as by a hole formed through a component of the housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the housing <NUM> may consist of more or fewer housing parts defining the chamber <NUM> and/or defining the air flow path <NUM>. In embodiments other than those shown in the Figures, a portion, or all, of the housing <NUM> may be made of porous material for admitting air into the chamber <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM> from an exterior of the housing <NUM>. That is, the air may be able to pass through the material of the housing <NUM> itself without there necessarily being a hole through the material or a gap between the first and second housing parts 43a, 43b. Accordingly, the porous material itself provides one or more air flow paths extending through the housing <NUM> for admitting air into the chamber <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM> from an exterior of the housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, a first portion of the housing <NUM> may be made of porous material for admitting air into the chamber <NUM> from an exterior of the housing <NUM>, and a second portion of the housing <NUM> may be made of non-porous material. In some such embodiments, the first portion and/or the second portion of the housing <NUM> may have one or more holes extending therethrough for further admitting air into the chamber <NUM> from an exterior of the housing <NUM>.

In this embodiment, since all of the housing <NUM> is made of non-porous material, aerosol or volatilised material generated within the housing <NUM> is unable to pass through the material of the housing <NUM> itself. However, the housing <NUM> has a plurality of volatilised material flow paths extending therethrough for permitting the volatilised material to pass from the chamber <NUM> out of the housing <NUM>. In this embodiment, the volatilised material flow paths comprise a plurality of apertures <NUM> extending through the housing. In this embodiment, the apertures <NUM> extend through the second housing part 43b. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, in this embodiment, when the mouthpiece <NUM> is located relative to the first casing portion <NUM> so as to cover the opening <NUM>, the seal <NUM> surrounds the apertures <NUM> at the exterior of the housing <NUM>, with the apertures <NUM> fluidly connected to the channel <NUM> via the inlet <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM>. In this embodiment, the apertures <NUM> are at the second longitudinal end <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM>. The second longitudinal end <NUM> is closer to the mouthpiece <NUM> in the assembled apparatus <NUM> than is the first longitudinal end <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM>. In some embodiments, the housing <NUM> may have only one volatilised material flow path extending therethrough for permitting the volatilised material to pass from the chamber <NUM> out of the housing <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments, there may be provided only a single aperture in place of the plurality of apertures <NUM>.

In embodiments other than those shown in the Figures, a portion, or all, of the housing <NUM> may be made of porous material for permitting aerosol or volatilised material to pass from the chamber <NUM> out of the housing <NUM>. That is, aerosol or volatilised material may be able to pass through the material of the housing <NUM> itself without there necessarily being one or more apertures through the material. Accordingly, the porous material itself provides one or more volatilised material flow paths extending through the housing <NUM> for permitting the volatilised material to pass from the chamber <NUM> out of the housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, a first portion of the housing <NUM> is made of non-porous material, and a second portion of the housing <NUM> is made of porous material for permitting volatilised material to pass from the chamber <NUM> out of the housing <NUM>. The second portion of the housing <NUM> may comprise a plate co-moulded with the first portion of the housing <NUM>, for example. In some such embodiments, the first portion and/or the second portion of the housing <NUM> may have one or more apertures <NUM> extending therethrough for further permitting volatilised material to pass from the chamber <NUM> out of the housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, an inlet portion of the housing <NUM> may be made of porous material for admitting air into the chamber <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM> from an exterior of the housing <NUM>, and an outlet portion of the housing <NUM> may be made of porous material for permitting volatilised material to pass from the chamber <NUM> to the exterior of the housing <NUM>. The inlet and outlet portions may have the same, or different, porosities or void fractions.

Where used, the porous material of the housing <NUM> may comprise for example polyethylene or nylon. Different grades of polyethylene offer different levels of porosity. The use of polyethylene to provide a suitable housing, or portion of a housing, for permitting aerosol or volatilised material to pass from the chamber <NUM> to the exterior of the housing <NUM> will be apparent to the skilled person on consideration of this disclosure. In some embodiments, part of the cartridge, such as the housing, may comprise, or be impregnated with, a flavourant. The flavourant may be arranged so as to be picked up by the hot aerosol generated within the chamber <NUM> in use.

In this embodiment, and as shown in <FIG>, the heating element <NUM> comprises a sandwich or laminate structure comprising three layers. The three layers are a first layer <NUM> of material, a layer <NUM> of electrically-conductive material, and a second layer <NUM> of material. The layer <NUM> of electrically-conductive material is located between, and in contact with, the first and second layers <NUM>, <NUM> of material. The first layer <NUM> of material is a first support layer <NUM>, and the second layer <NUM> of material is a second support layer <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, the sandwich or laminate structure may comprise more or fewer layers. In some embodiments, such as this embodiment, the heating element <NUM> comprises a first support layer <NUM> and a layer <NUM> of electrically-conductive material on a surface of the first support layer <NUM> and defining one or more electrically-conductive tracks. In some embodiments, the heating element <NUM> may not comprise a sandwich or laminate structure. For example, in some embodiments one or both of the first and second support layers <NUM>, <NUM> may be omitted. In some embodiments, one or more additional layers may be provided between the layer <NUM> of electrically-conductive material and the first support layer <NUM> and/or between the layer <NUM> of electrically-conductive material and the second support layer <NUM>.

The layer <NUM> of electrically-conductive material is retained relative to each of the first and second support layers <NUM>, <NUM>. This can be achieved in a number of different ways. For example, as in this embodiment, the material of the first and second support layers <NUM>, <NUM> may envelop or surround the layer <NUM> of electrically-conductive material, so as to retain the layer <NUM> of electrically-conductive material relative to each of the first and second support layers <NUM>, <NUM>. Alternatively or additionally, some portion(s) of the material of the first and second support layers <NUM>, <NUM> may be located in holes formed through the layer <NUM> of electrically-conductive material, so as to lock the first and second support layers <NUM>, <NUM> to the layer <NUM> of electrically-conductive material. Alternatively or additionally, depending on the materials used, the material of the first and second support layers <NUM>, <NUM> may bond naturally to the material of the layer <NUM> of electrically-conductive material, so as to lock the first and second support layers <NUM>, <NUM> to the layer <NUM> of electrically-conductive material. Alternatively or additionally, the first and second support layers <NUM>, <NUM> may be bonded to the layer <NUM> of electrically-conductive material by an adhesive. When provided, such adhesive may form additional identifiable adhesive layers between the layer <NUM> of electrically-conductive material and the first and second support layers <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively.

In this embodiment, the material of the first support layer <NUM> is the same material as the material of the second support layer <NUM>. This can facilitate manufacture of the sandwich or laminate structure. During manufacture, the layer <NUM> of electrically-conductive material may be dipped in the material of the first and second support layers <NUM>, <NUM> in fluid form, so as to coat some or all of the layer <NUM> of electrically-conductive material. Then, the material of the first and second support layers <NUM>, <NUM> may be allowed to cure or set so as to harden, thereby retaining the resultant first and second support layers <NUM>, <NUM> relative to the layer <NUM> of electrically-conductive material.

In this embodiment, the layer <NUM> of electrically-conductive material is a layer <NUM> of stainless steel. However, in other embodiments, the electrically-conductive material may be a different metal alloy, or a metal, or the like. For example, in some embodiments, the electrically-conductive material is, or comprises, one or more of: steel, stainless steel, copper and nichrome. In this embodiment, the electrically-conductive material is in the form of a foil, so that the layer <NUM> of electrically-conductive material is a foil layer <NUM>. In embodiments in which the electrically-conductive material is other than stainless steel, the layer <NUM> of electrically-conductive material nevertheless may be a foil layer <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the electrically-conductive material is etched in such a manner as to be patterned to provide the electrically-conductive tracks and to increase the surface area of the electrically-conductive material. For example, the patterning may cause the surface of the electrically-conductive material to be roughened or ridged or rippled or stippled, etc. In other embodiments, the electrically-conductive material may be printed in such a manner as to be patterned, or may be patterned by some other process. In still further embodiments, the electrically-conductive material may be non-patterned. For example, in some such embodiments, the layer <NUM> of electrically-conductive material may be a simple rectangular strip of the electrically-conductive material.

The electrically-conductive material of the heating element <NUM> is heatable by passing an electric current through the electrically-conductive material. By suitably patterning the electrically-conductive material, the surface area of the electrically-conductive material is increased so as to provide more area for heat conduction to the smokable material <NUM> arranged on the heating element <NUM>. The first and second support layers <NUM>, <NUM> may be so thin as not to fill completely the resultant roughened or patterned surface of the electrically-conductive material. The smokable material <NUM> may, for example, fill the resultant roughened or patterned surface of the heating element <NUM>, so that the smokable material <NUM> has a higher surface area to volume ratio. In some embodiments, patterning of the electrically-conductive material can also act to set a cross sectional area and length of an electric current flow-path in the electrically-conductive material, so that heating of the heating element <NUM> can be achieved by passing a predetermined electric current through the electrically-conductive material. Moreover, by suitably patterning the electrically-conductive material, the electrically-conductive material can be shaped so that the electrically-conductive material is maintained at areas of the heating element <NUM> that are to be the focus of the heating. Accordingly, depending on the patterning provided, uniformity of heating of the smokable material <NUM> may be achieved in use.

In this embodiment, each of the first and second support layers <NUM>, <NUM> is made of a material that is resistant to heat. In this embodiment, each of the first and second support layers <NUM>, <NUM> is an electrical insulator. More particularly, each of these layers is resistant to heat at least over the expected range of temperatures of the heating element <NUM> that will arise in operation, such as for example <NUM> to <NUM> degrees Celsius. Polyimide is an example of material that is resistant to heat at least over this range of temperatures. In this embodiment, each of the first and second support layers <NUM>, <NUM> is a layer of polyimide. As discussed elsewhere herein, the controller <NUM> is in some embodiments arranged to ensure that the heating element <NUM> is heated to a temperature within this range. Accordingly, the polyimide is able to withstand the heating of the electrically-conductive material during use of the device. In other embodiments, the material of the first support layer <NUM> may be other than polyimide, and/or the material of the second support layer <NUM> may be other than polyimide. In some embodiments, the first and second support layers <NUM>, <NUM> are layers of respective different materials. However, whichever material or materials is/are used for the first and second support layers <NUM>, <NUM>, preferably the material(s) are resistant to heat at least over the above-discussed temperature range. In this embodiment, each of the first and second support layers <NUM>, <NUM> is a layer that is impervious to moisture, to prevent any moisture present in the smokable material <NUM> from contacting the layer <NUM> of electrically-conductive material.

In this embodiment, the heating element <NUM> is planar, or at least substantially planar. A planar heating element <NUM> tends to be simpler to manufacture. However, in other embodiments, the heating element <NUM> may be non-planar. For example, in some embodiments, the heating element <NUM> may be folded, or crimped, or corrugated, or cruciform in cross section, or the like. A substantially cylindrical heater format is also envisaged. A non-planar heating element <NUM> can have an outer surface that is better suited to retaining the smokable material <NUM> thereon. For example, when a corrugated or similar heating element <NUM> is used, the smokable material <NUM> may adhere or bond more readily to troughs in the outer surface of the heating element <NUM> formed by the corrugations. Additionally, a non-planar heating element <NUM> provides more surface area for conduction of heat to the smokable material <NUM>. It can then support more smokable material <NUM> in a layer of a given thickness. Smokable materials such as tobacco are often poor heat conductors and so it may be desirable to provide the smokable material <NUM> in relatively thin layers to reduce electrical power consumption or to increase the rate of heating the smokable material <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the smokable material <NUM> comprises tobacco and is arranged on the heating element <NUM> in two portions <NUM>, <NUM>, as shown in for example <FIG> and <FIG>. In this embodiment, the smokable material <NUM> is in a solid state and comprises particles of the smokable material. The first and second portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the smokable material <NUM> are bonded by an adhesive to the heating element <NUM>, as described in more detail herein. More specifically, the first portion <NUM> of the smokable material <NUM> is bonded to the first support layer <NUM> so that the first support layer <NUM> lies between the layer <NUM> of electrically-conductive material and the first portion <NUM> of the smokable material <NUM>. The second portion <NUM> of the smokable material <NUM> is bonded to the second support layer <NUM> so that the second support layer <NUM> lies between the layer <NUM> of electrically-conductive material and the second portion <NUM> of the smokable material <NUM>. Accordingly, the first and second portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the smokable material <NUM> are arranged on first and second portions of the heating element <NUM>, namely on respective surfaces of the first and second support layers <NUM>, <NUM>. In this embodiment, the respective surfaces are respective first and second sides of the heating element <NUM>. Moreover, in this embodiment, the first and second sides are respective opposite sides of the heating element <NUM>. In other embodiments, the first and second sides may be non-opposite sides of the heating element <NUM>, such as adjacent sides of the heating element <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, in this embodiment the adhesive forms additional identifiable adhesive layers <NUM>, <NUM> between the heating element <NUM> and the first and second portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the smokable material <NUM>, respectively. However, in some embodiments, the smokable material <NUM> may be interspersed within the adhesive so that the first and second portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the smokable material <NUM> comprise the adhesive and no further identifiable adhesive layers are present. In some embodiments, the adhesive may be omitted and the smokable material <NUM> may be bonded to the heating element <NUM>, or arranged on the heating element <NUM>, by some other mechanism.

In some embodiments, the first portion <NUM> of the smokable material <NUM> has a form so as to be heatable by the heating element <NUM> more quickly than the second portion <NUM> of the smokable material <NUM>. More specifically, in this embodiment for example, the first portion <NUM> of the smokable material <NUM> is arranged on the heating element <NUM> with a first thickness and the second portion <NUM> of the smokable material <NUM> is arranged on the heating element <NUM> with a second thickness. Thus, the first portion <NUM> of the smokable material <NUM> has the first thickness and the second portion <NUM> of the smokable material <NUM> has the second thickness. The second thickness is greater than the first thickness. Herein, in this context, "thickness" means a depth of the relevant portion <NUM>, <NUM> of the smokable material <NUM> as measured from the surface of the heating element <NUM> on which the smokable material <NUM> is arranged in a direction normal to that surface.

In some embodiments, first and second portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the smokable material <NUM> may be arranged on first and second portions of the heating element <NUM> that are first and second portions of one side of the heating element <NUM>. That is, the first and second portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the smokable material <NUM> may be on the same side of the heating element <NUM>.

For example, as shown in the embodiment of <FIG>, the smokable material <NUM> is arranged so that a first portion <NUM> of the smokable material <NUM> on a first side 410a of the heating element <NUM> has a first thickness and a second portion <NUM> of the smokable material <NUM> on the first side 410a of the heating element <NUM> has a second thickness. The second thickness is greater than the first thickness. A similar arrangement of the smokable material <NUM> is provided on a second side 410b of the heating element <NUM> opposite from the first side 410a.

As shown in <FIG>, the thickness of the smokable material <NUM> on the first side 410a of the heating element <NUM> tapers from the first portion <NUM> of the smokable material <NUM> to the second portion <NUM> of the smokable material <NUM>. In this embodiment, the taper is linear or substantially linear. In other embodiments, the taper may be non-linear; for example, the outer surface of the smokable material <NUM> may be concave or convex. In still other embodiments, the smokable material <NUM> may be arranged on the first side 410a of the heating element <NUM> to a thickness that increases in a stepwise manner from the first portion <NUM> of the smokable material <NUM> to the second portion <NUM> of the smokable material <NUM>. In one such embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, there is only a single step in the thickness of the smokable material <NUM> arranged on the first side 410a of the heating element <NUM>. The single step is at the point where the first portion <NUM> of the smokable material <NUM> meets the second portion <NUM> of the smokable material <NUM>. In another such embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, there are plural steps in the thickness of the smokable material <NUM> between the first and second portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the smokable material <NUM> arranged on the first side 410a of the heating element <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the first and second portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the smokable material <NUM> are at respective opposite ends of the smokable material <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, this may not be the case.

In some embodiments, the smokable material <NUM> may be arranged only on one side of the heating element <NUM>. For example, in respective alternative embodiments to those shown in <FIG>, the smokable material <NUM> on the first side 410a or the second side 410b of the heating element <NUM> may be omitted.

By arranging different portions of the smokable material <NUM> on the heating element <NUM> with different thicknesses, progressive heating of the smokable material <NUM>, and thereby progressive generation of aerosol, is achievable. More specifically, in use, only a relatively small degree of heating of the heating element <NUM> is required to cause the first, thinner portion <NUM> of the smokable material <NUM> to become heated, thereby to initiate volatilisation of at least one component of the smokable material <NUM> in the first portion <NUM> of the smokable material <NUM> and formation of an aerosol in the first portion <NUM> of the smokable material <NUM>. As the heating element <NUM> further heats up, the second, thicker portion <NUM> of the smokable material <NUM> becomes sufficiently heated to initiate volatilisation of at least one component of the smokable material <NUM> in the second portion <NUM> of the smokable material <NUM> and formation of an aerosol in the second portion <NUM> of the smokable material <NUM>. The aerosol is output from respective outer surfaces of the first and second portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the smokable material <NUM>. Accordingly, an aerosol is able to be formed relatively rapidly for inhalation by a user, and the heating device <NUM> is arranged to continue forming an aerosol thereafter for subsequent inhalation by the user even after the first, thinner portion <NUM> of the smokable material <NUM> may have ceased generating aerosol. The first portion <NUM> of the smokable material <NUM> may cease generating the aerosol when it becomes exhausted of volatilisable components of the smokable material <NUM>.

In other embodiments, additionally or alternatively to the variation in thickness of the smokable material <NUM> in any of the above-described embodiments, the first and second portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the smokable material <NUM> may have different mean particle sizes. That is, the first portion <NUM> of the smokable material <NUM> may comprise particles of the smokable material <NUM> having a first mean particle size, and the second portion <NUM> of the smokable material <NUM> may comprise particles of the smokable material <NUM> having a second mean particle size. The second mean particle size is greater than the first mean particle size. Typically, particles of the smokable material <NUM> having a smaller mean particle size are heatable more quickly by a given heat source than are particles of the smokable material <NUM> having a greater mean particle size. By providing different portions of the smokable material <NUM> with different mean particle sizes, progressive heating of the smokable material <NUM>, and thereby progressive generation of aerosol, is achievable substantially as discussed above.

In some embodiments, the smokable material <NUM> may be provided having a mean particle size of <NUM> to <NUM> or <NUM> to <NUM>. Mean particle size can, however, vary across the smokable material. In some embodiments, the smokable material is prepared using mesh separation (or sieves) such that the majority or substantially all of the smokable material has a particle size in the above mentioned ranges. In some embodiments, a heater area of <NUM><NUM> coated with such particulate smokable material <NUM> may provide an acceptable consumer experience lasting nominally three minutes. This size may, of course, be adjusted for a longer or shorter experience, as required. In some embodiments, the smokable material <NUM> may be in the form of a gel. The gel may or may not comprise particles of smokable material.

While in each of the above-described embodiments the smokable material <NUM> comprises a first portion <NUM> having a form so as to be heatable by the heating element <NUM> more quickly than a second portion <NUM> of the smokable material <NUM>, in other embodiments this feature may be omitted.

The adhesive used to bond the smokable material <NUM> to the heating element <NUM> comprises a polysaccharide such as cellulose, a cellulose derivative, alginic acid or an alginate salt, suitably sodium, potassium or calcium alginate. In one embodiment, the adhesive comprises a cellulose derivative, suitably hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC). In other embodiments, the adhesive used to bond the smokable material <NUM> to the heating element <NUM> comprises alginic acid or an alginate salt, suitably sodium, potassium or calcium alginate. Polysaccharides such as these demonstrate good wettability properties, which aid in bonding the smokable material <NUM> to the heating element <NUM>. This is particularly the case when the adhesive is bonding smokable material <NUM> to a hydrophobic surface, such as a polyimide hydrophobic surface. It is also desirable that the adhesive be food acceptable and optionally, a food grade material.

In one embodiment, the identifiable adhesive layers <NUM>, <NUM> between the heating element <NUM> and the smokable material <NUM> comprises a polysaccharide. The adhesive layers <NUM>, <NUM> are disposed on, and substantially completely cover the support layers <NUM>, <NUM>. The adhesive may cover the heating element <NUM> at least partially. In other embodiments, the adhesive may be disposed directly on the electrically conductive material <NUM>. In each case, the adhesive and smokable material <NUM> are coated onto the outermost layer of the heating element <NUM>.

In this embodiment, identifiable layers of adhesive <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged on the support layers <NUM>, <NUM>, which themselves surround the electrically conductive material <NUM>. Portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the smokable material are layers disposed on top of the adhesive layers <NUM>, <NUM>. In other embodiments, separate layers of adhesive and smokable material <NUM> cannot be identified. A layer comprising the adhesive and smokable material may be disposed on the support layers <NUM>, <NUM>. The smokable material <NUM> may be at least partially or completely dispersed within the adhesive.

In some embodiments, the cartridge <NUM> contains a mass of thermal insulation material between the heating device <NUM> and the housing <NUM>. By "mass of thermal insulation material", it is meant that the thermal insulation material is not a gas or not merely a gas.

For example, in the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the cartridge <NUM> is the same as the cartridge <NUM> shown in <FIG> except that the cartridge of <FIG> includes a mass of thermal insulation material <NUM> between the heating device <NUM> and the housing <NUM>. In this embodiment, the thermal insulation material <NUM> surrounds the heating device <NUM>, fills a space between the heating device <NUM> and the housing <NUM>, and is in contact with the housing <NUM> and the smokable material <NUM> of the heating device <NUM>. In other embodiments, the thermal insulation material <NUM> may encircle the heating device <NUM> without fully surrounding the heating device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the thermal insulation material <NUM> may be in contact with only one of the housing <NUM> and the heating device <NUM>, and may not fill the space therebetween.

In the embodiment of <FIG>, the thermal insulation material <NUM> comprises wadding. However, in other embodiments, the thermal insulation material <NUM> may comprise one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: wadding, fleece, non-woven material, non-woven fleece, woven material, knitted material, nylon, foam, closed cell foam, polystyrene, closed cell polystyrene foam, polyester, polyester filament, polypropylene, a blend of polyester and polypropylene. Other types of thermal insulation material may also be suitable.

In the cartridge <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the thermal insulation material <NUM> has a density of about <NUM> grams per square metre (gsm) and a thickness of about <NUM> millimetres. In other embodiments, one or both of the thickness and the density of the thermal insulation material <NUM> may be different. However, if the density is too high, the thermal insulation material <NUM> may act as a filter and attenuate the aerosol output from the heating device <NUM>. Alternatively, if the density is too low, the thermal insulation material <NUM> may not provide effective thermal insulation. An appropriate density, particularly when the thermal insulation material <NUM> comprises wadding or fleece, may be between about <NUM> and about <NUM> gsm, or between about <NUM> and about <NUM> gsm. When the thermal insulation material <NUM> comprises a material other than wadding or fleece, a density of the thermal insulation material <NUM> may be chosen to effect similar thermal properties to those achieved when the thermal insulation material <NUM> comprises wadding or fleece of the above density. In some embodiments, the mass of thermal insulation material <NUM> is heat resistant at least over the expected range of temperatures of the heating element <NUM> that will arise in operation, such as for example <NUM> to <NUM> degrees Celsius as discussed above, and will not degrade when subjected to such operation temperatures.

In some embodiments, the cartridge <NUM> comprises thermal insulation material in the form of a laminate or sandwich structure having a plurality of layers of material. In some such embodiments, an outer layer of the layers of material forms the housing <NUM>, or a portion of the housing <NUM>, of the cartridge <NUM>, and one or more other layers of the sandwich structure forms the mass of thermal insulation material <NUM>. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the housing <NUM>, or a portion of the housing <NUM>, may be integrally formed with the mass of thermal insulation material <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the thermal insulation material helps to retard heat loss from the heating device <NUM> in use. In some embodiments, the thermal insulation material helps to ensure that volatilised material generated in the chamber <NUM> in use does not condense on the inner surface of the housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the provision of the mass of thermal insulation material helps to increase the surface area on which aerosol generated in the cartridge <NUM> in use may form. In some embodiments, a head space remains between the mass of thermal insulation material and the housing <NUM>, which further helps to increase the surface area on which aerosol generated in the cartridge <NUM> may form in use. In some embodiments, such a mass of thermal insulation material helps to increase the amount of aerosol generated in the cartridge <NUM> in use, and thus may enhance the consumer experience.

While the cartridge <NUM> shown in <FIG> is a variation of the cartridge <NUM> shown in <FIG>, similarly, in respective variations to the embodiments shown in <FIG>, the cartridge <NUM> may comprise a mass of thermal insulation material between the heating device <NUM> and the housing <NUM>. Indeed, in respective variations to each of the embodiments of a cartridge <NUM> discussed herein, the cartridge <NUM> may comprise a mass of thermal insulation material between the heating device <NUM>, or heating element <NUM>, and the housing <NUM>.

In some embodiments, in which the heating element <NUM> or the smokable material <NUM> is omitted from the cartridge <NUM>, the mass of thermal insulation material may be provided in the cartridge <NUM> between the housing <NUM> and the smokable material <NUM> or the heating element <NUM>, respectively. In some such embodiments, the mass of thermal insulation material encircles and/or contacts the smokable material <NUM> or the heating element <NUM>, respectively. In some such embodiments, the mass of thermal insulation material contacts the housing <NUM> and/or fills a space between the housing <NUM> and the smokable material <NUM> or the heating element <NUM>, respectively.

Generally speaking, the heating device <NUM> may be manufactured by locating the layer <NUM> of electrically-conductive material between the first layer <NUM> of material and the second layer <NUM> of material to form the heating element <NUM>, and arranging the smokable material <NUM> on the heating element <NUM>. In this embodiment of the method, the smokable material <NUM> is arranged on the heating element <NUM> after the layer <NUM> of electrically-conductive material has been located between, and in contact with, the first and second support layers, <NUM>, <NUM>.

In this embodiment of the method, the method comprises patterning the electrically-conductive material, such as by etching or printing the electrically-conductive material for example, to form the layer <NUM> of electrically-conductive material. In some embodiments, the electrically-conductive material is located on one of the first and second support layers <NUM>, <NUM>, then patterned, and then the other of the first and second support layers <NUM>, <NUM> is applied to locate the layer <NUM> of electrically-conductive material between the first and second support layers <NUM>, <NUM>. In other embodiments, the electrically-conductive material is patterned and then located between the first and second support layers <NUM>, <NUM>. In some embodiments, the electrically-conductive material may be located between the first and second support layers <NUM>, <NUM> and then patterned. In still further embodiments, the method does not comprise patterning the electrically-conductive material.

When manufacturing the heating device, the electrically-conductive material of the layer <NUM> of electrically-conductive material is stainless steel. However, in other embodiments, the electrically-conductive material may be a different metal alloy, or a metal, as discussed above.

In this embodiment of the manufacturing method, each of the first and second layers <NUM>, <NUM> of material is a layer of polyimide. However, as discussed above, in other embodiments the material of the first support layer <NUM> may be other than polyimide, and/or the material of the second support layer <NUM> may be other than polyimide. In some embodiments, the first and second support layers <NUM>, <NUM> are layers of respective different materials.

In this embodiment of the manufacturing method, the smokable material <NUM> comprises tobacco and the method comprises bonding the smokable material <NUM> to the heating element <NUM>. More specifically, and as discussed above, the first portion <NUM> of the smokable material <NUM> is bonded to the first support layer <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> of the smokable material <NUM> is bonded to the second support layer <NUM>. As discussed above, in other embodiments, the smokable material <NUM> may be arranged on the heating element <NUM> in a number of different ways, such as only on one side of the heating element <NUM>. However, for conciseness, detailed discussion of the various possible arrangements will not be provided again. In this embodiment, the bonding comprises bonding the smokable material <NUM> by an adhesive to the heating element <NUM> as described in more detail herein. In some other embodiments, the adhesive may be omitted and the method may comprise bonding the smokable material <NUM> to the heating element <NUM> by some other mechanism, or otherwise arranging the smokable material on the heating element <NUM>.

In this embodiment, after the electrically conductive material is located between the support layers <NUM>, <NUM>, the heating element <NUM> is annealed at <NUM> and surface treated using an oxygen plasma, suitably by corona treatment. The treated heating element is then dipped into an aqueous solution of a polysaccharide (such as hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose or an aqueous solution comprising alginic acid or salt thereof) so as to coat some or all of the support layers <NUM>, <NUM>. The heating element <NUM> is then removed from the aqueous solution and subsequently dipped into a smokable material so as to coat some or all of the adhesive. The heating element <NUM> is then removed from the smokable material, and the adhesive hardens or is hardened by curing, drying and/or setting. In other embodiments, the separate adhesive and smokable material layers may be added by sequential spraying steps, or by other methods known to a person skilled in the art; for example, the adhesive may be applied using spray coating, transfer coating, slot die extruding and the smokable material may be added using spray coating, fluidized bed, electrostatic coating. In these embodiments, layers of the adhesive <NUM>, <NUM> are disposed on the support layers <NUM>, <NUM>. Portions <NUM>, <NUM> of smokable material <NUM> are adhered to the support layers <NUM>, <NUM> by the adhesive layers. The portions <NUM>, <NUM> of smokable material <NUM> are arranged substantially separate from the adhesive layers <NUM>, <NUM>.

The solution concentration of the aqueous solution is selected to have a suitable viscosity, having a low enough viscosity that it can easily be applied to the heating element, and a high enough viscosity such that it can be retained on the surface of the heating element before it is hardened. The polysaccharide concentration in an aqueous solution may be from about a <NUM>% w/w, <NUM>% w/w or <NUM>% w/w solution to about a <NUM>% w/w, <NUM>%w/w or <NUM>% w/w solution (suitably a <NUM>-<NUM>% w/w solution, or a <NUM>-<NUM>% w/w solution).

In other embodiments, the smokable material <NUM> and adhesive may not be in identifiably separate layers. By way of an example, the smokable material may be initially dispersed in a polysaccharide solution. The heating element <NUM> may then dipped into this dispersion, or the dispersion may be sprayed onto the heating element <NUM> to from a single layer on the surface of the support layers <NUM>, <NUM>, the single layer comprising both the adhesive and the smokable material <NUM>.

In this embodiment, and as indicated in <FIG>, the cartridge <NUM> comprises two electrically-conductive terminals 47a, 47b, which herein are referred to as a "seventh electrically-conductive terminal" 47a and an "eighth electrically-conductive terminal" 47b, respectively. The heating element <NUM> is electrically connected across the seventh and eighth electrically-conductive terminals 47a, 47b and is heatable by passing an electric current through the heating element <NUM> via the seventh and eighth electrically-conductive terminals 47a, 47b. The seventh and eighth electrically-conductive terminals 47a, 47b are located in respective recesses, but are accessible from the exterior of the cartridge <NUM>. In this embodiment, when the cartridge <NUM> is fully received in the recess <NUM>, the seventh and eighth electrically-conductive terminals 47a, 47b are in surface contact with the first and second electrically-conductive terminals 17b, 17c, respectively. Accordingly, the heating element <NUM> can be caused to heat by applying electrical power to the first and second electrically-conductive terminals 17b, 17c.

In some embodiments, the cartridge <NUM> is able to be received fully in the recess <NUM> in only one orientation relative to the first casing portion <NUM>. In this embodiment, this is due to the cartridge <NUM>, and more specifically the housing <NUM>, having an asymmetric exterior cross-sectional shape that corresponds to an asymmetric interior cross-sectional shape of the recess <NUM>. In other embodiments, the cartridge <NUM> may be able to be received in the recess <NUM>, or able to co-operate with the interface, in only one orientation relative to the first casing portion <NUM> due to the provision of one or more other mechanisms. For example, in some embodiments, the housing <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM> may have rotational symmetry and thus have a symmetric exterior cross-sectional shape, and the cartridge <NUM> may have a key projecting from the housing <NUM> that gives the overall cartridge <NUM> an asymmetric exterior cross-sectional shape that corresponds to an asymmetric interior cross-sectional shape of the recess <NUM>. Providing that the cartridge <NUM> is able to co-operate with the interface in only one orientation relative to the first casing portion <NUM> helps to ensure that the cartridge <NUM> is correctly assembled with the rest of the apparatus <NUM> with the seventh and eighth electrically-conductive terminals 47a, 47b in surface contact with the first and second electrically-conductive terminals 17b, 17c, respectively. However, in some embodiments, the cartridge may be receivable fully in the recess <NUM> in more than one orientation relative to the first casing portion <NUM>.

As discussed above, in this embodiment the controller <NUM> is for controlling the supply of electrical power to the heating element <NUM> from the electrical power source <NUM>, when the interface <NUM> is co-operating with the cartridge <NUM>. When the apparatus <NUM> is fully assembled with the first connector <NUM> fully engaged with the second connector <NUM>, and with the cartridge <NUM> fully and correctly received in the recess <NUM>, actuation of the actuator <NUM> by a user causes the controller <NUM> to cause an electric current to be applied across the seventh and eighth electrically-conductive terminals 47a, 47b, and thus across the heating element <NUM>. Such actuation of the actuator <NUM> may cause completion of an electrical circuit in the controller <NUM>. As the electric current is so applied across the heating element <NUM>, the heating element <NUM> heats up so as to heat the smokable material <NUM>. In this embodiment, the electrical resistance of the heating element <NUM> changes as the temperature of the heating element <NUM> increases. The controller <NUM> monitors the electrical resistance of the heated heating element <NUM> and then adjusts the magnitude of the electrical current applied across the heating element <NUM> on the basis of the monitored electrical resistance as necessary, in order to ensure that the temperature of the heating element <NUM> remains within the above-discussed temperature range of about <NUM> degrees Celsius to about <NUM> degrees Celsius. Within this temperature range, the smokable material <NUM> is heated sufficiently to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material <NUM> without combusting the smokable material <NUM>. Accordingly, the controller <NUM>, and the apparatus <NUM> as a whole, is arranged to heat the smokable material <NUM> to volatilise the at least one component of the smokable material <NUM> without combusting the smokable material <NUM>. In other embodiments, the temperature range may be other than this range.

As discussed above, the plate <NUM> has five holes 16a-16e therethrough, and the first to third pins 17a, 17b, 17c are provided in the first to third 16a, 16b, 16c of these holes. The fourth and fifth holes 16d, 16e of the five holes 16a-16e remain open and fluidly connect the recess <NUM> with the inlets <NUM> defined by the cooperation of the first and second connectors <NUM>, <NUM>. Moreover, when the cartridge <NUM> is fully received in the recess <NUM>, the air flow path <NUM> defined by the cooperation of the first and second housing parts 43a, 43b of the cartridge <NUM> is fluidly connected with the recess <NUM>. Accordingly, and as shown in <FIG>, in the fully-assembled apparatus <NUM>, there is defined an overall flow path that extends from the exterior of the apparatus <NUM>, then through any one of the inlets <NUM> defined by the cooperation of the first and second connectors <NUM>, <NUM>, then through either one of the fourth and fifth holes 16d, 16e in the plate <NUM>, then through the recess <NUM>, then through the air flow path <NUM> defined by the cooperation of the first and second housing parts 43a, 43b of the cartridge <NUM>, then through the chamber <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM>, then through any one of the apertures <NUM> extending through the housing <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM>, and then through the channel <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> to the exterior of the apparatus <NUM>. The seal <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> prevents air from bypassing the chamber <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM> when travelling from the recess <NUM> to the channel <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM>.

An exemplary operation of the apparatus <NUM> of this embodiment will now be described. A user ensures that the mouthpiece <NUM> is at a location relative to the first casing portion <NUM> at which the cartridge <NUM> is movable through the opening <NUM>. The user then passes the cartridge <NUM> through the opening <NUM> and into the recess <NUM> so as to bring the seventh and eighth electrically-conductive terminals 47a, 47b of the cartridge <NUM> into surface contact with the first and second electrically-conductive terminals 17b, 17c, respectively. The user then moves the mouthpiece <NUM> relative to the first casing portion <NUM> to a location at which the mouthpiece <NUM> covers the opening <NUM>, with the outlet <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> at the exterior of the apparatus <NUM>, and with the seal <NUM> contacting and compressing against the cartridge <NUM> and surrounding the apertures <NUM>. The mouthpiece <NUM> is retained at this location through engagement of the connector <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> with the second connector <NUM> of the first casing portion <NUM>.

Before, during or after such movements of the cartridge <NUM> and mouthpiece <NUM> relative to the first casing portion <NUM>, the user also ensures that the first connector <NUM> of the first casing portion <NUM> is fully engaged with a second connector <NUM> of the second casing portion <NUM>. As discussed above, when the first and second connectors <NUM>, <NUM> are fully engaged, the third electrically-conductive terminal 17a is in surface contact with the fourth electrically-conductive terminal 283a, and the fifth electrically-conductive terminal 15a is in surface contact with the sixth electrically-conductive terminal 25a.

When the actuator <NUM> is subsequently actuated by actuated by the user, the controller <NUM> is operated to cause an electric current to be applied across the seventh and eighth electrically-conductive terminals 47a, 47b and thus across the heating element <NUM>. This application of the electric current causes the heating element <NUM> to heat up so as to heat the smokable material <NUM> to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material <NUM> without combusting the smokable material <NUM>, as discussed above. Typically, this volatilisation causes the formation of an aerosol in the chamber <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM>. The user inhales the aerosol by drawing on the outlet <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM>. This causes the aerosol to be drawn from the chamber <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM> and into the user's mouth via the apertures <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM> and via the channel <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM>. This drawing of the aerosol from the chamber <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM> causes a reduction in pressure in the chamber <NUM>. This reduction in pressure causes air to be drawn into the chamber <NUM> via the annular gap <NUM>, the inlets <NUM> defined between the first and second connectors <NUM>, <NUM>, the fourth and/or fifth holes 16d, 16e in the plate <NUM>, the recess <NUM>, and the air flow path <NUM> defined by the cooperation of the first and second housing parts 43a, 43b of the cartridge <NUM>, in turn. The user is able to carry out subsequent such inhalations to inhale subsequent volumes of the aerosol.

When the smokable material <NUM> has been spent, or substantially all of the smokable material <NUM> has been spent, the user may move the mouthpiece <NUM> relative to the first casing portion <NUM> to a location at which the cartridge <NUM> is movable through the opening <NUM>. The user may then remove the cartridge <NUM> from the recess <NUM> via the opening <NUM>. The user can subsequently insert another, unspent cartridge <NUM> into the recess <NUM> and repeat the above process. The heating element <NUM> may become dirtied with the volatilised material or the spent smokable material <NUM> in use. By locating the heating element <NUM> in the cartridge <NUM>, rather than in the first casing portion <NUM>, each time a new, unspent cartridge <NUM> is used, the user is provided with a fresh heating element <NUM>. Accordingly, the user does not need to be concerned with cleaning the heating element <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the apparatus <NUM> is provided fully assembled. In the fully assembled state, the first connector <NUM> of the first casing portion <NUM> is engaged with the second connector <NUM> of the second casing portion <NUM>, and the connector <NUM> of the mouthpiece is engaged with the second connector <NUM> of the first casing portion <NUM>. In some such embodiments, the cartridge <NUM> is located in the recess <NUM>. In other such embodiments, no cartridge <NUM> is in the recess <NUM>. In other embodiments, the apparatus <NUM> may be in kit form, with the first connector <NUM> of the first casing portion <NUM> disengaged from, but engageable with, the second connector <NUM> of the second casing portion <NUM> and/or with the connector <NUM> of the mouthpiece disengaged from, but engageable with, the second connector <NUM> of the first casing portion <NUM>. In some such kit-form apparatuses, the cartridge <NUM> may be located in the recess <NUM>. In other such kit-form apparatuses, one or more examples of the cartridge <NUM> may be provided as part of the apparatus but outside of the recess <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the apparatus <NUM> has only one heating element. In other embodiments, the apparatus <NUM> may have more than one heating element. In this embodiment, the cartridge <NUM> is intended to be used and then replaced by an alternative cartridge <NUM>, as discussed above. However, in other embodiments, the cartridge <NUM> may not be replaceable and the apparatus <NUM> may be for only single use. In some embodiments, the apparatus <NUM> may not include a cartridge <NUM>. In some embodiments, the heating element <NUM>, or the heating device <NUM>, may be integral with the first casing portion <NUM> and may be irremovable from the first casing portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the electrical power source <NUM> may be integral with the second casing portion <NUM> and may be irremovable from the second casing portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first casing portion <NUM> may be integral or unitary with the second casing portion <NUM>, or may be permanently fixed to the second casing portion <NUM>. Therefore, in some embodiments, the casing of the apparatus <NUM> may be a one-piece casing, and may not have the first and second connectors <NUM>, <NUM> discussed above. In some embodiments, the positive and negative terminals 24a, 24b of the electrical power source <NUM> may be permanently electrically connected to the controller <NUM>. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece <NUM> may be immovable relative to the first casing portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece <NUM> may be integral or unitary with the first casing portion <NUM>.

In each of the embodiments discussed above, the smokable material <NUM> is arranged on a support that is a heating element <NUM>. However, in some embodiments, the support may be other than a heating element <NUM>. In some embodiments in which the support is other than a heating element <NUM>, the support may have any of the features of the heating element <NUM> discussed herein. In some embodiments in which the support is other than a heating element <NUM>, the smokable material <NUM> may have any of the features of the smokable material <NUM> discussed herein, and so may be arranged on the support in any of the manners discussed herein for the arrangement of the smokable material <NUM> on the heating element <NUM>. In some embodiments in which the support is other than a heating element <NUM>, the smokable material <NUM> and the support may be comprised in a device, rather than a heating device as such.

Claim 1:
A heating device (<NUM>) for use with apparatus (<NUM>) for heating smokable material (<NUM>) to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material, the heating device (<NUM>) comprising:
a heating element (<NUM>); and
smokable material (<NUM>) arranged on the heating element (<NUM>);
wherein the heating element (<NUM>) comprises a body of electrically-conductive material, a first body of electrically-insulating material (<NUM>), and a second body of electrically-insulating material (<NUM>), and wherein the body of electrically-conductive material is located between the first and second bodies of electrically-insulating material, characterised in that the smokable material (<NUM>) is bonded to the first body of electrically-insulating material (<NUM>) and/or the smokable material (<NUM>) is bonded to the second body of electrically-insulating material (<NUM>).