Patent ID: 12233203

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the term “aerosol generating material” includes materials that provide volatilized components upon heating. “Aerosol generating material” includes any tobacco-containing material and may, for example, include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives including tobacco extracts, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes. “Aerosol generating material” also may include other, non-tobacco, products, including for example flavorants, which, depending on the product, may or may not contain nicotine, filler materials such as chalk and/or sorbent materials, glycerol, propylene glycol or triacetin. The aerosol generating material may also include a binding material, for example, sodium alginate.

Referring toFIGS.1to6, there is shown a first example of an apparatus1and a cartridge100that is insertable within the apparatus1. The apparatus1is arranged to heat aerosol generating material (not shown) contained within the cartridge100when the cartridge100is inserted inside the apparatus1to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol generating material.

The apparatus1is a so-called “tobacco-heating-product” apparatus. The apparatus1in this example is generally elongate and comprises a generally tubular housing3. The tubular housing3comprises a main housing section5, a heater support section7, a lid section9and a mouth piece11comprising an outlet11a.

These sections of the apparatus1may comprise any suitable material or materials, for example, plastic or metal or combinations thereof. The mouthpiece11(or at least the tip of the mouthpiece11) may comprise a material that feels comfortable to the lips, for example, suitable plastics or silicone rubber based materials.

The main housing section5comprises first5aand second5blongitudinal ends. The first end5adefines a distal end of the whole of the apparatus1and the second end5bis located at approximately just over half of the way along the length of the apparatus1.

The heater support section7extends from the second5blongitudinal end of the main housing section5and defines a platform7a(most clearly seen inFIGS.3,4and5) that supports a heater13. The heater support section7may, as is the case in this example, comprise a plurality7b,7cof interconnected sections, one of which7bis connected to the main housing section5, or the heater support section7may be a single-piece section.

The heater support section7and the lid section9are connected by a hinge arrangement15(best seen inFIG.4) that is arranged to enable the lid section9to pivot with respect to the heater support section7, about the hinge arrangement15, between a closed position shown inFIG.1and an open position shown inFIGS.2to5. The lid section9may, as is the case in this example, comprise a plurality9d,9eof interconnected sections, one of which9eis connected to the mouthpiece11, or the lid section9may be a single piece section.

The hinge arrangement15is arranged along an edge portion7dof the heater support section7and is aligned transverse to a longitudinal axis of the apparatus1. When the lid section9is in the open position, the lid section9defines an open channel8(seeFIG.3) into which a cartridge100can be inserted or from which it can be removed from by a user. When the lid section9is in the closed position, a cartridge100inserted into the channel8is held within the apparatus1against the heater13.

The apparatus1may further comprise one or more air inlets, in this example air inlet7eformed through the section7b, to allow air to flow into the housing3when a user draws on the mouthpiece11.

In this example, the heater13comprises a thin elongate heating plate comprising a pair of opposite surfaces or faces (only one of which13ais visible in the Figures). The heating plate may be formed of a heat conducting material, for example, a metal such as alumina. The heater13is arranged with its longitudinal axis parallel with that of the apparatus1with a first of the surfaces13aexposed and a second of the surfaces resting flush against the support platform7a. The exposed surface13amay be curved, for example, convex or concave, and in this example, the exposed surface13ais convex in shape. The heater13comprises a resistive heating element, for example circuitry (not shown) formed e.g. printed on the exposed surface13a.

The apparatus1further has an electronics/power chamber, within the main housing5, which in this example contains a power source19and electrical control circuitry21. The electrical control circuitry21may include a controller, such as a microprocessor arrangement, configured and arranged to control the heater13as discussed further below.

The power source19may be a battery, which may be a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Examples include nickel cadmium batteries although any suitable batteries may be used. The battery19is electrically coupled to the heater13to supply electrical power when required and under control of the electrical control circuitry21to heat the aerosol generating material in the cartridge100(as discussed, to volatilize the aerosol generating material without causing the aerosol generating material to combust or undergo pyrolysis). The apparatus1further comprises a charging slot5c(seeFIG.3), in this example formed through the first end5aof the main housing section5to allow a charger (not shown) to be electrically connected to the battery19if the battery19is a rechargeable battery or to connect an external device (e.g. a computer) to the control circuitry21to download data from the control circuitry or upload data or software to the control circuitry21.

The apparatus1may further comprise one or other or both of a manual actuator (not shown in the Figures) for example, a push button, and a control sensor (not shown in the Figures), for example an airflow sensor, each operably coupled to the control circuitry21. A user may manually operate the heater13or the heater13can be operated automatically in response to the sensor detecting a user drawing on the mouthpiece11.

Referring now toFIG.6, in particular, the cartridge100comprises a protective cover102attached to, for example adhered to, a planar base104. The cover102and the planar base104together form a first body that defines a chamber for containing the aerosol generating material (not shown). The base104is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the first body.

In this example, the planar base104comprises a main rectangular section104aand identical first104band second104cprojections that project from respective opposite first104dand second104esides of the main rectangular section104a. The area of the first104band second104cprojections is relatively small compared to that of the main rectangular section104a. The first104band second104cprojections are opposite each other and are arranged symmetrically about the longitudinal axis of the planar base104.

The protective cover102comprises a top surface102aand a multi-faceted side surface102b. The footprint of the protective cover102covers most of the planar base104. In this example, the protective cover102covers substantially all of the first104band second104cprojections and most of the main rectangular section104a. First104hand second104irelatively narrows strips of the main rectangular section104aalong third104fand fourth104gsides of the main rectangular section104aare not covered by the protective cover102.

The planar base104is formed of a sheet of thermally conductive material, for example, metal foil such as aluminum foil.

The protective cover102is formed of a plastic material, typically a thermoformed plastic material such as PVC or an Orientated Polyamide (OPA). In one example, the protective cover is multi-layered comprising an outer plastic material layer (e.g. an OPA) and an inner foil layer (e.g. aluminum foil).

The protective cover102is adhered to the planar base104using a suitable adhesive. In the multi-layered example described above, for example, the protective cover102is bonded to the planar base104by way of a layer of bonding lacquer, such as a high heat resistant lacquer that is underneath the inner foil layer. Advantageously, using a high heat resistant lacquer enables rapid heating at high temperatures. In some embodiments, the bonding lacquer is only provided in regions where the protective cover102contacts the planar base104and is applied only on one or other of the protective cover102and the planar base104. This minimizes the amount of heat resistant lacquer used and makes it less likely that, in use, heating causes the lacquer to volatilize. In one example, the adhesive may be applied to the areas in which there is no aerosol generating material.

As perhaps is best seen inFIGS.3and4, the lid section9of the apparatus1comprises a pair of spaced apart parallel guide slots9b,9cformed in an inner surface of the lid section9. One of the guide slots9bis formed close to and runs along a first straight edge of the lid section9and the other of the guide slots9cis formed close to and runs along a second straight edge of the lid section9that is opposite the first straight edge.

In order to insert the cartridge100into the lid section9, a user aligns the third side104fof the main rectangular section104awith the guide slot9cand aligns the fourth side104gof the main rectangular section104awith the guide slot9b(seeFIG.3) and pushes the cartridge100into an inserted position in the open channel8. When the cartridge100is in the inserted position (FIG.4shows the cartridge partially in the inserted position), the third104fand fourth104gsides of the cartridge100are supported in the guide slots9c,9b.

As best seen inFIGS.3and4, the lid section9further comprises an inner end face9athat comprises a first protrusion20that extends into the inside of the lid section9. When the cartridge100is inserted into the lid section9, the first protrusion20which has a sharp or pointed end, pierces a leading face of the protective cover102.

As best seen inFIG.2, a second protrusion23is positioned on the heater support platform7aat a location between the heater13and the main housing section5. The second protrusion23extends upwardly from the heating support platform7a.

When a user moves the lid section9from the open position to the closed position and a cartridge100is inserted, the second protrusion23which has a sharp or pointed end is brought into contact with and pierces the first projection104bof the planar base104.

The closed lid section9effectively ‘clamps’ the inserted cartridge100against the first surface13aof the heater13with at least a major portion or all of the bottom surface of the planar base104in contact with the first heating surface13a. When held in position in this way, the planar base104, which is flexible, deforms or curves slightly to adopt the convex shape of the heating surface13a. This arrangement provides for a particularly good thermal contact between the first heating surface13aand the planar base104.

The first protrusion20comprises one or more air passageways formed there through which are in fluid communication with the outlet11aof the mouthpiece11. Similarly, the second protrusion23comprises one or more air passageways formed there through which are in fluid communication with the one or more air inlets7eformed in the housing3. Accordingly, the first protrusion20acts as an outlet of the cartridge100and the second protrusion23acts as an inlet of the cartridge100.

In use, when a user actuates the actuator (not shown), the control circuitry21is operated so that electrical current flows through the resistive heating element (not shown) formed on the first heating surface13acausing the heater13to heat up. As mentioned above, the base104is made of a thermally conductive material and is in good thermal contact with the first heating surface13a. There is therefore a very efficient transfer of heat from the heating13to the interior of the cartridge100whereby the aerosol generating material in the cartridge100is heated. This causes at least one component of the aerosol generating material to volatilize without combusting the aerosol generating material. Advantageously, because the planar base104is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first body defined by the cover102and the planar base104, the aerosol generating material in the cartridge100can be heated efficiently and uniformly along substantially the entire length of the cartridge100.

When the user draws on the mouthpiece11, this causes a reduction in pressure in the cartridge100, which causes airflow to be drawn into the housing3through the one or more inlets7eand airflow to be drawn into the cartridge100via the air passageway holes in the second protrusion23. Typically, this airflow into the cartridge100causes the volatilized component(s) of the aerosol generating material43to be cooled, so that it/they condense(s) to form an aerosol.

The user's continued drawing causes the airflow and aerosol to be drawn into the user's mouth via the mouthpiece11. This can be repeated until the volatile component(s) is/are exhausted. In some examples, the volatilized component(s) of the aerosol generating material cool to form the aerosol within the cartridge100itself and in other examples the volatilized component(s) of the aerosol generating material cool to form the aerosol in the mouthpiece11after having exited the cartridge100via the air passageways in the first protrusion20. In yet further examples, some of the aerosol is formed within the cartridge100and some of the aerosol is formed outside of the cartridge100in the mouthpiece11.

When all, or substantially all, of the volatile component(s) of the aerosol generating material in the cartridge100has/have been spent, the user opens the lid section9, removes the cartridge100and inserts another unspent cartridge100into the channel and repeats the above process.

Referring now toFIGS.7to14, there is shown a second example of an apparatus300and a cartridge400that is insertable within the apparatus300. Like the apparatus1described above, the apparatus300is a so-called “tobacco-heating-product” apparatus and is arranged to heat aerosol generating material (not shown) contained within the cartridge400, when the cartridge400is inserted inside the apparatus300to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol generating material.

The apparatus300in this second example is again generally elongate and comprises a generally tubular housing303. A shown inFIGS.7,8and9in particular, the tubular housing303comprises a main housing section305, a heater support section307connected to the main housing section305, a lid section309connected to the heater support section307and a mouth piece311connected to the lid section309. The mouthpiece311comprises an outlet311a.

The main housing section305comprises first305aand second305blongitudinal ends. The first end305adefines a distal end of the whole of the apparatus300and the second end305bis located at approximately just over half of the way along the length of the apparatus300.

The heater support section307extends from the second305blongitudinal end of the main housing section305and defines a platform that supports a heater313. The lid section309is slidably connected to the heater support section307so that it can be slid between a closed position shown inFIG.7, in which the heater313is enclosed in the apparatus300and an open position shown inFIGS.8and9in which the heater313is exposed and in which a cartridge400can be inserted into the apparatus300, as will be described in more detail below.

The apparatus300may further comprise one or more air inlets308, which in this example, are formed through the section307and which is/are in fluid communication with the outlet311aof the mouthpiece311.

The apparatus300and its various sections may comprise any of the materials described above with respect to the first example.

In this example, a heater313is in the form of a thin elongate plate comprising a pair of opposite first and second heating surfaces313aor faces (only one of which is visible in the Figures). The heater313is arranged with its longitudinal axis parallel with that of the apparatus300and is supported in the heater support section307upright along one of its long edges so that both of the opposite first and second heating surfaces or faces313aare exposed in the heater support section307. Similarly to the heating surface13adiscussed above, each of the first and second heating surfaces313amay also be curved, for example concave or convex in shape and may have formed thereon, e.g. printed, a respective resistive heating element, for example circuitry (not shown).

Similarly to the apparatus1described above, the apparatus300further has an electronics/power chamber, within the main housing section305, which in this example contains a power source319and electrical control circuitry321. Again, the electrical control circuitry321may include a controller, such as a microprocessor arrangement, configured and arranged to control the heater313as discussed further below.

The power source319may be any of the power sources described above in respect of the apparatus1. Again, the power source319is electrically coupled to the heater313to supply electrical power when required and under control of the electrical control circuitry321to heat the aerosol generating material in the cartridge400(as discussed, to volatize the aerosol generating material without causing the aerosol generating material to combust or undergo pyrolysis). Again, the apparatus300further comprises a charging slot305c, which in this example, is formed through the first end305aof the main housing section305to allow a charger (not shown) to be electrically connected to the power source319if the power source319is a rechargeable battery or to connect an external device (e.g. a computer) to the control circuitry321to download data from the control circuitry or upload data or software to the control circuitry321.

The apparatus300may further comprise any of the actuators and/or sensors as described above with respect to the apparatus1operably coupled to the control circuitry321.

As best seen inFIG.10atoFIG.10d, in this example, the cartridge400is a dual-body arrangement comprising a first cartridge body400aand a second cartridge body400b. Each of the first cartridge body400aand the second cartridge body400bcomprises a respective protective cover402,402′ attached to, for example adhered to a respective planar base404,404′. Each cover402,402′ and the planar base404,404′ it is attached to together define a chamber for containing the aerosol generating material (not shown). The planar base404is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first cartridge body400aand the planar base404′ is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the second cartridge body400b.

In this example, each planar base404,404′ is substantially rectangular in shape although other shapes are possible. Each protective cover402,402′ comprises a main elongate central section402a,402a′ and smaller first402b,402b′ and second402c,402′cend sections at respective ends of the main elongate central section402a,402a. As best appreciated fromFIG.10a, the second402c,402′cend sections are offset with respect to each other about the longitudinal axis of the cartridge400. Each central cover section402a,402a′ defines an elongate recess403,403′ along its upper surface.

As is also best appreciated fromFIG.10a, the planar bases404,404′ are connected together at opposing ends along a first line of weakening408and the first402b,402b′ end sections are also connected together at opposing ends along a second line of weakening410that is aligned with the first line of weakening408. The lines of weakening may be for example a perforated line, a serrated line or a cut line.

As described above in respect of the cartridge100, the planar bases404,404′ are formed of a sheet thermally conductive material, for example, metal foil such as aluminum foil, and the protective covers402,402′ may be formed any of the materials described above with respect to the first example and adhered to the planar bases404,404′ using a suitable adhesive as also described above with respect to the first example.

In order to insert a cartridge400into the apparatus300, a user takes a cartridge400in a “prior to use” configuration shown inFIG.10aand folds the planar bases404,404′ towards one another about the first weakening line408. The folding causes the first cartridge body400aand the second cartridge body400bto separate from one another about the second weakening line410exposing the interior of the first cartridge body400athrough the aperture402eand exposing the interior of the second cartridge body400bthrough the aperture402e′, as best shown inFIG.10b. The aperture402eprovides an outlet for the first cartridge body400aand the aperture402e′ provides an outlet for the second cartridge body400b.

The user may then arrange the cartridge400in the interior of the heater support section307with the heater313between the planar bases404,404′ and continue to fold the planar bases404,404′ together until the heater313is sandwiched between them. In this position, at least a major portion or all of the bottom surface of the planar base404is against the first heating surface313aof the heater313and at least a major portion or all of the bottom surface of the planar base404′ is against the second heating surface of the heater313.

Each of the first cartridge body400aand the second cartridge body400bcomprises a respective member412,412′, which in this example is in the form of a short tube that is open at both of its ends and extends through a planar base404,404′ defining a passage through that planar base404,404′ from one side to the other. Each member412,412′ is located outside of a cover402,402′ but directly adjacent to a central section402a,402a′ and a second end section402,402′. Each member412,412′ protrudes away from the underside of the planar base404,404′ that it extends through.

As is best appreciated fromFIGS.10cand10d(which for clarity do not illustrate the heater313), when the planar bases404,404′ are folded so that the heater313is sandwiched between them, the member412′ punctures through the planar base404of the first cartridge body400ain a region beneath the second402cend section of the cover402of the first cartridge body400a. Likewise, the member412punctures through the planar base404′ of the second cartridge body400bin a region beneath the second402c′ end section of the cover402′ of the second cartridge body400b′. Accordingly, the ends of the members412,412′ that puncture through the planar bases404,404′ are preferably sharpened or pointed or the like in order to facilitate this puncturing. As will be explained in more detail below, the member412acts as an inlet for the second cartridge body400band the member412′ acts as an inlet for the first cartridge body400a.

As is best appreciated fromFIGS.11aand12, the heater support section307is generally ‘U’ shaped in cross section and comprises a first pair of parallel ridges307athat run along its base and which define between them a first longitudinal slot307b. At one end, the pair of parallel ridges307bterminate in a raised cross piece307cthat straddles the parallel ridges307aand which defines a second slot307dthat runs into the first longitudinal slot307asuch that the first307aand second307dslots meet at an angle of about 90 degrees. The heater313is supported in the second slot307dand sits with an edge running parallel to and just above the first longitudinal slot307b. When a cartridge400is inserted in the apparatus300, the cover end sections402b,402b′ are supported on the cross piece307c.

As shown inFIG.12, when the cartridge400is positioned in the apparatus300, respective first opposing sections (labeled “A”) of the planar bases404,404′ are received in the first longitudinal slot307band each of the main elongate central cover sections402a,402a′ are supported on a respective one of the parallel ridges307a.

Each of the parallel longitudinal edges307eof the heater support section307defines a respective guide rail which extends slightly inwardly of the heater support section307and is used to slidably support the lid section309.

As is best appreciated fromFIGS.11band12, the lid section309is also substantially “U” shaped in cross section. The lid section309defines a pair of parallel longitudinal slots309aarranged at corresponding positions on opposite sides of the exterior surface of the lid section309. As is shown inFIG.12, the lid section309is slidably mounted on the heater support section307by means of each of the guide rails307eof the heater support section307being received in a respective one of the parallel longitudinal slots309aof the lid section309. This enables the lid section309to be slid between the open position shown inFIGS.8,9and13in which a cartridge400can be inserted into or removed from the apparatus300and the closed position shown inFIG.7in which, if inserted, a cartridge400is enclosed in the apparatus400.

The lid section309, on its internal surface, defines a second longitudinal slot309bwhich is parallel to and opposite the first longitudinal slot307bin the heater support section307. When the lid section309is in the closed position, the second longitudinal slot309breceives respective second opposing sections (labeled “B”) of the planar bases404,404′, as is illustrated inFIG.12. The lid section further defines, on its internal surface, a second pair309cof parallel and opposing ridges. When the lid section309is in the closed position and a cartridge400is inserted in the apparatus300, each of the second pair of ridges309cis received in a respective recess403,403′ defined in the main elongate central section402a,402aof a protective cover402,402′ of a respective one of the first402a,402band second cartridge bodies.

As shown inFIGS.13and14, the mouthpiece311comprise a gasket311bthat has a generally circular cross section, which is located at the end of the mouthpiece311which connects to the lid section309. The gasket311b, when the lid section309is moved into the closed position, engages the open end sections402b,402b′ of the protective covers402,402′. The gasket311bis in fluid communication with the outlet311aof the mouthpiece311.

In use, when a user actuates the actuator (not shown), the control circuitry321is operated so that electrical current flows through the resistive heating elements (not shown) formed on the first313aand second heating surfaces to cause the heater313to heat up so that the first heater surface313aheats the aerosol generating material in the first cartridge body400aand the second heater surface heats the aerosol generating material in the second cartridge body400b. Again, as the planar bases404,404′ are formed of a thermally conductive material and are in good thermal contact with the heater313, heat is very efficiently transferred to the aerosol generating material in each cartridge body400a,400b. This causes at least one component of the aerosol generating material in each cartridge body400a,400bto volatilize without combusting the aerosol generating material.

When the user draws on the mouthpiece311, this causes a reduction in pressure in each cartridge body400a,400b, which causes air to be drawn into each cartridge body400a,400bvia the air inlet308of the section307and the respective air inlets defined by the members412′ and412. Typically, this airflow causes the volatilized component(s) of the aerosol generating material to be cooled, so that it/they condense to form an aerosol either inside each cartridge body400a,400b, inside the mouthpiece311or inside both. The user's continued drawing causes the airflow and aerosol to be drawn into the user's mouth via the mouthpiece311. This can be repeated until the volatile component(s) is/are exhausted. The airflow and volatilized component(s) of the aerosol generating material and/or aerosol exit the cartridge bodies400a,400bthrough the apertures402e,402e′.

When all, or substantially all, of the volatile component(s) of the aerosol generating material in the cartridge400has/have been spent, the user opens the lid section309, removes the cartridge400and inserts another unspent cartridge400into the channel and repeats the above process.

In some examples, the resistive heating elements (not shown) formed on the first313aand second heating surfaces can be controlled independently of each other so that the aerosol generating material in each cartridge body400a,400bcan be heated independently of each other in different time intervals. The aerosol generating material may be different in each cartridge body400a,400b. For example, one of the cartridge bodies400a,400bmay comprise a flavored material (e.g. menthol) and the user may use the actuator (not shown) in such a way that the control circuitry321only activates the resistive heating element (not shown) on the one of the first and second heating surfaces contacting the planar base404,404′ of the particular cartridge body400a,400bcontaining the flavored material at times when the user would like to taste the flavor. In examples where the resistive heating elements (not shown) formed on the first313aand second heating surfaces can be controlled independently of each other, the heater313may comprises a heat insulating layer (not shown) between, e.g. midway between, the first313aand second heating surfaces to inhibit heat generated by an activated one of the resistive heating elements (not shown) being transferred through the body of the heater313to the heating surface on which the other non-activated one of the resistive heating elements is provided.

It will be appreciated that a cartridge400may be provided in a pack (not shown) of such cartridges with any side of any given planar base being connected to any side of any other given planar base by a line of weakening to enable a cartridge to be separated (i.e. broken away from) by a user from the pack of cartridges.

In a variation of the cartridge400(not illustrated), the first cartridge body400aand the second cartridge body400bare essentially mirror images of each other and so the second402c,402′cend sections are not offset with respect to each other about the longitudinal axis of the cartridge400but instead the second402c,402′cend sections are aligned and the respective members412,412′ are aligned (e.g. the positions of the first end section402cand the member412are reversed so that they mirror the positions of the of the first end section402′cand the member412′, respectively).

In this example, a cartridge400in a pack of such cartridges may be broken away from the pack by pivoting long sides of the bases404,404′ about lines of weakening connecting those long sides of the bases404,404′ to corresponding long sides of the bases of another such cartridge in the pack. In this way, the member412will puncture through the first planar base of the first cartridge body of the other such cartridge remaining on the pack in a region beneath the second end section of the cover of the first cartridge body of that other such cartridge and likewise the corresponding member of the first cartridge body of that other such cartridge will puncture through the first planar base404of the first cartridge body400ain a region beneath the second end section402cof the cover402. Similarly, the member412′ will puncture through the second planar base of the second cartridge body of the other such cartridge remaining on the pack in a region beneath the second end section of the cover of the second cartridge body of that cartridge and likewise the corresponding member of the second cartridge body of the other such cartridge will puncture through the second planar base404′ of the second cartridge body400a′ in a region beneath the second end section402c′ of the cover402′. Once free of the pack, a user may then fold the planar bases404,404′ towards one another about the first weakening line408to cause the first cartridge body400aand the second cartridge body400bto separate from one another about the second weakening line410similarly as discussed above with respect toFIGS.10aand10b.

Referring now toFIGS.15to19b, there is shown a third example of an apparatus500and a cartridge600that is insertable within the apparatus500. The apparatus500is similar to the apparatuses1and300described above and is another “tobacco-heating-product” apparatus arranged to heat aerosol generating material (not shown) contained within the cartridge600when the cartridge600is inserted inside the apparatus500to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol generating material.

The apparatus500in this third example is again generally elongate and comprises a generally tubular housing503. As shown inFIGS.15,16and17in particular, the tubular housing503comprises a main housing section505, a heater support section507that supports a heater513, a lid section509and a mouth piece511.

The main housing section505is very similar to the main housing sections of the two examples described above, and comprises a first longitudinal end505a(which again defines a distal end of the whole of the apparatus500) and a second longitudinal end505blocated at approximately just over half of the way along the length of the apparatus500.

The heater support section507extends from the second505blongitudinal end of the main housing section505and defines a platform that supports a heater513. The heater support section507may, as is the case in this example, comprise a plurality507b,507cof interconnected sections, one of which507bis connected to the main housing section505, or the heater support section507may be a single piece section.

The apparatus500further comprises one or more air inlets508, which in this example, are formed through the through the section507cand which are in fluid communication with an outlet511aof the mouthpiece511.

The heater support section507and the lid section509are connected by a hinge arrangement that is arranged to enable the lid section509to pivot with respect to the heater support section507, between a closed position shown inFIGS.15and16and an open position shown inFIG.17. The lid section509may, as is the case in this example, comprise a plurality509d,509eof interconnected sections, one of which509eis connected to the mouthpiece511, or the lid section509may be a single piece section.

In this example, a heater513, is similar to the heater in the second example, in that it is in the form of a thin elongate plate comprising a pair of opposite first and second heating surfaces513aor faces (only one of which is visible) and is arranged with its longitudinal axis parallel with that of the apparatus500and is supported in the heater support section507upright along one of its long edges so that both of the opposite surfaces or faces513aare exposed in the heater support section507. Again, each of the first and second heating surfaces513amay also be curved, for example concave or convex in shape and may have formed thereon, e.g. printed, a respective resistive heating element, for example circuitry (not shown).

As with the two examples described above, an electronics/power chamber, is provided within the main housing505containing a power source519(which may be any of the power sources described above) and electrical control circuitry521(which may comprise any of the control circuitry components described above) configured and arranged to control the heater513. Yet again, the apparatus500further comprises a charging slot505b, which in this example, is formed through the first end505aof the main housing section505to allow a charger (not shown) to be electrically connected to the power source519if the power source519is a rechargeable battery or to connect an external device (e.g. a computer) to the control circuitry521to download data from the control circuitry or upload data or software to the control circuitry521.

The apparatus500may further comprise any of the actuators and/or sensors as described above with respect to the apparatus operably coupled to the control circuitry515.

As is best seen inFIG.18atoFIG.18c, in this third example, similarly to the second example described above, the cartridge600is a dual-body arrangement comprising a first cartridge body600aand a second cartridge body600b. Each of the first cartridge body600aand the second cartridge body600bcomprises a respective protective cover602,602′ attached to, for example adhered to, to a respective planar base604,604′. Each cover602,602′ and the planar base604,604′ to which it is attached together define a chamber for containing the aerosol generating material (not shown). The planar base604is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first cartridge body600aand the planar base604′ is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the second cartridge body600b.

Each planar base604,604′ is substantially rectangular in shape. Each protective cover602,602′ comprises a main elongate central section602a,602aand smaller first602band second602cend sections at respective ends of the main elongate central section602a,602a′. As with the cartridge200of the first example and the cartridge400of the second example, the planar bases604,604′ are formed of a sheet of thermally conductive material, for example, metal foil such as aluminum foil, and the protective covers602,602′ may be formed any of the materials described above with respect to the first and second examples and adhered to the planar bases604,604′ using a suitable adhesive as also described above with respect to the first and second examples.

In this third example, and differently to the second example described above, in a pre-use configuration, rather than being joined in an “end-to-end” relationship, the planar bases604,604′ are joined in a “side-to-side” relationship by being connected together at sides parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge600along a line of weakening608.

In order to insert a cartridge600into the apparatus500, a user takes a cartridge600in the “prior to use” configuration shown inFIG.18aand folds the planar bases604,604′ towards one another about the weakening line608until the planar bases604,604′ are orientated in a position similar to that shown inFIG.18b.

The user may then arrange the cartridge600in the interior of the heater support section607with the heater513between the planar bases604,604′ and continue to fold the planar bases604,604′ together until the heater513is sandwiched between them. In this position, at least a major portion or all of the bottom surface of the planar base604is against the first surface513aof the heater513and at least a major portion or all of the bottom surface of the planar base604′ is against the second surface of the heater513.

Each of the first cartridge body600aand the second cartridge body600bcomprises a respective member612,612′, which in this example is in the form of a short tube that is open at both of its end and extends through a planar base604,604′ defining a passage through that planar base604,604′ from one side to the other. Each member612,612′ is located outside of a cover602,602′ but directly adjacent to a central section602a,602a′ and a second end section602,602′. Each member612,612′ protrudes away from the underside of the planar base604,604′ that it extends through.

As is best appreciated fromFIGS.18band18c(which for clarity do not illustrate the heater513), when the planar bases604,604′ are folded so that the heater613is sandwiched between them, the member612′ punctures through the planar base604of the first cartridge body600ain a region beneath the second602cend section of the cover602of the first cartridge body600a. Likewise, the member612punctures through the planar base604′ of the second cartridge body600bin a region beneath the second602c′ end section of the cover602′ of the second cartridge body600b′. Accordingly, the ends of the members612,612′ that puncture through the planar bases604,604′ are preferably sharpened or pointed or the like in order to facilitate this puncturing. As will be explained in more detail below, the member612acts as an inlet for the second cartridge body600band the member612′ acts as an inlet for the first cartridge body600a. The first cover end sections602b,602b′ have respective open ends602e,602e′ that act as respective outlets for the first cartridge body600aand the second cartridge body600b. These open ends602e,602e′ may be provided with a protective layer (not shown), to keep the material inside fresh, and which is peeled away by a user prior to inserting the cartridge600in the apparatus500.

In addition, or alternatively, the first cover end sections602b,602b′ may be provided with lines of weakening (as described above with respect to the cartridge400) and be connected to corresponding first cover end sections (not shown) of corresponding first and second cartridge bodies (not shown) of a corresponding dual body cartridge (not shown) in a pack of such dual body cartridges. The dual body cartridge600may be broken free, by a user, from such pack, prior to be being inserted into the apparatus500. It will be appreciated that in such a pack, any side of any given planar base may be connected to any side of any other given planar base by a line of weakening to enable a cartridge to be separated by a user from the pack.

As is best appreciated fromFIG.19a, the heater support section507is generally “U” shaped in cross section and comprises a pair of opposing lobes507aextending from opposite sides of one end507bof the heater support section507parallel to its longitudinal axis. Each of the pair of lobes507adefines a respective one of a pair of opposing recesses507c(only one is visible inFIG.19a). In this example, the recesses507chave a generally circular cross section. The one end507balso defines a first half507dof a gasket for receiving the open ends602e,602e′ of the cartridge600.

As is best appreciated fromFIG.19b, the lid section509is also substantially “U” shaped in cross section. The lid section509and the mouthpiece511are both mounted on a joint512that enables the lid section509and mouthpiece511to be pivoted with respect to the heater support section507between the open and closed positions.

In this example, the joint512comprises a part spherical body512athat has a pair of circular end faces512b(only one of which is visible inFIG.19b). Each end face512bhas a respective lug512c, which in this example is cylindrical in shape, extending therefrom. Each lug512cis received in a respective one of the recesses507cso that the joint512is supported between the opposing lobes507aof the heater support section507and can rotate about an axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus500to enable the lid section509and mouthpiece511to be pivoted between the open and closed positions.

One end509bof the lid section defines a second half509dof the gasket for receiving the open ends602e,602e′ the cartridge600. Each of the halves507d,509dof the gasket is semi-circular in cross-section such that the gasket is circular in cross section when the two halves507d,509dare brought together (i.e. when that apparatus600is in the closed configuration). In the closed configuration, the gasket is aligned with an aperture512dthat is formed all of the way through the joint512. Accordingly, the gasket is in fluid communication with the outlet611aof the mouthpiece611.

As with the second example described above, in use, when a user actuates the actuator (not shown), the control circuitry521is operated so that electrical current flows through the resistive heating elements (not shown) formed on the first and second heating surfaces513ato cause the heater513to heat up so that the first heater surface513aheats the aerosol generating material in the first cartridge body600aand the second heater surface heats the aerosol generating material in the second cartridge body600b. Again, as the planar bases604,604′ are formed of a thermally conductive material and are in good thermal contact with the heater513, heat is very efficiently transferred to the aerosol generating material in each cartridge body600a,600b. This causes at least one component of the aerosol generating material in each cartridge body600a,600bto volatilize without combusting the aerosol generating material.

When the user draws on the mouthpiece611, this causes a reduction in pressure in each cartridge body600a,600b, which causes air to be drawn into each cartridge body600a,600bvia the air inlet508of the section507band the respective air inlets defined by the members612′ and612. Typically, this air flow causes the volatilized component(s) of the aerosol generating material to be cooled, so that it/they condense to form an aerosol either inside each cartridge body600a,600b, inside the mouthpiece511or inside both. The user's continued drawing causes the airflow and aerosol to be drawn into the user's mouth via the mouthpiece511. This can be repeated until the volatile component(s) is/are exhausted.

When all, or substantially all, of the volatile component(s) of the aerosol generating material in the cartridge600has/have been spent, the user opens the lid section509, removes the cartridge600and inserts another unspent cartridge600into the channel and repeats the above process.

As described above with respect toFIGS.7to14, in some examples the resistive heating elements (not shown) formed on the first and second heating surfaces513amay be controlled independently of each other so that the aerosol generating material in each cartridge body600a,600bcan be heated independently of each other in different time intervals. Again, the aerosol generating material may be different in each cartridge body600a,600b, for example, one cartridge may contain a flavored material. Again, the heater513may comprises a heat insulating layer (not shown) to inhibit heat being transferred from one side of the heating513to the other.

In some examples, the heat conducting material of any of the above examples is a non-porous material, such as aluminum. Providing a non-porous material as the heat-conducting material means that the heater and the housing holding the heater stays clean, as upon heating, the aerosol produced does not pass to the heater and create a build-up of material.

In some examples, the planar base and/or the protective cover of any of the examples above is provided with one or more score lines and/or embossments, for example, at the position in which the protrusions are configured to pierce the planar base and/or protective cover. The score lines and/or embossments act to reduce the strength of the planar base and/or the protective cover the piercing location such that less force is required to pierce them.

In some examples, any of the protrusions discussed in the examples above may include a gasket to provide a seal to the pierced area.

In at least some of examples described above, the aerosol generating material may be in the form of an aerosol generating material, for example a gel, that is a layer on, for example adhered to, the inner surface of the or each planar base of a cartridge. Furthermore, at least a portion of the inner surface of each planar base on which the aerosol generating material is received may be roughened. Surprisingly, it has been observed that having a rough surface on which the aerosol generating material is on may help prevent the aerosol generating material separating (e.g. de-laminating) from that surface during heating which would reduce the effectiveness of the heating process.

FIGS.20A and20Bshow an example of a first inner surface706of the first sheet of heat conducting material702of a first base, in which the first inner surface is rough to provide an uneven or irregular surface.

The aerosol forming material (not shown) will be located on the first inner surface706of the first sheet of heat conducting material702. In the example shown inFIGS.20A and20B, the first inner surface706is rough due to the fact that there are a plurality of protuberances708. In one example, the first surface206is made rough by making a number of holes in the support layer202. The holes may be made by penetrating the first surface206with a pin.

In the example shown inFIGS.20A and20B, the protuberances take the form of cylinders, however, any shape that projects from the first inner surface of the heat conducting material may be used, such as cubes, pyramids and irregular shapes. It is not necessary for the protuberances708to be formed of the same shape. The protuberance708inFIGS.20A and20Bare shown as covering most of the first surface706of the heat conducting material702, but in other examples, the protuberances708only cover part of the first surface706of the heat conducting material702.

In one example the protuberances708have a height of between 0.1 mm and 0.2 mm and a width of between 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm, and more preferably have a height of 0.15 mm and a width of 0.3 mm.

In one example, the first surface706of the heat conducting material is embossed to create the surface roughness. The protuberances708may also be formed by embossing. Embossing the first inner surface706of the heat conducting material is a simple and repeatable way of creating a rough surface. The embossment may take the form of one or more logos. The first inner surface706may be made rough by including one or more ridges, folds, indents and raised sections.

The first inner surface706may be embossed using various patterns, such as one or more of spirals, lines; and/or squares.

The rough first inner surface706of the heat conducting material702, as shown inFIGS.20A and20B, acts to increase the contact surface area between the aerosol generating material704and the heat conducting material702. An example of article700formed from the heat conducting material702with a rough first inner surface706and aerosol generating material704is shown inFIG.20C. The increased surface area will increase the adhesion between the aerosol forming material704and the heat conducting material702, and hence reduce the likelihood of the aerosol generating material704separating from the first inner surface706of the heat conducting material702.

In the further example shown inFIG.21, the first inner surface806of the heat conducting material802is made rough by having one or more score lines810formed in the first inner surface806.FIG.21shows the heat conducting material802with six score lines810applied to the first inner surface806, however, in some examples there are fewer than six score lines and in other examples there are more than six score lines810applied to the first inner surface806. As with the perturbations708shown inFIG.20B, score lines810perform the function of adding a surface roughness to the first surface of the heat conducting material806, which increases the adhesion between the aerosol generating material804and the layer802. In one example, the surface roughness of the first inner surface806of the heat conducting material is provided by the score lines810. In other examples, the surface roughness of the first inner surface806of the heat conducting material is provided by a combination of the perturbations708and the score lines810.

As shown inFIG.22, the score lines810may also be applied to the aerosol generating material804. Applying score lines810to the aerosol generating material804results in the aerosol generating material804being pooled into one or more separate sections delineated by the score lines810. Separating the aerosol generating material804into separate sections provides more flow paths for any volatilized components and the outer surface of the aerosol generating material804.

In the example of the aerosol generating material comprising an aerosol generating gel, the gel704and804may be formed from different tobacco extracts, such as Burley, Virginia and Oriental. Aerosol generating gels704,804formed from different tobacco extracts may have different properties, for example, gels formed from Burley tobacco is more brittle, whereas gels formed from Virginia and Oriental is more pliable.

Embodiments of the invention are configured to comply with applicable laws and/or regulations, such as, by way of non-limiting example, regulations relating to flavors, additives, emissions, constituents, and/or the like. For example, the invention may be configured such that a device implementing the invention is compliant with applicable regulations before and after adjustment by a user. Such implementations may be configured to be compliant with applicable regulations in all user-selectable positions. In some embodiments, the configuration is such that a device implementing the invention meets or exceeds required regulatory test(s) in all user-selectable positions, such as, by way of non-limiting example, the testing threshold(s)/ceiling(s) for emissions and/or smoke constituents.

The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc, other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.