WO2016156497A1

WO2016156497A1 - Apparatus for heating smokable material

Info

Publication number: WO2016156497A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/057066
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joseph Sutton; Dominic Woodcock; Darren Seymour; Hitesh VALLABH; Neil LITTEN; Harpal Singh; David Russell; Ahmad BITAR
Original assignee: British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited
Priority date: 2015-03-31
Filing date: 2016-03-31
Publication date: 2016-10-06
Also published as: GB201505599D0

Abstract

An apparatus (1) is provided for heating smokable material (62) to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material (62). The apparatus (1) has a heating zone (Zl) for receiving a portion of an article (60) comprising smokable material (62) to be heated. The apparatus (1) has a heating device (20) for heating the heating zone (Zl), wherein the heating zone (Zl) is at least partially defined by the heating device (20). The heating device (20) comprises a temperature-sensitive element (26) configured to change a shape of the heating device (20) when heated so as to bring the heating device (20) into contact with the article (60) in use.

Description

APPARATUS FOR HEATING SMOKABLE MATERIAL

Technical Field

The present invention relates to apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material.

Background

.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.

Summary

A first aspect of the present invention provides apparatus for heating smokable material to volatil ise at least one component of the smokable material, the apparatus comprising:

a heating zone for receiving a portion of an article comprising smokable material to be heated; and

a heating device for heating the heating zone, wherein the heating zone is at least partially defined by the heating device;

wherein the heating device comprises a temperature-sensitive element configured to change a shape of the heating device when heated so as to bring the heating device into contact with the article in use.

In an exemplary embodi ment, the apparatus defines a heating chamber for receiving the article, the heating zone is part of the heating chamber, and the heating device projects into the heating chamber. A second aspect of the present invention provides apparatus for heating sm ok able material to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material, the apparatus comprising:

wherein the heating device comprises a te m pe rat u re - se n s i t i ve element configured to change a shape of the heating device when heated so as to change a volume of the heating zone.

In an exemplary embodiment, the te m pe rat u re- se n s i t i ve element is configured to change the shape of the heating device when heated so as to reduce the volume of the heating zone.

In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus defines a heating chamber for receiving the article, the heating zone is part of the heating chamber, and the heating device projects into the heating chamber. A third aspect of the present invention provides apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material, the apparatus comprising:

a heating chamber for receiving an article comprising smokable material to be heated; and

a heating device projecting into the heating chamber for heating the heating chamber, wherein the heating device comprises a te m pe ra t u re- se n s i t i ve element configured to change a shape of the heating dev ice when heated.

In respective exemplary embodiments of the apparatus of the first, second and third aspects of the present invention, the apparatus defines an opening into the heating chamber at a first end of the heating chamber, and the heating device projects into the heating chamber from a second end of the heating chamber. In respective exemplary embodiments of the apparatus of the first, second and thi d aspects of the present invention, the temperature-sensitive element is configured to cause at least a portion of the heating device to bend when the temperature-sensitive element is heated.

In respective exemplary embodiments of the apparatus of the first, second and thi d aspects of the present invention, the temperature-sensitive element is configured to cause the heating device to e pand when the temperature-sensitive element is heated.

In respective exemplary embodiments of the apparatus of the fi st, second and third aspects of the present invention, the heating device comprises a heater comprising electrically-conductive material, and the apparatus is configured to heat the heater by passing an electric current through the electrically-conductive material.

In respective exemplary embodiments of the apparatus of the first, second and third aspects of the present invention, the apparatus is configured to heat the temperature- sensitive element by heating the heater. In respective exemplary embodi ments of the apparatus of the fi st, second and thi d aspects of the present invention, the apparatus is configured to heat the temperature- sensitive element by passing an electric current through the temperature - sensitive element. In respective exemplary embodiments of the apparatus of the first, second and third aspects of the present invention, the apparatus is configured to heat the te m pe rat u re- se n s i t i ve element in response to a user action.

In respective exemplary embodiments of the apparatus of the first, second and third aspects of the present invention, the temperature- sensitive element comprises a first body and a second body, and the first body has a different coefficient of thermal expansion to the second body. In respective exemplary embodiments of the apparatus of the first, second and third aspects of the present invention, the first body is made of a first material, and the second body is made of a second material that is different to the first material, and the first material has a different coefficient of thermal expansion to the second material.

In respective exemplary embodiments of the apparatus of the first, second and third aspects of the present invention, the temperature- sensitive element comprises a bimetallic strip.

In respective exemplary embodiments of the apparatus of the first, second and third aspects of the present invention, the apparatus is configured to heat the heating dev ice to a maximum temperature within a range of 170 degrees Celsius to 220 degrees Celsius, or within a range of 150 degrees Celsius to 300 degrees Celsius.

In respective exemplary embodiments of the apparatus of the first, second and third aspects of the present invention, the apparatus is for heating the smokable material to volatilise the at least one component of the smokable material without combusting the smokable material.

In respective exemplary embodiments of the apparatus of the first, second and third aspects of the present invention, the article is a cartridge. The cartridge may comprise a housing defining a chamber, and the smokable material may be located within the chamber.

There i also provided a kit, comprising:

apparatus as described above; and

the article comprising the smokable material ;

wherein the apparatus is configured so that heating of the te mpe rat u re- se n s i t i ve element causes the heating device to change shape to bring the heating device into contact with the article, when the portion of the article is located in the heating zone or when the article is located in the chamber. In an exemplary embodi ment, an exterior surface of the article comprises a cavity for receiving the heating device, the cavity is dimensioned relative to the heating device so that a space ex ists between the heating device and the article when the heating device is fully inserted in the cavity, and heating the temperature- sensitive element causes the heating device to change shape to move into the space.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure I shows a partially cut-away perspective view of an example of an apparatus for heating smokable material to volatil ise at least one component of the smokable material;

Figu e 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the apparatus of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of a heating device of the apparatus of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the portion of the apparatus of Figure 2 when a te m pe rat u re -sensiti ve element of the heating device is heated; Figure 5 shows a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of the heating device of Figure 3 when the te m pe ra t u re- se n s i t i ve element is heated; and

Figure 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of an article for use with the apparatus of Figures I to 5. Detailed Description

As used herein, the term "smokable material^" includes materials that provide volati lised components upon heating, typically in the form of an aerosol. "Smokable material^" may be a non-tobacco-containing material or a tobacco-contai n i ng 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, wh ich, depending on the product, may or may not contain nicotine.

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.

Referring to Figure 6 there is shown a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of an article 60 that is usable with apparatus for heating smokable material to volatil ise at least one component of the smokable material, such as the apparatus 1 shown in Figures I to 5 and described below. In this embodiment, the article 60 is a cartridge.

The cartridge 60 comprises a housing 65 defining a chamber 66. The cartridge 60 also comprises smokable material 62 located within the chamber 66. As will be described in more detail below, in use the smokable material 62 in the cartridge 60 is heated to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material 62 without combusting, or burning, the smokable material 62.

In this embodi ment, the housing 65 comprises a first housing part 65a and a second housing part 65b that is non-unitary with the first housing part 65a. The first and second housing parts 65a, 65b may be made of any suitable material, such as a plastics material. The first housing part 65a is attached to the second housing part 65b, such as by a snap-fit connection, adhesive, or the like. In other embodiments, the housing 65 may have a different form. For example, in some embodiments the fi st and second housing parts 65a, 65b may be unitary, such as following welding, e.g. sonic welding. In this embodiment, air flow inlets 68 extend through the housing 65 for admitting air into the chamber 66 from an exterior of the housing 65. In other embodiments, there may be only one air flow inlet 68 in place of the plurality of ai flow inlets 68. In this embodiment, apertures 69 extend through the housing 65. Each of the apertures 69 is a volatilised material outlet 69 for permitting volatilised material generated within the chamber 66 by heating of the smokable material 62 to pass from the chamber 66 out of the housing 65. In other embodiments, there may be only one aperture 69 in place of the plural ity of apertures 69.

The cartridge 65 further comprises a carrier 61 , and the smokable material 62 is arranged on a first side of the carrier 6 1 . In this embodiment, the carrier 6 1 is located inside the first and second housing parts 65a, 65b, and the first and second housing parts 65a, 65b and the carrier 6 1 cooperate so as to define the chamber 66. The carrier 6 1 is thermally-conductive and is for conducting heat from a second side of the carrier 6 1 to the smokable material 62 on the first side of the carrier 6 1 . In this embodiment, the carrier 61 comprises a metal foil, such as aluminium foil, but in other embodiments the carrier 6 1 may comprise one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: foil, paper, a polymer, a plastics material, and a combination of foil and paper, such as paper overlaid with foi l, or the like. In this embodiment, an exterior surface of the cartridge 60 comprises a cavity

67 for receiv ing a heating device 20 of the apparatus 1 for heating the smokable material 62 in use. The "exterior surface^" may be a surface that envelops the rest of the cartridge 60, or that del ineates the cartridge 60. The exterior surface of the cartridge 60 comprises a portion that is recessed to provide the cavity 67. The second side of the carrier 6 1 defines part of the cavity 67, so the carrier 6 1 defi nes part o the exterior surface of the cartridge 60. In this embodiment, the cavity 67 has a mouth 67a, first and second trunk sections 67b, 67c. and a closed end 67d. The cavity 67 has a length extending from the mouth 67a to the closed end 67d, a width perpendicular to the length, and a height perpendicular to the width and the length. In this embodiment, the cavity 67 is defined by a combination of the second housing part 65b and the second side of the carrier 6 1 . More specifically, the second housing part 65b defines the mouth 67a and the first trunk section 67b, and the carrier 6 1 defines the second trunk section 67c and the closed end 67d. The first trunk section 67b connects the mouth 67a to the second trunk section 67c, and the second trunk section 67c connects the first trunk section 67b to the closed end 67d. In this embodiment, the second trunk section 67c is of constant, or substantially constant, cross-sectional shape and size (for example, the w idth, the height, the diameter, the dimension, or the area) throughout its length between the first trunk section 67b and the closed end 67d. On the other hand, a cross-sectional size (for example, the width, the height, the diameter, the dimension, or the area ) of the first trunk section 67b decreases with distance from the mouth 67a so as to have a tapered profi le. The tapered profile helps a user to guide the heating device 20 into the cavity 67 in use.

In th is embodiment, the smokable material 62 encircles the carrier 6 1 and surrounds the cavity 67, so that a first portion 62a of the smokable material 62 is arranged on a first portion 6 1 a of the carrier 6 1 , and so that a second portion 62b of the smokable material 62 is arranged on a second portion 6 1 b of the carrier 6 1 . The cavity 67 is located between the first and second portions 6 1 a, 6 1 b of the carrier 6 1 . Looked at another way, the first and second portions 61 a, 6 1 b of the carrier 6 1 defi ne opposite sides of the cavity 67. However, in other embodiments this may not be the case. For example, in some embodiments, the smokable material 62 may be arranged on only a portion, or only some portions, of the carrier 6 1 .

Referring to Figure 1 , there is shown a partially cut-away perspective view of an example of an apparatus I for heating smokable material to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material according to an embodiment of the invention. The apparatus I comprises a body 10 and a mouthpiece 30. The body 10 is generally tubular and elongate, has first and second opposite longitudinal ends I 1 , 12, and defines an interface for co-operating with the article, i .e. the cartridge, 60 described above. In this embodiment, the interface comprises a heating chamber 13 for receiving the cartridge 60. The heating chamber 13 will be described in more detail below. 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 60 in order to co-operate with the cartridge 60. The first longitudinal end 1 I of the body 10 defines an opening 14 into the heating chamber 1 3 at a first end of the heating chamber 13. The opening 14 is shaped and sized so that the cartridge 60 is movable through the opening 14 to allow a user to insert the cartridge 60 into the heating chamber 1 3 and/or to remove the cartridge 60 from the heating chamber 1 3.

The body 10 houses electrical components of the apparatus 1. The electrical components in this embodiment comprise an electrical power source 1 5, a controller 1 6, an actuator 17, and a heating device 20. In this embodiment, the heating device 20 comprises a first heater 22, a second heater 24, and a temperature- sensitive element 26. The body 10 comprises a retainer 1 8 that is fi ed to the heating device 20 so as to retain the heating device 20 in position relative to the body 10.

In this embodiment, the mouthpiece 30 is generally tubular and elongate and has first and second opposite longitudinal ends 3 1 , 32. The mouthpiece 30 comprises an inlet 34 at the second longitudinal end 32 of the mouthpiece 30, an outlet 35 at the first longitudinal end 3 1 of the mouthpiece 30, and a channel 36 flu idly connecting the inlet 34 with the outlet 35. The second longitudinal end 32 of the mouthpiece 30 comprises a connector (not shown ) that is releasably engageable with a connector (not shown ) of the first longitudinal end 1 1 of the body 10, so as to connect the mouthpiece 30 to the body 10. In other embodiments, the mouthpiece 30 and the body 10 may be permanently connected, such as through a hinge or fle ible member. When the apparatus 1 is in use, the first longitudinal end 3 1 of the mouthpiece 30 forms a first longitudinal end of the apparatus 1, and the second longitudinal end 1 2 of the body 10 forms a second longitudi nal end of the apparatus 1. The mouthpiece 30 is locatable relative to the body 10 so as to cover the opening 14 into the heating chamber 1 3. When the mouthpiece 30 is so located relative to the body 10, the first longitudinal end 3 1 of the mouthpiece 30 forms the first longitudinal end of the apparatus 1, and the channel 36 of the mouthpiece 30 is in fluid communication with the heating chamber 13 via the inlet 34 of the mouthpiece 30. In some embodiments, the mouth iece 30 may include a feature that would contact the cartridge 60 when the cartridge 60 is in the heating chamber 1 3. to press the cartridge 60 into the heating chamber 1 3 and help ensure that the cartridge 60 is correctly positioned relative to the heating device 20.

In this embodi ment, the heating chamber 13 is defined by the retainer 1 8 and by an annular wall 19 of the body 10. More specifically, the retainer 1 8 defines a second end of the heating chamber 13 opposite from the first end of the heating chamber 13, and the wall 19 extends from the second end of the heating chamber 1 3 to the first end of the heating chamber 1 3 and surrounds the heating chamber 13. The wall 19 comprises the first longitudinal end I I of the body 10, which defines the opening 14 into the heating chamber 13. The heating device 20 is for heating the heating chamber 1 3. In this embodiment, the heating device 20 projects into the heating chamber 13 from the second end of the heating chamber 13. The heating device 20 extends along a longitudinal axis of the heating chamber 1 3. In other embodiments, the heating device 20 may project into the heating chamber 1 3 from other than the second end of the heating chamber 13, such as from the wal I 19, or may be located elsewhere in the heating chamber 13. In some embodi ments, the heating device 20 may form a side of the heating chamber 13.

The heating device 20 is for insertion into the cavity 67 of the cartridge 60. In this embodiment, the heating device 20 has a first major surface 20a, an opposite second major surface 20b, first and second sides 20c, 20d connecting the first and second major surfaces 20a, 20b, and a distal end 20e remote from the second end of the heating I I chamber 13. The heating device 20 has a length in the direction of the longitudinal a is of the heating chamber 13, a width from the first side 20c to the second side 20d and perpendicular to the length, and a height from the first major surface 20a to the second major surface 20b and perpendicular to the width and the length. The width and height of the heating device 20 are less than the width and height, respectively, of the cavity 67 of the cartridge 60, to facilitate insertion of the heating device 20 into the cavity 67. Moreover, the cavity 67 is dimensioned relative to the heating device 20 so that respective spaces exist between the heating device 20 and first and second portions of the cartridge 60 when the heating device 20 is ful ly inserted in the cavity 67. In this embodiment, the first portion of the cartridge 60 comprises the first portion 6 1 a of the carrier 6 1 and the first portion 62a of the smokable material 62, and the second portion of the cartridge 60 comprises the second portion 6 1 b of the carrier 6 1 and the second portion 62b of the smokable material 62. The apparatus I comprises first and second heating zones Z l , Z2, which are zones for receiving the respective first and second portions of the cartridge 60. In this embodiment, the first and second heating zones Z l , Z2 are respective parts of the heating chamber 13. In this embodiment, the heating device 20 partially defines the first and second heating zones Z l , Z2. More specifically, the first heating zone Z l is defined by and between the heating device 20 and a first portion of the wall 1 9 of the body 10 of the apparatus 1, and the second heating zone Z2 is defined by and between the heating device 20 and a second portion of the wall 19 of the body 10. The heating device 20 is for heating the first and second heating zones Zl, Z2 so that, when the first and second portions of the cartridge 60 are located in the respective first and second heating zones Z l , Z2, the heating device 20 is able to heat the first and second portions of the cartridge 60.

Referring to Figure 3, there is shown a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of the heating device 20 of the apparatus 1 of this embodiment.

In this embodiment each of the first and second heaters 22, 24 comprises electrically-conductive material 22a and a support 22b, 24b. In this embodiment, the second heater 24 has the same form as the first heater 22, but for conciseness only the first heater 22 will be described in detail .

The support 22b is for supporting the e 1 e c t r i c a 11 y - c o n d u c t i ve material 22a. In this embodiment, the support 22b is an electrical insulator that is resistant to heat and is flexible. More particularly, the support 22b is resistant to heat at least over the expected range of temperatures of the first heater 22 that will arise in operation, such as for example 150 to 300 degrees Celsius, or 170 to 220 degrees Celsius. In this embodiment, the support 22b is made from polyimide, but in other embodiments a different material could be used. As discussed elsewhere herein, the controller 16 is in some embodi ments arranged to ensure that the first heater 22 is heated to a temperature within this range. Accordingly, the support 22b is able to withstand the heating of the first heater 22 during use of the apparatus 1 . In this embodiment, the electrically-conductive material 22a is copper, but in other embodiments the electrically-conductive material 22a may comprise any one or more of a metal, a metal alloy, steel, stainless steel, copper and nichrome. In this embodiment, the e 1 ec t ri c a 11 y- co n d uc t i ve material 22a has been etched in such a manner as to be patterned to provide e 1 e c t r i c a 11 y - c o n d u c t i v e tracks on the support 22b. In other embodi ments, the electrically-conductive material 22a may be printed on the support 22b in such a manner as to be patterned, or may be patterned by some other process. In still further embodiments, the electrically-conductive material 22a may be non- patterned. The apparatus 1 is configured to heat the first heater 22 by passing an electric current through the electrical 1 y-conducti ve material 22a. By suitably patterning the electrical 1 y-conducti ve material 22a, a cross sectional area and length of an electric current flow-path in the electrically-conductive material 22a are set, so that heating of the first heater 22 can be achieved by passing a predetermined electric current through the electrically-conductive material 22a. In this embodiment, the first heater 22 forms a portion of the first major surface

20a of the heating device 20, and the second heater 24 forms a portion of the second major surface 20b of the heating device 20. The first and second heaters 22, 24 are for heating the first and second portions, respectively, of the cartridge 60, when the heating device 20 is located in the cavity 67 of the cartridge 60. The te m pe rat u re- se n s i t i ve element 26 of the heating device 20 is arranged between the first and second heaters 22, 24 and supports the first and second heaters 22, 24.

The te m pe rat u re- se n s i t i ve element 26 is configured to change shape when heated. More specifically, the heating device 20 is configured so that a change of shape of the te m pe rat u re - se n s i t i ve element 26 when heated causes a change in shape of the heating device 20, so as to change respective volumes of the fi st and second heating zones Z l , Z2 between the heating device 20 and the wall 19. In this embodiment, the te m e ra t u re -sensiti ve element 26 and the first and second heaters 22, 24 are relatively located and configured so that a change of shape of the te m pe ra t u re- se n s i t i ve element 26 when heated causes the first and second heaters 22, 24 to move apart from each other.

More specifically, in this embodiment, when the heating device 20 is unheated the heating device 20 takes the form shown in Figures 2 and 3. It will be noted that the portions of the first and second major surfaces 20a, 20b of the heating device 20 formed by the first and second heaters 22, 24 are slightly concave when the heating device 20 is in this state. In other embodi ments, one or both of the first and second major surfaces 20a, 20b may be substantially planar or convex when the heating device 20 is in this state.

Heating of the temperature-sensitive element 26 causes the temperature - sensitive element 26 to change shape, which in turn in this embodiment causes the first and second major surfaces 20a, 20b of the heating device 20 to bend so that each has a more conve form. More specifically, the first and second major surfaces 20a, 20b move apart from each other so that the heating device 20 expands, as will be noted on comparison of Figures 4 and 5 with Figures 2 and 3. This expansion of the heating device 20 causes a reduction in the volume of the first heating zone Z l between the heating device 20 and the first portion of the wall 19, and a reduction in the volume of the second heating zone Z2 between the heating device 20 and the second portion of the wall 19. This expansion of the heating device 20 also causes a reduction in a fi st distance d 1 between the heating device 20 and the first portion of the wall 1 9, and a reduction in a second distance d2 between the heating device 20 and the second portion of the wall 1 9.

As noted above, in this embodiment, the cavity 67 of the cartridge 60 is dimensioned relative to the heating device 20 so that, when the heating device 20 is fully inserted in the cavity 67 so that the first and second portions of the cartridge 60 are located in the first and second heating zones Zl, Z2. respective spaces exist between the heating device 20 and the first and second portions of the cartridge 60. More specifically, these spaces are between the heating device 20 and the first and second portions 6 1 a. 6 1 b of the carrier 6 1 . .Subsequent heating of the te m pe ra t u re -sensiti ve element 26 causes the heating device 20 to change shape to move the heating device 20 towards the first and second portions of the cartridge 60. That is, the heating device 20 changes shape to move into the spaces and towards the first and second portions 61 a. 6 1 b of the carrier 6 1 . This helps to create or maintain surface contact between the heating device 20 and the first and second portion 6 1 a, 6 1 b of the carrier 6 1 of the cartridge 60, which enables efficient conduction of heat from the heating device 20 to the carrier 6 1 in order to heat the smokable material 62 arranged on the carrier 61. Thus, in some embodiments, such heating of the te m pe rat u re- sensiti ve element 26 causes the heating device 20 to change shape to bring the heating device 20 into contact with the cartridge 60 in use.

In other embodiments, the heating device 20 may take a different form to that shown. For example, in some embodiments one of the first and second heaters 22, 24 may be omitted so that the heating device 20 has only one heater. In some such embodiments, an associated one of the first and second heating zones Zl, Z2 may correspondingly be omitted. In some embodi ments, heating of the temperature - sensitive element 26 may cause only one of the first and second major surfaces 20a, 20b, or a different portion of the heating device 20, to bend. Nevertheless, in some embodiments, such bending of the one of the first and second major surfaces 20a, 20b may still result in an expansion of the heating device 20. In this embodiment, the te m pe rat u re -sen itive element 26 comprises a bimetall ic strip 26. The shape of a bimetallic strip is te m pe rat u re- se n s i t i ve . Generally speaking, bimetall ic stri ps comprise two bodies of metal having di ferent thermal coefficients of expansion, which thereby possess different capacities to expand as they are heated. The bodies are attached to one another. When heated, the bimetall ic stri bends or buckles due to the different expansion properties of the two bodies. In this way, a change in temperature is converted into physical displacement. As used herein, "bending^", "buckling^", "curvature^" and similar terms refer to the alteration of the shape of the bimetal lic strip 26, which occurs as the strip is heated or cooled. The degree of curvature of the bimetallic stri 26 may be related to the temperature such that at a higher temperature, the strip demonstrates a greater degree of curvature. The degree of curvature of the bimetall ic strip 26 may be proportional to the magnitude of the alteration in temperature.

In this embodiment, the bi metal lic strip 26 comprises first and second elongate bodies 26a, 26b. The first and second bodies are spaced apart, parallel, and define the first and second sides 20c, 20d, respectively, of the heating device 20. In this embodiment, the bimetall ic strip 26 also comprises a plurality of third bodies 26c. Each of the third bodies 26c is annular, is located between the first and second bodies 26a, 26b, and has a first side attached to the first body 26a and an opposite second side attached to the second body 26b. Each of the third bodies 26c also has third and fourth sides that connect the first and second sides of the third body 26c and are attached to the first and second heaters 22, 24. The thi d bodies 26c are spaced apart from one another and are located at intervals along the length of the heating device 20 in the longitudinal di ection of the first and second bodies 26a, 26b. The bimetallic strip 26 is configured so that heating of the bimetal lic strip 26 causes the th ird and fourth sides of each of the third bodies 26c to move apart from each other. Thi causes the bimetallic strip 26 to change shape. In turn, this causes the first and second heaters 22, 24 to move apart from each other, so that the heating device 20 changes shape. In this embodiment, the apparatus I is configured to heat the bimetallic strip 26 by heating the first and second heaters 22, 24. That is, the bimetallic strip 26 is located relative to the first and second heaters 22, 24 so that heating of the first and second heaters 22, 24 as discussed above causes heating of the bimetallic strip 26. In other embodiments, the bimetall ic strip 26 may function as an electrical conductor within the heating device 20. For example, in some embodiments, the apparatus 1 may be configured to heat the bimetall ic strip 26 by passing an electric current through the bimetallic strip 26. In some such embodiments, the bimetallic strip 26 may form part of an electrical circuit with the electrical 1 y-conducti ve material 22a of one or both of the first and second heaters 22, 24. For example, the bimetallic strip 26 may be connected in series with the electrical 1 y-conducti ve material 22a.

Suitable bimetallic strips for use in the apparatus 1 may vary in terms of, for example, thickness and cross-sectional shape of the metal bodies, the metal composition, the arrangement by which the metals are bonded together, etc., and these variables may affect the properties of the bimetallic strip 26, such as the capacity of the strip to bend, the thermal conductivity, the electrical conductivity, etc. In the embodiment shown, the bimetallic strip 26 comprises steel and copper. More specifically, each of the first and second bodies 26a, 26b comprises steel, and each of the third bodies 26c comprises copper. However any other combination of metals may be used, such as for example, manganese and copper or brass and steel . In embodiments in which the bimetallic strip 26 functions as an electrical conductor within the heating device 20, a bimetall ic strip 26 comprising a metal that is a particularly good conductor of electricity, such as copper, may be used.

In this embodi ment, the electrical power source 15 is a rechargeable battery. In other embodiments, the electrical power source 1 5 may be other than a rechargeable battery, such as a non-rechargeable battery or a capacitor. The controller 1 6 is for causing and controll ing heating of the first and second heaters 22, 24. More specifically, in this embodiment, the controller 16 is for controlling the supply of electrical power from the electrical power source 15 to the first and second heaters 22, 24. Accordingly, the controller 1 6 indirectly is for controll ing the change in shape of the heating device 20. In this embodiment, the control ler 16 comprises an integrated circuit ( IC ), such as an IC on a printed circuit board (PCB). In other embodiments, the controller 16 may take a different form.

The controller 16 is operated in this embodiment by user-actuation of the actuator 17. The actuator 17 is located at the exterior of the body 10 and takes the form of a push-button. In other embodiments, a different form of actuator 17 may be provided, such as a toggle switch, a dial, or the l ike. Actuation of the actuator 17 by a user causes the controller 16 to cause an electric current to be appl ied across the e I ec t r i cal 1 y- c o n d uc t i ve material 22a of each of the first and second heaters 22, 24, so as to cause the first and second heaters 22, 24 to heat. Such actuation of the actuator 17 may cause completion of an electrical circuit in the controller 16. As the electric current is so appl ied across the electrically-conductive material 22a, the first and second heaters 22, 24 heat up. As noted above, heating of the first and second heaters 22, 24 heats the te m pe ra t u re - se n s i t i ve element 26. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the apparatus I is configured to heat the te m pe rat u re- se n s i t i ve element 26 in response to a user action.

In this embodiment, the electrical resistance of the electrical ly-conducti ve material 22a of each of the first and second heaters 22, 24 changes as the temperature of the respective heater 22, 24 increases. The controller 16 monitors the electrical resistance of the heated electrically-conductive material 22a, and then adjusts the magnitude of the electrical current appl ied across the electrical ly-conductive material 22a on the basis of the monitored electrical resistance as necessary, in order to ensure that the temperature of the fi st and second heaters 22, 24 remains within the above- discussed temperature range of about 150 degrees Celsius to about 300 degrees Celsius, or about 170 degrees Celsius to about 220 degrees Celsius, and thus in order to ensure that the heating device 20 is heated to a maximum temperature within this range. Within this temperature range, the smokable material 62 in the cartridge 60 is heated sufficiently to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material 62 without combusting the smokable material 62. Accordingly, the controller 1 6, and the apparatus 1 as a whole, is arranged to heat the smokable material 62 to volatilise the at least one component of the smokable material 62 without combusting the smokable material 62.

In other embodiments, the temperature range of heating may be other than this range.

In other embodiments, the temperatures of the heaters 22, 24 may be controlled in a different manner. For example, in some embodiments the controller 1 6 may monitor a current flow through the electrically-conductive material 22a, or outputs from sensors for sensing temperatures of, or proximate, each of the heaters 22, 24, and then adjust the magnitude of the electrical current applied across the electrically-conductive material 22a on the basis of the monitored current flow as necessary, in order to ensure that the temperatures of the heaters 22, 24 remain within the above-discussed temperature range. Other ways of controll ing the temperature of the heaters 22, 24 could be used in other embodiments.

Although not shown in the Figures, the body 10 has an inlet for admitting air into the apparatus 1 from an exterior of the apparatus 1 , and the retainer 1 8 has a hole 1 8a therethrough which places the heating chamber 1 in fluid communication with the inlet. Therefore, when the mouthpiece 30 is connected to the body 10 to assemble the apparatus 1 , there i defined an overall flow path that extends from the exterior of the apparatus 1 , then through the inlet, then through the hole 1 8a in the retainer 1 8, then through the heating chamber 1 3, and then through the channel 36 of the mouthpiece 30 to the exterior of the apparatus 1 .

An exemplary operation of the apparatus 1 of this embodiment will now be described. A user ensures that the mouthpiece 30 is at a location relative to the body 10 at which the cartridge 60 is movable through the opening 14. The user then passes the cartridge 60 through the opening 14 and into the heating chamber 13, so as to locate the cartridge 60 w ith in the heating chamber 1 3 with the heating device 20 in the cavity 67 of the cartridge 60. When in this state, first and second portions of the cartridge 60 are located in the first and second heating zones Zl, Z2, respectively, of the apparatus I . The user then moves the mouthpiece 30 relative to the body 10 to a location at which the mouthpiece 30 covers the opening 14, with the first longitudinal end 3 1 of the mouthpiece 30 forming the first longitudinal end of the apparatus 1, and with the channel 36 of the mouthpiece 30 in fluid communication with the recess 13 via the inlet 34 of the mouthpiece 30. The mouthpiece 30 is retained at this location through engagement of the connector of the mouthpiece 30 with the connector of the body 10.

When the actuator 17 is subsequently actuated by the user, the controller 1 6 is operated to cause an electric current to be applied across the electrical] y-conducti ve material 22a of each of the first and second heaters 22, 24. This causes the first and second heaters 22, 24 to heat up, which in turn causes the te m pe rat u re- se n s i t i ve element 26 to be heated. In turn, this causes the te m pe rat u re- sensiti ve element 26 to change shape as discussed above, so as to change the shape of the heating device 20 in the heating chamber 13 to reduce the volume of the first and second heating zones Z 1 , 72. More speci fically, in this embodiment, and as discussed above, the heating of the te m pe rat u re- se nsiti ve element 26 causes the first and second surfaces 20a, 20b of the heating device 20 to bend away from each other, so that the heating device 20 expands. Accordingly, the distance d I between the heating device 20 and the first portion of the wall 19 reduces, and the distance d2 between the heating device 20 and the second portion of the wall 19 reduces. This expansion of the heating device 20 results in the first and second major surfaces 20a, 20b of the heating device 20 moving towards the first and second portions of the cartridge 60, and more specifically towards the first and second portions 6 1 a, 6 1 b of the carrier 6 1 . As noted above, this creates or maintains surface contact between the heating device 20 and the first and second portions 6 1 a, 6 1 b of the carrier 6 1 of the cartridge 60, so as to help improve the conduction of heat from the heating device 20 to the smokable material 62 arranged on the carrier 6 1 .

The heating of the smokable material 62 causes at least one component of the smokable material 62 to volatilise, in this embodiment without combusting the smokable material 62. The user draws on the outlet 35 of the mouthpiece 30. This causes a reduction in pressure in the heating chamber 13, which causes air to be drawn into the heating chamber 13 and the chamber 66 of the cartridge 60 via the inlet of the body 10 and the hole 1 8a in the retainer 18, in turn. Typically, this causes the volatilised component! s) of the smokable material 62 to be cooled, so that they condense to form an aerosol in the chamber 66 of the cartridge 60. The user' s continued drawing causes the aerosol to be drawn from the chamber 66 of the cartridge 60 and into the user's mouth via the apertures 69 of the cartridge 60 and the channel 36 of the mouthpiece 30. Each time air is drawn into the chamber 66, aerosol is produced. This can be repeated until the volatile component( s) of the smokable material 62 are exhausted.

When al l, or substantially all, of the volatile component! s ) of the smokable material 62 of the cartridge 60 has/have been spent, the user may move the mouthpiece 30 relative to the body 1 0 to a location at which the cartridge 60 is movable through the opening 14. The user may then remove the cartridge 60 from the heating chamber 13 via the opening 14. The user can subsequently insert another, unspent cartridge 60 into the heating chamber 13 and repeat the above process.

In the above described embodiment, the temperature- sensitive element 26 comprises a bimetal lic strip. However, in other embodiments, the temperature-sensitive element 26 may comprise other than a bimetall ic strip. For example, in some embodi ments, the te m pe at u re- sensiti ve element 26 may comprise a first body made of a first polymer, and a second body made of a second polymer that is di fferent to the first polymer, wherein the first polymer has a different coefficient of thermal expansion to the second polymer. For example, in a variation to the illustrated embodiment, the first and second bodies 26a, 26b may be made of such a first polymer, and each of the thi d bodies 26c may be made of such a second polymer. In other embodiments, the first and second bodies may be made of still other materials. Nevertheless, in all such other embodiments, the te m pe ra t u re- se n s i t i ve element 26 is configured to change shape when heated, so as to cause a change in shape of the heating device 20.

In each of the above described embodiments, the smokable material 62 comprises tobacco. However, in respective variations to each of these embodiments, the smokable material 62 may consist of tobacco, may consist substantially entirely of tobacco, may comprise tobacco and smokable material other than tobacco, may comprise smokable material other than tobacco, or may be free of tobacco. In some embodiments, the smokable material 62 may include an aerosol forming agent, such as glycerol. In each of the above described embodiments, the cartridge 60 is a consumable cartridge. Once all, or substantially all, of the volatile component(s ) of the smokable material 62 in the cartridge 60 has/have been spent, the user may remove the cartridge 60 from the apparatus I and dispose of the cartridge 60. The user may subsequently reuse the apparatus 1 with another cartridge 60. However, in other respective embodiments, the cartridge 60 may be non-consumable, and the apparatus 1 and the cartridge 60 may be disposed of together once the volatile component( s) of the smokable material 62 has/have been spent.

In each of the above described embodiments, the article is a cartridge. In other embodiments, the article may be other than a cartridge. In some embodiments, the housing may be omitted from the article. In some embodiments, the article may comprise or consist of smokable material arranged on a carrier. The carrier may be made of any of the materials discussed above for the carrier 6 1 of the cartridge 60. The smokable material may comprise any of the smokable material discussed above for the smokable material 62. In some embodiments, the carrier may be omitted from the article. In some embodiments, the article may consist of smokable material. The smokable material may comprise any of the smokable material discussed above for the smokable material 62. In some embodiments, an apparatus 1 discussed above may be sold, supplied or otherwise provided separately from the article, such as the cartridge 60, with w hich the apparatus 1 is usable. However, in some embodiments, the apparatus 1 and an article comprising smokable material, such as the cartridge 60, may be provided together as a kit.

In order to address various issues and advance the art, the entirety of this disclosure shows by way of il lustration and example various embodiments in which the claimed invention may be practised and which provide for superior apparatus for heating smokable material to volatil ise at least one component of the smokable material. The advantages and features of the disclosure are of a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhausti ve and/or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in understanding and teach the claimed and otherwise disclosed features. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered l imitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or l imitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be uti lised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and/or spirit of the disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist in essence of, various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. The disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

1 . Apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material, the apparatus comprising:

2. Apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material, the apparatus comprising:

a heating zone for receivi ng a portion of an article comprising smokable material to be heated; and

wherein the heating device comprises a te m pe rat u re -sensitive element configured to change a shape of the heating device w hen heated so as to change a volume of the heating zone.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the te m pe rat u re- se n s i t i ve element is configured to change the shape of the heating device when heated so as to reduce the volume of the heating zone.

4. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the apparatus defines a heating chamber for receiv ing the article, wherein the heating zone is part of the heating chamber, and wherein the heating device projects into the heating chamber.

5. Apparatus for heating smokable material to volatil ise at least one component of the smokable material, the apparatus comprising: a heating chamber for receiving an article comprising smokable material to be heated; and

a heating device projecting into the heating chamber for heating the heating chamber, wherein the heating device comprises a te m pe rat u re- se n s i t i ve element configured to change a shape of the heating device when heated.

6. Apparatus according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the apparatus defines an opening into the heating chamber at a first end of the heating chamber, and the heating device projects into the heating chamber from a second end of the heating chamber.

7. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the te m pe rat u re- sensiti ve element is configured to cause at least a portion of the heating dev ice to bend when the te m pe rat u re- se n s i t i ve element is heated.

8. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the te m pe rat u re- se n s i t i ve element is configured to cause the heating device to expand when the temperature- sensitive element is heated.

9. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the apparatus is configured to heat the te m pe rat u re- se n s i t i ve element in response to a user action.

10. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the te m pe rat u re - se n s i t i ve element comprises a first body and a second body, wherein the first body has a different coefficient of thermal expansion to the second body.

1 1 . Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the first body is made of a first material, and the second body is made of a second material that is different to the first material, and wherein the first material has a different coefficient of thermal e pansion to the second material.

12. Apparatus according to any of claims I to 11, wherein the apparatus is for heating the smokable material to volatil ise the at least one component of the smokable material without combusting the smokable material .

13. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the article is a cartridge comprising a housing defining a chamber, and wherein the smokable material is located within the chamber.

14. A kit, comprising:

apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 13; and

the article comprising the smokable material ;

wherein the apparatus is configured so that heating of the tern pe rat u re- se n s i t i ve element causes the heating device to change shape to bring the heating device into contact with the article, when the portion of the article is located in the heating zone or when the article is located in the chamber.

1 . A kit according to claim 14, wherein an exterior surface of the article comprises a cavity for receiving the heating device, wherein the cavity is dimensioned relative to the heating device so that a space exists between the heating device and the article when the heating device is fully inserted in the cavity, and wherein heating the temperature - sensitive element causes the heating device to change shape to move into the space.