EP4287872A1

EP4287872A1 - A liner

Info

Publication number: EP4287872A1
Application number: EP22704339.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Julian White
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2021-02-03
Filing date: 2022-02-02
Publication date: 2023-12-13
Also published as: JP2024504769A; CN116887708A; KR20230128504A; US20240099381A1; BR112023015166A2; WO2022167439A1; GB202101463D0

Abstract

A liner (100) for use with an aerosol provision device is disclosed. The aerosol provision device comprises a chamber (22) and an aerosol generator for generating aerosol from aerosol-generating material when a consumable (64) comprising the aerosol-generating material is located in the chamber. The liner is for selective insertion into the chamber, and the liner is formable into a first configuration in which the liner is wound with a first diameter, and formable into a second configuration in which the liner is wound with a second diameter greater than the first diameter. The liner is movable from the first configuration to the second configuration when inserted into the chamber to at least partially line the chamber.

Description

A LINER

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a liner for use with an aerosol provision device, an aerosol provision system comprising a liner and an aerosol provision device, and a product.

Background

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

Summary

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a liner for use with an aerosol provision device comprising a chamber and an aerosol generator for generating aerosol from aerosol-generating material when a consumable comprising the aerosol-generating material is located in the chamber, wherein the liner is for selective insertion into the chamber, and the liner is formable into a first configuration in which the liner is wound with a first diameter, and formable into a second configuration in which the liner is wound with a second diameter greater than the first diameter, the liner movable from the first configuration to the second configuration when inserted into the chamber to at least partially line the chamber.

An outer surface of the liner may define a substantially cylindrical shape in the first configuration, for example having the first diameter. An outer surface of the liner may define a substantially cylindrical shape in the second configuration, for example having the second diameter.

The first and second diameters may comprise outer diameters of the liner. The first diameter may comprise a largest distance between two opposing points on an outwardly facing face, for example a radially outwardly facing face, of the liner in the first configuration. The second diameter may comprise a largest distance between two opposing points on an outwardly facing face, for example a radially outwardly facing face, of the liner in the second configuration.

The liner may comprise first and second free ends, one of the first and second free ends wound toward the other of the first and second free ends to obtain the first configuration. One of the first and second free ends may be at least partially wound toward the other of the first and second free ends in the second first configuration.

The first and second free ends may be overlapping in the first configuration. The liner may comprise an outwardly facing face and an inwardly facing face in the first configuration, for example a radially outwardly facing face and a radially inwardly facing face, the outwardly facing face and the inwardly facing face extending between the first and second free ends, and the first and second free ends may overlap in the first configuration such that the outwardly facing face and the inwardly facing face overlap in the first configuration. The outwardly facing face may contact the inwardly facing face in the first configuration.

The first and second free ends may be substantially contiguous or overlapping in the second configuration, for example such that the liner fully lines a circumferential extent of the chamber when inserted into the chamber and in the second configuration. The liner may comprise an outwardly facing face and an inwardly facing face in the second configuration, the outwardly facing face and the inwardly facing face extending between the first and second free ends, and the first and second free ends may overlap in the second configuration such that the outwardly facing face and the inwardly facing face overlap in the second configuration. The outwardly facing face may contact the inwardly facing face in the second configuration.

The first and second free ends may be spaced apart in the second configuration, for example such that the liner partially lines the circumferential extent of the chamber when inserted into the chamber and in the second configuration. The first and second free ends may be spaced apart in the second configuration such that the outwardly facing face and the inwardly facing face do not overlap in the second configuration.

The liner may comprise a scroll shape when viewed in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the liner in the first configuration. The liner may comprise a scroll shape or a circular shape when viewed in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the liner in the second configuration. The liner may be elongate in form in the first and second configurations, for example having a length greater than its diameter in the first and second configurations.

The second diameter may be in the region of 5.0-6.0mm, for example in the region of 5.3-5.7mm. The second diameter may be in the region of 6.5-7.5mm, for example in the region of 6.7-7.3mm. The second diameter may be substantially equal to a diameter of the chamber.

The liner may be expandable by at least partial unwinding when inserted into the chamber to move from the first configuration to the second configuration.

The second configuration may comprise a rest configuration of the liner.

The liner may comprise a third configuration in which the liner has the form of a sheet. The third configuration may comprise a rest configuration of the liner.

The liner may comprise open longitudinal ends in the first and second configurations, for example open longitudinal ends which allow insertion of a consumable therethrough. The liner may be resiliently deformable.

The liner may comprise a thickness of no more than 100 microns. The liner may comprise a thickness of no more than 50 microns, or no more than 20 microns.

The liner may comprise heating material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field. The heating material may be located on an inwardly facing surface of the liner in the first and second configurations.

The heating material may comprise one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: an electrically conductive material, a magnetic material, and a nonmagnetic material.

The heating material may comprise a metal or a metal alloy.

The heating material may comprise one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: aluminium, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, graphite, plain- carbon steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, copper, and bronze.

The heating material may comprise a thickness of around 15 microns where the heating material comprises nickel, or around 10 microns where the heating material comprises cobalt.

The heating material may be susceptible to eddy currents being induced in the heating material when penetrated by a varying magnetic field.

The liner may comprise a non-electrically conductive support. The support may comprise a polymer, for example a polyimide, such as Zytel® high temperature nylon (HTN) or Kapton®. The liner may comprise a retention member for retaining the liner in the first configuration, the retention member removable from the remainder of the liner to enable movement from the first configuration to the second configuration. The retention member may comprise a fixed diameter, for example corresponding substantially to the first diameter. The retention member may comprise a ring having an inner diameter substantially corresponding to the first diameter. The retention member may comprise a variable diameter, for example variable between the first and second diameters.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising: an aerosol provision device having a chamber into which a consumable comprising aerosol-generating material is insertable, and an aerosol generator for generating aerosol from the aerosol-generating material when the consumable is located in the chamber; and a liner for selective insertion into the chamber, wherein the liner is formable into a first configuration in which the liner is wound with a first diameter, and formable into a second configuration in which the liner is wound with a second diameter greater than the first diameter, the liner movable from the first configuration to the second configuration when inserted into the chamber to at least partially line the chamber.

The aerosol provision device may comprise an opening via which the consumable is insertable into the chamber, and the liner is insertable into the chamber via the opening.

The chamber may at least partially receive the consumable.

The aerosol provision system may comprise a retainer for selectively retaining the liner in the chamber.

The aerosol provision system may comprise an adapter to selectively determine a maximum width of consumable insertable into the chamber via the opening, the adapter to act as the retainer when connected to the aerosol provision device. The aerosol provision system may comprise a plurality of adapters, each adapter to selectively determine a different maximum width of consumable insertable into the chamber via the opening, each adapter to act as the retainer when connected to the aerosol provision device

The liner may comprise a liner according to the first aspect of the present invention.

The aerosol generator may comprise a heating assembly for applying heat to the consumable to generate aerosol from the aerosol-generating material when the consumable is located in the chamber. The heating assembly may comprise an induction heating assembly, for example a heating assembly comprising a magnetic field generator and a susceptor penetrable by a varying magnetic field to cause heating of the susceptor.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a product comprising: at least one consumable comprising aerosol-generating material, the consumable insertable into a chamber of an aerosol provision device that comprises an aerosol generator for generating aerosol from the aerosol-generating material when the consumable is located in the chamber; and a liner for selective insertion into the chamber to at least partially line the chamber and to at least partially surround the consumable when the consumable is located in the chamber.

The product may comprise a package, and the consumable and the liner may be housed within the package.

The liner may be in its first configuration within the package, and the consumable may comprise a third diameter substantially corresponding to the first diameter. Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only, which is made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an aerosol provision device according to an example;

Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the aerosol provision device of Figure 1;

Figure 3a is a schematic view of a liner for use with the aerosol provision device of Figure 1;

Figure 3b is a schematic view of the liner of Figure 3a in a first configuration;

Figure 3c is a schematic view of the liner of Figure 3a in a second configuration;

Figure 3d is a schematic view of the liner of Figure 3a in an alternative second configuration;

Figure 4a is a schematic view of a first retention member for use with the liner of Figure 3 a;

Figure 4b is a schematic view of a second retention member for use with the liner of Figure 3 a;

Figure 5a is a schematic view of a second embodiment of a liner for use with the aerosol provision device of Figure 1; Figure 5b is a schematic view of a third embodiment of a liner for use with the aerosol provision device of Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a schematic view of a product according to an example;

Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an adapter for use with the aerosol provision device of Figure 1;

Figure 8 a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol provision device of Figure 1 connected to the adapter of Figure 8; and

Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of first and second adapters for use with the aerosol provision device of Figure 1.

Detailed Description

An aerosol provision device according to the present disclosure, generally designated 12, is shown schematically in Figure 1.

The aerosol provision device 12 comprises a housing 16, a power source 18, an aerosol generator in the form of a heating assembly 20, a chamber 22, a processor 24, a computer readable memory 25, and a user-operable control element 26.

The housing 16 forms an outer cover of the aerosol provision device 12 and surrounds and houses the various components of the aerosol provision device 12.

The power source 18 supplies electrical power to the various components of the aerosol provision device 12, including, for example, the heating assembly 20. In the embodiment of Figure 1, the power source 18 comprises a battery 28 and a DC-AC converter 30 to supply AC current to the heating assembly 20. It will be appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, a heating assembly 20 may require DC current, and so the DC- AC converter 30 may be omitted or be replaced by a DC-DC converter, for example a buck or boost converter, as appropriate.

The aerosol provision device 12 may also comprise an electrical component, such as a socket/port (not shown), which can receive a cable to charge the battery 28. For example, the socket may comprise a charging port, such as a USB charging port. In some examples the socket may be used additionally or alternatively to transfer data between the aerosol provision device 12 and another device, such as a computing device. The socket may also be electrically coupled to the battery 28 via electrical tracks.

The processor 24 is in data communication with the computer readable memory 25. The processor 24 is configured to control various aspects of the operation of the aerosol provision device 12. The processor 24 controls the various aspects by executing instructions stored on the computer readable memory 25. For example, the processor 24 may control the operation of the heating assembly 20. For example, the processor may control the delivery of electrical power from the power source 18 to the heating assembly 20 by controlling various electrical components such as switches and the like (not shown in Figure 1).

The user-operable control element 26 is, for example, a button or switch, which operates the aerosol provision device 12 when pressed. For example, a user may turn on the aerosol provision device 12 by operating the user-operable control element 26, or may alter a setting of the heating assembly 20 by operating the user-operable control element 26.

The heating assembly 20 of Figure 1 is an induction heating assembly, and comprises a plurality of heating coils 32. The plurality of heating coils 32 are individually controllable, and are spaced along the chamber 22, with the susceptor 34 embedded within the wall of the chamber 22. It will be appreciated that other locations of susceptor 34 are also envisaged, and indeed that in some embodiments the susceptor 34 may be provided in a consumable that is received within the chamber 22 in use. It will further be appreciated that in some embodiments the susceptor 34 may comprise a plurality of susceptors, for example one susceptor per heating coil 32.

A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms.

To cause heating of the chamber 22, and therefore heating of a consumable received within the chamber 22, the DC-AC converter 30 supplies the plurality of heating coils 32 with AC current, such that the plurality of heating coils 32 generate a varying magnetic field. The varying magnetic field interacts with the susceptor 34 to drive eddy currents within the susceptor 34, with the flow of eddy currents causing heating of the susceptor 34, and hence the chamber 22. In such a manner a consumable received within the chamber 22 may be heated.

Whilst the heating assembly 20 described above utilises induction heating, it will be appreciated that other types of heating assembly may be used, for example other types of Joule heating assembly where current is driven along a resistive element.

It will further be appreciated that other forms of aerosol generator may be used that do not require heating. For example, in some embodiments, the aerosol generator is to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating. The aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

The chamber 22 is defined by a generally hollow tubular member 36, as in cross-section in Figure 2. The tubular member 36 comprises an elongate hollow body. Internal walls of the tubular member 36 define the chamber 22, with the chamber 22 having a proximal end 40 and a distal end 42. The extent of the chamber 22 between the proximal end 40 and the distal end 42 may be referred to as a main portion 23 of the chamber 22. The distal end 42 comprises a tapered wall 44, which is tapered toward central axis A-A of the chamber 22. An aperture 46 in the tapered wall 44 is in fluid communication with an air inlet 47 of the aerosol provision device 12.

The proximal end 40 of the chamber 22 comprises an opening 48 through which a consumable (not shown in Figure 2) is insertable into the chamber 22.

In use the chamber 22 is configured to accommodate, one at a time, consumables comprising aerosol-generating material, with the heating assembly 20 being used to generate aerosol from the aerosol-generating material to be inhaled by a user. The chamber 22 may therefore be considered a heating chamber.

Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavourants. In some embodiments, the aerosolgenerating material may comprise an “amorphous solid”, which may alternatively be referred to as a “monolithic solid” (i.e. non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosolgenerating material may for example comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and/or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.

A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

Such consumables are typically elongate and substantially cylindrical in form. In some examples the susceptor 34 may be embedded in the walls of the chamber 22 such that the susceptor 34 is exposed to the interior of the chamber 22 to improve thermal transfer to the consumable. As the consumable is heated within the chamber 22, side stream from heating of the consumable, for example aerosolised material, may cause deposits to build up on the wall of the chamber 22, and hence on the susceptor 34, which may degrade performance of the susceptor 34 over time. A similar problem can occur when the susceptor 34 is fully embedded in the wall of the chamber 22, as deposits can impair conduction of heat from the susceptor 34 to the chamber 22, and hence to the consumable. Whilst such deposits may be cleaned off by a user, this may impose a burden on the user, and the chamber 22 may prove difficult to clean in practice.

The present disclosure provides a liner 100, as shown schematically in Figures 3a-c, which may mitigate these issues.

The liner 100 as shown in Figure 3a is a rectangular sheet of high-heat resistant polymer, for example a polyimide, such as Zytel® high temperature nylon (HTN) or Kapton®. Such materials may be considered non-electrically conductive, and may be resistant to the formation of eddy currents to inhibit heating of the liner 100.

The liner 100 is resiliently deformable, and comprises first 102 and second 104 free ends. The rectangular shape of the liner 100 shown in Figure 3a may, in some examples, be thought of as a rest configuration for the liner 100. The liner 100 has a thickness of no more than 100 microns, for example around 10 microns, and a relatively small thickness such as this may mitigate for the high-heat resistance of the liner 100 where the susceptor 34 is embedded in the wall of the chamber 22.

The liner 100 is formable into a first configuration as shown in Figure 3b, and a second configuration as shown in Figure 3c.

In the first configuration of Figure 3b, the first free end 102 has been wound toward the second free end 104 such that the liner 100 has been formed, for example rolled-up, with the liner 100 having the scroll-shape seen in Figure 3b, which is a view in a direction parallel to a longitudinal extent of the first 102 and second 104 free ends. The liner 100 in the first configuration has a generally cylindrical shape with a first diameter A. The first diameter A is a maximal distance between two opposing points on an outwardly facing face 106 of the liner 100 in the first configuration. The outwardly facing face 106 of the liner 100 overlaps an inwardly facing face 108 of the liner 100 in the first configuration of Figure 3b to give the scroll-shape.

In the second configuration of Figure 3c, the first free end 102 has been unwound relative to the first configuration of Figure 3b, with the liner 100 retaining the scrollshape of Figure 3b but less tightly wound. The first configuration may therefore be thought of as being partially unwound to achieve the second configuration. The liner 100 in the second configuration has a generally cylindrical shape with a second diameter B, with the second diameter B being greater than the first diameter A. The second diameter B is a maximal distance between two opposing points on the outwardly facing face 106 of the liner 100 in the second configuration. The outwardly facing face 106 of the liner 100 overlaps an inwardly facing face 108 of the liner 100 in the second configuration of Figure 3c to retain the scroll-shape. Although shown with a gap between the outwardly facing face 106 and the inwardly facing face 108, in practice the outwardly facing face 106 may contact the inwardly facing face 108 in either of the first and second configurations.

In use, the liner 100 is first wound into the first configuration of Figure 3b, before being inserted into the chamber 22. Once the liner 100 is released by a user, the resiliently deformable nature of the liner 100 causes the liner 100 to partially unwind from the first configuration to adopt the second configuration of Figure 3c. The second diameter B of the second configuration of the liner 100 is substantially equal to a diameter of the chamber, and, due to the scroll-shape of the configuration of Figure 3c, the liner 100 lines an entire circumferential extent of the chamber 22. The open longitudinal ends of the liner 100 allow a consumable to be inserted into the liner 100, and hence into the chamber 22 through the opening 48.

When inserted in the chamber 22 in such a fashion, the liner may prevent build-up of deposits on the wall of the chamber and/or on the susceptor 34 caused by side stream from the consumable when heated, with the liner 100 being removable and replaceable as needed. This may provide a convenient way to protect the wall of the chamber 22 and the susceptor 34, whilst providing ease of use and reduced maintenance of the aerosol provision device 12 itself for a user. The overlap of the liner 100 in the second configuration of Figure 3c may ensure that the full circumferential extent of the wall of the chamber 22 is protected, and the overlap may even go so far as to define a labyrinth seal to prevent egress of side stream from the liner 100.

It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the extent to which the liner 100 is able to unwind from the first configuration to the second configuration may be determined by many factors, including, but not limited to, initial dimensions of the liner 100, a material of the liner 100, and a dimension of the chamber 22, for example a diameter of the chamber 22. In some examples these factors may lead to an alternative second configuration for the liner 100.

One such alternative second configuration for the liner 100 is shown in Figure 3d. In the configuration of Figure 3d, the liner 100 has unwound to such an extent that the first 102 and second 104 free ends are substantially contiguous. In such an embodiment, there is no overlap between the outwardly facing face 106 and the inwardly facing face 108. Here the liner 100 has a generally cylindrical form with a substantially circular cross-sectional shape, and such a configuration may still be thought of as wound in view of the relative location of the first 102 and second 104 free ends. Such an example may reduce a thickness of the liner 100 between the wall of the chamber 22 and the consumable, which may provide for improved thermal transfer to the consumable in use. Furthermore, embodiments are also envisaged where a susceptor is located in the consumable, rather than in the wall of the chamber 22. In such an embodiment, a reduced thickness of liner 100 between the wall of the chamber 22 and the consumable may allow for easier electromagnetic coupling between the plurality of coils 32 and the susceptor.

Whilst the liner 100 was shown in Figure 3a as initially having the form of a rectangular sheet, the liner 100 may be provided to a consumer, i.e. a user, of the aerosol provision device 12, in a pre-wound configuration, for example the first configuration of Figure 3b or the second configuration of Figure 3 c.

In some examples, the material of the liner 100 may be chosen such that the liner 100 is capable of retaining the liner in a wound configuration, for example in the second configuration of Figure 3 c. Here the liner 100 may be formed into the first configuration of Figure 3b by tighter winding pre-insertion into the chamber 22, then inserted into the chamber 22, and allowed to unwind to assume the second configuration of Figure 3c upon release by the user.

In other examples, the liner 100 may comprise a retention member for retaining the liner 100 in the first configuration. One such retention member 110 is shown in Figure 4a, is a simple annular ring of relatively rigid material having an inner diameter substantially corresponding to the diameter A of the liner 100 in the first configuration of Figure 3b. The retention member 110 of Figure 4a may be simply removed from the liner 100 during insertion to the chamber 22 to allow unwinding of the liner 100 from the first configuration of Figure 3b to either of the second configurations of Figures 3c and 3d.

A second embodiment of retention member 112 is shown in Figure 4b. Here the retention member 112 comprises a strip 114 and a clamp 116 that can selectively retain the strip 114 in an annular arrangement of varying diameter. Such a retention member 112 may be similar to a jubilee clip, for example. Engagement of the clamp 116 with the strip 114 can be varied to enable the liner to move between the first configuration of Figure 3b and either of the second configurations of Figure 3c and 3d, as desired.

As described above, the aerosol provision device 12 is provided with the susceptor 34 in the wall of the chamber 22, or a susceptor is provided in the consumable. In some alternative examples, the liner 100 may act as a susceptor. In such examples, the susceptor 34 may be omitted from the wall of the chamber 22 or the consumable.

In a first example where the liner 100 acts as a susceptor, the liner 100 is formed of heating material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, for example any of one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: aluminium, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, graphite, plain-carbon steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, copper, and bronze. In such an example, the thickness of the material may be chosen to enable the liner 100 to be formed into the first configuration of Figure 3b, and either of the second configurations of Figures 3c and 3d.

In another example where the liner 100 acts as a susceptor, as shown in Figure 5a, the liner, here labelled as 101, comprises a first layer 118 of high-heat resistant polymer, for example a polyimide, such as Zytel® high temperature nylon (HTN) or Kapton®, and a second layer 120 of heating material. As above, the thickness or material of the layers 118,120 may be chosen to enable the liner 101 to be formed into the first configuration of Figure 3b, and either of the second configurations of Figures 3c and 3d. The second layer 120 is located such that it forms the inwardly facing face 108 of the liner 101 in the first configuration and the second configuration.

In such examples, the liner 100,101 may act as a susceptor when placed in the chamber 22, and may interact with the plurality of coils 32 to provide heat to a consumable received within the chamber 22. This may allow the susceptor to be easily removed and replaced each time a new liner 100,101 is required. In an example where the liner comprises a first layer 118 of high-heat resistant polymer and a second layer 120 of susceptor material, the second layer 120 of susceptor material may be formed on the first layer 118 of high-heat resistant polymer by electroless plating, for example by cobalt electroless plating or nickel electroless plating. Electroless plating may provide an even coating of the second layer 120, and may allow the second layer 120 to be formed on a polymeric surface.

For conductive (and magnetisable) media such as the susceptor material there is a characteristic depth (the “skin depth”) into which the electromagnetic field is able to penetrate. The thickness of the second layer 120 is thus at least some significant fraction of the skin depth for the material at the working frequency of the induction system. For example, a thickness of one or more skin depths should help to ensure that a majority of the available energy is directed into the second layer 120. In some examples, the second layer 120 is formed with a thickness of no more than 100 microns, no more than 50 microns, or no more than 20 microns measured in a direction orthogonal to the first layer 118. Where the second layer 120 comprises nickel, the thickness of the second layer 120 may be around 15 microns. Where the second layer 120 comprises cobalt, the thickness of the second layer 120 may be around 10 microns.

Where cobalt or nickel is used for the second layer 120, a third layer 122 of heating material may be formed on the second layer 120, as shown in Figure 5b, with the liner labelled 103. The third layer 122 may comprise material which has improved properties to enable the material to act as a susceptor when compared to cobalt and nickel.

Given the removable and replaceable nature of the liner 100, it may be desirable to provide liners to a consumer on a regular basis.

In some examples, as shown in Figure 6, a product 200 is provided. Here the product is a carton having a package housing 202 and a lid 204. A plurality of consumables 206 are disposed within the package housing 202 along with the liner 100. Here the liner 100 is in the first configuration of Figure 3b, and each consumable 206 has a diameter corresponding to the first diameter A of the liner 100 in the first configuration. The product may provide a convenient way of providing the liner 100 to a consumer, and indeed the liner 100 may be removed and replaced from the aerosol provision device 12 each time a new batch of consumables 206 are required, i.e. a new product 200 is purchased by a consumer.

Collectively, the aerosol provision device 12 and the liner 100 described above may be thought of as an aerosol provision system 10. The aerosol provision system 10 may comprise further components which complement the liner 100.

In some examples, the aerosol provision system 10 comprises a retainer for selectively retaining the liner 100 in the chamber 22. One such retainer may be in the form of an adapter 14, as shown in Figure 7.

Where the adapter 14 is used, appropriate modification may be made to the tubular element 36. For example, as seen in Figure 8 the tubular element 36 has an enlarged connection portion 38 for connection to the adapter 14.

The adapter 14 comprises a threaded connection portion 54, an abutment portion 56, and a receiving portion 58. Each of the threaded connection portion 54, the abutment portion 56, and the receiving portion 58 are generally cylindrical and hollow in form. Collectively the threaded connection portion 54, the abutment portion 56, and the receiving portion 58 define a main body of the adapter 14. The threaded connection portion 54, the abutment portion 56, and the receiving portion 58 are integrally formed, for example such that the adapter 14 comprises a monolithic structure, and may be formed via a moulding process, for example a single-shot moulding process.

An outer surface of the threaded connection portion 54 is provided with a thread 60, such that the threaded connection portion 54 defines a male connection for connection to the female connection of the enlarged connection portion 38. An outer diameter of the threaded connection portion 54 is substantially equal to an inner diameter of the enlarged connection portion 38 of the tubular member 36, such that the adapter 14 can be securely connected to the tubular member 36 via connection of the threaded connection of the enlarged connection portion 38 with the threaded connection portion 54 of the adapter 14. An inner diameter of the threaded connection portion 54 is substantially equal to a width of the opening 48. An end face of the threaded connection portion 54 abuts a face of the enlarged connection portion 38 adjacent the opening 48 to prevent over-insertion of the adapter 14.

The abutment portion 56 has an outer diameter substantially corresponding to an outer diameter of the enlarged connection portion 38, such that the abutment portion 56 is able to contact an end face of the enlarged connection portion 38 to prevent over insertion of the adapter 14 into the enlarged connection portion 38.

A bore 62 is formed through the abutment portion 56 and the receiving portion 58, with a width, for example a diameter, of the bore 62 being less than a width of the opening 48. The exact dimensions of the bore 62 will depend on a consumable that the adapter 14 is intended to be used with, but a typical diameter of the bore may be in the region of 5-5.0mm, or in the region of 6.5-7.0mm. The bore 62 is provided with a tapered entry, which may facilitate insertion of a consumable through the bore 62.

An in-use configuration where the adapter 14 is connected to the tubular member 36 is shown schematically in Figure 8. The adapter 14 is connected to the enlarged connection portion 38 of the tubular member 36 by engagement of the threaded connection of the enlarged connection portion 38 with the threaded connection portion 54 of the adapter 14, with the abutment portion 56 engaged with end faces of the enlarged connection portion 38. In some examples the engagement is such that the adapter 14 is located external of the housing 16, whereas in other examples the engagement may be such that the adapter 14 is located internally within the housing 16. In the latter example, the housing 16 may comprise a removable end wall to allow for insertion and removal of the adapter 14.

A consumable 64 is inserted through the bore 62, through the opening 48 and into the chamber 22. A first end 66 of the consumable 64 is in contact with the tapered wall 44, whilst a portion of the main body of the consumable spaced from the first end 66 is held within the bore 62. Thus the consumable 64 may be securely held via the bore 62 and the tapered wall 44. The tapered wall 44 and the adapter 14 may enable the aerosol provision device 12 to be used with consumables of different widths, for example different diameters, whilst securely holding the consumables. The liner 100 is located in the chamber 22, and the adapter 14, in particular an internal face of the adapter 14 adjacent the bore 62, may act to inhibit removal of the liner 100. Here the liner 100 extends out of the chamber 22 through the aperture 48.

As the bore 62 has a width, for example a diameter, less than a width of the opening 48, the adapter 14, and in particular the main body of the adapter 14, partially blocks the opening 48, and the consumable 64 is supported such that there is a gap between the wall of the chamber 22 and the consumable 64. This may inhibit direct contact of the consumable 64 with the wall of the chamber 22, which may facilitate insertion and removal of the consumable 64 from the chamber 22. The liner 100 is located in the gap between the wall of the chamber 22 and the consumable 64.

From Figure 8, it can be seen that the adapter 14 is located such that it is remote from the main portion 23 of the chamber 22, which is the region in which the susceptor 34 is located, and hence remote from an area at which the chamber 22 is heated. This may allow the adapter 14 to be formed of a material that is less heat resistant than a wall of the chamber 22, for example than the tubular member 36. In any event, and to minimise the risk of deformation of the adapter 14 in use, in some examples the adapter 14 is formed from a material having a melting point of greater than 300°C. This may ensure that the adapter 14 can withstand normal operating temperatures of the aerosol provision device 12 in use.

In some examples the adapter 14 may be formed of poly ether ether ketone (PEEK). PEEK, however, may be a relatively expensive material, and so in other examples the adapter may be formed of polyoxymethylene (acetal). Forming the adapter 14 of polyoxymethylene (acetal) may also provide for easier formation of the threaded connection portion 54 than for a corresponding adapter made from PEEK. As previously mentioned, consumables may be provided which have different dimensions, for example different lengths and/or diameters. To enable the aerosol provision device 12 to be used with further consumables with different diameters, a second adapter 68 may be provided as part of the aerosol provision system 10.

The second adapter 68 is shown in isolation with the first adapter 14 in Figure 9. The second adapter 68 has substantially the same form as the first adapter 14, and differs only in the width, ie the diameter, of the bore 62. As shown in Figure 7 the first adapter 14 has a bore 62 having a diameter in the region of 6.5 -7.0mm, whilst the second adapter 68 has a bore 62 having a diameter in the region of 5.0-5.5mm. Thus the first 14 and second 68 adapters may partially block the opening 48 to a different degree, and allow the insertion into the opening 48 of consumables having different diameters. The tapered wall 44 may further allow the aerosol provision device 12 to accommodate consumables of different diameters.

It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that any number of adapters may be provided, with each adapter having a bore dimensioned to hold a consumable of a different diameter therein. It will also be appreciated that the aerosol provision device may be used with a plurality of different consumables, only some of which require the use of the adapter.

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 utilised 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.

Claims

23 CLAIMS

1. A liner for use with an aerosol provision device comprising a chamber and an aerosol generator for generating aerosol from aerosol-generating material when a consumable comprising the aerosol-generating material is located in the chamber, wherein the liner is for selective insertion into the chamber, and the liner is formable into a first configuration in which the liner is wound with a first diameter, and formable into a second configuration in which the liner is wound with a second diameter greater than the first diameter, the liner movable from the first configuration to the second configuration when inserted into the chamber to at least partially line the chamber.

2. The liner as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the liner is expandable by at least partial unwinding when inserted into the chamber to move from the first configuration to the second configuration.

3. The liner as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the liner comprises open longitudinal ends in the first and second configurations.

4. The liner as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the liner is resiliently deformable.

5. The liner as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the liner has a thickness of no more than 100 microns.

6. The liner as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the liner comprises heating material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field.

7. The liner as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the liner comprises a non- electrically conductive support.

8. The liner as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the liner comprises a retention member for retaining the liner in the first configuration, the retention member removable from the liner to enable movement from the first configuration to the second configuration.

9. An aerosol provision system comprising: an aerosol provision device having a chamber into which a consumable comprising aerosol-generating material is insertable, and an aerosol generator for generating aerosol from the aerosol-generating material when the consumable is located in the chamber; and a liner for selective insertion into the chamber, wherein the liner is formable into a first configuration in which the liner is wound with a first diameter, and formable into a second configuration in which the liner is wound with a second diameter greater than the first diameter, the liner movable from the first configuration to the second configuration when inserted into the chamber to at least partially line the chamber.

10. The aerosol provision system as claimed in Claim 9, wherein the aerosol provision device comprises an opening via which the consumable is insertable into the chamber, and the liner is insertable into the chamber via the opening.

11. The aerosol provision system as claimed in Claim 9 or Claim 10, wherein the aerosol provision system comprises a retainer for selectively retaining the liner in the chamber.

12. The aerosol provision system as claimed in Claim 11, wherein the aerosol provision system comprises an adapter to selectively determine a maximum width of consumable insertable into the chamber via the opening, the adapter to act as the retainer when connected to the aerosol provision device.

13. The aerosol provision system as claimed in Claim 12, wherein the aerosol provision system comprises a plurality of adapters, each adapter to selectively determine a different maximum width of consumable insertable into the chamber via the opening, each adapter to act as the retainer when connected to the aerosol provision device

14. The aerosol provision system as claimed in any of Claims 9 to 13, wherein the liner is as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 8.

15. A product, comprising: at least one consumable comprising aerosol-generating material, the consumable insertable into a chamber of an aerosol provision device that comprises an aerosol generator for generating aerosol from the aerosol-generating material when the consumable is located in the chamber; and a liner for selective insertion into the chamber to at least partially line the chamber and to at least partially surround the consumable when the consumable is located in the chamber.

16. The product as claimed in Claim 15, wherein the liner is as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 8.

17. The product as claimed in Claim 15 or Claim 16, wherein the product comprises a package, and the consumable and the liner are housed within the package.

18. The product as claimed in Claim 16, wherein the product comprises a package, and the consumable and the liner are housed within the package, the liner in its first configuration within the package, and the consumable comprises a third diameter substantially corresponding to the first diameter.