JP7627770B2 - Non-flammable aerosol delivery device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a non-flammable aerosol delivery device that produces an aerosol for inhalation by a user of the non-flammable aerosol delivery device.

Cigarettes, cigars, and other articles burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide an alternative to these articles that burn tobacco by creating products that release compounds without combustion. Examples of such products are the so-called non-combustion heating products (also known as tobacco heating products) or tobacco heating devices, which release compounds by heating a material without burning it. This material may be, for example, tobacco, other non-tobacco products, or a combination, such as a blended mixture, which may or may not contain nicotine.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a non-flammable aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material contained in a consumable, the non-flammable aerosol delivery device comprising: a receptacle for receiving the consumable containing the aerosol-generating material; and an adapter received in the receptacle, the adapter configured to adapt the receptacle to receive a plurality of consumables of different sizes, one at a time.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a non-flammable aerosol delivery device for heating an aerosol generating material in a consumable to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol generating material, the non-flammable aerosol delivery device comprising a receptacle for selectively receiving each of a plurality of adapters one at a time, and a plurality of adapters received in the receptacle one at a time, each of the plurality of adapters being configured to adapt the receptacle to receive each of the consumables, each of which contains an aerosol generating material, one at a time, from a plurality of consumables of different sizes.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a non-flammable aerosol delivery system comprising the non-flammable aerosol delivery device according to the second aspect, a first consumable comprising an aerosol generating material and having a first consumable length and a first consumable width, and a second consumable comprising an aerosol generating material and having a second consumable length different from the first consumable length and a second consumable width different from the first consumable width.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a non-flammable aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material in a consumable, comprising: a receptacle for receiving a consumable including the aerosol-generating material; and an adapter removably received in the receptacle, the receptacle configured to receive a first consumable having a first size when the adapter is not received in the receptacle, the adapter configured to adapt the receptacle to receive a second consumable having a second size different from the first size when received in the receptacle, and the adapter comprising a retaining element configured to hold the second consumable in place.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a non-flammable aerosol delivery device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material contained in a consumable product. FIG. 1 is a schematic block cross-sectional side view of a second non-combustible aerosol delivery device according to a first concept, which generates an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material contained in a consumable. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a first consumable containing an aerosol-generating material. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a second consumable containing an aerosol-generating material. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an adapter according to a first example of a first concept. 1A and 1B are a schematic enlarged perspective view and a schematic plan view of an adapter according to a first example of the first concept. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective enlarged view of a side cross section of an adapter according to a first example of the first concept. A schematic perspective internal view of a second non-flammable aerosol delivery device according to a first example of the first concept. 1A and 1B are a first schematic cross-sectional side view and a second schematic plan view of an adapter according to a first example of a first concept. 11A and 11B are a second schematic cross-sectional side view and a third schematic plan view of an adapter according to the first example of the first concept. FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of a cross-section of an adapter according to a second example of the first concept; FIG. 11 is a first schematic plan view of an adapter according to a second example of the first concept. FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective enlarged view of a side cross section of an adapter according to a second example of the first concept. 13A and 13B are schematic perspective enlarged views and schematic perspective views of a side cross section of an adapter according to a second example of the second concept. FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective internal view of a second non-flammable aerosol delivery device according to a second example of the first concept. 1A and 1B are a first schematic cross-sectional side view and a second schematic plan view of an adapter according to a second example of the first concept. 13A and 13B are a second schematic cross-sectional side view and a third schematic plan view of an adapter according to a second example of the first concept. FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of a cross-section of an adapter according to a third example of the first concept; FIG. 13 is a first schematic perspective enlarged view of a side cross section of an adapter according to a third example of the first concept. FIG. 13 is a second schematic perspective enlarged view of a side cross section of the adapter according to the third example of the first concept. FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of an adapter according to a third example of the first concept. FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective internal view of a second non-flammable aerosol delivery device according to a third example of the first concept. 13A and 13B are a first schematic cross-sectional side view and a first schematic plan view of an adapter according to a third example of the first concept. 13A and 13B are a second schematic cross-sectional side view and a second schematic plan view of an adapter according to a third example of the first concept. A first schematic cross-sectional side view of a second non-flammable aerosol delivery device according to a fourth example of the first concept. A second schematic cross-sectional side view of a second non-flammable aerosol delivery device according to a fourth example of the first concept. FIG. 11 is a first schematic perspective view of a second non-flammable aerosol delivery device according to a fifth example of the first concept. A second schematic perspective view of a second non-flammable aerosol delivery device according to a fifth example of the first concept. A first schematic oblique internal view of a second non-flammable aerosol delivery device according to a fifth example of the first concept. A second schematic oblique internal view of a second non-flammable aerosol delivery device according to a fifth example of the first concept. A third schematic oblique internal view of a second non-flammable aerosol delivery device according to a fifth example of the first concept. FIG. 13 is a schematic block cross-sectional side view of a third non-combustible aerosol delivery device according to the second concept, which generates an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material contained in a consumable. FIG. 11 is a first schematic cross-sectional side view of a first adapter according to a first example of the second concept. FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a second adapter according to a first example of the second concept. FIG. 11 is a second schematic cross-sectional side view of the first adapter according to the first example of the second concept. FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a third non-flammable aerosol delivery device according to a first example of the second concept. 1A and 1B are a schematic perspective view and a schematic exploded perspective view of a first adapter according to a first example of a second concept. FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of a first adapter according to a second example of the second concept. FIG. 13 is a schematic enlarged perspective view of a first adapter according to a second example of the second concept. FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective enlarged view of a side cross section of a first adapter according to a second example of the second concept. 13A and 13B are a schematic plan view and a schematic cross-sectional side view of a second adapter according to a second example of the second concept. 13A and 13B are a schematic plan view and a schematic cross-sectional side view of a first adapter according to a second example of the second concept. FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective internal view of a third non-flammable aerosol delivery device according to a second example of the second concept. A second schematic perspective view of the first adapter according to the second example of the second concept including the first optional feature. FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective close-up view of a first adapter according to a second example of a second concept including a first example of a second optional feature. FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective cross-sectional side view of a first adapter according to a second example of a second concept including a first example of a second optional feature. FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective close-up view of a cross-sectional side view of a first adapter according to a second example of a second concept including a second example of a second optional feature. FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of a first adapter according to a third example of the second concept. FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a cross-section of a first adapter according to a third example of the second concept; FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective enlarged view of a side cross section of a first adapter according to a third example of the second concept. FIG. 13 is a second schematic perspective enlarged view of a side cross section of the first adapter according to the third example of the second concept. FIG. 13 is a third schematic perspective enlarged view of a side cross section of the first adapter according to the third example of the second concept. FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective internal view of a third non-flammable aerosol delivery device according to a third example of the second concept. 13A and 13B are a schematic plan view and a schematic side cross-sectional view of a second adapter according to a third example of the second concept. 13A and 13B are a schematic plan view and a schematic side cross-sectional view of a first adapter according to a third example of the second concept. FIG. 11 is a first schematic perspective view of a first adapter according to a fourth example of the second concept. FIG. 13 is a second schematic perspective view of the first adapter according to the fourth example of the second concept. FIG. 11 is a first schematic perspective view of a second adapter according to a fourth example of the second concept. FIG. 13 is a second schematic perspective view of a second adapter according to a fourth example of the second concept. A schematic block cross-sectional side view of a fourth non-combustible aerosol delivery device according to a third concept, which generates an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material contained in a consumable. FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of a cross-section of an adapter according to a third concept. FIG. 13 is a schematic enlarged perspective view of an adapter according to a third concept. FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a fourth non-flammable aerosol delivery device according to the third concept.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a non-flammable aerosol delivery device 100. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device 100 includes a receptacle, such as a chamber, cavity, or holder, for receiving a consumable that includes an aerosol generating material. For example, the receptacle may be a heating chamber 102. The following description is in the context of an example in which the receptacle is a heating chamber.

An aerosol-generating material is a material capable of generating an aerosol when energized, e.g., by heating, irradiating, or in any other manner. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of, e.g., a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain actives and/or flavorings. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating 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 dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material capable of holding some fluid, such as a liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise, e.g., from about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% amorphous solid.

The aerosol generating material may include one or more active substances and/or flavorings, one or more aerosol forming materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

A consumable is an article that includes or is composed of an aerosol-generating material, some or all of which is intended to be consumed upon use by a user. A consumable may include one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter, and/or an aerosol modifier. A consumable may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater that releases heat upon use to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material. The heater may include, for example, a combustible material, a material that can be heated by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

The non-flammable aerosol delivery device 100 is for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material in a consumable. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device 100 includes an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material. In some examples, the non-flammable aerosol delivery device 100 is for heating the aerosol-generating material included in the consumable to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material. In such examples, the aerosol generator functions to provide heat to the aerosol-generating material. In other examples, the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to apply one or more of vibrations, high pressure, electrostatic energy, or ultrasonic energy to the aerosol-generating material. In some such examples, the aerosol generator includes one or more piezoelectric elements that apply vibrations to the aerosol-generating material.

The non-combustible aerosol delivery device 100 may be configured to deliver an aerosol generated by heating an aerosol generating material. The consumable 106 may be an article of tobacco heating product (THP). The non-combustible aerosol delivery device 100 may be, for example, a handheld device used to deliver an inhalable aerosol.

Hereinafter, the non-flammable aerosol delivery device 100 will be referred to as device 100. The following description will be given in the context of an example in which device 100 is configured to heat an aerosol-generating material.

The device 100 is configured to heat an aerosol-generating material in a consumable received in the heating chamber 102 described above. The device 100 includes a heating configuration 104 configured to provide energy to heat the aerosol-generating material in a consumable received in the heating chamber 102. In some examples, the heating configuration 104 includes one or more resistive heating elements disposed in thermal contact with the heating chamber 102. The flow of electrical current against the electrical resistance of the one or more resistive heating elements generates heat. This process is referred to as Joule heating, Ohmic heating, or resistive heating.

A susceptor is a material that can be heated by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be a conductive material, such that the penetration of the fluctuating magnetic field results in inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material, such that the penetration of the fluctuating magnetic field results in magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be bi-directional, such that it can be heated by both conductive and magnetic heating mechanisms. In this specification, a device configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator.

In some examples, the heating arrangement 104 is a magnetic field generator configured to generate a varying magnetic field to inductively heat the susceptor. The magnetic field generator may include one or more inductors through which an alternating current is passed to generate the varying magnetic field. In some examples, the magnetic field generator includes one or more susceptors. In other examples, the magnetic field generator may not include a susceptor, and instead, one or more susceptors may be provided as part of/with a consumable intended for use with the device 100.

The device 100 further comprises a power source 106. The power source 106 provides power to the various components of the device 100. In some examples, the power source 106 is a battery. In some examples, the power source 106 comprises a battery and a DC-DC converter, with power provided from the battery through the DC-DC converter. The DC-DC converter may allow the power source 106 to provide power at a voltage different from the voltage of the battery. In some examples, the device 100 may comprise a DC-AC converter that converts DC current, for example from the battery, to AC current to provide power to one or more inductors of the heating arrangement 104, for example an induction heating arrangement. In the following examples, the power source 106 is simply referred to as the battery 106.

In the example of FIG. 1, the non-flammable aerosol delivery device 100 includes a processor 108 in data communication with a computer-readable memory 110. The processor 108 is configured to control various aspects of the operation of the device 100. The processor 108 controls various aspects by executing instructions stored in the computer-readable memory 110. For example, the processor 108 may control the operation of the heating element 104. For example, the processor may control the delivery of power from the battery 106 to the heating element 104 by controlling various electrical components (not shown in FIG. 1), such as switches.

In the example of FIG. 1, the device 100 includes a holding device 112. The holding device 112 is configured to hold in place consumables intended for use with the device 100, one at a time. For example, the holding device 112 holds in place consumables received in the heating chamber 102.

Of course, device 100 may include other components not shown in FIG. 1, such as ventilation inlets/outlets, control interfaces, charging ports, etc. It should be noted that FIG. 1 is merely a schematic diagram illustrating a number of components that may be included in device 100. FIG. 1 is not intended to reveal the specific locations of the various components. For example, retainer 112 may be located anywhere in/on device 100, so long as it functions to hold in place the consumables received in heating chamber 102.

The device 100 also includes a housing 114 in which the above-mentioned components can be housed. A more specific example of the device 100 is described below.

As referred to herein, the proximal end of device 100 or a component of device 100 is the end closest to a user's mouth when inhaling the aerosol delivered by device 100 in use. As referred to herein, the distal end of device 100 or a component of device 100 is the end furthest from a user's mouth when inhaling the aerosol delivered by device 100 in use.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show a first consumable 300 of the plurality of consumables and a second consumable 302 of the plurality of consumables. The first consumable 300 has a first length that is smaller than a second length of the second consumable 302. In other words, the second consumable 302 is longer than the first consumable 300. Also, in this example, the first consumable 300 has a first width that is larger than a second width corresponding to the second consumable 302.

In some examples, the consumables may have airflow structures (e.g., openings or areas of material that allow airflow) at the proximal end of the consumable. In use, it may be desirable to cover at least a portion of the airflow structures to inhibit airflow. This may be desirable, for example, to allow the consumables to function with the device 100 in the manner intended. The airflow structures may be located at a particular distance from the proximal ends of the various consumables in multiple consumables. Thus, for example, consumables of different lengths may not be usable with the device 100 in the manner in which the consumables are intended to be used unless the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302 are allowed to protrude from the device 100 by substantially equal amounts. By allowing consumables of different lengths to protrude from each other by the same amount, airflow structures located at a particular distance from the proximal ends of the consumables may be at least partially covered by adapters received in the housing 114 and/or heating chamber 102, as intended. Concepts and examples of the device 100 with one or more adapters are described below.

In some examples, it may be advantageous for only a predetermined length of the consumable to protrude from the device 100 to reduce the likelihood that the consumable will be unintentionally removed from the device 100, for example if the device 100 is struck. In some examples, one or more adapters received in the heating chamber 102 may allow for cleaning of the heating chamber 102 (e.g., when one or more adapters are inserted and removed from the heating chamber 102). In some examples, the one or more adapters may support a proximal end of the consumable during use to reduce the risk of damage to the consumable during use.

First Concept FIG. 2 is a schematic block cross-sectional side view of device 100 according to the first concept. In FIG. 2, numeral 202 indicates a proximal end of device 100, and numeral 204 indicates a distal end of device 100. Proximal end 202 is the end that a user holds closer to the mouth (e.g., toward the mouth) than distal end 204 when device 100 is being used to inhale aerosols as intended. Meanwhile, distal end 204 of device 100 is the end that a user holds farther from the mouth than proximal end 202 when device 100 is being used to inhale aerosols as intended.

2 does not show all components that may be part of the device 100. In this concept, the heating chamber 102 is for receiving a consumable that includes an aerosol generating material. The device 100 of this concept includes an adapter 206 that is received in the heating chamber 102 and is configured to adapt the heating chamber 102 to receive multiple consumables of different sizes, one at a time.

As used herein, different sizes do not represent variations in the size of a consumable due to manufacturing tolerances. As used herein, different sizes represent different intended dimensions of a consumable. For example, consumables with different intended widths and/or lengths fit into different sized receptacles. Consumables with different intended sizes may be referred to as different types of consumables. Different types of consumables may differ only in that they are different sizes, or may differ in other aspects such as internal configuration, structure, etc.

For example, the consumables may differ in size by having different lengths and/or different widths. In an example where the consumables are rod-shaped (e.g., similar to a conventional cigarette), the width of the consumable may be taken as the outer diameter of the consumable.

In Examples 1, 2, and 3 of the first concept, the adapter 206 includes a first cylindrical body beginning at the adapter proximal end and extending toward the adapter distal end of the adapter. The first cylindrical body includes a holding element configured to hold each of the multiple consumables, one at a time.

In Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the first concept, the retaining element is configured to hold a first consumable of the plurality of consumables and a second consumable of the plurality of consumables in place one at a time, where the first consumable is a first given size and the second consumable is a second given size. For example, the retaining element is configured to hold the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302 in place one at a time. In some examples, the retaining element may be omitted.

In Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 according to the first concept, the adapter includes a first stopper disposed on the adapter distal end side of the adapter and dimensioned to prohibit movement of the first consumable toward the adapter distal end and to allow movement of the second consumable toward the adapter distal end. In some examples, the first stopper may be omitted.

In Examples 1, 2, and 3 according to the first concept, the adapter includes a second cylindrical body disposed at the adapter distal end to provide a first stop, the second cylindrical body having an innermost diameter smaller than a first width corresponding to a first given size and larger than a second width corresponding to a second given size. For example, the innermost diameter is smaller than the width of the first consumable 300 and larger than the width of the second consumable 302. In some examples, the second cylindrical body may be omitted.

Various examples of the device 100 according to the first concept are described below. In the following examples, more specific features of the adapter 206 are described.

First Concept Example 1
4A-4F show the above-mentioned device comprising the above-mentioned adapter according to Example 1 of the first concept. In Figures 4A-4F, the adapter according to Example 1 of the first concept is designated with the number 206a. The first cylindrical body 402 starts at an adapter proximal end 404 and extends towards an adapter distal end 406. The first cylindrical body 402 comprises a retaining element 408. The first cylindrical body 402 comprises a cylindrical body proximal end 410 and a cylindrical body distal end 412.

The portion of the adapter 206a or any of its components described above that is referred to as proximal is the portion that is toward the proximal end 202 of the device 100 when the adapter is received in the heating chamber 102. Similarly, the portion of the adapter 206a or any of its components described above that is referred to as distal is the portion that is toward the distal end 204 of the device 100 when the adapter 206a is received in the heating chamber 102.

Figure 4B is a schematic perspective close-up view of the adapter 206a showing the retaining element 408 and a schematic plan view of the adapter 206a. With reference to Figure 4B, the retaining element 408 includes two or more resilient protrusions 414. The resilient protrusions 414 are provided on the cylindrical body proximal end 410 side. The cylindrical protrusions extend from the first cylindrical body 402 into a cavity defined by the first cylindrical body 402. The resilient protrusions 414 are deformable to receive and hold the first and second consumables 300, 302 in place therebetween, one at a time. In this example, the protrusions 414 are circumferentially disposed relative to one another.

The first cylindrical body 402 may include a material that allows for the formation of the elastic protrusions 414. For example, the first cylindrical body 402 may include stretchable aluminum or another stretchable metal suitable for the construction of the first cylindrical body 402. In some examples, the base structure (e.g., the cylindrical portion) of the first cylindrical body 402 may be formed of one material and the elastic protrusions 414 may be formed of another material. For example, a rigid material (for structural strength) may be selected for the base structure and a material having elasticity may be selected for the elastic protrusions 414.

Figure 4B shows the retention element 414 in an initial position. The resilient projection 414 is biased toward the initial position. In the initial position, no significant force is applied to the resilient projection 414 to distort it from its equilibrium position/configuration (e.g., by the insertion of a consumable into the first cylindrical body 402). The resilient projection 414 in the initial position defines a gap of an initial size, which in this example is defined by an inner perimeter 416 shown in dashed lines in Figure 4B. The gap defined by the inner perimeter 416 is smaller than the smallest width of the plurality of consumables.

When a consumable is inserted into the first cylindrical body 402, a force is applied against the elastic protrusions 414, causing the size of the gap to change so that the inserted consumable can be accommodated and retained. The elastic protrusions 414 are deflected (pushed outward) away from their initial position, causing the size of the gap to change (in this case, become larger).

The elastic protrusions 414 are configured to each simultaneously contact an inserted consumable. In this example, the first cylindrical body 402 is intended for use with a consumable having a substantially circular cross-section. The elastic protrusions 414 define a substantially circular boundary on the inside of the first cylindrical body 402, such that the elastic protrusions 414 can each contact a consumable having a substantially circular cross-section.

In this example, the elastic protrusions 414 are biased toward the initial placement side to provide a gap smaller than the smallest width of the multiple consumables, so that the elastic protrusions 414 push the inserted consumable radially inward to hold it in place.

The elastic projections 414 can be pushed outwardly to deform into a substantially continuous configuration. Thus, the first cylindrical body 402 can function to hold in place any consumable intended for use with the first cylindrical body 402 that has a width greater than the gap defined by the initial placement inner circumference 416 and less than or equal to the width that can be reasonably accommodated by the shape of the first cylindrical body 402 and the elastic projections 414.

In this example, the elastic projections 414 hold at least the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302 in place. The elastic projections 414 hold each consumable in place such that when the consumables are inserted one at a time into the adapter 206a received in the heating chamber 102, the centers of the consumables are aligned within the first cylindrical body 402 and thus the heating chamber 102. To achieve this, the elastic projections 414 are positioned such that when the adapter 206a is received in the heating chamber 102, the center of the gap is aligned with the heating chamber 102.

Referring again to FIG. 4A, this figure also shows a second cylindrical body 418. The second cylindrical body 418 may comprise a flame-retardant meta-aramid material (e.g., Nomex®), cotton, paper, other para-aramids (e.g., Twaron®), heat-resistant and tough synthetic fibers (e.g., Kevlar®), and the like.

Figure 4C is a schematic perspective close-up cross-sectional side view of the second cylindrical body 418 attached to the first cylindrical body 402. The first stop is designated 420. Figure 4D is a schematic perspective internal view of the housing 114 showing the adapter 206a received in the heating chamber 102. A consumable may be inserted into the adapter 206a, as indicated by arrow 422. In some instances, the consumable may be inserted into the adapter 206a before the adapter 206a itself is received in the heating chamber 102.

In this example, the first stopper 420 can be configured to protrude from the device 100 by substantially equal amounts when the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302 are each received in the adapter 206a received in the heating chamber 102 for use.

As used herein, the amount that a given consumable protrudes from the device 100 is the amount (e.g., length) of that given consumable that is not covered by the housing 114 or any other element such as the adapter described above.

3A and 3B, the first consumable 300 has a smaller length and a larger width than the second consumable 302. Also, the second cylindrical body 418 provides a first stopper 420. In this example, the second cylindrical body 418 is sized such that the first consumable 300 is too wide to be inserted, but instead the distal end of the first consumable 300 rests on the first stopper 420 when inserted into the adapter 206a. The second cylindrical body 418 is positioned relative to the first cylindrical body 402 such that the first consumable 300 (when inserted into the adapter 206a received in the heating chamber 102) protrudes a given amount from the proximal end of the device 100.

In this example, the second cylindrical body 418 is sized so that the second consumable 302 is narrow enough for insertion into the second cylindrical body 418 and is not stopped by the first stop 420. In this example, the inner diameter of the second cylindrical body 418 is such that the second consumable 302 contacts the inner surface of the second cylindrical body 418 and is held in place by the second cylindrical body 418 due to friction between the outer surface of the second consumable 302 and the inner surface of the second cylindrical body 418. In this way, for the second consumable 302, the second cylindrical body 418 functions as a retention structure provided on the adapter distal end 404. In some examples, the distal end of the adapter distal end 406 may be positioned such that the second consumable 302 cannot protrude from the adapter distal end 406. In some examples, when the adapter 206a is received in the heating chamber 102, the heating chamber 102 and/or the arrangement of the adapter 206a when received in the heating chamber 102 may be such that the second consumable 302 does not advance beyond a certain point. In any of these examples, the arrangement allows the second consumable 302 (when inserted into the adapter 206a received in the heating chamber 102) to protrude from the proximal end of the device 100 a given amount that is substantially the same as the first consumable 300 protrudes.

The adapter 206a can thus be configured such that when the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302 are received in the adapter 206a received in the heating chamber 102, the centers are aligned in the heating chamber 102 and protrude from the device 100 by substantially the same amount.

Figure 4E is a schematic top view and a schematic cross-sectional side view of the adapter 206a with the first consumable 300 inserted. Figure 4F is a schematic top view and a schematic cross-sectional side view of the adapter 206a with the second consumable 302 inserted. Because the first consumable 300 is wider than the second consumable 302, the elastic protrusions 414 are pushed further outward when the first consumable 300 is inserted than when the second consumable 302 is inserted into the adapter 206a. Also, because the distal end of the first consumable 300 is stopped by the first stopper 420 while the second consumable 302 is inserted deeper into the adapter 206a, both consumables protrude by substantially the same amount.

In this example, the first cylindrical body 402 and the second cylindrical body 418 together provide a tube that receives each of the multiple consumables one at a time. The adapter proximal end 404 corresponds to the proximal end of the tube, and the adapter distal end 406 corresponds to the distal end of the tube. The retaining element 408 is a first retaining structure formed on the proximal end side of the tube that holds each of the multiple consumables in place one at a time.

As noted above, in some examples, the first stop 420 may be omitted. In some such examples, the plurality of consumables may include consumables of substantially the same width. In such examples, the second cylindrical body 418 may be formed at the distal end of the tube and provide a second retention structure to hold each of the plurality of consumables in place one at a time. In such examples, the inner diameter of the second cylindrical body 418 may be such that the plurality of consumables contact the inner surface of the second cylindrical body 418 one at a time and are held in place by the second cylindrical body 418 due to friction between the outer surface of the consumable and the inner surface of the second cylindrical body.

First Concept Example 2
Figures 5A-5G show the above-mentioned device and an adapter according to a first concept example 2. In Figures 5A-5G, the adapter according to the first concept example 2 is designated by the reference number 206b. Figure 5A is a schematic perspective cross-sectional side view of the adapter 206b. In this example, the first cylindrical body 502 comprises a corrugated material. The corrugated material acts as a retaining element.

The first cylindrical body 502 includes a fluted material formed into a cylindrical shape. As used herein, the term fluted material is used to describe a continuous sheet of material that is folded, for example, back and forth to form a fluted sheet of the material. In other words, the continuous sheet of material is repeatedly folded, for example, in a tight sinusoidal pattern.

The corrugated material may be, for example, corrugated paper. The following description is based on the corrugated material being corrugated paper. The folded paper sheet as described above is formed into a cylindrical sheet as seen in FIG. 5A to form a first cylindrical body 502. The first cylindrical body 502 is (functions as) a retaining element that holds the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302 in place therein.

The first cylindrical body 502 begins at the adapter proximal end 504 and extends toward the adapter distal end 506. The portion of the adapter 206b or its components described above that is referred to as proximal is toward the proximal end 202 of the device 100 when the adapter is received in the heating chamber 102. Similarly, the portion of the adapter 206b or its components described above that is referred to as distal is toward the distal end 204 of the device 100 when the adapter 206b is received in the heating chamber 102.

5B is a schematic top view of the adapter 206b. In FIG. 5B, an example of the corrugated paper folds of the first cylindrical body 502 can be seen. It can be seen that the paper folds define the innermost diameter of the first cylindrical body 502. The folds are deformable to accommodate and hold the first and second consumables 300, 302 in place therebetween. FIG. 5B shows the retention element formed by the folds in an initial configuration. The folds are biased toward the initial configuration. In the initial configuration, no significant force is applied to the folds to distort them from their equilibrium position/configuration (e.g., by the insertion of the consumables into the first cylindrical body 502). The folds in the initial configuration define an initial size gap, which in this example is defined by the inner circumference 508 shown in dashed lines in FIG. 5B. The gap defined by the inner circumference 508 is smaller than the smallest width of the plurality of consumables.

When a consumable is inserted into the first cylindrical body 502, a force is applied against the folds, changing the size of the gap to accommodate and retain the inserted consumable. The folds deflect (push outward) away from the initial configuration, changing the size of the gap (in this case, becoming larger).

The folds are configured to contact an inserted consumable. In this example, the first cylindrical body 502 is intended for use with a consumable having a substantially circular cross-section. The folds define a substantially circular boundary on the inside of the first cylindrical body 502 such that the folds can contact a consumable having a substantially circular cross-section.

In this example, the creases are biased toward the initial placement side to provide a gap smaller than the smallest width of the multiple consumables, so that the creases push the inserted consumable radially inward to hold it in place.

The folds can be pushed outwardly to deform into a substantially continuous configuration. Thus, the first cylindrical body 502 can function to hold in place any consumable intended for use with the first cylindrical body 502 that has a width greater than the gap defined by the inner circumference 508 of the initial placement, but less than or equal to the width that can be reasonably accommodated by the shape of the first cylindrical body 502 and the folds.

In this example, the folds hold at least the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302 in place, one at a time. The folds hold each consumable in place such that when the consumables are inserted, one at a time, into the adapter 206b received in the heating chamber 102, the centers of the consumables are aligned within the first cylindrical body 502 and thus the heating chamber 102. To accomplish this, the folds are positioned such that when the adapter 206b is received in the heating chamber 102, the center of the gap is aligned with the heating chamber 102.

Referring again to FIG. 5A, this figure also shows a second cylindrical body 510. The second cylindrical body 510 may comprise a flame-retardant meta-aramid material (e.g., Nomex®), cotton, paper, other para-aramids (e.g., Twaron®), heat-resistant and tough synthetic fibers (e.g., Kevlar®), and the like.

Figure 5C is a schematic perspective enlarged view of a cross-section of the adapter 206b showing the second cylindrical body 510 disposed on the adapter distal end 506 side relative to the first cylindrical body 502. In this example, the first cylindrical body 502 and the second cylindrical body 510 are disposed relative to each other. Figure 5D is a schematic perspective enlarged view of a cross-section of the adapter 206b showing the first cylindrical body 502 and the second cylindrical body 510 as well as the outer jacket 512, and a schematic perspective view of the adapter 206b. The outer jacket 512 surrounds both the first cylindrical body 502 and the second cylindrical body 510 to fix their relative positions.

The housing 512 may comprise, for example, aluminum or another material that may act as a susceptor. In use, the housing 512 may be inductively heated to provide heat to the aerosolizable material in the inserted consumable.

The first stopper is labeled 514. FIG. 5E is a schematic perspective internal view of the housing 114 showing the adapter 206b received in the heating chamber 102. A consumable may be inserted into the adapter 206b, as indicated by arrow 516. In some instances, the consumable may be inserted into the adapter 206b before the adapter 206b itself is received in the heating chamber 102.

In this example, the first stopper 514 can be configured to protrude from the device 100 by substantially equal amounts when the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302 are each received in the adapter 206b received in the heating chamber 102 for use.

As used herein, the amount that a given consumable protrudes from the device 100 is the amount (e.g., length) of that given consumable that is not covered by the housing 114 or any other element such as the adapter described above.

3A and 3B, the first consumable 300 has a smaller length and a larger width than the second consumable 302. Also, the second cylindrical body 510 provides a first stop 514. In this example, the first stop 514 is in the form of a ledge provided by the radially innermost edge of the second cylindrical body 510. In this example, the second cylindrical body 510 is sized such that the first consumable 300 is too wide to be inserted, but instead, a distal end of the first consumable 300 rests on the first stop 514 when the first consumable 300 is inserted into the adapter 206b.

As noted above, in Example 2, the gap defined by the inner circumference 508 is smaller than the smallest width of the consumables. As noted above, in Example 2, the folds hold at least the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302 in place, one at a time. In other examples, the folds may define an inner diameter that may deform to hold the wider first consumable 300 in place, but not the thinner second consumable 302. In such examples, the radially innermost edge of the second cylindrical body 510 may be aligned with the radially innermost edge of the folds of the first cylindrical body 502. In such examples, the ledge described above appears only when the folds are deformed (e.g., when the first consumable 300 is inserted).

The second cylindrical body 510 is positioned relative to the first cylindrical body 502 such that the first consumable 300 (when inserted into the adapter 206b received in the heating chamber 102) protrudes a given amount from the proximal end of the device 100.

In this example, the second cylindrical body 510 is sized so that the second consumable 302 is narrow enough for insertion into the second cylindrical body 510 and is not stopped by the first stop 514. In this example, the inner diameter of the second cylindrical body 510 is such that the second consumable 302 contacts the inner surface of the second cylindrical body 510 and is held in place by the second cylindrical body 510 due to friction between the outer surface of the second consumable 302 and the inner surface of the second cylindrical body 510. In this way, for the second consumable 302, the second cylindrical body 510 functions as a retention structure provided on the adapter distal end 506. In some examples, the distal end of the adapter distal end 506 may be positioned such that the second consumable 302 cannot protrude from the adapter distal end 506. In some examples, when the adapter 206b is received in the heating chamber 102, the heating chamber 102 and/or the arrangement of the adapter 206b when received in the heating chamber 102 may be such that the second consumable 302 does not advance beyond a certain point. In any of these examples, the arrangement allows the second consumable 302 (when inserted into the adapter 206b received in the heating chamber 102) to protrude from the proximal end of the device 100 a given amount that is substantially the same as the first consumable 300 protrudes.

Thus, the adapter 206b can be configured such that when the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302 are received in the adapter 206b received in the heating chamber 102, the centers are aligned in the heating chamber 102 and protrude from the device 100 by substantially the same amount.

Figure 5F is a schematic top view and a schematic cross-sectional side view of the adapter 206b with the first consumable 300 inserted. Figure 5G is a schematic top view and a schematic cross-sectional side view of the adapter 206b with the second consumable 302 inserted. Because the first consumable 300 is wider than the second consumable 302, the crease is pushed further outward when the first consumable 300 is inserted than when the second consumable 302 is inserted. Also, because the distal end of the first consumable 300 is stopped by the first stopper 514 while the second consumable 302 is inserted deeper into the adapter 206b, both consumables protrude by substantially the same amount.

In this example, the first cylindrical body 502 and the second cylindrical body 510 together provide a tube that receives each of the multiple consumables one at a time. The adapter proximal end 504 corresponds to the proximal end of the tube, and the adapter distal end 506 corresponds to the distal end of the tube. The folds described above are formed on the proximal end of the tube to provide a first retention structure that holds each of the multiple consumables in place one at a time.

As noted above, in some examples, the first stop 514 may be omitted. In some such examples, the plurality of consumables may include consumables of substantially the same width. In such examples, the second cylindrical body 510 may be formed at the distal end of the tube and provide a second retention structure for holding each of the plurality of consumables in place one at a time. In such examples, the inner diameter of the second cylindrical body 510 may be such that the plurality of consumables contact the inner surface of the second cylindrical body 510 one at a time and are held in place by the second cylindrical body 510 due to friction between the outer surface of the consumable and the inner surface of the second cylindrical body.

First Concept Example 3
6A-6G show the above-mentioned device and an adapter according to a first concept example 3. In Figs. 6A-6G, the adapter according to the first concept example 3 is designated by reference numeral 206c. Fig. 6A is a schematic perspective cross-sectional side view of the adapter 206c. In this example, a first cylindrical body 602 includes a plurality of resilient fingers extending from the first cylindrical body 602 into a cavity defined by the first cylindrical body 602.

The first cylindrical body 602 is (functions as) a retaining element that holds the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302 in place therein, one at a time. The resilient fingers 604 are deformable to accommodate and hold the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302 in place, one at a time.

The first cylindrical body 602 begins at the adapter proximal end 606 and extends toward the adapter distal end 608. The portion of the adapter 206c or its components described above that is referred to as proximal is toward the proximal end 202 of the device 100 when the adapter is received in the heating chamber 102. Similarly, the portion of the adapter 206c or its components described above that is referred to as distal is toward the distal end 204 of the device 100 when the adapter is received in the heating chamber 102.

6B is a schematic perspective close-up view of a cross-section of the first cylindrical body 602. FIG. 6B shows the retention element formed by the first cylindrical body 602 and the elastic fingers 604 described above in an initial position. The elastic fingers 604 are biased toward the initial position and extend inwardly into the cavity defined by the cylindrical shape without any substantial obstruction. In the initial position, no significant force is applied to the elastic fingers 604 (e.g., by the insertion of a consumable into the first cylindrical body 602) to distort them from their equilibrium position/configuration. The elastic fingers 604 in the initial position define an initial size gap inside the first cylindrical body 602. The initial size gap is smaller than the smallest width of the plurality of consumables.

When a consumable is inserted into the first cylindrical body 602, a force is applied against the resilient fingers 604, causing the size of the gap to change so that the inserted consumable can be accommodated and retained. The resilient fingers 604 deflect (push outward) away from the initial position, causing the size of the gap to change (in this case, become larger).

The resilient fingers 604 are configured to contact an inserted consumable. In this example, the first cylindrical body 602 is intended for use with a consumable having a substantially circular cross-section. The resilient fingers 604 are configured with a substantially circular boundary on the inside of the first cylindrical body 602 such that the resilient fingers 604 can contact a consumable having a substantially circular cross-section.

In this example, the elastic fingers 604 are biased toward the initial placement side to provide a gap smaller than the smallest width of the multiple consumables, so that the elastic fingers 604 push the inserted consumable radially inward to hold it in place.

The resilient fingers 604 can be deformed into a substantially continuous configuration by pushing outward. Thus, the first cylindrical body 602 can function to hold in place any consumable intended for use with the first cylindrical body 602 that has a width greater than the gap defined by the initial placement and less than or equal to that which can be reasonably accommodated by the shape of the first cylindrical body 602 and the resilient fingers 604.

In this example, the resilient fingers 604 hold at least the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302 in place. The resilient fingers 604 hold each consumable in place such that when the consumables are inserted one at a time into the adapter 206c received in the heating chamber 102, the centers of the consumables are aligned within the first cylindrical body 602 and thus the heating chamber 102. To accomplish this, the resilient fingers 604 are positioned such that when the adapter 206c is received in the heating chamber 102, the center of the gap is aligned with the heating chamber 102.

In this example, the first cylindrical body 602 includes an elastic sheet formed into a cylindrical shape. The elastic fingers 604 protrude from a surface of the elastic sheet such that when the elastic sheet is formed into a cylindrical shape, it extends into a cavity defined by the cylindrical shape. In other examples, the first cylindrical body 602 may not include an elastic sheet. In some examples, the first cylindrical body 602 may include a rigid or inelastic flexible material, and the elastic fingers may be provided (e.g., by attachment) on the inner surface of the cylindrical shape. The elastic sheet and elastic fingers 604 described above may include an elastic material such as natural rubber, synthetic rubber, etc.

Referring again to FIG. 6A, this figure also shows a second cylindrical body 610. The second cylindrical body 510 may comprise a flame-retardant meta-aramid material (e.g., Nomex®), cotton, paper, other para-aramids (e.g., Twaron®), heat-resistant and tough synthetic fibers (e.g., Kevlar®), and the like.

Figure 6C is a schematic perspective close-up view of a cross-section of the second cylindrical body 610 disposed on the adapter distal end 608 side relative to the first cylindrical body 602. In this example, the first cylindrical body 602 and the second cylindrical body 610 are disposed relative to each other. Figure 6D is a schematic perspective view of the adapter 206c showing the first cylindrical body 602 and the second cylindrical body 610 surrounded by an outer jacket 612. The outer jacket 612 surrounds both the first cylindrical body 602 and the second cylindrical body 610, thereby fixing their relative positions.

The outer jacket 612 may comprise, for example, aluminum or another material that may act as a susceptor. In use, the outer jacket 612 may be inductively heated to provide heat to the aerosolizable material in the inserted consumable. In some examples, the outer jacket 612 may be omitted.

The first stopper is labeled 614. FIG. 6E is a schematic perspective internal view of the housing 114 showing the adapter 206c received in the heating chamber 102. As indicated by arrow 616, a consumable may be inserted into the adapter 206c. In some instances, the consumable may be inserted into the adapter 206c before the adapter 206c itself is received in the heating chamber 102.

In this example, the first stopper 614 can be configured to protrude from the device 100 by substantially equal amounts when the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302 are each received in the adapter 206c that is received in the heating chamber 102 for use.

As used herein, the amount that a given consumable protrudes from the device 100 is the amount (e.g., length) of that given consumable that is not covered by the housing 114 or any other element such as the adapter described above.

3A and 3B, the first consumable 300 has a smaller length and a larger width than the second consumable 302. The second cylindrical body 610 also provides a first stop 614. In this example, 614 is in the form of a ledge provided by the radially innermost edge of the second cylindrical body 610. In this example, the second cylindrical body 610 is dimensioned such that the first consumable 300 is too wide to be inserted, but instead the distal end of the first consumable 300 rests on the first stop 614 when inserted into the adaptor 206c. The second cylindrical body 610 is positioned relative to the first cylindrical body 602 such that the first consumable 300 (when inserted into the adaptor 206c received in the heating chamber 102) protrudes a given amount from the proximal end of the device 100.

As described above, in Example 3, the resilient fingers 604 hold at least the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302 in place, one at a time. In other examples, the resilient fingers 604 may define an inner diameter that may deform to hold the wider first consumable 300 in place, but not the thinner second consumable 302. In such examples, the radially innermost edge of the second cylindrical body 610 may be aligned with the radially innermost edge defined by the resilient fingers 604. In such examples, the ledge described above appears only when the fold is deformed (e.g., when the first consumable 300 is inserted).

In this example, the second cylindrical body 610 is sized so that the second consumable 302 is narrow enough for insertion into the second cylindrical body 610 and is not stopped by the first stop 614. In this example, the inner diameter of the second cylindrical body 610 is such that the second consumable 302 contacts the inner surface of the second cylindrical body 610 and is held in place by the second cylindrical body 610 due to friction between the outer surface of the second consumable 302 and the inner surface of the second cylindrical body 610. In this way, for the second consumable 302, the second cylindrical body 610 functions as a retention structure provided on the adapter distal end 608. In some examples, the distal end of the adapter distal end 608 may be positioned such that the second consumable 302 cannot protrude from the adapter distal end 608. In some examples, when the adaptor 206c is received in the heating chamber 102, the heating chamber 102 and/or the arrangement of the adaptor 206c when received in the heating chamber 102 may be such that the second consumable 302 does not advance beyond a certain point. In any of these examples, the arrangement allows the second consumable 302 (when inserted into the adaptor 206c received in the heating chamber 102) to protrude from the proximal end of the device 100 a given amount that is substantially the same as the first consumable 300 protrudes.

Thus, the adapter 206c can be configured such that when the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302 are received in the adapter 206c received in the heating chamber 102, they are centered in the heating chamber 102 and protrude from the device 100 by substantially the same amount.

Figure 6F is a schematic top view and a schematic cross-sectional side view of the adapter 206c with the first consumable 300 inserted. Figure 6G is a schematic top view and a schematic cross-sectional side view of the adapter 206c with the second consumable 302 inserted. Because the first consumable 300 is wider than the second consumable 302, the resilient fingers 604 are pushed outward further when the first consumable 300 is inserted than when the second consumable 302 is inserted. Also, because the distal end of the first consumable 300 is stopped by the first stopper 514 while the second consumable 302 is inserted deeper into the adapter 206c, both consumables protrude by substantially the same amount.

In this example, the first cylindrical body 602 and the second cylindrical body 610 together provide a tube that receives each of the multiple consumables one at a time. The adapter proximal end 606 corresponds to the proximal end of the tube, and the adapter distal end 608 corresponds to the distal end of the tube. The resilient fingers 604 described above are formed on the proximal end of the tube and provide a first retention structure that holds each of the multiple consumables in place one at a time.

As noted above, in some examples, the first stop 614 may be omitted. In some such examples, the plurality of consumables may include consumables of substantially the same width. In such examples, the second cylindrical body 610 may be formed at the distal end of the tube and provide a second retention structure for holding each of the plurality of consumables in place one at a time. In such examples, the inner diameter of the second cylindrical body 610 may be such that the plurality of consumables contact the inner surface of the second cylindrical body 610 one at a time and are held in place by the second cylindrical body 610 due to friction between the outer surface of the consumable and the inner surface of the second cylindrical body.

First Concept Example 4
7A and 7B show the above-mentioned adapter according to the first concept example 4. In 7A and 7B, the adapter according to the first concept example 4 is designated by the reference number 206d. FIG. 7A is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the adapter 206d with the first consumable 300 inserted. In the example of FIG. 7A, the first consumable 300 comprises a first outer cover 301 that may include a susceptor that is heated in the presence of a fluctuating magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator of the device 100. FIG. 7B is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the adapter 206d with the second consumable 302 inserted. In the example of FIG. 7B, the second consumable 302 comprises a second outer cover 303 that may include a susceptor that is heated in the presence of a fluctuating magnetic field generated by the heating arrangement 104 of the device 100. The adapter 206d comprises a holding element 702 provided on the adapter proximal end 704 side. In this example, the holding element 702 comprises two or more elastic members. Each of the two or more elastic members is an arm that constitutes a cantilever spring. In Figures 7A and 7B, a first cantilever spring 702a and a second cantilever spring 702b are shown.

The first cantilever spring 702a and the second cantilever spring 702b are biased toward an initial arrangement, which is an arrangement formed when the cantilever springs are in a state of equilibrium with no force applied thereto. The cantilever springs are biased toward the initial arrangement in this manner. The first cantilever spring 702a and the second cantilever spring 702b each have a fixed end and a free end that are fixed to the adapter 206d at the adapter proximal end 704 side. The adapter 206d has a housing 706 that houses the components of the adapter 206d. The fixed end is fixed to the housing 706 at the adapter proximal end 704 side.

The free ends extend inwardly into the adapter 206d. The free ends define a gap between which the consumable is inserted. When no substantial force is applied to the cantilever spring (i.e., in the initial position), the gap therebetween is at a minimum and is smaller than the width of the smallest of the consumables. For example, the gap in the initial position is smaller than the width of the second consumable 302 (which has the smallest width of the consumables).

The cantilever springs bend away from their initial position, increasing the size of the gap. For example, when a consumable is inserted between the cantilever springs, a force is applied to both cantilever springs, and the consumable pushes the cantilever springs away from each other, increasing the size of the gap. The fixed ends of the first cantilever spring 702a and the second cantilever spring 702b then come into contact with the consumable. Because the cantilever springs are biased toward the initial position, they push the inserted consumable and hold it in place.

The amount that the cantilever spring deflects depends on the width of the consumable being inserted. For example, if a wider first consumable 300 is inserted (as can be seen in Figures 7A and 7B), the cantilever spring will deflect more than if a second consumable 302 were inserted.

In this example, each consumable is received in the adapter 206d, and a cantilever spring holds the consumable in place such that the center of the consumable is aligned within the heat chamber when the adapter 206d is received in the heat chamber. To accomplish this, the cantilever spring is positioned such that the center of the gap is aligned with the heat chamber 102 when the adapter 206d is received in the heat chamber 102.

The cantilever spring can be deformed into a substantially continuous configuration by pushing it away from the initial configuration. Thus, the retaining element 702 can function to hold in place any consumable intended for use with the adapter 206d and having a width larger than the initial size gap and less than or equal to that which can be reasonably accommodated by the adapter 206d and the configuration of the retaining device 702.

7A and 7B show a first stopper 708 disposed on the adapter distal end 710. In this example, the first stopper 708 is formed on the housing 706 of the adapter 206d. In this example, the first stopper 708 is in the form of a ledge. The first stopper 708 defines an opening that is smaller than the width of the first consumable 300 and larger than the width of the second consumable 302. Thus, the first consumable 300 is too wide to be inserted into the opening defined by the first stopper 708, and instead, the distal end of the first consumable 300 rests on the first stopper 708 when the first consumable 300 is inserted into the adapter 206d. The first stopper 708 is disposed within the adapter 206d such that when the first consumable 300 is received in the adapter 206d and the adapter 206d is received in the heating chamber 102, the first consumable 300 protrudes substantially a given amount from the device 100.

A second stopper 712 is provided closer to the adapter distal end 710 than the first stopper 708. In this example, the second stopper 712 is in the form of a ledge. In other examples, the second stopper 712 may be omitted. In this example, the second stopper 712 is formed on the housing 706 of the adapter 206d. The second stopper 712 is sized so that the second consumable 302 can be inserted into the adapter 206d beyond the second stopper 712. When the second consumable 302 is inserted into the adapter 206d, the distal end of the second consumable 302 rests on the second stopper 712. The second stopper 712 is disposed within the adapter 206d such that when the second consumable 302 is received in the adapter 206d and the adapter 206d is received in the heating chamber 102, the second consumable 302 protrudes from the device 100 a given amount that is substantially the same as the first stopper 708 causes the first consumable 300 to protrude.

As used herein, the amount that a given consumable protrudes from the device 100 is the amount (e.g., length) of that given consumable that is not covered by the housing 114 or any other element such as the adapter described above.

The first stopper 708 and the second stopper 712 cause both the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302 to protrude from the device 100 by substantially the same amount when the consumables are received in the adapter 206d for use and the adapter 206d is received in the heating chamber 102.

In this example, the holding element 702 holds the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302, one at a time, such that when the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302 are received in the adapter 206d and the adapter 206d is received in the heating chamber 102, the centers of the consumables are aligned in the heating chamber. In FIGS. 7A and 7B, it can be seen that the centers of the consumables are substantially aligned. In FIG. 7A, the first consumable 300 is received in the adapter 206d received in the heating chamber 102. The distal end of the first consumable 300 rests on the first stopper 708 so that the first consumable 300 protrudes a given amount from the device 100. In FIG. 7B, the second consumable 302 is received in the adapter 206d received in the heating chamber 102. The distal end of the second consumable 302 rests on the second stopper 712 so that the second consumable 302 protrudes from the device 100 a given amount that is the same as the first consumable 300 protrudes in the configuration shown in FIG. 7A.

First Concept Example 5
More specifically, in first concept example 5, the adapter comprises a tube that receives the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302, one at a time. The tube includes a first retention structure formed on a proximal end thereof that holds the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302 in place, one at a time. The tube also includes a second retention structure formed on a distal end thereof that holds the first consumable 300 and the second consumable in place, one at a time.

Figures 8A to 8E show the above-mentioned adapter according to Example 5 of the first concept. In Figures 8A to 8E, the adapter according to Example 5 of the first concept is designated by reference number 206e. In this example, the adapter 206e comprises a tube 802. Figure 8A is a schematic perspective view of the device 100 and the adapter 206e. The adapter 206e includes a first retaining structure 804 formed on the proximal end 806 side of the tube 802 and a second retaining structure 808 formed on the distal end 810 side of the tube 802.

The first retention structure 804 includes two or more resilient protrusions 804a extending inwardly into a cavity defined by the tube 802. The resilient protrusions 804a are deformable to receive and hold the first and second consumables 300, 302 in place therebetween, one at a time. Similarly, the second retention structure 808 includes two or more resilient protrusions 808a extending inwardly into a cavity defined by the tube 802. The resilient protrusions 808a are deformable to receive and hold the first and second consumables 300, 302 in place therebetween, one at a time. The two or more resilient protrusions 804a are circumferentially disposed relative to one another. The two or more resilient protrusions 808a are circumferentially disposed relative to one another.

The tube 802 may include a material that allows for the formation of the elastic protrusions 804a, 808a. For example, the tube 802 may include stretchable aluminum or another stretchable metal suitable for the construction of the tube 802. In some examples, the base structure (e.g., cylindrical portion) of the tube 802 may be formed of one material and the elastic protrusions 804a, 808a may be formed of another material. For example, a rigid material (for structural strength) may be selected for the base structure of the tube 802, and a material having elasticity may be selected for the elastic protrusions 804a, 808a.

8A shows the tube 802 when not received in the device 100. The retention structures 804, 808 are in an initial configuration, with no substantial force being applied to the elastic protrusions 804a, 808a. The elastic protrusions 804a, 808a are biased toward the initial configuration. In the initial configuration, no significant force is applied to the elastic protrusions 804a, 808a to distort them from their equilibrium position/configuration (e.g., by the insertion of a consumable into the tube 802). Each of the elastic protrusions 804a, 808a in the initial configuration defines an initial size gap (note that in some examples, the initial size gap defined by the elastic protrusions 804a of the first retention structure 804 may be a different size than the initial size gap defined by the elastic protrusions 808a of the second retention structure 808). In other examples, each gap may have the same initial size in the initial configuration. In the example discussed below, the initial size of the gap defined by the elastic protrusion 804a of the first retention structure 804 is substantially the same as the initial size of the gap defined by the elastic protrusion 808a of the second retention structure 808.

When a consumable is inserted into the tube 802, a force is applied to the elastic protrusions 804a, 808a, causing the size of each gap to change so that the inserted consumable can be accommodated and retained. The elastic protrusions 804a, 808a are deflected (pushed outward) away from their initial position, causing the size of each gap to change (in this case, become larger).

The elastic projections 804a, 808a are configured to simultaneously contact the inserted consumable. In this example, the tube 802 is intended for use with a consumable having a substantially circular cross-section. The elastic projections 804a, 808a are configured with substantially circular boundaries on the inside of the tube 802, allowing the elastic projections 804a, 808a to each contact a consumable having a substantially circular cross-section.

In this example, the size of each gap defined by the elastic protrusions 804a, 808a is smaller than the smallest width of the multiple consumables. In this regard, in combination with the elastic protrusions 804a, 808a being biased toward the initial placement side, this means that the elastic protrusions 804a, 808a push the inserted consumable radially inward to hold it in place.

The elastic protrusions 804a, 808a can be pushed outwardly to deform into a substantially continuous configuration. Thus, the tube 802 can function to hold in place any consumable intended for use with the tube 802 and having a width greater than at least one of the gaps defined by the elastic protrusions 804a, 808a in the initial position and less than or equal to a width that can be reasonably accommodated by the shape of the first tube 802 and the elastic protrusions 804a, 808a.

In this example, the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302 are held in place by a first retention structure 804 at the proximal end of the consumable and a second retention structure 808 at the distal end of the consumable. The resilient projections 804a, 808a hold each consumable in place such that when the consumables are inserted one at a time into the adapter 206e received in the heating chamber 102, the centers of the consumables are aligned within the tube 802 and thus the heating chamber 102. To achieve this, the resilient projections 804a, 808a are positioned such that when the adapter 206e is received in the heating chamber 102, the centers of the gaps are aligned with the heating chamber 102.

Figure 8B is a schematic perspective view of the device 100 with a portion of the adapter 206e received in the heating chamber 102. The adapter 206e can be inserted into the heating chamber 102 as indicated by arrow 812. In the example of Figure 8B, the adapter 206e is partially received in the heating chamber without a consumable being received in the adapter 206e. However, in some examples, the adapter 206e may be received in the heating chamber 102 after a consumable is inserted in the adapter 206e. Figure 8C is a schematic perspective internal view of the adapter 206e fully received in the heating chamber 102.

The adapter 206e is configured such that when received in the adapter 206a, which is received in the heating chamber 102 for use, the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302 protrude from the device 100 by substantially equal amounts.

As used herein, the amount that a given consumable protrudes from the device 100 is the amount (e.g., length) of that given consumable that is not covered by the housing 114 or any other element such as the adapter described above.

3A and 3B, the first consumable 300 has a smaller length and a larger width than the second consumable 302. The tube 802 may be configured with one or more configurations (not shown) that inhibit the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302 from moving deeper into the tube 802 so that both protrude substantially the same amount from the device 100.

For example, the tube 802 may include the first stopper described above. In such an example, the first stopper contacts the first consumable 300 but not the second consumable 302, so that the first consumable 300 is prohibited from moving beyond a certain point on the tube 802, but the second consumable 302 is not prohibited from moving beyond the certain point. As a result, when the adapter 206e is received in the heating chamber 102 and the first consumable 300 is received in the adapter 206e, the first consumable 300 protrudes from the device 100 by a given amount. Alternatively, the tube 802 may be dimensioned, configured in the heating chamber 102 when received, and/or equipped with a second stopper such that when the adapter 206e is received in the heating chamber 102 and the second consumable 302 is received in the adapter 206e, the second consumable 302 also protrudes a given amount substantially the same as the first consumable 300 protrudes.

Figure 8D is a schematic perspective internal view of device 100 with first consumable 300 received in heating chamber 102. Figure 8E is a schematic perspective view of device 100 with second consumable 302 received in heating chamber 102. Because first consumable 300 is wider than second consumable 302, elastic protrusions 804a, 808a are pushed further outward when first consumable 300 is inserted than when second consumable 302 is inserted.

Second Concept FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a device 100 according to the second concept. In FIG. 9, numeral 202 denotes the proximal end of the device 100 and numeral 204 denotes the distal end of the device 100.

9 does not show all components that may be part of the device 100. In this concept, the heating chamber 102 is for receiving a consumable containing an aerosol generating material. In this concept, the heating chamber 102 of the device 100 is configured to selectively receive each of a plurality of adapters one at a time. In this concept, the device 100 includes a plurality of adapters that are received one at a time in the heating chamber 102, each of the plurality of adapters configured to adapt the heating chamber 102 to receive each of a plurality of consumables of different sizes, each of which contains an aerosol generating material, one at a time.

For example, the consumables may differ in size by having different lengths and/or different widths. In an example where the consumables are rod-shaped (e.g., similar to a conventional cigarette), the width of the consumable may be taken as the outer diameter of the consumable.

In the example of FIG. 9, the multiple adapters include a first adapter 902 that receives a first consumable of the multiple consumables and a second adapter 904 that receives a second consumable of the multiple consumables. In other examples, the number of adapters provided may be other than two.

A non-flammable aerosol supply system may be provided that includes a device 100 according to the second concept, a first consumable 300, and a second consumable 302. When the first consumable 300 is received in the first adapter 902 and the first adapter 902 is received in the heating chamber 102, the first consumable 300 is substantially centered within the heating chamber 102 and protrudes substantially a given amount from the proximal end 202 of the device 100. When the second consumable 302 is received in the second adapter 904 and the second adapter 904 is received in the heating chamber 102, the second consumable is substantially centered within the heating chamber 102 and protrudes a given amount from the proximal end 202 of the device 100.

An example of the device 100 according to the second concept may include the following features to achieve the above-mentioned consumable centering and protrusion. The first adapter 902 may include a first cavity for receiving the first consumable 300, the first cavity being centered within the heating chamber 102 when the first adapter 902 is received in the heating chamber 102. The first adapter 902 may include a first stopper at a first distance from the proximal end 202 of the device 100 when the first adapter 902 is received in the heating chamber 102, the first stopper being for prohibiting movement of the first consumable 300 beyond the first stopper toward the distal end 204 of the device 100. The second adapter 904 may include a second cavity for receiving the second consumable 302, the second cavity being centered within the heating chamber 102e when the second adapter 904 is received in the heating chamber 102. The second adapter 904 may include a second stopper that is a second distance different from the first distance from the proximal end 202 of the device 100 when the second adapter 904 is received in the heating chamber 102, the second stopper being for inhibiting movement of the second consumable 302 beyond the second stopper toward the distal end 204 of the device 100 when the second adapter 904 is received in the heating chamber 102.

As used herein, the amount that a given consumable protrudes from the device 100 is the amount (e.g., length) of that given consumable that is not covered by the housing 114 or any other element such as the adapter described above.

Various examples of the second concept are described below. In the following description, examples A to E are examples of the second concept.

Second Concept Example A
10A-10E show a first adapter and a second adapter according to the second concept example A. The first adapter according to the second concept example A is labeled with the number 902a, and the second adapter according to the second concept example A is labeled with the number 904a.

10A is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the first adaptor 902a. The first adaptor 902a comprises a first tubular portion 1002 configured to accommodate the first consumable 300. The first tubular portion 1002 defines the first cavity described above. The first consumable 300 is insertable into the first cavity of the first tubular portion 1002. The inner diameter of the first tubular portion 1002 is slightly larger than the width of the first consumable 300 so as to accommodate the first consumable 300.

The first tubular portion 1002 terminates toward the first adapter distal end 1006 of the first adapter 902a at a first termination depth 1004, which is the above-mentioned first distance from the proximal end 202 of the device 100 when the first adapter 902a is received in the heating chamber 102, such that the first consumable 300 protrudes substantially a given amount from the proximal end 202 of the device 100. A first stopper is provided at the first termination depth 1004. The first tubular portion 1002 may not be completely sealed at the first termination depth 1004. In some examples, there may be a first stopper in the form of a ledge at the first termination depth 1004 that prevents the first consumable 300 from proceeding further in the first tubular portion 1002. For example, the first stop at the first end depth 1004 may narrow the first tubular portion 1002 so that the first consumable 300 is too wide to advance beyond the stop at the first end depth 1004 and the distal end of the first consumable 300 rests on the first stop at the first end depth 1004. Also, one or more air paths may be provided toward the first adapter distal end 1006 of the first adapter 902a to allow air to flow to reach the distal end of the first consumable 300.

The first adapter 902a also includes a first retaining element 1008 disposed at the first adapter proximal end 1010 of the first adapter 902a. The first retaining element 1008 is configured to hold the first consumable 300 in place. Details of the first retaining element 1008 are described in more detail below.

10B is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the second adaptor 904a. The second adaptor 904a includes a second tubular portion 1012 configured to accommodate the second consumable 302. The second tubular portion 1012 defines the second cavity described above. The second consumable 302 is insertable into the second cavity of the second tubular portion 1012. The inner diameter of the second tubular portion 1012 is slightly larger than the width of the second consumable 302 so as to accommodate the second consumable 302.

The second tubular portion 1012 terminates toward the second adapter distal end 1016 of the second adapter 904a at a second termination depth 1014, which is the above-mentioned second distance from the proximal end 202 of the device 100 when the second adapter 904a is received in the heating chamber 102, such that the second consumable 302 protrudes substantially a given amount from the proximal end 202 of the device 100 (i.e., substantially the same given amount as the first consumable 300 protrudes in the case of the first adapter 902a). The second distance is greater than the first distance. Thus, the second termination depth 1014 is further from the proximal end 202 when the second adapter 904a is received in the heating chamber 102 than the first termination depth 1004 when the first adapter 902a is received in the heating chamber 102. The second stop is provided at the second termination depth 1014. The second tubular portion 1012 may not be completely sealed at the second end depth 1014. In some examples, there may be a second stop in the form of a ledge at the second end depth 1014 that prevents the second consumable 302 from progressing further in the second tubular portion 1012. For example, the second stop at the second end depth 1014 may narrow the second tubular portion 1012 such that the second consumable 302 is too wide to progress beyond the stop at the second end depth 1014 and the distal end of the second consumable 302 rests on the second stop at the second end depth 1014. Also, one or more air paths may be provided toward the second adaptor distal end 1016 of the second adaptor 904a to allow air to flow to reach the distal end of the second consumable 302.

The second adapter 904a also includes a second retaining element 1018 disposed on the second adapter proximal end 1020 of the second adapter 904a. The second retaining element 1018 is configured to hold the second consumable 302 in place. Details of the second retaining element 1018 are described in more detail below. In other examples, the first and second retaining elements 1008, 1018 may be omitted.

The first and second retaining elements 1008, 1018 each include two or more elastic members. In this example, the two or more elastic members include two or more arms that form a cantilever spring. In the example of FIG. 10A, arm 1008a is shown, and in the example of FIG. 10B, arm 1018a is shown.

The cantilever springs 1008a, 1018a are biased toward the initial placement side. Each cantilever spring has a fixed end fixed to the support structure 1008b, 1018b (fixedly attached to the distal end side of the adapter) of each holding element, and a free end that moves freely. The free end of each cantilever spring has a bent portion. For example, the cantilever spring 1008a of the first holding element 1008 has a bent portion 1008c, and the cantilever spring 1018a of the second holding element 1018 has a bent portion 1018c. The bent portion 1008c defines a first gap between which the first consumable 300 is inserted, and the bent portion 1018c defines a second gap between which the second consumable 302 is inserted. In the initial placement of the cantilever spring 1008a of the first holding element 1008, the first gap is smallest. In the initial configuration of the cantilever spring 1018a of the second retention element 1018, the second gap is at a minimum. In each initial configuration, no substantial force is applied to the cantilever spring (e.g., due to the insertion of a consumable) that distorts it away from the equilibrium position/configuration.

The size of the first gap in each initial position is at least smaller than the width of the first consumable 300. When the first consumable 300 is inserted, the cantilever springs 1008a of the first holding element 1008 bend away from each initial position, increasing the size of the first gap. For example, when the first consumable 300 is inserted, a force is applied to the cantilever springs 1008a, and the first consumable 300 pushes the cantilever springs 1008a away from each other, increasing the size of the first gap. Each of the cantilever springs 1008a contacts the first consumable at a bend 1008c. The cantilever springs 1008a are biased toward their respective initial positions, so they push the first consumable 300 and hold it in place.

The size of the second gap in each initial position is smaller than the width of the second consumable 302. When the second consumable 302 is inserted, the cantilever spring 1018a of the second holding element 1018 bends away from each initial position, increasing the size of the second gap. For example, when the second consumable 302 is inserted, a force is applied to the cantilever spring 1018a, and the second consumable 302 pushes the cantilever springs 1018a away from each other, increasing the size of the second gap. Each of the cantilever springs 1018a contacts the second consumable at the bend 1018c. The cantilever springs 1018a are biased toward their respective initial positions, so they push the second consumable 302 and hold it in place.

The first retaining element 1008 holds the first consumable 300 in place such that the center of the first consumable 300 is aligned within the heating chamber 102 when the first adapter 902a is received in the heating chamber 102. To achieve this, the cantilever spring 1008a is positioned such that the center of the gap is aligned with the heating chamber 102 when the first adapter 902a is received in the heating chamber 102.

Similarly, the second retaining element 1018 holds the second consumable 302 in place such that the center of the second consumable 302 is aligned within the heating chamber 102 when the second consumable 302 is inserted into the second adapter 904a received in the heating chamber 102. To achieve this, the cantilever spring 1018a is positioned such that the center of the gap is aligned with the heating chamber 102 when the second adapter 904a is received in the heating chamber 102.

It should be noted that the above description is a specific example of the first and second retaining elements. In other versions of the second concept example A, various mechanisms may be provided as retaining elements so long as they hold the consumables in place so that they are centered and aligned within the heating chamber 102 when the above-mentioned adapters 902a, 904a, each with a consumable, are received in the heating chamber 102.

The first and second adapters 902a, 904a may each have one or more channels in which an elastic ring is disposed. For example, as seen in FIG. 10A, the first adapter 902a has a first channel 1022. The first channel 1022 has an elastic ring 1024 disposed therein. The elastic ring 1024 may also be referred to as an O-ring. FIG. 10C is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the first adapter 902a received in the heating chamber 102. In FIG. 10C, a portion of the heating chamber 102 is shown in a schematic manner, with some of the elastic rings 1024 in contact with the inner wall of the heating chamber 102 (other elastic rings 1024 may be in contact with other parts of the heating chamber 102 or other internal parts of the housing 114, not shown). When the first adapter 902a is inserted into the heating chamber 102, a seal is formed between the first adapter 902a and the heating chamber 102 by an elastic ring 1024 corresponding to the first adapter 902a. The elastic ring 1024 deforms when pressed against the inner wall of the heating chamber 102, for example, to form a seal.

Also, for example, as seen in FIG. 10B, the second adaptor 904b includes a second channel 1026. An elastic ring 1028 is disposed in the second channel 1026. As described above with respect to the first adaptor 902a, when the second adaptor 904a is inserted into the heating chamber 102, a seal is formed between the second adaptor 904a and the heating chamber 102 by the elastic ring 1028 corresponding to the second adaptor 904a. In other examples, the first channel 1022 and elastic ring 1024 and/or the second channel 1026 and elastic ring 1028 may be omitted.

In this example, each of the multiple adapters (i.e., the first and second adapters 902a, 904a in Example A) includes a heating element configured to heat each of the multiple consumables. The first adapter 902a includes a heating element configured to generate heat to heat the first consumable 300. For example, when the first adapter 902a is received in the heating chamber 102 and heated, power may be provided to the heating element (e.g., if the heating element is a resistive heating element). Similarly, the second adapter 904a includes a heating element configured to generate heat to heat the second consumable 302. For example, when the second adapter 904a is received in the heating chamber 102 and heated, power may be provided to the heating element (e.g., if the heating element is a resistive heating element).

In this example, the heating elements are susceptor elements. In this example, the first tubular portion 1002 and the second tubular portion 1012 include susceptor elements that span the length of the respective tubular portions and are configured to generate heat in response to the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator of the device 100. In the example of FIG. 10A, the first adapter 902a includes a first susceptor element 1030. In the example of FIG. 10B, the second adapter 904a includes a second susceptor element 1032. The susceptor elements 1030, 1032 may be tubes that include susceptors and surround the portions of the respective consumables that contain the aerosol generating material. In the example of FIG. 10C, the heating arrangement 104 shown includes a coil that functions as an inductor to inductively heat the susceptor elements by generating a fluctuating magnetic field.

In some examples, the heating element may not be a susceptor element. In some examples, the heating element may not be provided as part of the adapter.

In some examples, the first adapter 902a and the second adapter 904a each include a tab configured to fit into a slot in the housing 114 of the device 100 and extend partially out of the housing 114 of the device 100 to allow a user to manipulate each adapter. In the example of FIG. 10A, the first adapter 902a includes a first tab 1034. In the example of FIG. 10B, the second adapter 904a includes a second tab 1036.

10D is a schematic perspective view of the device 100 with the first adapter 902a received in the heating chamber 102. The first adapter 902a receives the first consumable 300. It can be seen that the first tab 1034 protrudes from the housing 114 and is operable to, for example, facilitate removal of the first adapter 902a. The second tab 1036 can function in a similar manner.

The first and second adapters 902a, 904a are adapted to receive the first and second consumables 300, 302, respectively, into the heating chamber 102 for use such that the centers of the consumables are aligned within the heating chamber 102 and protrude a given amount from the device 100. FIG. 10E is a schematic perspective exploded view and a schematic perspective view of the first adapter 902a, showing various components of the particular example shown.

Second Concept Example B
11A-11J show a first adapter and a second adapter according to the second concept example B. The first adapter according to the second concept example B is numbered 902b, and the second adapter according to the second concept example B is numbered 904b.

Each of the first and second adapters 902b, 904b includes an absorbent element including an absorbent material. In this example, the absorbent element of each of the first and second adapters 902b, 904b is a cylindrical absorbent element. In this example, the proximal end of the cylindrical absorbent element forms an oblique angle with respect to the central axis of the cylindrical absorbent element. In other examples, the proximal end of the cylindrical absorbent element may not form an oblique angle with respect to the central axis of the cylindrical absorbent element. Additionally, each of the first and second adapters 902b, 904b includes a base pad disposed on the distal end side of the cylindrical absorbent element. In some examples, the base pad may be omitted.

Figure 11A is a schematic perspective view of the first adapter 902b. The first adapter 902b includes a first cylindrical absorbent element 1102. The first cylindrical absorbent element 1102 defines a first cavity.

In FIG. 11A, the central axis of the first cylindrical absorbent element 1102 is labeled 1104. The proximal end 1106 of the first cylindrical absorbent element 1102 is angled relative to the central axis such that the angle between the central axis 1104 and the proximal end 1106 is an angle other than 90°. In this specification, references to the angle of the proximal end 1106 are intended to represent the angle of the top surface of the first cylindrical absorbent element 1102 at the proximal end 1106. For example, the acute angle between the proximal end 1106 and the central axis 1104 may be 45°. FIG. 11B is a schematic perspective view of the proximal end 1106 of the first cylindrical absorbent element 1102, showing the angle of the proximal end 1106 relative to the central axis 1104.

The inner diameter of the first cylindrical absorbent element 1102 is such that the first consumable 300 can be inserted and held in place (e.g., sufficient to hold the first cylindrical absorbent element 1102 with the first consumable 300 in place so that it does not fall out/move due to gravity even if the first cylindrical absorbent element 1102 with the first consumable 300 received therein is turned upside down). The first consumable 300 is held in place by friction between the outer surface of the first consumable and the inner surface of the first cylindrical absorbent element 1102. The first cylindrical absorbent element 1102 is sized and positioned such that when the first cylindrical absorbent element 1102 is received in the heating chamber 102 and the first consumable 300 is received in the first cylindrical absorbent element 1102, the center of the first consumable 300 is substantially aligned within the heating chamber 102. This is accomplished by positioning the first cylindrical absorbent element 1102 such that when the first adapter 902b is received in the heating chamber 102, the center of the opening through which the first consumable 300 is inserted is substantially aligned within the heating chamber 102.

11C is a schematic perspective close-up view of a cross-section of the first cylindrical absorbent element 1102 showing the distal end 1106 of the first cylindrical absorbent element 1102. The first adapter 902b has a first base pad 1108 on the distal end 1106 side of the first cylindrical absorbent element 1102. The first base pad 1108 functions as a first stopper. The first base pad 1108 prevents the inserted consumable from moving beyond the first base pad 1108; instead, the distal end of the inserted consumable rests on the first base pad 1108. For the first adapter 902a, the first base pad 1108 is sized and positioned such that when the first adapter 902a is received in the heating chamber 102 for use and the first consumable 300 is received in the first adapter 902b, the first consumable 300 protrudes a given amount from the device 100.

11D is a schematic top view and a schematic cross-sectional side view of the second adapter 904b with the second consumable 302 inserted. The second adapter 904b includes a second cylindrical element 1110. The second cylindrical element 1110 defines a second cavity. The absorbent material of the first cylindrical absorbent element 1102 and/or the second cylindrical absorbent element 1110 may include flame-retardant meta-aramid materials (e.g., Nomex®), cotton, paper, other para-aramids (e.g., Twaron®), heat-resistant and tough synthetic fibers (e.g., Kevlar®), and the like.

The proximal end 1112 of the second cylindrical absorbent element 1110 is angled relative to the central axis 1114 such that the angle between the central axis 1114 and the proximal end 1112 is an angle other than 90°. For example, the acute angle between the proximal end 1112 and the central axis 1114 may be 45°.

The inner diameter of the second cylindrical absorbent element 1110 is such that the second consumable 302 can be inserted and held in place (e.g., sufficiently large to prevent the second consumable 302 from falling out/moving due to gravity even when the second cylindrical absorbent element 1110 is turned upside down) similar to how the first consumable 300 is held in place within the first cylindrical absorbent element 1102. The second consumable 302 is held in place by friction between the outer surface of the second consumable 302 and the inner surface of the second cylindrical absorbent element 1110.

The second cylindrical absorbent element 1110 is sized and positioned such that when the second cylindrical absorbent element 1110 is received in the heating chamber 102 and the second consumable 302 is received in the second cylindrical absorbent element 1110, the center of the second consumable 302 is substantially aligned within the heating chamber 102. This is achieved by positioning the second cylindrical absorbent element 1110 such that when the second adapter 904b is received in the heating chamber 102, the center of the opening through which the second consumable 302 is inserted is substantially aligned within the heating chamber 102.

Similar to the first adapter 902b, the second adapter 904b includes a second base pad 1116 at the distal end 1118 of the second cylindrical absorbent element 1110. The second base pad 1116 acts as a second stopper. The second base pad 1116 prevents the inserted consumable from moving beyond the second base pad 1116; instead, the distal end of the inserted consumable rests on the second base pad 1116. For the second adapter 904a, the second base pad 1116 is sized and positioned such that when the second adapter 904a is received in the heating chamber 102 for use and the second consumable 302 is received in the second adapter 904b, the second consumable 302 protrudes from the device 100 by substantially a given amount (i.e., substantially the same amount as the first consumable 300 protrudes in the case of the first adapter 902b).

The second adapter 904b thus functions similarly to the first adapter 902b, except that it is configured to align the center of the second consumable 302 within the heating chamber 102 so that the second consumable 302 protrudes a given amount.

The first and second base pads 1108, 1116 may comprise flame-retardant meta-aramid materials (e.g., Nomex®), cotton, paper, other para-aramids (e.g., Twaron®), heat-resistant and tough synthetic fibers (e.g., Kevlar®), and the like. The base pads may be integral to the respective cylindrical absorbent elements or may be formed as separate components that are then assembled.

The angled proximal end of the cylindrical absorbent element described above is advantageous because it may allow for easier insertion of each consumable. The consumable may be inserted into the cylindrical absorbent element upon receipt in the heating chamber, or may be pre-inserted.

11E is a schematic top view and a schematic cross-sectional side view of the first adapter 902b with the first consumable 300 inserted. In comparison with FIG. 11D, it can be seen from FIG. 11E that the first cylindrical absorbent element 1102 has a larger inner diameter than the second cylindrical absorbent element 1110 to accommodate the wider first consumable 300, and that the first base pad 1108 is larger than the second base pad 1116 so that the shorter first consumable 300 protrudes from the device 100 by substantially the same amount as the second consumable 302 in the case of the second adapter 904b.

In this example, the base pads described above are breathable (allow air to pass through) while physically occupying the entirety of each distal end. In other examples, the base pads described above may be hollow and have an inner diameter smaller than the width of the consumable, intended to inhibit movement of the consumable while preventing further movement of the inserted consumable, in order to allow air to pass through the distal end.

FIG. 11F is a schematic perspective internal view of the device 100 with the first adapter 902b received in the heating chamber 102. The first and second adapters 902b, 904b can be inserted into the heating chamber 102 as indicated by arrow 1120.

In some examples, the first and second adapters 902b, 904b may each optionally include an outer casing that includes a susceptor (e.g., aluminum). FIG. 11G is a schematic perspective view of the first adapter 902b with an optional aluminum outer casing 1122. The second adapter 904b may include a similar outer casing. Each outer casing may generate heat in the presence of a varying magnetic field provided by the heating arrangement 104 of the device 100, thereby heating the respective consumable.

In some examples, the first and second adapters 902b, 904b may each optionally include an inner shell that covers the inner surface of each cylindrical absorbent element, the inner shell including the susceptor. FIG. 11H is a schematic perspective view of the proximal end 1106 of the first adapter 902a with the optional inner shell 1124. The inner shell 1124 is effectively a tube disposed inside the first cylindrical absorbent element 1102. In this example, the inner diameter of the first adapter 902b is adapted to hold the first consumable 300 in place as described above.

FIG. 11I is a schematic perspective view of a cross-sectional side view of the first adaptor 902b with an optional inner shell 1124. In this example, the inner shell 1124 has a smooth/even surface. In other examples, the inner shell 1124 may be perforated. FIG. 11J is a schematic perspective close-up view of the proximal end 1106 of the first adaptor 902b. In this example, the inner shell 1124 is perforated.

The inner shell may include aluminum or another susceptor. The second adapter 904b may have an inner shell similar to that described above with respect to the first adapter 902b.

Second Concept Example C
12A-12H show a first adapter and a second adapter according to the second concept example C. The first adapter according to the second concept example C is numbered 902c, and the second adapter according to the second concept example C is numbered 904c.

The first and second adapters 902c, 904c each comprise a cylindrical element formed from a corrugated material. In this example, the corrugated material is corrugated paper. In other examples, the corrugated material may be a material other than paper.

In this example, the first and second adapters 902c, 904c each include a base pad disposed on the distal end of the cylindrical element and an inner shell covering the inner surface of the cylindrical element, the inner shell including the susceptor. In some examples, the base pad may be omitted. In some examples, the inner shell may be omitted.

12A is a schematic perspective view of the first adapter 902c. The first adapter 902c comprises a first cylindrical element 1202 on which a fluted paper is formed. In this specification, the term fluted paper is used to describe a continuous sheet of paper that is, for example, folded back and forth to form a fluted sheet of the paper. In other words, the continuous sheet of paper is repeatedly folded, for example, in a dense sinusoidal pattern. The thus-folded sheet of paper is formed into the first cylindrical element 1202.

In this example, the folds in the corrugated paper of the first cylindrical element 1202 define an outer diameter that is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the heating chamber 102. The folds are biased toward this initial placement. When the first adapter 902c is received in the heating chamber 102, the folds deform slightly and press against the inner surface of the heating chamber 102, thereby receiving the first adapter 902c inside and holding it in place.

12B is a schematic perspective view of a cross section of the first adapter 902c. The first adapter 902c also includes a first base pad 1204 disposed on the distal end 1206 side of the first cylindrical element 1202. The first adapter 902c is intended to receive the first consumable 300 for use. The first cylindrical element 1202 defines the first cavity described above. In this example, the first base pad 1204 is the first stopper described above. The first base pad 1204 prevents the inserted consumable from moving beyond the first base pad 1204; instead, the distal end of the inserted consumable rests on the first base pad 1204. For the first adapter 902c, the first base pad 1204 is sized and positioned such that when the first adapter 902c is received in the heating chamber 102 for use and the first consumable 300 is received in the first adapter 902c, the first consumable 300 protrudes a given amount from the device 100.

The first adapter 902c also includes a first inner shell 1208 that covers the inner surface of the first cylindrical element 1202. In other examples, the first inner shell 1208 may be omitted. The first cylindrical element 1202 and the first inner shell 1208 are sized such that the first inner shell 1208 is held in place inside the first cylindrical element 1202. In some examples, the inner shell 1208 may be fixed in place, for example, by being glued in place to the first cylindrical element 1202. The first inner shell may include aluminum or another susceptor. In other examples, the first inner shell may include a material other than a susceptor.

The inner diameter of the first inner shell 1208 is such that the first consumable 300 can be inserted and held in place (e.g., sufficient to prevent the first consumable 300 from falling out/moving due to gravity even when the adapter 902c in which the first consumable 300 is received is turned upside down). The first consumable 300 is held by friction between the outer surface of the first consumable 300 and the inner surface of the first inner shell 1208. The first cylindrical element 1202 and the first inner shell 1208 are sized and positioned such that when the first adapter 902c is received in the heating chamber 102 and the first consumable 300 is received in the first adapter 902c, the center of the first consumable 300 is substantially aligned within the heating chamber 102. This is accomplished by positioning the first adaptor 902c such that when the first adaptor 902c is received in the heating chamber 102, the center of the opening in the inner shell 1208 through which the first consumable 300 is inserted is substantially aligned within the heating chamber 102. In this example, the first cylindrical element 1202 and the first inner shell 1208 define a first cavity.

12C is a schematic perspective close-up view of a cross-sectional side view of the distal end 1206 of the first adaptor 902c. In this example, the first inner shell 1208 has a substantially smooth/uniform surface. In other examples, the inner shell 1208 may be perforated. FIG. 12D is a schematic perspective close-up view of a cross-sectional side view of the proximal end 1210 of the first adaptor 902c according to a specific example of the second concept example C. FIG. 12E is a schematic perspective close-up view of a cross-sectional side view of the proximal end 1210 of the first adaptor 902c according to another specific example of the second concept example C. In the examples shown in FIGS. 12D and 12E, the inner shell 1208 is perforated. In the example of FIG. 12E, the perforations are larger than in the example of FIG. 12D.

Thus, when the first consumable 300 is received in the first adapter 902c that is received in the heating chamber 102 for use, the center of the first consumable 300 is substantially aligned within the heating chamber and protrudes from the device 100 by the given amount described above.

12F is a schematic perspective internal view of the device 100 with the first adaptor 902c received in the heating chamber 102. The first adaptor 902c (and the second adaptor 904c, described below) can be inserted into the heating chamber 102, as indicated by arrow 1212.

12G is a schematic top view and a schematic cross-sectional side view of the second adapter 904c with the second consumable 302 inserted. The second adapter 904c is intended for use with the second consumable 302. The second adapter 904c comprises a second cylindrical element 1214 having corrugated paper formed thereon. In other examples, the second cylindrical element 1214 may include a corrugated material other than paper. In a similar manner as described above with respect to the first adapter 902c, the folds in the corrugated paper are slightly deformed and pressed against the inner surface of the heating chamber 102, thereby receiving and holding the second adapter 904c in place.

The second adapter 904c also includes a second base pad 1216 disposed on the distal end 1218 of the second cylindrical element 1214. The second adapter 904c is intended to receive the second consumable 302 for use. The second cylindrical element 1214 defines a first cavity. In this example, the second base pad 1216 is the second stopper described above. The second base pad 1216 prevents the inserted consumable from moving beyond the second base pad 1216; instead, the distal end of the inserted consumable rests on the second base pad 1216. For the second adapter 904c, the second base pad 1216 is sized and positioned such that when the second adapter 904c is received in the heating chamber 102 for use and the second consumable 302 is received in the second adapter 904c, the second consumable 302 protrudes from the device 100 by a given amount (i.e., substantially the same amount as the first consumable 300 protrudes in the case of the first adapter 902c).

The second adapter 904c also includes a second inner shell 1218 that covers the inner surface of the second cylindrical element 1214. In other examples, the second inner shell 1218 may be omitted. The second cylindrical element 1214 and the second inner shell 1218 are sized such that the second inner shell 1218 is held in place inside the second cylindrical element 1214. In some examples, the inner shell 1218 may be fixed in place, for example, by being glued in place to the second cylindrical element 1214. The second inner shell may include aluminum or another susceptor. In other examples, the second inner shell may include a material other than a susceptor.

The inner diameter of the second inner shell 1218 is such that the second consumable 302 can be inserted and held in place (e.g., sufficient to hold the second consumable 302 in place when the second adapter 902c with the second consumable 302 is turned upside down so that it does not fall out/move due to gravity). The second consumable 302 is held in place by friction between the outer surface of the second consumable 302 and the inner surface of the second inner shell 1218. The second cylindrical element 1214 and the second inner shell 1218 are sized and positioned such that when the second adapter 904c is received in the heating chamber 102 and the second consumable 302 is received in the second adapter 904c, the center of the second consumable 302 is substantially aligned within the heating chamber 102. This is accomplished by positioning the second adaptor 904c such that when the second adaptor 904c is received in the heating chamber 102, the center of the opening in the second inner shell 1218 through which the second consumable 302 is inserted is substantially aligned within the heating chamber 102. In this example, the second cylindrical element 1214 and the second inner shell 1218 define a second cavity.

The second inner shell 1218 may have a substantially smooth/uniform surface or a perforated surface as described above with respect to the first inner shell 1208 of the first adapter 902c.

Thus, when the second consumable 302 is received in the second adapter 904c that is received in the heating chamber 102 for use, the second consumable 302 is substantially centered within the heating chamber and protrudes from the device 100 by the given amount described above.

12H is a schematic top view and a schematic cross-sectional side view of the first adaptor 902c with the first consumable 300 inserted. From FIGS. 12G and 12H, it can be seen that the size and/or position of the second base pad 1216 causes the longer second consumable 302 to be inserted deeper into the second adaptor 904c compared to the shorter first consumable 300 in the first adaptor 902c. It can also be seen that the diameter of the inner shell varies depending on the width of each consumable.

Second Concept Example D
13A-13D show a first adapter and a second adapter according to a second concept example D. The first adapter according to the second concept example D is numbered 902d, and the second adapter according to the second concept example D is numbered 904d.

Each of the first and second adapters 902d, 904d includes a sheath for receiving the respective consumable, the sheath including plastic or cardboard. In other examples, the sheath may include materials other than plastic and other than cardboard. The sheath includes a number of slits that extend downwardly from the proximal end of each adapter toward the distal end of each adapter for a portion of the length of each adapter. In other examples, the sheath may not include slits.

Figure 13A is a schematic perspective view of a first adapter 902d. In the example of Figure 13A, the first adapter 902d includes a first sheath 1302 that includes plastic. In other examples, the first sheath 1302 may include cardboard.

The first sheath 1302 includes a pair of slits 1304. The pair of slits 1304 extend downwardly a portion of the length of the first adaptor 902d. The pair of slits 1304 extend from the proximal end 1306 of the first adaptor 902d (starting at the proximal end 1306) toward the distal end 1308 of the first adaptor 902d.

The opening of the first sheath 1302 is smallest in the initial position where no substantial force (e.g., from the insertion of a consumable) is applied to the proximal end 1306. The first adapter 902d is intended to receive the first consumable 300. The size of the opening in the initial position is slightly smaller than the width of the first consumable 300. The opening is biased toward the initial position. When the first consumable 300 is inserted, the size of the opening increases, as allowed by the pair of slits 1304. The bias forces the opening (and other portions of the first sheath 1302 along the pair of slits 1304) inwardly into the first consumable 300, holding it in place.

When the first adapter 902d is received in the heating chamber 102 and the first consumable 300 is received in the first adapter 902d, the first consumable 300 is held in the first adapter 902d so that the center of the first consumable 300 is aligned with the heating chamber 102. This is achieved by the configuration and dimensional provisions of the first adapter 902d such that when the first adapter 902d is received in the heating chamber 102, the center of the opening of the first sheath 1302 is aligned with the heating chamber 102.

The first sheath 1302 has a length such that the first consumable 300 protrudes a given amount from the device 100 and is configured to be received in the heating chamber 102. For example, the first sheath 1302 may be configured to be received to a particular depth in the heating chamber 102 such that the first consumable 300 protrudes a given amount from the device 100. For example, the heating chamber 102 may include one or more physical structures that determine the depth to which the first sheath 1302 can be inserted.

The first adapter 902d is therefore configured such that when the first adapter 902d is received in the heating chamber 102 and the first consumable 300 is received in the first adapter 902d, the center of the first consumable 300 is aligned within the heating chamber and the first consumable 300 protrudes a given amount from the device 100.

As shown in FIG. 13A, the proximal end 1306 of the first adapter 902d may be flared to allow for easy insertion of the consumable. FIG. 13B is a schematic perspective view of the first adapter 902d with the first consumable 300 inserted.

Figure 13C is a schematic perspective view of the second adapter 904d. In the example of Figure 13A, the second adapter 904d includes a second sheath 1310 that includes cardboard. In other examples, the second sheath 1310 may include plastic. The first and second sheaths 1302, 1310 may include the same material as each other or may include different materials.

The second sheath 1310 includes a pair of slits 1312. The slits 1312 are arranged in a similar manner as described above with respect to the first sheath 1302. The opening of the second sheath 1310 is smallest in the initial position when no substantial force (e.g., from the insertion of a consumable) is applied to the proximal end 1314. The second adapter 904d is intended to receive the second consumable 302. The size of the opening in the initial position is slightly smaller than the width of the second consumable 302. The opening is biased toward the initial position. When the second consumable 302 is inserted, the size of the opening increases, as allowed by the pair of slits 1312. The bias causes the opening (and other portions of the second sheath 1310 along the pair of slits 1312) to be forced inwardly into the second consumable 302, holding it in place.

When the second adapter 904d is received in the heating chamber 102 and the second consumable 302 is received in the second adapter 904d, the second consumable 302 is held in the second adapter 904d such that it is centrally aligned with the heating chamber 102. This is accomplished in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the first adapter 902d.

The second sheath 1310 has a length such that the second consumable 300 protrudes a given amount from the device 100 and is configured to be received in the heating chamber 102. For example, the second sheath 1310 may be configured as described above with respect to the first sheath 1302 to accomplish this.

Thus, the second adapter 904d is configured such that when the second adapter 904d is received in the heating chamber 102 and the second consumable 302 is received in the second adapter 904d, the center of the second consumable 302 is aligned in the heating chamber and the second consumable 302 protrudes a given amount from the device 100. In other words, the second consumable 302 protrudes substantially the same amount as the first consumable 300 protrudes from the device 100 in the case of the first adapter 902d. Figure 13D is a schematic perspective view of the second adapter 904d with the second consumable 302 inserted.

Third Concept FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a device 100 according to the third concept. In FIG. 14, numeral 202 denotes a proximal end of the device 100 and numeral 204 denotes a distal end of the device 100.

14 does not show all components that may be part of the device 100. In this concept, the heating chamber 102 is for receiving a consumable including an aerosol generating material. In this concept, the device 100 also includes an adapter 1402 that is removably received in the heating chamber 102. In this concept, the heating chamber is configured to receive a first consumable having a first size when the adapter is not received in the heating chamber, and to receive a second consumable having a second size different from the first size when the adapter is received in the heating chamber.

In this concept, the device 100 includes an adapter 1402. The adapter 1402 is removably received in the heating chamber 102. In this concept, the heating chamber 102 is configured to receive the first consumable 300 when the adapter 1402 is not received in the heating chamber 102, and the adapter 1402 is configured to adapt the heating chamber 102 to receive the second consumable 302 when the adapter 1402 is received in a receptacle. The adapter 1402 includes a retention element configured to hold the second consumable 302 in place. In some examples, the retention element may be omitted.

In this concept, the heating chamber 102 is dimensioned to accommodate the first consumable 300 when the center is aligned within the heating chamber 102. This means that when the first consumable 300 is received in the heating chamber 102 and the adapter 1402 is not received in the heating chamber 102 (i.e., when the first consumable 300 is received in the heating chamber 102 with the intention of using it without the adapter 1402), the center of the first consumable 300 is substantially aligned within the heating chamber 102. This is achieved by providing a heating chamber 102 with a suitable physical configuration in which the center is substantially aligned when the first consumable 300 is received.

The heating chamber 102 includes a first stop 1404 at a first distance from the proximal end 202 that prevents the first consumable 300 from moving beyond it toward the distal end 204. In some examples, the heating chamber 102 terminates at a first distance from the proximal end 202 such that the first consumable 300 cannot proceed any further. In these examples, for example, an airflow structure (passageway, hole, etc.) may be provided at the termination location of the heating chamber. In other examples, a stop such as a ledge may be provided that prevents the first consumable 300 from moving beyond it. This means that when the first consumable 300 is received in the heating chamber 102 and the adapter 1402 is not received in the heating chamber 102, the first consumable 300 protrudes a given amount from the proximal end 202 of the device 100.

The second consumable 302 is inserted into an adapter 1402 received in the heating chamber 102 for use with the device 100. The adapter 1402 may be inserted before the second consumable 302 is inserted, or vice versa.

The adapter 1402 includes an adapter cavity that receives the second consumable 302. The adapter cavity is centered within the heating chamber 102 when the adapter 1402 is received in the heating chamber 102. This means that the center of the second consumable 302 is substantially aligned within the heating chamber when the adapter 1402 and the second consumable 302 are received in the heating chamber 102. Furthermore, the adapter 1402 includes a second stopper (not shown) that is at a second distance from the proximal end 202, which is different from the first distance, when the adapter 1402 is received in the heating chamber 102. The second stopper is for prohibiting the second consumable 302 from moving beyond the second stopper toward the distal end 204. The second distance is such that the second consumable 302 protrudes substantially a given amount from the proximal end 202 of the device 100. In other words, when the adapter 1402 is used in conjunction with the second consumable 302, the second consumable 302 protrudes the same amount as the first consumable 300.

Figure 15A is a schematic perspective view of a cross-section of an example of an adapter 1402. In this example, the adapter 1402 includes a tube 1502. The tube 1502 is intended to house the second consumable 302.

In this example, the adapter 1402 also includes a retaining element 1504 attached to the proximal end 1506 of the tube 1502. The retaining element 1504 is configured to hold the second consumable 302 in place.

In this example, the retaining element 1504 includes a plurality of resilient arms 1504a that define an initial size gap in the initial configuration. The initial size gap is smaller than the width of the second consumable 302. The resilient arms 1504a are biased toward the initial configuration. The initial configuration is the configuration achieved when no substantial force is applied to the resilient arms 1504a (e.g., due to insertion of the consumable).

When the second consumable 302 is inserted, a force is applied to the resilient arm 1504a, which moves against the bias to increase the size of the gap. This allows the second consumable 302 to be accommodated. The bias causes the resilient arm 1504a to push and hold the second consumable 302 in place. The adapter 1402 is configured and dimensioned such that the center of the gap is aligned with the heating chamber 102 when the adapter 1402 is received in the heating chamber 102. This allows the second consumable 302 to be received in the adapter 1402, and the center of the second consumable 302 to be aligned within the heating chamber 102 when the adapter 1402 is received in the heating chamber 102.

15B is a schematic perspective view of the retaining element 1504 and the proximal end 1506 of the tube 1502. The retaining element 1504 includes a clip 1505 configured to be attached to the proximal end 1506 of the tube 1502. In this example, the retaining element 1504 is removable from the proximal end of the tube 1502. For example, a user attaches the retaining element 1504 to the proximal end 1506 of the tube 1502 using the clip 1505. The user removes the retaining element 1504 from the proximal end 1506 of the tube 1502 by releasing (e.g., manually releasing) the clip 1505. In other examples, the retaining element 1504 may be integrally formed with the tube 1502. In some examples, the retaining element 1504 may be omitted. The retaining element 1504 may include a material suitable for the configuration of the elastic arms 1504a and the clip 1504b. For example, the retaining element 1504 may be molded from a polymeric material.

The adapter 1402 is configured such that when the adapter 1402 is received in the heating chamber 102 and the second consumable 302 is received in the adapter 1402, the second consumable protrudes from the device 100 a given amount (i.e., the same amount as the first consumable 300 protrudes).

To accomplish this, in some examples, the adapter 1402 may be insertable deeper into the heating chamber 102 than the first consumable 300 (which is wider than the second consumable 302) can be inserted. This greater depth may allow the elongated second consumable 302 to protrude the same amount. For example, the heating chamber 102 may include a physical structure (such as a stop) that prohibits the first consumable 300 from moving beyond a certain point in the heating chamber 102, while allowing the adapter 1402 to be inserted deeper than the certain point.

As used herein, the amount that a given consumable protrudes from the device 100 is the amount (e.g., length) of the given consumable that is not covered by the housing 114 or any other elements, such as the adapters described above. Thus, in some examples, the adapter 1402 may be inserted to the same depth as the first consumable, but may protrude from the heating chamber 102 upon intended insertion and cover a portion of the second consumable 302 at its proximal end, thereby causing the second consumable 302 to protrude a given amount.

15C is a schematic cross-sectional side view of device 100. Adapter 1402 can be inserted into heating chamber 102, as indicated by arrow 1508. Tube 1502 can include a susceptor (e.g., aluminum) and can generate heat to heat aerosol-generating material in the presence of a varying magnetic field, such as that generated by heating arrangement 104.

The above examples are to be understood as illustrative examples of the invention. Other examples of the invention are also contemplated. It is to be understood that any feature described with respect to any example can be used alone or in combination with other described features, and can also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the above examples or any combination thereof. Moreover, equivalents and modifications not described above can be employed without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
[Items of the invention]
[Item 1]
1. A non-flammable aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material contained in a consumable product, comprising:
a receptacle for receiving a consumable containing an aerosol-generating material;
an adapter received in the receptacle, the adapter configured to adapt the receptacle to receive each of a plurality of consumables of different sizes, one at a time;
A non-flammable aerosol delivery device comprising:
[Item 2]
the adapter comprises a first cylindrical body beginning at an adapter proximal end and extending toward an adapter distal end of the adapter, the adapter proximal end being an end of the adapter that, in use, is closest to a user's mouth when inhaling an aerosol delivered by the non-flammable aerosol delivery device while the adapter is received in the receptacle, and the adapter distal end being an end of the adapter that, in use, is furthest from a user's mouth when inhaling an aerosol delivered by the non-flammable aerosol delivery device while the adapter is received in the receptacle;
2. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the first cylindrical body comprises a holding element configured to hold each of the plurality of consumables one at a time.
[Item 3]
3. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of claim 2, wherein the holding element comprises two or more resilient protrusions extending from the first cylindrical body into a cavity defined by the first cylindrical body, the resilient protrusions being deformable to accommodate and hold each of the plurality of consumables one at a time therebetween.
[Item 4]
4. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of claim 3, wherein the two or more elastic protrusions are provided on the proximal end side of the adapter and are arranged circumferentially relative to each other.
[Item 5]
3. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of claim 2, wherein the first cylindrical body comprises a cylindrically formed corrugated material, the corrugated material functioning as the retaining element.
[Item 6]
3. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of claim 2, wherein the retaining element comprises a plurality of resilient fingers extending from the first cylindrical body into a cavity defined by the first cylindrical body, the resilient fingers being deformable to receive and hold the plurality of consumables in place one at a time.
[Item 7]
the adapter comprising a first stopper disposed on a distal end of the adapter and dimensioned to inhibit movement of a first consumable of a first given size among the plurality of consumables toward the adapter distal end and to allow movement of a second consumable of a second given size among the plurality of consumables toward the adapter distal end;
7. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the adapter proximal end is the end of the adapter closest to a user's mouth when inhaling an aerosol delivered by the non-flammable aerosol delivery device while the adapter is received in the receptacle, and the adapter distal end is the end of the adapter farthest from the user's mouth when inhaling an aerosol delivered by the non-flammable aerosol delivery device while the adapter is received in the receptacle, in use.
[Item 8]
8. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of claim 7, wherein the adapter comprises a second stopper positioned closer to the adapter distal end than the first stopper and dimensioned to prohibit movement of the second consumable beyond in the direction of the adapter distal end.
[Item 9]
the adapter comprising a tube for receiving each of the plurality of consumables, one at a time;
The tube is
a first retention structure formed on a proximal end of the tube for retaining each of the plurality of consumables in place one at a time;
a second retention structure formed on the distal end of the tube for retaining each of the plurality of consumables in place, one at a time;
Including,
2. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of item 1, wherein the proximal end of the tube is the end closest to a user's mouth when inhaling an aerosol delivered by the non-flammable aerosol delivery device while the adapter is received in the receptacle, and the distal end of the tube is the end furthest from the user's mouth when inhaling an aerosol delivered by the non-flammable aerosol delivery device while the adapter is received in the receptacle, in use.
[Item 10]
10. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of claim 9, wherein the first retaining structure and the second retaining structure each include two or more resilient protrusions deformable to accommodate and hold in place a first consumable and a second consumable one at a time therebetween.
[Item 11]
11. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of claim 10, wherein the two or more resilient protrusions extend from the tube into a cavity defined by the tube and are circumferentially disposed relative to one another.
[Item 12]
1. A non-flammable aerosol delivery device that heats an aerosol-forming material in a consumable to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-forming material, comprising:
a receptacle for selectively receiving each of a plurality of adapters one at a time;
the plurality of adapters received in the receptacles one at a time;
Equipped with
A non-flammable aerosol delivery device, wherein each of the plurality of adapters is configured to adapt the receptacle to receive, one at a time, each of a plurality of consumables of different sizes, each of which contains an aerosol generating material.
[Item 13]
the plurality of adapters includes a first adapter and a second adapter;
The first adapter comprises:
a first tubular portion configured to accommodate a first consumable of the plurality of consumables and terminating at a first termination depth toward a first adapter distal end of the first adapter, the first adapter distal end of the first adapter being an end furthest from a user's mouth when in use inhaling aerosol dispensed by the non-flammable aerosol delivery device while the first adapter is received in the receptacle;
a first retaining element provided on a first adapter proximal end side of the first adapter and configured to hold the first consumable in place, the first adapter proximal end being an end of the first adapter that, in use, is closest to the mouth of the user when inhaling aerosol dispensed by the non-flammable aerosol delivery device while the first adapter is received in the receptacle;
Equipped with
The second adapter comprises:
a second tubular portion configured to accommodate a second consumable of the plurality of consumables and terminating at a second termination depth toward a second adapter distal end of the second adapter, the second adapter distal end of the second adapter being an end furthest from a user's mouth when in use inhaling aerosol dispensed by the non-flammable aerosol delivery device while the second adapter is received in the receptacle;
a second holding element provided on a second adapter proximal end of the second adapter and configured to hold the second consumable in place, the second adapter proximal end being an end of the second adapter that, in use, is closest to the mouth of the user when inhaling aerosol delivered by the non-flammable aerosol delivery device in which the second adapter is received in the receptacle; and
Item 13. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of item 12, comprising:
[Item 14]
Each of the plurality of adapters includes one or more channels, and a resilient ring is present in each of the one or more channels.
14. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of claim 12 or 13, wherein when a given one of the adapters is received in the receptacle, a seal is formed between the given adapter and the receptacle via one or more elastic rings corresponding to the given adapter.
[Item 15]
The non-flammable aerosol delivery device comprises a magnetic field generator;
The first tubular portion and the second tubular portion each include a susceptor element spanning the length of each tubular portion.
15. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of claim 13 or claim 14 when dependent on claim 13, wherein the susceptor element is configured to generate heat in response to the intrusion of a fluctuating magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator.
[Item 16]
The non-flammable aerosol delivery device comprises a housing;
16. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the first adapter and the second adapter each have a tab configured to fit into a slot in the housing such that a portion of the tab protrudes outward from the housing to enable a user to operate the corresponding adapter.
[Item 17]
Item 13. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of item 12, wherein each of the plurality of adapters comprises an absorbent element comprising an absorbent material.
[Item 18]
the absorbent element is a cylindrical absorbent element,
Item 18. The non-combustible aerosol delivery device of item 17, wherein the proximal end of the cylindrical absorbent element forms an oblique angle with respect to a central axis of the cylindrical absorbent element, and the proximal end of the cylindrical absorbent element is the end closest to a user's mouth when in use inhaling an aerosol delivered by the non-combustible aerosol delivery device while the cylindrical absorbent element is received in the receptacle.
[Item 19]
the absorbent element is a cylindrical absorbent element,
19. The non-combustible aerosol delivery device of claim 17 or 18, wherein each of the adapters comprises a base pad disposed on the distal end side of the cylindrical absorbent element, the distal end of the cylindrical absorbent element being the end farthest from a user's mouth when in use, the user inhales an aerosol delivered by the non-combustible aerosol delivery device while the cylindrical absorbent element is received in the receptacle.
[Item 20]
20. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein each of the plurality of adapters comprises an outer casing including a susceptor.
[Item 21]
the absorbent element is a cylindrical absorbent element,
20. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein each of the plurality of adapters comprises an inner shell covering the inner surface of the cylindrical absorbent element, the inner shell including a susceptor.
[Item 22]
13. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of adapters comprises a cylindrical element formed from a corrugated material.
[Item 23]
23. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of claim 22, wherein each of the multiple adapters comprises a base pad disposed on the distal end side of the cylindrical element, the distal end of the cylindrical element being the end farthest from a user's mouth when in use inhaling an aerosol delivered by the non-flammable aerosol delivery device while the cylindrical element is received in the receptacle.
[Item 24]
24. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of claim 22 or 23, wherein each of the plurality of adapters comprises an inner shell covering an inner surface of the cylindrical element, the inner shell including a susceptor.
[Item 25]
13. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of adapters comprises a sheath for receiving a respective one of the plurality of consumables, the sheath comprising plastic or cardboard.
[Item 26]
the sheath includes a plurality of slits, the slits extending downwardly from a proximal end of the corresponding adapter toward a distal end of the corresponding adapter a portion of the length of the corresponding adapter;
the proximal end of the corresponding adapter being an end closest to a user's mouth when, in use, inhaling an aerosol dispensed by the non-flammable aerosol delivery device while the corresponding adapter is received in the receptacle;
26. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of claim 25, wherein the distal end of the corresponding adapter is the end farthest from a user's mouth when in use and inhaling the aerosol delivered by the non-flammable aerosol delivery device while the corresponding adapter is received in the receptacle.
[Item 27]
27. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 12 to 26, wherein each of the plurality of adapters comprises a heating element for heating each of the plurality of consumables.
[Item 28]
the plurality of adapters includes a first adapter for receiving a first consumable of the plurality of consumables and a second adapter for receiving a second consumable of the plurality of consumables;
the first adapter includes a first cavity for receiving the first consumable, the first cavity being centered within the receptacle when the first adapter is received in the receptacle;
the first adapter comprises a first stopper at a first distance from a proximal end of the non-flammable aerosol delivery device when the first adapter is received in the receptacle, the first stopper being for inhibiting movement of the first consumable product beyond toward a distal end of the non-flammable aerosol delivery device;
the second adapter includes a second cavity for receiving the second consumable, the second cavity being centered within the receptacle when the second adapter is received in the receptacle;
the second adapter includes a second stopper at a second distance from a proximal end of the non-flammable aerosol delivery device when the second adapter is received in the receptacle, the second stopper being for inhibiting movement of the second consumable product beyond the distal end of the non-flammable aerosol delivery device when the second adapter is received in the receptacle, the second stopper being at a second distance from the proximal end of the non-flammable aerosol delivery device that is different from the first distance;
the proximal end of the non-flammable aerosol delivery device being an end that, in use, is closest to a user's mouth when inhaling the aerosol delivered by the non-flammable aerosol delivery device;
28. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 12 to 27, wherein the distal end of the non-flammable aerosol delivery device is the end farthest from the user's mouth when inhaling the aerosol delivered by the non-flammable aerosol delivery device in use.
[Item 29]
29. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of claim 28,
a first consumable including an aerosol-generating material and having a first consumable length and a first consumable width;
a second consumable including an aerosol-generating material, the second consumable having a second consumable length different from the first consumable length and a second consumable width different from the first consumable width;
A non-flammable aerosol delivery system comprising:
when the first consumable is received in the first adapter and the first adapter is received in the receptacle, the first consumable is centered within the receptacle and protrudes a given amount from a proximal end of the non-flammable aerosol delivery device;
A non-flammable aerosol delivery system, wherein when the second consumable is received in the second adapter and the second adapter is received in the receptacle, the second consumable is centered within the receptacle and protrudes from the proximal end of the non-flammable aerosol delivery device by the given amount.
[Item 30]
1. A non-flammable aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material in a consumable product, comprising:
a receptacle for receiving a consumable containing an aerosol-generating material;
an adapter removably received in the receptacle;
Equipped with
the receptacle is configured to receive a first consumable having a first size when the adapter is not received in the receptacle, and the adapter is configured to adapt the receptacle to receive a second consumable having a second size different from the first size when received in the receptacle;
The adapter includes a retaining element configured to hold the second consumable in place.
[Item 31]
31. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of claim 30, wherein the adapter comprises a tube.
[Item 32]
32. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of claim 30 or 31, wherein the retaining element is attached to a proximal end of a tube, the proximal end of the tube being the end closest to a user's mouth when in use inhaling an aerosol delivered by the non-flammable aerosol delivery device while the adapter is received in the receptacle.
[Item 33]
the receptacle is sized to receive the first consumable when the first consumable is centered within the receptacle;
the receptacle comprises a first stopper that inhibits movement of the first consumable product beyond the first distance from the proximal end of the non-combustible aerosol delivery device toward the distal end of the non-combustible aerosol delivery device;
the adapter includes an adapter cavity that receives the second consumable, the adapter cavity being centered within the receptacle when the adapter is received in the receptacle;
the adapter comprises a second stopper at a second distance from the proximal end of the non-flammable aerosol delivery device different from the first distance when the adapter is received in the receptacle, the second stopper being for inhibiting movement of the second consumable product beyond the distal end of the non-flammable aerosol delivery device;
33. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein the proximal end of the non-flammable aerosol delivery device is the end closest to a user's mouth when inhaling the aerosol delivered by the non-flammable aerosol delivery device in use.

Claims (11)

1. A non-flammable aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material contained in a consumable product, comprising:
a receptacle for receiving a consumable containing an aerosol-generating material;
an adapter received in the receptacle, the adapter configured to adapt the receptacle to receive each of a plurality of consumables of different sizes, one at a time ;
the adapter comprises a first cylindrical body beginning at an adapter proximal end and extending toward an adapter distal end of the adapter, the adapter proximal end being an end of the adapter that, in use, is closest to a user's mouth when inhaling an aerosol delivered by the non-flammable aerosol delivery device while the adapter is received in the receptacle, and the adapter distal end being an end of the adapter that, in use, is furthest from a user's mouth when inhaling an aerosol delivered by the non-flammable aerosol delivery device while the adapter is received in the receptacle;
the first cylindrical body comprising a holding element configured to hold each of the plurality of consumables one at a time;
A non-flammable aerosol delivery device, wherein the holding element comprises two or more resilient protrusions extending from the first cylindrical body into a cavity defined by the first cylindrical body, the resilient protrusions being deformable to accommodate and hold each of the plurality of consumables therebetween, one at a time . The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the two or more resilient protrusions are provided on the adapter proximal end side of the adapter and are arranged circumferentially relative to each other. 1. A non-flammable aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material contained in a consumable product, comprising:
a receptacle for receiving a consumable containing an aerosol-generating material;
an adapter received in the receptacle, the adapter configured to adapt the receptacle to receive each of a plurality of consumables of different sizes, one at a time;
Equipped with
the adapter comprises a first cylindrical body beginning at an adapter proximal end and extending toward an adapter distal end of the adapter, the adapter proximal end being an end of the adapter that, in use, is closest to a user's mouth when inhaling an aerosol delivered by the non-flammable aerosol delivery device while the adapter is received in the receptacle, and the adapter distal end being an end of the adapter that, in use, is furthest from a user's mouth when inhaling an aerosol delivered by the non-flammable aerosol delivery device while the adapter is received in the receptacle;
the first cylindrical body comprising a holding element configured to hold each of the plurality of consumables one at a time;
A non-flammable aerosol delivery device , wherein the first cylindrical body comprises a cylindrically formed corrugated material, the corrugated material functioning as the retaining element. 1. A non-flammable aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material contained in a consumable product, comprising:
a receptacle for receiving a consumable containing an aerosol-generating material;
an adapter received in the receptacle, the adapter configured to adapt the receptacle to receive each of a plurality of consumables of different sizes, one at a time;
Equipped with
the adapter comprises a first cylindrical body beginning at an adapter proximal end and extending toward an adapter distal end of the adapter, the adapter proximal end being an end of the adapter that, in use, is closest to a user's mouth when inhaling an aerosol delivered by the non-flammable aerosol delivery device while the adapter is received in the receptacle, and the adapter distal end being an end of the adapter that, in use, is furthest from a user's mouth when inhaling an aerosol delivered by the non-flammable aerosol delivery device while the adapter is received in the receptacle;
the first cylindrical body comprising a holding element configured to hold each of the plurality of consumables one at a time;
A non-flammable aerosol delivery device, wherein the retaining element comprises a plurality of resilient fingers extending from the first cylindrical body into a cavity defined by the first cylindrical body, the resilient fingers being deformable to receive and hold the plurality of consumables in place one at a time. the adapter comprising a first stopper disposed on a distal end of the adapter and dimensioned to inhibit movement of a first consumable of a first given size among the plurality of consumables toward the adapter distal end and to allow movement of a second consumable of a second given size among the plurality of consumables toward the adapter distal end;
The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the adapter proximal end is the end of the adapter closest to a user's mouth when inhaling an aerosol delivered by the non-flammable aerosol delivery device while the adapter is received in the receptacle, and the adapter distal end is the end of the adapter farthest from the user's mouth when inhaling an aerosol delivered by the non-flammable aerosol delivery device while the adapter is received in the receptacle, in use. 6. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of claim 5, wherein the adapter comprises a second stopper positioned closer to the adapter distal end than the first stopper and dimensioned to prohibit movement of the second consumable beyond the adapter distal end. 1. A non-flammable aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material contained in a consumable product, comprising:
a receptacle for receiving a consumable containing an aerosol-generating material;
an adapter received in the receptacle, the adapter configured to adapt the receptacle to receive each of a plurality of consumables of different sizes, one at a time;
Equipped with
the adapter comprising a first stopper disposed on a distal end of the adapter and dimensioned to inhibit movement of a first consumable of a first given size among the plurality of consumables toward the adapter distal end and to allow movement of a second consumable of a second given size among the plurality of consumables toward the adapter distal end;
A non-flammable aerosol delivery device, wherein the adapter proximal end is the end of the adapter closest to a user's mouth when inhaling an aerosol delivered by the non-flammable aerosol delivery device while the adapter is received in the receptacle, and the adapter distal end is the end of the adapter farthest from the user's mouth when inhaling an aerosol delivered by the non-flammable aerosol delivery device while the adapter is received in the receptacle , in use. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of claim 7, wherein the adapter includes a second stopper disposed closer to the adapter distal end than the first stopper and dimensioned to inhibit movement of the second consumable toward the adapter distal end. 1. A non-flammable aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material contained in a consumable product, comprising:
a receptacle for receiving a consumable containing an aerosol-generating material;
an adapter received in the receptacle, the adapter configured to adapt the receptacle to receive each of a plurality of consumables of different sizes, one at a time;
Equipped with
the adapter comprising a tube for receiving each of the plurality of consumables, one at a time;
The tube is
a first retention structure formed on a proximal end of the tube for retaining each of the plurality of consumables in place one at a time;
a second retention structure formed on a distal end of the tube for holding each of the plurality of consumables in place, one at a time;
A non-flammable aerosol delivery device, wherein the proximal end of the tube is the end closest to a user's mouth when inhaling an aerosol delivered by the non-flammable aerosol delivery device while the adapter is received in the receptacle , and the distal end of the tube is the end furthest from the user's mouth when inhaling an aerosol delivered by the non-flammable aerosol delivery device while the adapter is received in the receptacle, in use. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of claim 9, wherein the first and second holding structures each include two or more resilient protrusions that are deformable to receive and hold in place the first and second consumables one at a time therebetween. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of claim 10, wherein the two or more resilient projections extend from the tube into a cavity defined by the tube and are circumferentially disposed relative to one another.

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