WO2022167430A1

WO2022167430A1 - Non-combustible aerosol provision device

Info

Publication number: WO2022167430A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/052370
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jeremy Campbell; Andy Finch; Jon Peter Frederick SPRATLEY; Daniel Thomas AHEARN; Matthew Wright; Daniel Anthony WALTON; Andrew Richard Buchanan Halket; James Garfield Pryor; Luke James WARREN
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Limited
Priority date: 2021-02-03
Filing date: 2022-02-01
Publication date: 2022-08-11
Also published as: EP4287867A1; KR20230129460A; JP2024504776A; GB202101466D0; BR112023015181A2; CN117082991A

Abstract

A non-combustible aerosol provision device (100) for generating an aerosol from aerosol-generating material comprised in a consumable is provided. The device comprises a receptacle (102) for receiving a consumable comprising aerosol-generating material; and an adaptor (1402, 206) for being received in the receptacle, wherein the adaptor is configured to adapt the receptacle to receive, one at a time, each of a plurality of consumables (300, 302) having different sizes.

Description

NON-COMBUSTIBLE AEROSOL PROVISION DEVICE

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a non-combustible aerosol provision device. The noncombustible aerosol provision device generates aerosol for inhalation by a user of the non-combustible aerosol provision device.

Background

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

Summary

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a non- combustible aerosol provision device for generating an aerosol from aerosol-generating material comprised in a consumable, the non-combustible aerosol provision device comprising: a receptacle for receiving a consumable comprising aerosol-generating material; and an adaptor for being received in the receptacle, wherein the adaptor is configured to adapt the receptacle to receive, one at a time, each of a plurality of consumables having different sizes.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a non- combustible aerosol provision device for heating aerosol-generating material in a consumable to volatilise at least one component of said aerosol-generating material, the non-combustible aerosol provision device comprising: a receptacle for selectively receiving, one at a time, each of a plurality of adaptors; the plurality of adaptors for being received, one at a time, in the receptacle, wherein each of the plurality of adaptors is configured to adapt the receptacle to receive, one at a time, a respective consumable from a plurality of consumables having different sizes, each of the consumables comprising aerosol-generating material.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a noncombustible aerosol provision system comprising: the non-combustible aerosol provision device according to the second aspect; a first consumable comprising aerosolgenerating material, the first consumable having a first consumable length and a first consumable width; and a second consumable comprising aerosol-generating material, the second consumable having a second consumable length different to the first consumable length and a second consumable width different to the first consumable width.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a noncombustible aerosol provision device for generating an aerosol from aerosol-generating material in a consumable, the non-combustible aerosol provision device comprising: a receptacle for receiving a consumable comprising aerosol-generating material; and an adaptor for being removably received in the receptacle, wherein: the receptacle is configured to receive a first consumable having a first size when the adaptor is not received in the receptacle and the adaptor is configured to adapt the receptacle to receive a second consumable having a second size different to the first size when the adaptor is received in the receptacle; and the adaptor comprises a retention element configured to hold in position the second consumable.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows a block schematic diagram of a non-combustible aerosol provision device for generating aerosol form aerosol-generating material comprised in a consumable;

Figure 2 shows a block schematic side cross-sectional diagram of a second non- combustible aerosol provision device for generating aerosol from aerosol-generating material comprised in a consumable, which is according to a first concept;

Figure 3A shows a schematic side view of a first consumable comprising aerosol-generating material; Figure 3B shows a schematic side view of a second consumable comprising aerosol-generating material;

Figure 4A shows a schematic perspective view of an adapter according to a first example of the first concept;

Figure 4B shows a schematic perspective expanded view and a schematic plan view of the adaptor according to the first example of the first concept;

Figure 4C shows a schematic perspective expanded view of a side cross section of the adaptor according to the first example of the first concept;

Figure 4D shows a schematic perspective internal view of the second noncombustible aerosol provision device according to the first example of the first concept;

Figure 4E shows a first schematic side cross-sectional view and a second schematic plan view of the adaptor according to the first example of the first concept;

Figure 4F shows a second schematic side cross-sectional view and a third schematic plan view of the adaptor according to the first example of the first concept;

Figure 5A shows a schematic perspective view of a side cross section of an adaptor according to a second example of the first concept;

Figure 5B shows a first schematic plan view of the adaptor according to the second example of the first concept;

Figure 5C shows a schematic perspective expanded view of a side cross section of the adaptor according to the second example of the first concept;

Figure 5D shows a schematic perspective exploded view of a side cross section and a schematic perspective view of the adaptor according to the second example of the second concept;

Figure 5E shows a schematic perspective internal view of the second noncombustible aerosol provision device according to the second example of the first concept;

Figure 5F shows a first schematic side cross-sectional view and a second schematic plan view of the adaptor according to the second example of the first concept;

Figure 5G shows a second schematic side cross-sectional view and a third schematic plan view of the adaptor according to the second example of the first concept;

Figure 6A shows a schematic perspective view of a side cross section of an adaptor according to a third example of the first concept; Figure 6B shows a first schematic perspective expanded view of a side cross section of the adaptor according to the third example of the first concept;

Figure 6C shows a second schematic perspective expanded view of a side cross section of the adaptor according to the third example of the first concept;

Figure 6D shows a schematic perspective view of the adaptor according to the third example of the first concept;

Figure 6E shows a schematic perspective internal view of the second noncombustible aerosol provision device according to the third example of the first concept;

Figure 6F shows a first schematic side cross-sectional view and a first schematic plan view of the adaptor according to the third example of the first concept;

Figure 6G shows a second schematic side cross-sectional view and a second schematic plan view of the adaptor according to the third example of the first concept;

Figure 7A shows a first schematic side cross-sectional view of the second noncombustible aerosol provision device according to a fourth example of the first concept;

Figure 7B shows a second schematic side cross-sectional view of the second non-combustible aerosol provision device according to the fourth example of the first concept;

Figure 8A shows a first schematic perspective view of the second noncombustible aerosol provision device according to a fifth example of the first concept;

Figure 8B shows a second schematic perspective view of the second noncombustible aerosol provision device according to the fifth example of the first concept;

Figure 8C shows a first schematic perspective internal view of the second noncombustible aerosol provision device according to the fifth example of the first concept;

Figure 8D shows a second schematic perspective internal view of the second non-combustible aerosol provision device according to the fifth example of the first concept;

Figure 8E shows a third schematic perspective internal view of the second non- combustible aerosol provision device according to the fifth example of the first concept;

Figure 9 shows a block schematic side cross-sectional diagram of a third non- combustible aerosol provision device for generating aerosol from aerosol-generating material comprised in a consumable, which is according to a second concept; Figure 10A shows a first schematic side cross sectional view of a first adaptor according to a first example of the second concept;

Figure 10B shows a schematic side cross sectional view of a second adaptor according to the first example of the second concept;

Figure 10C shows a second schematic side cross-sectional view of the first adaptor according to the first example of the second concept;

Figure 10D shows a schematic perspective view of the third non-combustible aerosol provision device according to the first example of the second concept;

Figure 10E shows a schematic perspective view and a schematic perspective exploded view of the first adaptor according to the first example of the second concept;

Figure 11 A shows a schematic perspective view of a first adaptor according to a second example of the second concept;

Figure 1 IB shows a schematic perspective expanded view of the first adaptor according to the second example of the second concept;

Figure 11C shows a schematic perspective expanded view of a side cross section of the first adaptor according to the second example of the second concept;

Figure 1 ID shows a schematic plan view and a schematic side cross-sectional view of a second adaptor according to the second example of the second concept;

Figure 1 IE shows a schematic plan view and a schematic side-cross sectional view of the first adaptor according to the second example of the second concept;

Figure 1 IF shows a schematic perspective internal view of the third noncombustible aerosol provision device according to the second example of the second concept;

Figure 11G shows a second schematic perspective view of the first adaptor according to the second example of the second concept comprising a first optional feature;

Figure 11H shows a schematic perspective expanded view of the first adaptor according to the second example of the second concept comprising a first example of a second optional feature;

Figure 111 shows a schematic perspective view of a side cross section of the first adaptor according to the second example of the second concept comprising the first example of the second optional feature; Figure 11 J shows a schematic perspective expanded view of a side cross section of the first adaptor according to the second example of the second concept comprising a second example of the second optional feature;

Figure 12A shows a schematic perspective view of a first adaptor according to a third example of the second concept;

Figure 12B shows a schematic perspective view of a side cross section of the first adaptor according to the third example of the second concept;

Figure 12C shows a schematic perspective expanded view of a side cross section of the first adaptor according to the third example of the second concept;

Figure 12D shows a second schematic perspective expanded view of a side cross section of the first adaptor according to the third example of the second concept;

Figure 12E shows a third schematic perspective expanded view of a side cross section of the first adaptor according to the third example of the second concept;

Figure 12F shows a schematic perspective internal view of the third noncombustible aerosol provision device according to the third example of the second concept;

Figure 12G shows a schematic plan view and a schematic side cross-sectional view of a second adaptor according to the third example of the second concept;

Figure 12H shows a schematic plan view and a schematic side cross-sectional view of the first adaptor according to the third example of the second concept;

Figure 13 A shows a first schematic perspective view of a first adaptor according to a fourth example of the second concept;

Figure 13B shows a second schematic perspective view of the first adaptor according to the fourth example of the second concept;

Figure 13C shows a first schematic perspective view of a second adaptor according to the fourth example of the second concept;

Figure 13D shows a second schematic perspective view of the second adaptor according to the fourth example of the second concept;

Figure 14 shows a block schematic side cross-sectional diagram of a fourth noncombustible aerosol provision device for generating aerosol from aerosol-generating material comprised in a consumable, which is according to a third concept; Figure 15A shows a schematic perspective view of a side cross section of an adaptor according to the third concept;

Figure 15B shows a schematic perspective expanded view of the adaptor according to the third concept; and

Figure 15C shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of the fourth noncombustible aerosol provision device according to the third concept.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 is a block schematic diagram of a non-combustible aerosol provision device 100. The non-combustible aerosol provision device 100 comprises a receptacle, such as a chamber, cavity or holder. The receptacle is for receiving a consumable comprising aerosol-generating material. For example, the receptable may be a heating chamber 102. The following description is in the context of the example in which the receptacle is a heating chamber.

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

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

The non-combustible aerosol provision device 100 is for generating an aerosol from aerosol-generating material in a consumable. The non-combustible aerosol provision device 100 comprises an aerosol generator for generating aerosol from aerosolgenerating material. In some examples, the non-combustible aerosol provision device 100 is for heating the aerosol-generating material comprised in a consumable to volatilise 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 cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, electrostatic energy, or by use of ultrasonic energy. In some such examples, the aerosol generator comprises one or more piezo-electric elements which subject the aerosol-generating material to vibration.

The non-combustible aerosol provision device 100 may be configured to deliver the aerosol generated by heating the aerosol-generating material. The consumable 106 may be a tobacco heating product (THP) article. The non-combustible aerosol provision device 100 may, for example, be a hand held device for use in providing inhalable aerosol. The non-combustible aerosol provision device 100 is hereafter referred to as the device 100. The following description is in the context of the example of the device 100 being configured to heat the aerosol-generating material.

The device 100 is configured to heat the aerosol-generating material in a consumable which is received in the described heating chamber 102. The device 100 comprises a heating arrangement 104 configured to provide energy for heating the aerosolgenerating material in a consumable received in the heating chamber 102. In some examples, the heating arrangement 104 comprises one or more resistive heating elements arranged in thermal contact with the heating chamber 102. The flow of current against the electrical resistance of the one or more resistive heating elements generates heat. This process is called Joule, ohmic, or resistive heating.

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

In some examples, the heating arrangement 104 is a magnetic field generator configured to generate a varying magnetic field in order to inductively heat a susceptor. The magnetic field generator may comprise one or more inductors through which an alternating current is passed to generate the varying magnetic field. In some example, the magnetic field generator comprises one or more susceptors. In other examples, the magnetic field generator may not comprise a susceptor and one or more susceptors may instead be provided as part of/with consumables intended for use with the device 100. The device 100 comprises a power source 106. The power source 106 supplies electrical 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, and power is supplied from the battery through the DC- DC converter. The DC-DC converter may allow the power supply 106 to supply power at a different voltage to the voltage of the battery. In some examples, the device 100 may comprise a DC to AC converter for converting a DC current from e.g. a battery to AC current, for example, to supply power to one or more inductors of the heating arrangement 104 where the heating arrangement 104 is an induction heating arrangement. In the following examples, the power source 106 is referred to simply as the battery 106.

In the example of Figure 1, the non-combustible aerosol provision device 100 comprises 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 the various aspects by executing instructions stored on the computer readable memory 110. For example, the processor 108 may control the operation of the heating arrangement 104. For example, the processor may control the delivery of electrical power from the battery 106 to the heating arrangement 104 by controlling various electrical component such as switches and the like (not shown in Figure 1).

In the example of Figure 1, the device 100 comprises a retention apparatus 112. The retention apparatus 112 is configured to hold in position, one at a time, consumables intended for use with the device 100. For example, the retention apparatus 112 holds in position a consumable received in the heating chamber 102.

It will be appreciated that the device 100 may comprise other components not shown in Figure 1, such as ventilation inlets/outlet, a control interface, a charging port, etc.. It should be noted that Figure 1 is merely a schematic sketch showing a number of components that may be included in the device 100. Figure 1 is not intended to communicate particular positions of various components. For example, the retention apparatus 112 may be provided in any position within/or the device 100 so log as it functions to hold in position a consumable received in the heating chamber 102.

The device 100 also comprises a housing 114 in which the above-described components may be housed. More specific examples of the device 100 will be described in the following.

As referred to herein, a proximal end of the device 100 or a component of the device 100 is the end which is nearest to a user’s mouth when the user inhales, in use, aerosol provided by the device 100. As referred to herein, the distal end of the device 100 or a component of the device 100 is the end which is farthest from the user’s mouth when the user inhales, in use, aerosol provided by the device 100.

Figures 3A and 3B shows 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 which is less 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 larger a second width corresponding to the second consumable 302.

In some examples, consumables may have airflow structures (e.g. openings or sections of material which allow airflow) provided towards the proximal end of the consumables. It may be desired that, during use, the airflow structures are at least partly covered to inhibit airflow. This may be desired, e.g. so that the consumable in question functions with the device 100 in the intended manner. The airflow structures may be provided at a specific distance from the respective proximal ends of the various consumables in the plurality of consumables. Therefore, without enabling that the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302, for example, protrude from the device 100 by substantially equal amounts, consumables of different length may not be able to be used with the device 100 in the manner the consumables are intended to be used. Ensuring that consumables of different length protrude by the same amount as one another may ensure that airflow structures positioned a specific distance from respective proximal ends of the consumables are at least partly covered by the housing 114 and/or an adaptor for being received in the heating chamber 102 as intended. Concepts and examples relating to the device 100 comprising one or more adaptors are described below.

In some examples, it may be advantageous to ensure that only a predetermined length of a consumable protrudes from the device 100 to reduce the likelihood of the consumable being unintentionally removed from the device 100 when the device 100 is knocked or the like, for example. In some examples, one or more adaptors for being received in the heating chamber 102 may enable cleaning of the heating chamber 102 (for example, when the one or more adaptors are inserted and removed from the heating chamber 102). In some example, the one or more adaptors may support the proximal end of a consumable in use to reduce the risk of damage to the consumable in use.

First Concept

Figure 2 is a block schematic side cross-sectional diagram of the device 100 according to the first concept. In Figure 2, the numeral 202 indicates the proximal end of the device 100, and the numeral 204 indicates the distal end of the device 100. The proximal end 202 is the end which a user holds closer to their mouth than the distal end 204 (e.g. pointed towards their mouth) when the device 100 is being used to inhale aerosol as intended. On the other hand, the distal end 204 of the device 100 is the end which the user holds further away from their mouth than the proximal end 202 when the device 100 is being used to inhale aerosol as intended.

Not all the components that may be part of the device 100 are shown in Figure 2. In this concept, the heating chamber 102 is for receiving a consumable comprising aerosol-generating material. The device 100 of this concept comprises an adaptor 206 for being received in the heating chamber 102, wherein the adaptor 206 is configured to adapt the heating chamber 102 to receive, one at a time, each of a plurality of consumables having different sizes. As used herein, different sizes do not refer to variations in size of consumables due to manufacturing tolerances. As used herein, different sizes refer to different intended dimensions of the consumables. For example, consumables with different intended widths and/or length for fitting into differently sized receptacles. Consumables of different intended sizes may be referred to as consumables of different types. Consumables of different types may differ only in that they are differently sized, or may additionally differ in other aspects such as internal make-up, internal structure, etc.

For example, the consumables within the plurality of consumables may differ in size by having different lengths to one another and/or by having different widths to one another. In examples where the consumables are rod shaped (e.g. similar to conventional cigarettes), the width of the consumable may be taken to be the external diameter of the consumable.

In Example 1, Example 2 and Example 3 according to the first concept, the adaptor 206 comprises a first cylindrical body commencing at a proximal adaptor end of the adaptor and extending towards a distal adaptor end. The first cylindrical body comprises a retention element configured to hold, one at a time, each of the plurality of consumables.

In Example 1, Example 2, Example 3, Example 4 and Example 5 according to the first concept, the retention element is configured to hold, one at a time, a first consumable article of the plurality of consumables and a second consumable of the of the plurality of consumables in position wherein the first consumable is of a first given size and the second consumable is of a second given size. For example, the retention element is configured to hold, one at a time, the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302 in position. In some examples, the retention element may be omitted.

In Example 1, Example 2, Example 3, Example 4 and Example 5 according to the first concept, the adaptor comprises a first stop positioned towards a distal adaptor end of the adaptor dimensioned to inhibit the movement of the first consumable past the first stop in the direction of the distal adaptor end and allow the movement of the second consumable past the first stop in the direction of the distal adaptor end. In some examples, the first stop may be omitted.

In Example 1, Example 2 and Example 3 according to the first concept, the adaptor comprises a second cylindrical body positioned towards the distal adaptor end to provide the first stop, the second cylindrical body having an innermost diameter smaller than the first width corresponding to the first given size and greater than the second width corresponding to the second given size. For example, the innermost diameter is smaller than the width of the first consumable 300 and greater than the width of the second consumable 302. In some examples, the second cylindrical body may be omitted.

In the following, various examples of the device 100 according to the first concept are described. The below examples describe more specific features in relation to the adaptor 206.

Example 1 of the First Concept

Figures 4A-4F show the described device comprising the described adaptor according to Example 1 of the first concept. In Figures 4A-4F, the adaptor according to Example 1 of the first concept is labelled with numeral 206a. The first cylindrical body 402 commences at the proximal adaptor end 404 and extends towards the distal adaptor end 406. The first cylindrical body 402 comprises the retention element 408. The first cylindrical body 402 comprises a proximal cylindrical body end 410 and a distal cylindrical body end 412.

The part of the adaptor 206a or its described components referred to as proximal are those which, when the adaptor is received in the heating chamber 102, are towards the proximal end 202 of the device 100. Similarly, the part of the adaptor 206a or its described components referred to as distal are those which, when the adaptor 206a is received in the heating chamber 102, are towards the distal end 204 of the device 100. Figure 4B is a schematic perspective expanded view of the adaptor 206a showing the retention element 408 and a schematic plan view of the adaptor 206a. Referring to Figure 4B, the retention element 408 comprises two or more resilient protrusions 414. The resilient protrusions 414 are provided towards the proximal cylindrical body end 410. The resilient 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 accommodate and hold therebetween, one at a time, the first and the second consumables 300, 302 in position. In this examples, the protrusions 414 are circumferentially arranged relative to each other.

The first cylindrical body 402 may comprise a material enabling the formation of the resilient protrusions 414. For example, the first cylindrical body 402 may comprise sprung aluminium or another sprung metal suitable to form the first cylindrical body 402. In some examples, the base structure of the first cylindrical body 402 (e.g. the cylindrical part) may be formed of one material and the resilient 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 resilient properties may be selected for the resilient protrusions 414.

Figures 4B shows the retention element 414 in an initial arrangement. The resilient protrusions 414 are biased towards the initial arrangement. In the initial arrangement no significant force is applied (e.g. by insertion of a consumable into the first cylindrical body 402) to the resilient protrusions 414 to deform them away from their equilibrium position/form. The resilient protrusions 414 in the initial arrangement define a gap of an initial size, which in this example is defined by the inner circumference 416 indicated by the dashed line in Figure 4B. The gap defined by the inner circumference 416 is smaller than the smallest width among the plurality of consumables.

When a consumable is inserted into the first cylindrical body 402, a force is applied against the resilient protrusions 414, causing the size of the gap to change in order that the consumable which is inserted can be accommodated and held. The resilient protrusions 414 are deflected away from the initial arrangement (they are pushed outward) to change (in this case increase) the size of the gap.

The resilient protrusions 414 are configured each simultaneously to contact the inserted consumable. In this example, the first cylindrical body 402 is intended for use with substantially consumables having a circular cross-section. The resilient protrusions 414 form a substantially circular boundary on the inside of the first cylindrical body 402 enabling each of the resilient protrusions 414 to contact a consumable with a substantially circular cross-section.

In this example, because the resilient protrusions 414 are biased towards the initial arrangement which provides a gap of a size less than the smallest width among the plurality of consumables, the resilient protrusions 414 press an inserted consumable radially inwards in order to hold it in place.

The resilient protrusions 414 can be pushed outward and deform in a substantially continuous manner. Therefore, the first cylindrical body 402 may function to hold in place any consumable intended for use with the first cylindrical body 402 which has a width greater than the gap defined by the inner circumference 416 of the initial arrangement and a width smaller or equal to the width the geometry of the first cylindrical body 402 and the resilient protrusions 414 can reasonably accommodate.

In this example, the resilient protrusions 414 hold in position at least the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302. The resilient protrusions 414 hold each of these consumables in position such that they are centrally aligned within the first cylindrical body 402, and therefore also the heating chamber 102 when the consumables are inserted, one at a time, into the adaptor 206a which is received in the heating chamber 102. To achieve this, the resilient protrusions 414 are arranged such that the gap therebetween is centrally aligned with the heating chamber 102 when the adaptor 206a is received in the heating chamber 102. Referring again to Figure 4A, there is also shown the second cylindrical body 418. The second cylindrical body 418 may comprise a flame-resistant meta-aramid material (e.g. Nomex ®), cotton, paper, other para-aramids (e.g. Twaron ®), heat resistant and strong synthetic fibres (e.g. Kevlar ®), etc.

Figure 4C is a schematic perspective expanded view of a side cross section showing the second cylindrical body 418 attached to the first cylindrical body 402. The described first stop is labelled with the numeral 420. Figure 4D is a schematic perspective internal view of the housing 114 showing the adaptor 206a received in the heating chamber 102. A consumable may be inserted in the adaptor 206a as shown by arrow 422. In some examples, a consumable may be inserted into the adaptor 206a before the adaptor 206a is itself received in the heating chamber 102.

In this example the first stop 420 enables that each of the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302 protrude from the device 100 by substantially equal amounts when received in the adaptor 206a which is itself received in the heating chamber 102 for use.

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

In the example of Figure 3A and 3B, the first consumable 300 has a length which is less than and a width which is greater than the second consumable 302. The second cylindrical body 418 provides the first stop 420. In this example, the second cylindrical body 418 is dimensioned such that the first consumable 300 is too wide to be inserted into the second cylindrical body 418 and instead the distal end of the first consumable 300 rests on the first stop 420 when the first consumable is inserted into the adaptor 206a. The second cylindrical body 418 is positioned with respect to the first cylindrical body 402 so that the first consumable 300 protrudes from the proximal end of the device 100 (when inserted into the adaptor 206a which is received in the heating chamber 102) by a given amount.

In this example, the second cylindrical body 418 is dimensioned such that the second consumable 302 is narrow enough to be inserted 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 an inner surface of the second cylindrical body 418 so as to be held in position 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 manner, for the second consumable 302, the second cylindrical body 418 functions as a retention structure provided at the distal adaptor end 404. In some examples, the distal end of the distal adaptor end 406 may be arranged so that the second consumable 302 cannot protrude out from the distal adaptor end 406. In some examples, when the adaptor 206a is received in the heating chamber 102, the arrangement of the heating chamber 102 and/or the adaptor 206a when received in the heating chamber 102 may be such that the second consumable 302 does not progress past a certain point. In any of these examples, the arrangement is such that the second consumable 302 protrudes from the proximal end of the device 100 (when inserted into the adaptor 206a which is received in the heating chamber 102) by substantially the same given amount that the first consumable 300 protrudes.

Accordingly, the adaptor 206a enables that the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302 are centrally aligned in the heating chamber 102 and protrude from the device 100 by substantially the same amount when received in the adaptor 206a which is received in the heating chamber 102.

Figure 4E is a schematic top down view and a schematic side cross-sectional view of the adaptor 206a with the first consumable 300 inserted therein. Figure 4F is a schematic top down view and a schematic side cross-sectional view of the adaptor 206a with the second consumable 302 inserted therein. Because the first consumable 300 is wider than the second consumable 302, the resilient protrusions 414 are pushed further outward when the first consumable 300 is inserted into the adaptor 206a than when the second consumable 302 is inserted. In addition, it can be seen that the distal end of the first consumable 300 is stopped by the first stop 420, whereas the second consumable 302 is inserted deeper into the adaptor 206a such that both consumable protrude by substantially the same amount.

In this example, the first cylindrical body 402 and the second cylindrical body 418 together provide a tube for receiving, one at a time, each of the plurality of consumables. The proximal adaptor end 404 corresponds to the proximal end of the tube and the distal adaptor end 406 corresponds to the distal end of the tube. The retention element 408 is a first retention structure formed towards the proximal end of the tube for holding in position, one at a time, each of the plurality of consumables.

As discussed 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 provide a second retention structure formed towards the distal end of the tube for holding in position, one at a time, each of the plurality of consumables. In such examples, the inner diameter of the second cylindrical body 418 may be such that the plurality of consumables, one at a time, contact the inner surface of the second cylindrical body 418 so as to be held in position by the second cylindrical body 418 due to friction between the outer surface of the consumable in question and the inner surface of the second cylindrical body.

Example 2 of the First Concept

Figures 5 A-5G show the described device and adaptor according to Example 2 of the first concept. In Figures 5 A-5G, the adaptor according to Example 2 of the first concept is labelled with numeral 206b. Figure 5A shows a schematic perspective view of a side cross section of the adaptor 206b. In this example, the first cylindrical body 502 comprises a fluted material. The fluted material functions as the retention element. The first cylindrical body 502 comprises fluted material formed into a cylindrical shape. As used herein, the term fluted material is used to refer to e.g. a continuous sheet of material which has been folded back and forth to form a corrugated sheet of the material. In other words, a continuous sheet of material is repeatedly folded in e.g. a tight sinusoid like pattern.

The fluted material may be fluted paper, for example. The following description is in the context of the fluted material being fluted paper. A sheet of paper folded as described above is formed into a cylindrical sheet as seen in Figure 5A to form the first cylindrical body 502. The first cylindrical body 502 is (functions as) the retention element for holding in position therein the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302.

The first cylindrical body 502 commences at the proximal adaptor end 504 and extends towards the distal adaptor end 506. The part of the adaptor 206b or its described components referred to as proximal are those which, when the adaptor is received in the heating chamber 102, are towards the proximal end 202 of the device 100. Similarly, the part of the adaptor 206b or its described components referred to as distal are those which, when the adaptor 206b is received in the heating chamber 102, are towards the distal end 204 of the device 100.

Figure 5B is a schematic top-down view of the adaptor 206b. In Figure 5B, an example of the folds of the fluted paper of the first cylindrical body 502 can be seen. It can be seen that the folds of paper define the innermost diameter of the first cylindrical body 502. The folds are deformable to accommodate and hold therebetween the first and the second consumables 300, 302 in position. Figure 5B shows the retention element formed by the described folds in an initial arrangement. The folds are biased towards the initial arrangement. In the initial arrangement no significant force is applied (e.g. by insertion of a consumable into the first cylindrical body 502) to the folds to deform them away from the equilibrium position/form. The folds in the initial arrangement define a gap of an initial size, which in this example is defined by the inner circumference 508 indicated by the dashed line in Figure 5B. The gap defined by the inner circumference 508 is smaller than the smallest width among the plurality of consumables.

When a consumable is inserted into the first cylindrical body 502, a force is applied against the folds, causing the size of the gap to change in order that the consumable which is inserted can be accommodated and held. The folds are deflected away from the initial arrangement (they are pushed outward) to change (in this case increase) the size of the gap.

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

In this example, because the folds are biased towards the initial arrangement which provides a gap of a size less than the smallest width among the plurality of consumables, the folds press an inserted consumable radially inwards in order to hold it in place.

The folds can be pushed outward and deform in a substantially continuous manner. Therefore, the first cylindrical body 502 may function to hold in place any consumable intended for use with the first cylindrical body 502 which has a width greater than the gap defined by the inner circumference 508 of the initial arrangement and a width smaller or equal to the width the geometry of the first cylindrical body 502 and the folds can reasonably accommodate.

In this example, the folds hold in position, one at a time, at least the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302. The folds hold each of these consumables in position such that they are centrally aligned within the first cylindrical body 502, and therefore also the heating chamber 102 when the consumables are inserted, one at a time, into the adaptor 206b which is received in the heating chamber 102. To achieve this, the folds are arranged such that the gap therebetween is centrally aligned with the heating chamber 102 when the adaptor 206b is received in the heating chamber 102.

Referring again to Figure 5 A, there is also shown the second cylindrical body 510. The second cylindrical body 510 may comprise a flame-resistant meta-aramid material (e.g. Nomex ®), cotton, paper, other para-aramids (e.g. Twaron ®), heat resistant and strong synthetic fibres (e.g. Kevlar ®), etc.

Figure 5C is a schematic perspective expanded view of a side cross section showing the second cylindrical body 510 positioned towards the distal adaptor end 506 relative to the first cylindrical body 502. In this example, the first cylindrical body 502 and the second cylindrical body 510 are positioned with respect to one another. Figure 5D is a schematic perspective exploded view of a side cross section of the adaptor 206b showing the first cylindrical body 502 and the second cylindrical body 510, as well as an outer covering 512, and a schematic perspective view of the adaptor 206b. The outer covering 512 surrounds both the first cylindrical body 502 and the second cylindrical body 510 to secure their relative positions.

The outer covering 512 may comprise aluminium, for example, or another material which can act as a susceptor. In use the outer covering 512 may be inductively heated to provide heat to the aerosolisable material in an inserted consumable.

The described first stop is labelled with the numeral 514. Figure 5E is a schematic perspective internal view of the housing 114 showing the adaptor 206b received in the heating chamber 102. A consumable may be inserted in the adaptor 206b as shown by arrow 516. In some examples, a consumable may be inserted into the adaptor 206b before the adaptor 206b is itself received in the heating chamber 102.

In this example the first stop 514 enables that each of the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302 protrude from the device 100 by substantially equal amounts when received in the adaptor 206b which is itself received in the heating chamber 102 for use. As used herein, the amount by which a given consumable protrudes from the device 100 is the amount (e.g. length) of that given consumable not covered by the housing 114 or any other element such as the described adaptor.

In the example of Figure 3A and 3B, the first consumable 300 has a length which is less than and a width which is greater than the second consumable 302. The second cylindrical body 510 provides the first stop 514. In the 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 dimensioned such that the first consumable 300 is too wide to be inserted into the second cylindrical body 510 and instead the distal end of the first consumable 300 rests on the first stop 514 when the first consumable is inserted into the adaptor 206b.

As described above, in Example 2, the gap defined by the inner circumference 508 is smaller than the smallest width among the plurality of consumables. As described above, in Example 2, the folds hold in position, one at a time, at least the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302. In other examples, the folds may define an inner diameter such that they are deformable to hold in position the wider first consumable 300 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 described ledge only appears when the folds are deformed, e.g. when the first consumable 300 is inserted.

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

In this example, the second cylindrical body 510 is dimensioned such that the second consumable 302 is narrow enough to be inserted 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 an inner surface of the second cylindrical body 510 so as to be held in position 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 manner, for the second consumable 302, the second cylindrical body 510 functions as a retention structure provided at the distal adaptor end 506. In some examples, the distal end of the distal adaptor end 506 may be arranged so that the second consumable 302 cannot protrude out from the distal adaptor end 506. In some examples, when the adaptor 206b is received in the heating chamber 102, the arrangement of the heating chamber 102 and/or the adaptor 206b when received in the heating chamber 102 may be such that the second consumable 302 does not progress past a certain point. In any of these examples, the arrangement is such that the second consumable 302 protrudes from the proximal end of the device 100 (when inserted into the adaptor 206b which is received in the heating chamber 102) by substantially the same given amount that the first consumable 300 protrudes.

Accordingly, the adaptor 206b enables that the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302 are centrally aligned in the heating chamber 102 and protrude from the device 100 by substantially the same amount when received in the adaptor 206b which is received in the heating chamber 102.

Figure 5F is a schematic top down view and a schematic side cross-sectional view of the adaptor 206b with the first consumable 300 inserted therein. Figure 5G is a schematic top down view and a schematic side cross-sectional view of the adaptor 206b with the second consumable 302 inserted therein. Because the first consumable 300 is wider than the second consumable 302, the folds are pushed further outward when the first consumable 300 is inserted than when the second consumable 302 is inserted. In addition, it can be seen that the distal end of the first consumable 300 is stopped by the first stop 514, whereas the second consumable 302 is inserted deeper into the adaptor 206b such that both consumable protrude by substantially the same amount. In this example, the first cylindrical body 502 and the second cylindrical body 510 together provide a tube for receiving, one at a time, each of the plurality of consumables. The proximal adaptor end 504 corresponds to the proximal end of the tube and the distal adaptor end 506 corresponds to the distal end of the tube. The described folds provide a first retention structure formed towards the proximal end of the tube for holding in position, one at a time, each of the plurality of consumables.

As discussed 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 provide a second retention structure formed towards the distal end of the tube for holding in position, one at a time, each of the plurality of consumables. In such examples, the inner diameter of the second cylindrical body 510 may be such that the plurality of consumables, one at a time, contact the inner surface of the second cylindrical body 510 so as to be held in position by the second cylindrical body 510 due to friction between the outer surface of the consumable in question and the inner surface of the second cylindrical body.

Example 3 of the First Concept

Figures 6A-6G show the described device and adaptor according to Example 3 of the first concept. In Figures 6A-6G, the adaptor according to Example 3 of the first concept is labelled with numeral 206c. Figure 6A shows a schematic perspective view of a side cross section of the adaptor 206c. In this example, the first cylindrical body 602 comprises 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) the retention element for holding in position therein, one at a time, the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302. The resilient fingers 604 are deformable to accommodate and hold in position, one at a time, the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302. The first cylindrical body 602 commences at the proximal adaptor end 606 and extends towards the distal adaptor end 608. The part of the adaptor 206c or its described components referred to as proximal are those which, when the adaptor is received in the heating chamber 102, are towards the proximal end 202 of the device 100. Similarly, the part of the adaptor 206c or its described components referred to as distal are those which, when the adaptor 206c is received in the heating chamber 102, are towards the distal end 204 of the device 100.

Figure 6B is a schematic perspective expanded view of a side cross section of the first cylindrical body 602. Figure 6B shows the retention element formed by the described first cylindrical body 602 and the resilient fingers 604 in an initial arrangement. The resilient fingers 604 are biased towards the initial arrangement in which the resilient fingers 604 extend inwardly into the cavity defined by the cylindrical shape without substantially any impediment. In the initial arrangement no significant force is applied (e.g. by insertion of a consumable into the first cylindrical body 602) to the resilient fingers 604 to deform them away from the equilibrium position/form. The resilient fingers 604 in the initial arrangement define a gap of an initial size inside the first cylindrical body 602. The gap of the initial size is smaller than the smallest width among 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 in order that the consumable which is inserted can be accommodated and held. The resilient fingers 604 are deflected away from the initial arrangement (they are pushed in an outwardly direction) to change (in this case increase) the size of the gap.

The resilient fingers 604 are configured to contact the inserted consumable. In this example, the first cylindrical body 602 is intended for use with substantially consumables having a circular cross-section. The resilient fingers 604 form a substantially circular boundary on the inside of the first cylindrical body 602 enabling the resilient fingers 604 to contact a consumable with a substantially circular crosssection. In this example, because the resilient fingers 604 are biased towards the initial arrangement which provides a gap of a size less than the smallest width among the plurality of consumables, the resilient fingers 604 press an inserted consumable radially inwards in order to hold it in place.

The resilient fingers 604 can be pushed outward and deform in a substantially continuous manner. Therefore, the first cylindrical body 602 may function to hold in place any consumable intended for use with the first cylindrical body 602 which has a width greater than the gap defined by the initial arrangement and a width smaller or equal to the width the geometry of the first cylindrical body 602 and the resilient fingers 604 can reasonably accommodate.

In this example, the resilient fingers 604 hold in position at least the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302. The resilient fingers 604 hold each of these consumables in position such that they are centrally aligned within the first cylindrical body 602, and therefore also the heating chamber 102 when the consumables are inserted, one at a time, into the adaptor 206c which is received in the heating chamber 102. To achieve this, the resilient fingers 604 are arranged such that the gap therebetween is centrally aligned with the heating chamber 102 when the adaptor 206c is received in the heating chamber 102.

In this example, the first cylindrical body 602 comprises a resilient sheet formed into a cylindrical shape. The resilient fingers 604 project out from a surface of the resilient sheet such that when the resilient sheet is formed into a cylindrical shape, the resilient fingers 604 extend into the cavity defined by the cylindrical shape. In other examples, the first cylindrical body 602 may not comprise a resilient sheet. In some examples, the first cylindrical body 602 may comprise a rigid or non-resilient flexible material, and the resilient fingers may be provided on (e.g. by being attached to) the inner surface of the cylindrical shape. The described resilient sheet and the resilient fingers 604 may comprise a resilient material such as natural rubber, synthetic rubber and the like. Referring again to Figure 6A, there is also shown the second cylindrical body 610. The second cylindrical body 510 may comprise a flame-resistant meta-aramid material (e.g. Nomex ®), cotton, paper, other para-aramids (e.g. Twaron ®), heat resistant and strong synthetic fibres (e.g. Kevlar ®), etc.

Figure 6C is a schematic perspective expanded view of a side cross section showing the second cylindrical body 610 positioned towards the distal adaptor end 608 relative to the first cylindrical body 602. In this example, the first cylindrical body 602 and the second cylindrical body 610 are positioned with respect to one another. Figure 6D is a schematic perspective view of the adaptor 206c showing the first cylindrical body 602 and the second cylindrical body 610 surrounded by an outer covering 612. The outer covering 612 surrounds both the first cylindrical body 602 and the second cylindrical body 610 to secure their relative positions.

The outer covering 612 may comprise aluminium, for example, or another material which can act as a susceptor. In use the outer covering 612 may be inductively heated to provide heat to the aerosolisable material in an inserted consumable. In some examples, the outer covering 612 may be omitted.

The described first stop is labelled with the numeral 614. Figure 6E is a schematic perspective internal view of the housing 114 showing the adaptor 206c received in the heating chamber 102. A consumable may be inserted in the adaptor 206c as shown by arrow 616. In some examples, a consumable may be inserted into the adaptor 206c before the adaptor 206c is itself received in the heating chamber 102.

In this example the first stop 614 enables that each of the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302 protrude from the device 100 by substantially equal amounts when received in the adaptor 206c which is itself received in the heating chamber 102 for use. As used herein, the amount by which a given consumable protrudes from the device 100 is the amount (e.g. length) of that given consumable not covered by the housing 114 or any other element such as the described adaptor.

In the example of Figure 3A and 3B, the first consumable 300 has a length which is less than and a width which is greater than the second consumable 302. The second cylindrical body 610 provides the first stop 614. In the example, the 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 into the second cylindrical body 610 and instead the distal end of the first consumable 300 rests on the first stop 614 when the first consumable 300 is inserted into the adaptor 206c. The second cylindrical body 610 is positioned with respect to the first cylindrical body 602 so that the first consumable 300 protrudes from the proximal end of the device 100 (when inserted into the adaptor 206c which is received in the heating chamber 102) by a given amount.

As described above, in Example 3, the resilient fingers 604 hold in position, one at a time, at least the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302. In other examples, the resilient fingers 604 may define an inner diameter such that they are deformable to hold in position the wider first consumable 300 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 described ledge only appears when the folds are deformed, e.g. when the first consumable 300 is inserted.

In this example, the second cylindrical body 610 is dimensioned such that the second consumable 302 is narrow enough to be inserted 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 an inner surface of the second cylindrical body 610 so as to be held in position 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 manner, for the second consumable 302, the second cylindrical body 610 functions as a retention structure provided at the distal adaptor end 608. In some examples, the distal end of the distal adaptor end 608 may be arranged so that the second consumable 302 cannot protrude out from the distal adaptor end 608. In some examples, when the adaptor 206c is received in the heating chamber 102, the arrangement of the heating chamber 102 and/or the adaptor 206c when received in the heating chamber 102 may be such that the second consumable 302 does not progress past a certain point. In any of these examples, the arrangement is such that the second consumable 302 protrudes from the proximal end of the device 100 (when inserted into the adaptor 206c which is received in the heating chamber 102) by substantially the same given amount that the first consumable 300 protrudes.

Accordingly, the adaptor 206c enables that the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302 are centrally aligned in the heating chamber 102 and protrude from the device 100 by substantially the same amount when received in the adaptor 206c which is received in the heating chamber 102.

Figure 6F is a schematic top down view and a schematic side cross-sectional view of the adaptor 206c with the first consumable 300 inserted therein. Figure 6G is a schematic top down view and a schematic side cross-sectional view of the adaptor 206c with the second consumable 302 inserted therein. Because the first consumable 300 is wider than the second consumable 302, the resilient fingers 604 are pushed further outward when the first consumable 300 is inserted than when the second consumable 302 is inserted. In addition, it can be seen that the distal end of the first consumable 300 is stopped by the first stop 514, whereas the second consumable 302 is inserted deeper into the adaptor 206c such that both consumable protrude by substantially the same amount.

In this example, the first cylindrical body 602 and the second cylindrical body 610 together provide a tube for receiving, one at a time, each of the plurality of consumables. The proximal adaptor end 606 corresponds to the proximal end of the tube and the distal adaptor end 608 corresponds to the distal end of the tube. The described resilient fingers 604 provide a first retention structure formed towards the proximal end of the tube for holding in position, one at a time, each of the plurality of consumables.

As discussed 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 provide a second retention structure formed towards the distal end of the tube for holding in position, one at a time, each of the plurality of consumables. In such examples, the inner diameter of the second cylindrical body 610 may be such that the plurality of consumables, one at a time, contact the inner surface of the second cylindrical body 610 so as to be held in position by the second cylindrical body 610 due to friction between the outer surface of the consumable in question and the inner surface of the second cylindrical body.

Example 4 of the First Concept

Figures 7A and 7B show the described adaptor according to Example 4 of the first concept. In Figures 7A and 7B, the adaptor according to Example 4 of the first concept is labelled with numeral 206d. Figure 7A a schematic side cross-sectional view of the adaptor 206d with the first consumable 300 inserted therein. In the example of Figure 7 A, the first consumable 300 comprises a first outer cover 301 which may comprise a susceptor which is heated in the presence of a varying magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator of the device 100. Figure 7B is a schematic side cross- sectional view of the adaptor 206d with the second consumable 302 inserted therein. In the example of Figure 7B, the second consumable 302 comprises a second outer cover 303 which may comprise a susceptor which is heated in the presence of a varying magnetic field generated by the heating arrangement 104 of the device 100. The adaptor 206d comprises a retention element 702 provided towards the proximal adaptor end 704. In this example, the retention element 702 comprises two or more resilient members. Each of the two or more resilient members is an arm forming a cantilever spring. In Figures 7A and 7B, there is shown a first cantilever spring 702a and a second cantilever spring 702b The first cantilever spring 702a and the second cantilever spring 702b are biased towards an initial arrangement, which is the arrangement formed when no force is being applied on the cantilever springs and they are equilibrium. The cantilever springs are biased towards the initial arrangement. The first cantilever spring 702a and the second cantilever spring 702b each comprise a fixed end which is fixed to the adaptor 206d towards the proximal adaptor end 704, and a free end. The adaptor 206d comprises a housing 706 which houses the constituent parts of the adaptor 206d. The fixed ends are fixed towards the proximal adaptor end 704 of the housing 706.

The free ends extend inwardly into the adaptor 206d. The free ends define a gap therebetween into the which consumables are to be inserted. When substantially no force is being applied to the cantilever springs (i.e. in the initial arrangement), the gap therebetween is at its smallest and is smaller than the smallest width among the plurality of consumables. For example, the gap in the initial arrangement is smaller than the width of the second consumable 302 (if the second consumable 302 has the smallest width among the plurality of consumables).

The cantilever springs are deflected away from the initial arrangement to increase the size of the gap. For example, inserting a consumable in between the cantilever springs results in a force being applied against both cantilever springs, causing the size of the gap to increase as the consumable pushes the cantilever springs away from one another. The fixed ends of each of the first cantilever spring 702a and the second cantilever spring 702b contact the consumable. Because the cantilever springs are biased towards the initial arrangement, they press the inserted consumable thereby holding it in place.

The amount by which the cantilever springs are deflected depends upon the width of the consumable that is inserted. For example, when the wider first consumable 300 is inserted, the cantilever springs are deflected more than for the second consumable 302 (as seen from Figures 7A and 7B).

In this example, the cantilever springs hold each consumable in position such that it is centrally aligned within the heating chamber when the consumable in question is received in the adaptor 206d and the adaptor 206d is received in the heating chamber. To achieve this, the cantilever springs are arranged such that the gap therebetween is centrally aligned with the heating chamber 102 when the adaptor 206d is received in the heating chamber 102.

The cantilever springs can be pushed away from the initial arrangement and deform in a substantially continuous manner. Therefore, the retention element 702 may function to hold in place any consumable intended for use with the adaptor 206d which had a width greater than the gap of the initial size and a width smaller than or equal to the width the geometry of the adaptor 206d and the retention apparatus 702 can reasonably accommodate.

Figures 7A and 7B show the first stop 708 positioned towards the distal adaptor end 710. In this example, the first stop 708 is formed in the housing 706 of the adaptor 206d. In this example, the first stop 708 is in the form of a ledge. The first stop 708 forms an opening which is smaller than the width of the first consumable 300 and is greater in size than the width of the second consumable 302. Accordingly, the first consumable 300 is too wide to be inserted into the opening formed by the first stop 708, and instead the distal end of the first consumable 300 rests on the first stop 708 when the first consumable 300 is inserted into the adaptor 206d. The first stop 708 is positioned within the adaptor 206d such that, when the first consumable 300 is received in the adaptor 206d and the adaptor 206d is received in the heating chamber 102, the first consumable 300 protrudes from the device 100 by substantially a given amount.

There is provided the second stop 712 closer to the distal adaptor end 710 than the first stop 708. In this example, the second stop 712 is in the form of a ledge. In other examples, the second stop 712 may be omitted. In this example, the second stop 712 is formed in the housing 706 of the adaptor 206d. The second stop 712 is dimensioned such that the second consumable 302 can be inserted into the adaptor 206d beyond the second stop 712. The distal end of the second consumable 302 rests on the second stop 712 when the second consumable 302 is inserted into the adaptor 206d. The second stop 712 is positioned within the adaptor 206d such that, when the second consumable 302 is received in the adaptor 206d and the adaptor 206d is received in the heating chamber 102, the second consumable 302 protrudes from the device 100 by substantially the same given amount as the first consumable 300 protrudes due to the first stop 708.

Due to the first stop 708 and the second stop 712, both the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302 protrude from the device 100 by substantially the same amount, when the consumable in question is received in the adaptor 206d and the adaptor 206d is received in the heating chamber 102 for use.

In this example, the retention element 702 holds, one at a time, both the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302 such they are centrally aligned in the heating chamber 102 when received in the adaptor 206d and when the adaptor 206d is received in the heating chamber. The consumables can be seen substantially centrally aligned in Figures 7A and 7B. In Figure 7A, the first consumable 300 is received in the adaptor 206d which is received in the heating chamber 102. The distal end of the first consumable 300 rests on the first stop 708 such that the first consumable 300 protrudes from the device 100 by the given amount. In Figure 7B, the second consumable 302 is received in the adaptor 206d which is received in the heating chamber 102. The distal end of the second consumable 302 rests on the second stop 712 such that the second consumable 302 protrudes from the device 100 by the same given amount as the first consumable 300 protrudes in the configuration shown in Figure 7A.

Example 5 of the First Concept

More specifically, in Example 5 of the first concept, the adaptor comprises a tube for receiving, one at a time, the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302. The tube comprises a first retention structure formed towards a proximal end of the tube for holding in position, one at a time, the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302. The tube also comprises a second retention structure formed towards a distal end of the tube for holding in position, one at a time, the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302.

Figures 8A to 8E show the described adaptor according to Example 5 of the first concept. In Figures 8A to 8E, the adaptor according to Example 5 of the first concept is labelled with numeral 206e. In this example, the adaptor 206e comprises the tube 802. Figure 8 A is a schematic perspective view of the device 100 and the adaptor 206e. The adaptor 206e comprises the first retention structure 804 formed towards the proximal end 806 of the tube 802, and the second retention structure 808 formed towards the distal end 810 of the tube 802.

The first retention structure 804 comprises two or more resilient protrusions 804a which extend inwards into the cavity defined by the tube 802. The resilient protrusions 804a are deformable to accommodate and hold therebetween, one at a time, the first and the second consumables 300, 302 in position. Similarly, the second retention structure 808 comprises two or more resilient protrusions 808a which extend inwards into the cavity defined by the tube 802. The resilient protrusions 808a are deformable to accommodate and hold therebetween, one at a time, the first and the second consumables 300, 302 in position. The two or more resilient protrusions 804a are circumferentially arranged relative to each other. The two or more resilient protrusions 808a are circumferentially arranged relative to each other.

The tube 802 may comprise a material enabling the formation of the resilient protrusions 804a, 808a. For example, the tube 802 may comprise sprung aluminium or another sprung metal suitable to form the tube 802. In some examples, the base structure of the tube 802 (e.g. the cylindrical part) may be formed of one material and the resilient 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 resilient properties may be selected for the resilient protrusions 804a, 808a.

Figures 8 A shows the tube 802 when it is not received in the device 100. There are retention structures 804, 808 in an initial arrangement in which substantially no force is applied to the resilient protrusions 804a, 808a. The resilient protrusions 804a, 808a are biased towards the initial arrangement. In the initial arrangement no significant force is applied (e.g. by insertion of a consumable into the tube 802) to the resilient protrusions 804a, 808a to deform them away from their equilibrium position/form. The resilient protrusions 804a, 808a in the initial arrangement each define a gap of a respective initial size (note that in some examples, the gap of the initial size defined by the resilient protrusions 804a of the first retention structure 804 may be of a different size than the gap of the initial size defined by the resilient protrusions 808a of the second retention structure 808. In other examples, the respective gaps may have the same initial size in the initial arrangement). In the examples discussed in the following, the initial size of the gap defined by the resilient protrusions 804a of the first retention structure 804 is substantially the same as the initial size of the gap defined by the resilient protrusions 808a of the second retention structure 808.

When a consumable is inserted into the tube 802, a force is applied against the resilient protrusions 804a, 808a, causing the size of the respective gap to change in order that the consumable which is inserted can be accommodated and held. The resilient protrusions 804a, 808a are deflected away from the initial arrangement (they are pushed outward) to change (in this case increase) the size of the respective gap.

The resilient protrusions 804a, 808a are configured each simultaneously to contact the inserted consumable. In this example, the tube 802 is intended for use with substantially consumables having a circular cross-section. The resilient protrusions 804a, 808a form substantially circular respective boundaries on the inside of the tube 802 enabling each of the resilient protrusions 804a, 808a to contact a consumable with a substantially circular cross-section. In this example, the size of the respective gaps defined by the resilient protrusions 804a, 808a is less than the smallest width among the plurality of consumables. This combined with the resilient protrusions 804a, 808a being biased towards the initial arrangement means that the resilient protrusions 804a, 808a press an inserted consumable radially inwards in order to hold it in place.

The resilient protrusions 804a, 808a can be pushed outward and deform in a substantially continuous manner. Therefore, the tube 802 may function to hold in place any consumable intended for use with the tube 802 which has a width greater than at least one of the respective gaps defined by the resilient protrusions 804a, 808a in the initial arrangement and a width smaller or equal to the width the geometry of the first tube 802 and the resilient protrusions 804a, 808a can reasonably accommodate.

In this example, each of the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302 is held in position by the first retention structure 804 towards the proximal end of the consumable in question and by the second retention structure 808 towards the distal end of the consumable in question. The resilient protrusions 804a, 808a hold each of these consumables in position such that they are centrally aligned within the tube 802, and therefore also the heating chamber 102 when the consumables are inserted, one at a time, into the adaptor 206e which is received in the heating chamber 102. To achieve this, the resilient protrusions 804a, 808a are arranged such that the respective gaps therebetween are centrally aligned with the heating chamber 102 when the adaptor 206e is received in the heating chamber 102.

Figure 8B is a schematic perspective view of the device 100 with the adaptor 206e partially received in the heating chamber 102. The adaptor 206e can be inserted into the heating chamber 102 as shown by arrow 812. In the example of Figure 8B, the adaptor 206e is partially received in the heating chamber without a consumable received in the adaptor 206e. However, in some examples, a consumable may be inserted in the adaptor 206e before the adaptor 206e is then received in the heating chamber 102. Figure 8C is a schematic perspective internal view of the adaptor 206e fully received in the heating chamber 102. The adaptor 206e is configured such that the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302 protrude from the device 100 by substantially equal amounts when received in the adaptor 206a which is itself received in the heating chamber 102 for use.

In the example of Figures 3 A and 3B, the first consumable 300 has a length which is less than and a width which is greater than the second consumable 302. The tube 802 may be configured with one or more placing structures (not shown) which inhibit the movement of the consumable in question deeper into the tube 802 such that both the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302 protrude from the device 100 by substantially the same amount.

For example, the tube 802 may comprise the described first stop. In such examples, the first stop comes into contact with the first consumable 300 but not the second consumable 302 such that the movement of the first consumable 300 past a certain point into the tube 802 is inhibited, whereas the movement of the second consumable 302 past that certain point is not inhibited. This results in the first consumable 300 protruding from the device 100 by a given amount when the adaptor 206e is received in the heating chamber 102 and the first consumable 300 is received in the adaptor 206e. On the other hand, the tube 802 may be dimensioned and/or configured with the heating chamber 102 when received therein and/or may comprise a second stop such that the second consumable 302 also protrudes substantially by the same given amount (by which the first consumable 300 protrudes) when the adaptor 206e is received in the heating chamber 102 and the second consumable 302 is received in the adaptor 206e.

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

Second Concept

Figure 9 is a schematic sketch of the device 100 according to the second concept. In Figure 9, the numeral 202 indicates the proximal end of the device 100, and the numeral 204 indicates the distal end of the device 100.

Not all the components that may be part of the device 100 are shown in Figure 9. In this concept, the heating chamber 102 is for receiving a consumable comprising aerosol-generating material. In this concept, the heating chamber 102 of the device 100 is configured for selectively receiving, one at a time, each of a plurality of adaptors. In this concept, the device 100 comprises a plurality of adaptors for being received, one at a time, in the heating chamber 102, wherein each of the plurality of adaptors is configured to adapt the heating chamber 102 to receive, one at a time, a respective consumable from the plurality of consumables having different sizes, each of the consumables comprising aerosol-generating material.

In the example of Figure 9, the plurality of adaptors comprises a first adaptor 902 for receiving a first consumable of the plurality of consumables and a second adaptor 904 for receiving a second consumable of the plurality of consumables. In other examples, a number of adaptors other than two may be provided. A non-combustible aerosol provision system may be provided comprising the device 100 according to the second concept, the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302. When the first consumable 300 is received in the first adaptor 902 and the first adaptor 902 is received in the heating chamber 102, the first consumable 300 is substantially centrally aligned within the heating chamber 102, and the first consumable 300 protrudes from the proximal end 202 of the device 100 substantially by a given amount. When the second consumable 302 is received in the second adaptor 904 and the second adaptor 904 is received in the heating chamber 102, the second consumable is substantially centrally aligned within the heating chamber 102, and the second consumable 302 protrudes from the proximal end 202 of the device 100 by the given amount.

Examples of the device 100 according to the second concept may comprise the following features to achieve the above described central alignment and protrusion of the consumables. The first adaptor 902 may comprise a first cavity for receiving the first consumable 300, wherein the first cavity is centrally aligned within the heating chamber 102 when the first adaptor 902 is received in the heating chamber 102. The first adaptor 902 may comprise a first stop which is at a first distance away from the proximal end 202 of the device 100 when the first adaptor 902 is received in the heating chamber 102, wherein the first stop is for inhibiting the movement of the first consumable 300 towards a distal end 204 of the device 100 past the first stop. The second adaptor 904 may comprise a second cavity for receiving the second consumable 302, wherein the second cavity is centrally aligned within the heating chamber 102e when the second adaptor 904 is received in the heating chamber 102. The second adaptor 904 may comprise a second stop which is at a second distance different to the first distance away from the proximal end 202 of the device 100 when the second adaptor 904 is received in the heating chamber 102, wherein the second stop is for inhibiting the movement of the second consumable 302 towards the distal end 204 of the device 100 past the second stop. As used herein, the amount by which a given consumable protrudes from the device 100 is the amount (e.g. length) of that given consumable not covered by the housing 114 or any other element such as the described adaptor.

In the following there are described various examples of the second concept. In the following description, Examples A to E are examples of the second concept.

Example A of the Second Concept

Figures 10A to 10E show the first adaptor and the second adaptor according to Example A of the second concept. The first adaptor according to Example A of the second concept is labelled with the numeral 902a and the second adaptor according to Example A of the second concept is labelled with the numeral 904a.

Figure 10A is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the first adaptor 902a. The first adaptor 902a comprises a first tubular section 1002 configured to accommodate the first consumable 300. The first tubular section 1002 defines the described first cavity. The first consumable 300 can be inserted into the first cavity of the first tubular section 1002. The inner diameter of the first tubular section 1002 is slightly greater than the width of the first consumable 300 so that the first consumable 300 can be accommodated therein.

The first tubular section 1002 terminates at a first termination depth 1004, which is the described first distance away from the proximal end 202 of the device 100 when the first adaptor 902a is received in the heating chamber 102, towards the distal first adaptor end 1006 of the first adaptor 902a such that the first consumable 300 protrudes from the proximal end 202 of the device 100 substantially by the given amount. The first stop is provided at the first termination depth 1004. The first tubular section 1002 may not be completely sealed at the first termination depth 1004. In some examples, there may be a first stop in the form of a ledge at the first termination depth 1004 which inhibits the progress of the first consumable 300 further into the first tubular section 1002. For example, the first stop at the first termination depth 1004 may narrow the first tubular section 1002 such that the first consumable 300 is too wide to progress beyond the stop at the first termination depth 1004, and the distal end of the first consumable 300 rests on the first stop at the first termination depth 1004. There may be provided one or more air paths towards the distal first adaptor end 1006 of the first adaptor 902a to enable air to flow towards and reach the distal end of the first consumable 300.

The first adaptor 902a also comprises a first retention element 1008 which is provided towards the proximal first adaptor end 1010 of the first adaptor 902a. The first retention element 1008 is configured to hold in position the first consumable 300. Details of the first retention element 1008 are described further below.

Figure 10B is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the second adaptor 904a. The second adaptor 904a comprises a second tubular section 1012 configured to accommodate the second consumable 302. The second tubular section 1012 defines the described second cavity. The second consumable 302 can be inserted into the second cavity of the second tubular section 1012. The inner diameter of the second tubular section 1012 is slightly greater than the width of the second consumable 302 so that the second consumable 302 can be accommodated therein.

The second tubular section 1012 terminates at a second termination depth 1014, which is the described second distance away from the proximal end 202 of the device 100 when the second adaptor 904a is received in the heating chamber 102, towards the distal second adaptor end 1016 of the second adaptor 904a such that the second consumable 302 protrudes from the proximal end 202 of the device 100 substantially by the given amount (i.e. substantially the same given amount that the first consumable 300 protrudes in the case of the first adaptor 902a). The second distance is greater than the first distance. Accordingly, the second termination depth 1014 is further away from the proximal end 202 when the second adaptor 904a is received in the heating chamber 102 than the first termination depth 1004 when the first adaptor 902a is received in the heating chamber 102. The second stop is provided at the second termination depth 1014. The second tubular section 1012 may not be completely sealed at the second termination depth 1014. In some examples, there may be a second stop in the form of a ledge at the second termination depth 1014 which inhibits the progress of the second consumable 302 further into the second tubular section 1012. For example, the second stop at the second termination depth 1014 may narrow the second tubular section 1012 such that the second consumable 302 is too wide to progress beyond the stop at the second termination depth 1014, and the distal end of the second consumable 302 rests on the second stop at the second termination depth 1014. There may be provided one or more air paths towards the distal second adaptor end 1016 of the second adaptor 904a to enable air to flow towards and reach the distal end of the second consumable 302.

The second adaptor 904a also comprises a second retention element 1018 which is provided towards the proximal second adaptor end 1020 of the second adaptor 904a. The second retention element 1018 is configured to hold in position the second consumable 302. Details of the second retention element 1018 are described further below. In other examples, the first and second retention elements 1008, 1018 may be omitted.

The first and second retention elements 1008, 1018 each comprise two or more resilient members. In this example, the two or more resilient members comprise a two or more arms forming cantilever springs. In the example of Figure 10A, there are shown arms 1008a, and in the example of Figure 10B, there are shown arms 1018a.

The cantilever springs 1008a, 1018a are biased towards an initial arrangement. Each cantilever spring comprises a fixed end which is fixed to a support structure 1008b, 1018b of the respective retention element (which support structure is fixedly attached towards the distal end of the adaptor in question) and a free end which is free to move. The free ends of each cantilever spring comprises a bend. For example, the cantilever springs 1008a of the first retention element 1008 comprise the bends 1008c and the cantilever springs 1018a of the second retention element 1018 comprise the bends 1018c. The bends 1008c define therebetween a first gap into which the first consumable 300 is to be inserted, and the bends 1018c define therebetween a second gap into which the second consumable 302 is to be inserted. In the initial arrangement of the cantilever springs 1008a of the first retention element 1008 the first gap is at its smallest. In the initial arrangement of the cantilever springs 1018a of the second retention element 1018 the second gap is at its smallest. In the respective initial arrangements, substantially no force is being applied on the cantilever springs (e.g. by the insertion of a consumable) to deform them away from their equilibrium position/form.

The size of the first gap in the respective initial arrangement is smaller than the width of at least the first consumable 300. The cantilever springs 1008a of the first retention element 1008 deflect away from the respective initial arrangement to increase the size of the first gap when the first consumable 300 is inserted therein. For example, inserting the first consumable 300 results in a force being applied against the cantilever springs 1008a, causing the size of the first gap to increase as the first consumable 300 pushes the cantilever springs 1008a away from one another. The cantilever springs 1008a each contact the first consumable at the bends 1008c. Because the cantilever springs 1008a are biased towards their initial arrangement, they press the first consumable 300 thereby holding it in place.

The size of the second gap in the respective initial arrangement is smaller than the width of the second consumable 302. The cantilever springs 1018a of the second retention element 1018 deflect away from the respective initial arrangement to increase the size of the second gap when the second consumable 302 is inserted therein. For example, inserting the second consumable 302 results in a force being applied against the cantilever springs 1018a, causing the size of the second gap to increase as the second consumable 302 pushes the cantilever springs 1018a away from one another. The cantilever springs 1018a each contact the second consumable at the bends 1018c. Because the cantilever springs 1018a are biased towards their initial arrangement, they press the second consumable 302 thereby holding it in place.

The first retention element 1008 holds the first consumable 300 in position such that the first consumable 300 is centrally aligned within the heating chamber 102 when the first consumable 300 is inserted into the first adaptor 902a which is received in the heating chamber 102. To achieve this, the cantilever springs 1008a are arranged such that the gap therebetween is centrally aligned with the heating chamber 102 when the first adaptor 902a is received in the heating chamber 102.

Similarly, the second retention element 1018 holds the second consumable 302 in position such that the second consumable 302 is centrally aligned within the heating chamber 102 when the second consumable 302 is inserted into the second adaptor 904a which is received in the heating chamber 102. To achieve this, the cantilever springs 1018a are arranged such that the gap therebetween is centrally aligned with the heating chamber 102 when the second adaptor 904a is received in the heating chamber 102.

It should be noted that the above description is of a specific example of the first and second retention elements. In other versions of Example A of the second concept, different mechanisms may be provided as retention elements so long as those mechanism hold the consumables in position such that they are centrally aligned within the heating chamber 102 when the described adaptors 902a, 904a with the respective consumable therein are received in the heating chamber 102.

The first and second adaptors 902a, 904a may comprise one or more channels, wherein in each of the one or more channels is placed a resilient ring. For example, as seen in Figure 10 A, the first adaptor 902a comprises the first channels 1022. In the first channels 1022 there are placed resilient rings 1024. The resilient rings 1024 may be referred to as O-rings. Figure 10C is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the first adaptor 902a received in the heating chamber 102. In Figure 10C, a part of the heating chamber 102 is shown in outline and some of the resilient rings 1024 are in contact with the inner wall of the heating chamber 102 (the remaining resilient rings 1024 may be in contact with other part of the heating chamber 102 which are not shown, or other internal parts of the housing 114). A seal is formed between the first adaptor 902a and the heating chamber 102 via the resilient rings 1024 corresponding to the first adaptor 902a, when the first adaptor 902a is inserted into the heating chamber 102. The resilient rings 1024 deform when pressed e.g. against the inner wall of the heating chamber 102 forming the seal. Also, for example, as seen in Figure 10B, the second adaptor 904b comprises the second channels 1026. In the second channels 1026 there are placed resilient rings 1028. Similarly to as described above for the first adaptor 902a, a seal is formed between the second adaptor 904a and the heating chamber 102 via the resilient rings 1028 corresponding to the second adaptor 904a, when the second adaptor 904a is inserted into the heating chamber 102. In other examples, the first channels 1022 and resilient rings 1024 and/or the second channels 1026 and resilient rings 1028 may be omitted.

In this example, each of the plurality of adaptors (namely, the first and second adaptors 902a, 904a in Example A) comprises a heating element for heating a respective one of the plurality of consumables. The first adaptor 902a comprises a heating element configured to generate heat to heat the first consumable 300. For example, electrical power may be supplied to the heating element when the first adaptor 902a is received in the heating chamber 102 for heating (when the heating element is a resistive heating element, for example). Similarly, the second adaptor 904a comprises a heating element configured to generate heat to heat the second consumable 302. For example, electrical power may be supplied to the heating element when the second adaptor 904a is received in the heating chamber 102 for heating (when the heating element is a resistive heating element, for example).

In this example, the heating elements are susceptor elements. In this example, the first tubular section 1002 and the second tubular section 1012 comprise a susceptor element spanning the length of the respective tubular section, wherein the susceptor element is configured to generate heat in response to the susceptor element being penetrated by a varying magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator of the device 100. In the example of Figure 10A, the first adaptor 902a comprises a first susceptor element 1030. In the example of Figure 10B, the second adaptor 904a comprises a second susceptor element 1032. The susceptor elements 1030, 1032 may be tubes comprising a susceptor which surround the portions of the respective consumable which contain aerosol-generating material. In the example of Figure 10C, the heating arrangement 104 shown comprises coils which function as inductors, which generate a varying magnetic field in order for the susceptor elements inductively to generate heat.

In some examples, the heating elements may not be susceptor elements. In some examples, no heating elements may be provided as part of the adaptors.

In some examples, the first adaptor 902a and the second adaptor 904a each comprises a tab configured to fit into a slot in the housing 114 of the device 100 such that a part of the tab protrudes outwards from the housing 114 of the device 100 to enable the user to manipulate the respective adaptor. In the example of Figure 10A, the first adaptor 902a comprises a first tab 1034. In the example of Figure 10B, the second adaptor 904a comprises a second tab 1036.

Figure 10D shows a schematic perspective view of the device 100 with the first adaptor 902a received in the heating chamber 102. The first consumable 300 is received in the first adaptor 902a. The first tab 1034 can be seen to protrude from the housing 114 such that it can be manipulated e.g. to facilitate removal of the first adaptor 902a. The second tab 1036 may work in a similar manner.

The first and the second adaptor 902a, 904a enable both the first and second consumables 300, 302, respectively, to be received in the heating chamber 102 for use in a manner that they are centrally aligned within the heating chamber 102 and protrude from the device 100 by the given amount. Figure 10E shows a schematic perspective exploded view of the first adaptor 902a and a schematic perspective view of the first adaptor 902a to illustrate the various components of the particular example shown.

Example B of the Second Concept

Figures 11 A to 11 J show a first adaptor and a second adaptor according to Example B of the second concept. The first adaptor according to Example B of the second concept is labelled with the numeral 902b and the second adaptor according to Example B of the second concept is labelled with the numeral 904b. Each of the first and the second adaptors 902b, 904b comprises an absorbent element comprising an absorbent material. In this example, the absorbent element of each of the first and second adaptors 902b, 904b is an absorbent cylindrical element. In this example, the proximal end of the absorbent cylindrical element forms an oblique angle with respect to the central axis of the absorbent cylindrical element. In other examples, the proximal end of the absorbent cylindrical element may not form an oblique angle with respect to the central axis of the absorbent cylindrical element. Each of the first and the second adaptors 902b, 904b also comprise a base pad positioned towards a distal end of the absorbent cylindrical element. In some examples, the base pads may be omitted.

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

In Figure 11 A, the central axis of the first absorbent cylindrical element 1102 is labelled with numeral 1104. The proximal end 1106 of the first absorbent cylindrical element 1102 is angled with respect to the central axis so that that the angle between the central axis 1104 and the proximal end 1106 is an angle other than 90°. As used herein, the language referring to the angle of the proximal end 1106 is intended to refer to the angle of the top surface of the first absorbent cylindrical element 1102 which is at the proximal end 1106. For example, the acute angle between the proximal end 1106 and the central axis 1104 may be 45°. Figure 1 IB is a schematic perspective view of the proximal end 1106 of the first absorbent cylindrical element 1102 and shows the angle of the proximal end 1106 with respect to the central axis 1104.

The inner diameter of the first absorbent cylindrical element 1102 is such that the first consumable 300 can be inserted therein while at the same time being held in position (e.g. held sufficiently so as not to fall out/move under gravity if the first absorbent cylindrical element 1102 is tipped up-side down with the first consumable 300 received therein). The first consumable 300 is held due to friction between the outer surface of the first consumable and the inner surface of the first absorbent cylindrical element 1102. The first absorbent cylindrical element 1102 is dimensioned and arranged such that when it is received in the heating chamber 102 and the first consumable 300 is received in the first absorbent cylindrical element 1102, the first consumable 300 is substantially centrally aligned within the heating chamber 102. This is achieved by the first absorbent cylindrical element 1102 being arranged such that the opening into which the first consumable 300 is to be inserted is substantially centrally aligned with the heating chamber 102 when the first adaptor 902b is received in the heating chamber 102.

Figure 11C is a schematic perspective expanded view of a side cross section of the first absorbent cylindrical element 1102 showing the distal end 1106 of the first absorbent cylindrical element 1102. The first adaptor 902b comprises a first base pad 1108 towards the distal end 1106 of the first absorbent cylindrical element 1102. The first base pad 1108 functions as the first stop. The first base pad 1108 inhibits the movement of an inserted consumable past the first base pad 1108, and the distal end of the inserted consumable instead rests on the first base pad 1108. In the case of the first adaptor 902a, the first base pad 1108 is dimensioned and positioned such that the first consumable 300 protrudes from the device 100 by a given amount when the first adaptor 902a is received in the heating chamber 102 for use and the first consumable 300 is received in the first adaptor 902b.

Figure 1 ID is a schematic top-down view and a schematic side cross-sectional view of the second adaptor 904b with the second consumable 302 inserted therein. The second adaptor 904b comprises the second cylindrical element 1110. The second cylindrical element 1110 defines the second cavity. The absorbent material of the first absorbent cylindrical element 1102 and/or the second absorbent cylindrical element 1110 may comprise a flame-resistant meta-aramid material (e.g. Nomex ®), cotton, paper, other para-aramids (e.g. Twaron ®), heat resistant and strong synthetic fibres (e.g. Kevlar ®), etc. The proximal end 1112 of the second absorbent cylindrical element 1110 is angled with respect to the central axis 1114 so that 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 absorbent cylindrical element 1110 is such that the second consumable 302 can be inserted therein while at the same time being held in position similarly to how the first consumable 300 is held within the first absorbent cylindrical element 1102 (e.g. held sufficiently so as not to fall out/move under gravity if the second absorbent cylindrical element 1110 is tipped up-side down with the second consumable 302 received therein). The second consumable 302 is held due to friction between the outer surface of the second consumable 302 and the inner surface of the second absorbent cylindrical element 1110.

The second absorbent cylindrical element 1110 is dimensioned and arranged such that when it is received in the heating chamber 102 and the second consumable 302 is received in the second absorbent cylindrical element 1110, the second consumable 302 is substantially centrally aligned within the heating chamber 102. This is achieved by the second absorbent cylindrical element 1110 being arranged such that the opening into which the second consumable 302 is to be inserted is substantially centrally aligned with the heating chamber 102 when the second adaptor 904b is received in the heating chamber 102.

Similarly to the first adaptor 902b, the second adaptor 904b comprises a second base pad 1116 towards the distal end 1118 of the second absorbent cylindrical element 1110. The second base pad 1116 functions as the second stop. The second base pad 1116 inhibits the movement of an inserted consumable past the second base pad 1116, and the distal end of the inserted consumable instead rests on the second base pad 1116. In the case of the second adaptor 904a, the second base pad 1116 is dimensioned and positioned such that the second consumable 302 protrudes from the device 100 by substantially the given amount (i.e. substantially the same amount that the first consumable 300 protrudes in the case of the first adaptor 902b) when the second adaptor 904a is received in the heating chamber 102 for use and the second consumable 302 is received in the second adaptor 904b.

Accordingly, the second adaptor 904b functions in the same manner to the first adaptor 902b, except that it is configured to centrally align the second consumable 302 within the heating chamber 102 such the second consumable 302 protrudes by the given amount.

The first and second base pads 1108, 1116 may comprise a flame-resistant meta-aramid material (e.g. Nomex ®), cotton, paper, other para-aramids (e.g. Twaron ®), heat resistant and strong synthetic fibres (e.g. Kevlar ®), etc. The base pads may be integral to the respective absorbent cylindrical elements or they may be formed as separate components and later assembled.

The above-described angled proximal ends of the absorbent cylindrical elements may advantageously enable easier insertion of respective consumables. Consumables may be inserted into the absorbent cylindrical elements when they are received in the heating chamber or beforehand.

Figure 1 IE is a schematic top-down view and a schematic side cross-sectional view of the first adaptor 902b with the first consumable 300 inserted therein. It can be seen from Figure 1 IE as compared to Figure 1 ID that the first absorbent cylindrical element 1102 has a greater internal diameter than the second absorbent cylindrical element 1110 so as to accommodate the wider first consumable 300, and a larger first base pad 1108 than the second base pad 1116 so that the shorter first consumable 300 protrudes from the device 100 by substantially the same amount that the second consumable 302 does in the case of the second adaptor 904b.

In this example, the described base pads physically occupy respective distal ends entirely but are breathable (allow passage of air). In other examples, the described base pads inhibit further movement of an inserted consumable, but may be hollow, and may have an inner diameter smaller than the width of the consumable which they are intended to inhibit the movement of. This is to allow the passage of air at the distal ends.

Figure 1 IF is a schematic perspective internal view of the device 100 with the first adaptor 902b received in the heating chamber 102. The first and second adaptors 902b, 904b may be inserted into the heating chamber 102 as shown by arrow 1120.

In some examples, the first and second adaptors 902b, 904b each may optionally comprise and outer casing comprising a susceptor (e.g. aluminium). Figure 11G is a schematic perspective view of the first adaptor 902b comprising an optional aluminium outer casing 1122. The second adaptor 904b may comprise a similar outer casing. The respective outer casings may generate heat in the presence of a varying magnetic field provided by the heating arrangement 104 of the device 100 to heat respective consumables.

In some examples, each of the first and second adaptors 902b, 904b may optionally comprise an inner shell which covers the inner surface of the respective absorbent cylindrical element, wherein the inner shell comprises a susceptor. Figure 11H is a schematic perspective view of the proximal end 1106 of the first adaptor 902a comprising an optional inner shell 1124. The inner shell 1124 is effectively a tube arranged inside the first absorbent cylindrical element 1102. In this example, the inner diameter within the first adaptor 902b is such that it holds the first consumable 300 in place in the manner described above.

Figure 111 is a schematic perspective view of a side cross section of the first adaptor 902b comprising an optional inner shell 1124. In this example, the inner shell 1124 comprises smooth/uniform surface. In other examples, the inner shell 1124 may be perforated. Figure 11 J is a schematic perspective expanded view of the proximal end 1106 of the first adaptor 902b. In this example, the inner shell 1124 is perforated. The inner shell may comprise aluminium or another susceptor. The second adaptor 904b may comprise an inner shell similar to that described above for the first adaptor 902b.

Example C of the Second Concept

Figures 12A to 12H show the first adaptor and the second adaptor according to Example C of the second concept. The first adaptor according to Example C of the second concept is labelled with the numeral 902c and the second adaptor according to Example C of the second concept is labelled with the numeral 904c.

Each of the first and the second adaptors 902c, 904c comprises a cylindrical element formed by fluted material. In this example, the fluted material is fluted paper. In other examples, the fluted material may be a material other than paper.

In this example, each of the first and second adaptors 902c, 904c comprises a base pad positioned towards a distal end of the cylindrical element, and an inner shell which covers the inner surface of the cylindrical element, wherein the inner shell comprises a susceptor. In some examples, the base pads may be omitted. In some examples, the inner shells may be omitted.

Figure 12A is a schematic perspective view of the first adaptor 902c. The first adaptor 902c comprises a first cylindrical element 1202 formed of fluted paper. As used herein, the term fluted paper is used to refer to e.g. a continuous sheet of paper which has been folded back and forth to form a corrugated sheet of paper. In other words, a continuous sheet of paper is repeatedly folded in e.g. a tight sinusoid like pattern. A sheet of paper so folded is formed into the first cylindrical element 1202.

In this example, the folds of the fluted paper of the first cylindrical element 1202 form an external diameter slightly greater than the internal diameter of the heating chamber 102. The folds are biased towards this initial arrangement. When the first adaptor 902c is received in the heating chamber 102, the folds deform slightly and press against the inner surface of the heating chamber 102 so that the first adaptor 902c is accommodated therein and held in place.

Figure 12B is a schematic perspective view of a side cross section of the first adaptor 902c. The first adaptor 902c also comprises a first base pad 1204 positioned towards a distal end 1206 of the first cylindrical element 1202. The first adaptor 902c is intended to receive the first consumable 300 for use. The first cylindrical element 1202 defines the described first cavity. In this example, the first base pad 1204 is the described first stop. The first base pad 1204 inhibits the movement of an inserted consumable past the first base pad 1204, and the distal end of the inserted consumable instead rests on the first base pad 1204. In the case of the first adaptor 902c, the first base pad 1204 is dimensioned and positioned such that the first consumable 300 protrudes from the device 100 by a given amount when the first adaptor 902c is received in the heating chamber 102 for use and the first consumable 300 is received in the first adaptor 902c.

The first adaptor 902c also comprises a first inner shell 1208 which 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 dimensioned 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 position e.g. by being glued in position to the first cylindrical element 1202. The first inner shell may comprise aluminium or another susceptor. In other examples, the first inner shell may comprise 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 therein while at the same time being held in position (e.g. held sufficiently so as not to fall out/move under gravity if the first adaptor 902c is tipped up-side down with the first consumable 300 received therein). The first consumable 300 is held due to 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 dimensioned and arranged such that when the first adaptor 902c is received in the heating chamber 102 and the first consumable 300 is received in the first adaptor 902c, the first consumable 300 is substantially centrally aligned within the heating chamber 102. This is achieved by the first adaptor 902c being arranged such that the opening of the inner shell 1208 into which the first consumable 300 is to be inserted is substantially centrally aligned with the heating chamber 102 when the first adaptor 902c is received in the heating chamber 102. In this example, the first cylindrical element 1202 and the first inner shell 1208 define the first cavity.

Figure 12C is schematic perspective expanded view of a side cross section of the distal end 1206 of the first adaptor 902c. In this example, the first inner shell 1208 comprises a substantially smooth/uniform surface. In other examples, the inner shell 1208 may be perforated. Figure 12D is a schematic perspective expanded view of a side cross section of the proximal end 1210 of the first adaptor 902c according to a particular example of the Example C of the second concept. Figure 12E is a schematic perspective expanded view of a side cross section of the proximal end 1210 of the first adaptor 902c according to another particular example of the Example C of the second concept. In the examples shown in Figures 12D and 12E, the inner shell 1208 is perforated. In the example of Figure 12E, the perforations are larger than in the example of Figure 12D.

Accordingly, when the first consumable 300 is received in the first adaptor 902c which is received in the heating chamber 102 for use, the first consumable 300 is substantially centrally aligned within the heating chamber and protrudes from the device 100 by the described given amount.

Figure 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 (as well as the second adaptor 904c described below) can be inserted into the heating chamber 102 as shown by arrow 1212.

Figure 12G is a schematic top-down view and a schematic side cross-sectional view of the second adaptor 904c with the second consumable 302 inserted therein. The second adaptor 904c is intended for use with the second consumable 302. The second adaptor 904c comprises a second cylindrical element 1214 formed of fluted paper. In other examples, the second cylindrical element 1214 may comprise a fluted material other than paper. The folds of the fluted paper deform slightly and press against the inner surface of the heating chamber 102 so that the second adaptor 904c is accommodated therein and held in place in the same manner as described above with respect to the first adaptor 902c.

The second adaptor 904c also comprises a second base pad 1216 positioned towards a distal end 1218 of the second cylindrical element 1214. The second adaptor 904c is intended to receive the second consumable 302 for use. The second cylindrical element 1214 defines the first cavity. In this example, the second base pad 1216 is the described second stop. The second base pad 1216 inhibits the movement of an inserted consumable past the second base pad 1216, and the distal end of the inserted consumable instead rests on the second base pad 1216. In the case of the second adaptor 904c, the second base pad 1216 is dimensioned and positioned such that the second consumable 302 protrudes from the device 100 by the given amount (i.e. substantially the same amount that the first consumable 300 protrudes in the case of the first adaptor 902c) when the second adaptor 904c is received in the heating chamber 102 for use and the second consumable 302 is received in the second adaptor 904c.

The second adaptor 904c also comprises a second inner shell 1218 which 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 dimensioned 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 position e.g. by being glued in position to the second cylindrical element 1214. The second inner shell may comprise aluminium or another susceptor. In other examples, the second inner shell may comprise 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 therein while at the same time being held in position (e.g. held sufficiently so as not to fall out/move under gravity if the second adaptor 902c is tipped up-side down with the second consumable 302 received therein). The second consumable 302 is held due to 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 dimensioned and arranged such that when the second adaptor 904c is received in the heating chamber 102 and the second consumable 302 is received in the second adaptor 904c, the second consumable 302 is substantially centrally aligned within the heating chamber 102. This is achieved by the second adaptor 904c being arranged such that the opening of the second inner shell 1218 into which the second consumable 302 is to be inserted is substantially centrally aligned with the heating chamber 102 when the second adaptor 904c is received in the heating chamber 102. In this example, the second cylindrical element 1214 and the second inner shell 1218 define the first cavity.

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

Accordingly, when the second consumable 302 is received in the second adaptor 904c which is received in the heating chamber 102 for use, the second consumable 302 is substantially centrally aligned within the heating chamber and protrudes from the device 100 by the described given amount.

Figure 12H is a schematic top-down view and a schematic side cross-sectional view of the first adaptor 902c with the first consumable 300 inserted therein. It can be seen from Figures 12G and 12H that the second consumable 302, which is longer, is inserted deeper into the second adaptor 904c due to the dimension and/or position of the second base pad 1216 as compared to the first consumable 300, which is shorter, in the first adaptor 902c. Furthermore, it can be seen that the diameter of the inner shell is different depending upon the width of the respective consumable.

Example D of the Second Concept Figures 13 A to 13D show the first adaptor and the second adaptor according to Example D of the second concept. The first adaptor according to Example D of the second concept is labelled with the numeral 902d and the second adaptor according to Example D of the second concept is labelled with the numeral 904d.

Each of the first and the second adaptors 902d, 904d comprise a sheath for receiving a respective consumable, the sheath comprising plastic or card. In other examples, the sheath may comprise a material other than plastic and a material other than card. The sheath comprises a plurality of slits extending down a part of the length of the respective adaptor from a proximal end of the respective adaptor towards the distal end of the respective adaptor. In other examples, the sheath may not comprise any slits.

Figure 13 A is a schematic perspective view of the first adaptor 902d. In the example of Figure 13A, the first adaptor 902d comprises a first sheath 1302 comprising plastic. In other examples, the first sheath 1302 may comprise card.

The first sheath 1302 comprises a pair of slits 1304. The pair of slits 1304 extend down a part of the length of the first adaptor 902d. The pair of slits 1304 extend from the proximal end 1306 (they initiate at the proximal end 1306) of the first adaptor 902d towards the distal end 1308 of the first adaptor 902d.

The opening into the first sheath 1302 is at its smallest in an initial arrangement when substantially no force is being applied at the proximal end 1306 (e.g. due to insertion of a consumable). The first adaptor 902d is intended to receive the first consumable 300. The size of the opening in the initial arrangement is slightly smaller than the width of the first consumable 300. The opening is biased towards the initial arrangement. When the first consumable 300 is inserted, the size of the opening increases as enabled by the pair of slits 1304. Due to the bias, the opening (and other parts of the first sheath 1302 along the pair of slits 1304) press inwardly into the first consumable 300 thereby holding it in place. The first consumable 300 is held in the first adaptor 902d such that it is centrally aligned with the heating chamber 102 when the first adaptor 902d is received in the heating chamber 102 and the first consumable 300 is received in the first adaptor 902d. This achieved due to the first adaptor 902d being configured and dimensioned such that the opening into the first sheath 1302 is centrally aligned with the heating chamber 102 when the first adaptor 902d is received in the heating chamber 102.

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

Therefore, the first adaptor 902d is configured such that when it is received in the heating chamber 102 and the first consumable 300 is received in the first adaptor 920d, the first consumable 300 is centrally aligned within the heating chamber and protrudes from the device 100 by the given amount.

The proximal end 1306 of the first adaptor 902d may be flared as shown in Figure 13A to enable easy insertion of consumables. Figure 13B is a schematic perspective view of the first adaptor 902d with the first consumable 300 inserted therein.

Figure 13C is a schematic perspective view of the second adaptor 904d. In the example of Figure 13 A, the second adaptor 904d comprises a second sheath 1310 comprising card. In other examples, the second sheath 1310 may comprise plastic. The first and second sheaths 1302, 1310 may comprise the same material or a different material to each other.

The second sheath 1310 comprises a pair of slits 1312. The slits 1312 are arranged the same as described above with respect to the first sheath 1302. The opening into the second sheath 1310 is at its smallest in an initial arrangement when substantially no force is being applied at the proximal end 1314 (e.g. due to insertion of a consumable). The second adaptor 904d is intended to receive the second consumable 302. The size of the opening in the initial arrangement is slightly smaller than the width of the second consumable 302. The opening is biased towards the initial arrangement. When the second consumable 302 is inserted, the size of the opening increases as enabled by the pair of slits 1312. Due to the bias, the opening (and other parts of the second sheath 1310 along the pair of slits 1312) press inwardly into the second consumable 302 thereby holding it in place.

The second consumable 302 is held in the second adaptor 904d such that it is centrally aligned with the heating chamber 102 when the second adaptor 904d is received in the heating chamber 102 and the second consumable 300 is received in the second adaptor 904d. This achieved in the same manner as described above for the first adaptor 902d.

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

Therefore, the second adaptor 904d is configured such that when it is received in the heating chamber 102 and the second consumable 302 is received in the second adaptor 904d, the second consumable 302 is centrally aligned within the heating chamber and protrudes from the device 100 by the given amount. In other words, the second consumable 302 protrudes substantially by the same amount by which the first consumable 300 protrudes from the device 100 in the case of the first adaptor 902d. Figure 13D is a schematic perspective view of the second adaptor 904d with the second consumable 302 inserted therein.

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

Not all the components that may be part of the device 100 are shown in Figure 14. In this concept, the heating chamber 102 is for receiving a consumable comprising aerosol-generating material. In this concept, the device 100 also comprises an adaptor 1402 for being 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 adaptor is not received in the heating chamber and to receive a second consumable having a second size different to the first size when the adaptor is received in the heating chamber.

In this concept, the device 100 comprises an adaptor 1402. The adaptor 1402 is for being removably received in the heating chamber 102. In this concept, the heating chamber 102 is configured to receive the first consumable 300 when the adaptor 1402 is not received in the heating chamber 102, and the adaptor 1402 is configured to adapt the heating chamber 102 to receive the second consumable 302 when the adaptor 1402 is received in the receptacle. The adaptor 1402 comprises a retention element configured to hold in position the second consumable 302. 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 first consumable is centrally aligned within the heating chamber 102. This means that when the first consumable 300 is received in the heating chamber 102, and when the adaptor 1402 is not received in the heating chamber 102 (i.e. when the first consumable 300 is received in the heating chamber 102 as intended for use without involvement of the adaptor 1402), the first consumable 300 is substantially centrally aligned within the heating chamber 102. This is achieved by providing a heating chamber 102 of suitable physical configuration such that the first consumable 300 is substantially centrally aligned when received therein. The heating chamber 102 comprises a first stop 1404 at a first distance away from the proximal end 202 for inhibiting the movement of the first consumable 300 towards the distal end 204 past the first stop. In some examples, the heating chamber 102 terminates at the first distance away from the proximal end 202 such that the first consumable 300 cannot advance further. In these examples, there may be provided airflow structures (passages, holes, etc.) for example where the heating chamber terminates. In other examples, a stop such as a ledge may be provided to inhibit the movement of the first consumable 300 past said ledge. This means that when the first consumable 300 is received in the heating chamber 102, and when the adaptor 1402 is not received in the heating chamber 102, the first consumable 300 protrudes from the proximal end 202 of the device 100 by a given amount.

In order for the second consumable 302 to be used with the device 100, the second consumable 302 is inserted into the adaptor 1402 which is received in the heating chamber 102. The adaptor 1402 may be inserted first followed by the second consumable 302, or vice versa.

The adaptor 1402 comprises an adaptor cavity for receiving the second consumable 302. The adaptor cavity is centrally aligned within the heating chamber 102 when the adaptor 1402 is received in the heating chamber 102. This means that when the adaptor 1402 and the second consumable 302 are received in the heating chamber 102, the second consumable 302 is substantially centrally aligned within the heating chamber. Furthermore, the adaptor 1402 comprises a second stop (not shown) which is a second distance different to the first distance away from the proximal end 202 when the adaptor 1402 is received in the heating chamber 102. The second stop is for inhibiting the movement of the second consumable 302 towards the distal end 204 past the second stop. The second distance is such that the second consumable 302 protrudes from the proximal end 202 of the device 100 substantially by the given amount. In other words, the second consumable 302 protrudes by the same amount that the first consumable 300 when the adaptor 1402 is used alongside the second consumable 302. Figure 15A is a schematic perspective view of a side cross section of an example of the adaptor 1402. In this example, the adaptor 1402 comprises a tube 1502. The tube 1502 is intended to accommodate the second consumable 302.

In this example, the adaptor 1402 also comprises a retention element 1504 which is attached to the proximal end 1506 of the tube 1502. The retention element 1504 is configured to hold in position the second consumable 302.

In this example, the retention element 1504 comprises a plurality of resilient arms 1504a which define a gap of an initial size therebetween in an initial arrangement. The gap of the initial size is smaller than the width of the second consumable 302. The resilient arms 1504a are biased towards the initial arrangement. The initial arrangement is the arrangement which is achieved when substantially no force is applied against the resilient arms 1504a (e.g. by the insertion of a consumable).

When the second consumable 302 is inserted, a force is applied against the resilient arms 1504a causing them the move against their bias to increase the size of the gap. This enables the second consumable 302 to be accommodated. Because of their bias, the resilient arms 1504a press the second consumable 302 to hold it in place. The adaptor 1402 is configured and dimensioned such that the gap is centrally aligned with the heating chamber 102 when the adaptor 1402 is received in the heating chamber 102. This enables the second consumable 302 to be centrally aligned within the heating chamber 102 when it is received in the adaptor 1402 and the adaptor 1402 is received in the heating chamber 102.

Figure 15B is a schematic perspective view of the retention element 1504 and the proximal end 1506 of the tube 1502. The retention element 1504 comprises clips 1505 configured to attach to the proximal end 1506 of the tube 1502. In this example, the retention element 1504 is detachable from the proximal end of the tube 1502. For example, the user attaches the retention element 1504 to the proximal end 1506 of the tube 1502 using the clips 1505. The user detaches the retention element 1504 from the proximal end 1506 of the tube 1502 by releasing (e.g. manually releasing) the clips 1505. In other examples, the retention element 1504 may be integrally formed with the tube 1502. In some examples, the retention element 1504 may be omitted. The retention element 1504 may comprise a material suitable for forming the resilient arms 1504a and the clips 1504b. For example, the retention element 1504 may be moulded from a polymer material.

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

To achieve this, in some examples, the adaptor 1402 may be insertable into the heating chamber 102 to a greater depth than the first consumable 300 (which is wider than the second consumable 302) can be inserted. The greater depth may be such that the longer second consumable 302 protrudes by the same amount. For example, the heating chamber 102 may comprise a physical structure (a stop, or the like) which inhibits the movement of the first consumable 300 past a certain point into the heating chamber 102 but allows the adaptor 1402 to be inserted further than that certain point.

As used herein, the amount by which a given consumable protrudes from the device 100 is the amount (e.g. length) of that given consumable not covered by the housing 114 or any other element such as the described adaptor. Therefore, in some examples, the adaptor 1402 may be inserted to the same depth as the first consumable is inserted, but may protrude from the heating chamber 102 when inserted as intended and cover a part of the second consumable 302 towards its proximal end such that the second consumable 302 protrudes by the given amount.

Figure 15C is a schematic side cross sectional view of the device 100. The adaptor 1402 may be inserted into the heating chamber 102 as shown by arrow 1508. The tube 1502 may comprise a susceptor (e.g. aluminium) and may generate heat for heating aerosol-generating material in the presence of a varying magnetic field generated by the heating arrangement 104, for example. The above examples are to be understood as illustrative examples of the invention. Further examples of the invention are envisaged. It is to be understood that any feature described in relation to any one example may be used alone, or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the examples, or any combination of any other of the examples. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

66 CLAIMS

1. A non-combustible aerosol provision device for generating an aerosol from aerosol-generating material comprised in a consumable, the non-combustible aerosol provision device comprising: a receptacle for receiving a consumable comprising aerosol-generating material; and an adaptor for being received in the receptacle, wherein the adaptor is configured to adapt the receptacle to receive, one at a time, each of a plurality of consumables having different sizes.

2. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to claim 1, wherein the adaptor comprises: a first cylindrical body commencing at a proximal adaptor end of the adaptor and extending towards a distal adaptor end, the proximal adaptor end being the end of the adaptor which is nearest to a user’s mouth when the user inhales, in use, aerosol provided by the non-combustible aerosol provision device while the adaptor is received in the receptacle, and the distal adaptor end being the end of the adaptor which is farthest from the user’s mouth when the user inhales, in use, aerosol provided by the non-combustible aerosol provision device while the adaptor is received in the receptacle, wherein: the first cylindrical body comprises a retention element configured to hold, one at a time, each of the plurality of consumables..

3. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to claim 2, wherein: the retention element comprises two or more resilient protrusions extending from the first cylindrical body into a cavity defined by the first cylindrical body, wherein the resilient protrusions are deformable to accommodate and hold therebetween, one at a time, each of the plurality of consumables.

4. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to claim 3, wherein: 67 the two or more resilient protrusions are provided towards the proximal adaptor end of the adaptor, and wherein the two or more protrusions are circumferentially arranged relative to each other.

5. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to claim 2, wherein: the first cylindrical body comprises a fluted material formed into a cylindrical shape, wherein the fluted material functions as the retention element.

6. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to claim 2, wherein: the retention element comprises a plurality of resilient fingers extending from the first cylindrical body into a cavity defined by the first cylindrical body, and the resilient fingers are deformable to accommodate and hold in position, one at a time, the plurality of consumables.

7. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the adaptor comprises: a first stop positioned towards a distal adaptor end of the adaptor and dimensioned to inhibit movement of a first consumable of the plurality of consumables of a first given size past the first stop in a direction of the distal adaptor end and allow the movement of a second consumable of the plurality of consumables of a second given size past the first stop in the direction of the distal adaptor end, wherein: the proximal adaptor end is the end of the adaptor which is nearest to a user’s mouth when the user inhales, in use, aerosol provided by the non-combustible aerosol provision device while the adaptor is received in the receptacle, and the distal adaptor end is the end of the adaptor which is farthest from the user’s mouth when the user inhales, in use, aerosol provided by the non-combustible aerosol provision device while the adaptor is received in the receptacle.

8. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to claim 7, wherein the adaptor comprises: 68 a second stop positioned closer to the distal adaptor end than the first stop, the second stop being dimensioned to inhibit the movement of the second consumable past the second stop in the direction of the distal adaptor end.

9. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to claim 1, wherein the adaptor comprises: a tube for receiving, one at a time, each of the plurality of consumables, wherein the tube comprises: a first retention structure formed towards a proximal end of the tube for holding in position, one at a time, each of the plurality of consumables; and a second retention structure formed towards a distal end of the tube for holding in position, one at a time, each of the plurality of consumables, wherein: the proximal end of the tube is the end which is nearest to a user’s mouth when the user inhales, in use, aerosol provided by the non-combustible aerosol provision device while the adaptor is received in the receptacle, and the distal end of the tube is the end which is farthest from the user’s mouth when the user inhales, in use, aerosol provided by the non-combustible aerosol provision device while the adaptor is received in the receptacle.

10. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to claim 9, wherein: each of the first and second retention structures comprises: two or more resilient protrusions, wherein the resilient protrusions are deformable to accommodate and hold therebetween, one at a time, the first and the second consumables in position.

11. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to claim 10, wherein: the two or more resilient protrusions extend from the tube into a cavity defined by the tube, and are circumferentially arranged relative to each other.

12. A non-combustible aerosol provision device for heating aerosol-generating material in a consumable to volatilise at least one component of said aerosolgenerating material, the non-combustible aerosol provision device comprising: 69 a receptacle for selectively receiving, one at a time, each of a plurality of adaptors; the plurality of adaptors for being received, one at a time, in the receptacle, wherein each of the plurality of adaptors is configured to adapt the receptacle to receive, one at a time, a respective consumable from a plurality of consumables having different sizes, each of the consumables comprising aerosol-generating material.

13. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to claim 12, wherein: the plurality of adaptors comprises a first adaptor which comprises: a first tubular section configured to accommodate a first consumable of the plurality of consumables, wherein the first tubular section terminates at a first termination depth towards a distal first adaptor end of the first adaptor, wherein the distal first adaptor end of the first adaptor is the end which is farthest from a user’s mouth when the user inhales, in use, aerosol provided by the non-combustible aerosol provision device while the first adaptor is received in the receptacle; and a first retention element provided towards a proximal first adaptor end of the first adaptor configured to hold in position the first consumable having a first width, the proximal first adaptor end being the end of the first adaptor which is nearest to the user’s mouth when the user inhales, in use, aerosol provided by the non-combustible aerosol provision device while the first adaptor is received in the receptacle, and wherein, the plurality of adaptors comprises a second adaptor which comprises: a second tubular section configured to accommodate a second consumable of the plurality of consumables, wherein the second tubular section terminates at a second termination depth toward a distal second adaptor end of the second adaptor, wherein the distal second adaptor end of the second adaptor is the end which is farthest from the user’s mouth when the user inhales, in use, aerosol provided by the non-combustible aerosol provision device while the second adaptor is received in the receptacle; and 70 a second retention element provided towards a proximal second adaptor end of the second adaptor configured to hold in position the second consumable having a second width, the proximal second adaptor end being the end of the second adaptor which is nearest to the user’s mouth when the user inhales, in use, aerosol provided by the non-combustible aerosol provision device which the second adaptor is received in the receptacle.

14. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein: each of the plurality of adaptors comprises one or more channels, wherein in each of the one or more channels is a resilient ring; and a seal is formed between a given one of the adaptors and the receptacle via the one or more resilient rings corresponding to that given one of the adaptors, when that given one of the adaptors is received in the receptacle.

15. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to claim 13 or claim 14 when dependent on claim 13, wherein: the non-combustible aerosol provision device comprises a magnetic field generator; each of the first tubular section and the second tubular section comprises a susceptor element spanning the length of the respective tubular section; and the susceptor element is configured to generate heat in response to the susceptor element being penetrated by a varying magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator.

16. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein: the non-combustible aerosol provision device comprises a housing; the first adaptor and the second adaptor each comprises a tab configured to fit into a slot in the housing such that a part of the tab protrudes outwards from the housing to enable a user to manipulate the respective adaptor. 71

17. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to claim 12, wherein: each of the plurality of adaptors comprises: an absorbent element comprising an absorbent material.

18. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to claim 17, wherein: the absorbent element is an absorbent cylindrical element; and a proximal end of the absorbent cylindrical element forms an oblique angle with respect to a central axis of the absorbent cylindrical element, the proximal end of the absorbent cylindrical element being the end which is nearest to a user’s mouth when the user inhales, in use, aerosol provided by the non-combustible aerosol provision device while the absorbent cylindrical element is received in the receptacle.

19. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to claim 17 or claim 18, wherein: the absorbent element is an absorbent cylindrical element; and each of the adaptors comprises a base pad positioned towards a distal end of the absorbent cylindrical element, the distal end of the absorbent cylindrical element being the end which is farthest from a user’s mouth when the user inhales, in use, aerosol provided by the non-combustible aerosol provision device while the absorbent cylindrical element is received in the receptacle.

20. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein: each of the plurality of adaptors comprises: an outer casing comprising a susceptor.

21. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein: the absorbent element is an absorbent cylindrical element; and each of the plurality of adaptors comprises: an inner shell which covers an inner surface of the absorbent cylindrical element, wherein the inner shell comprises a susceptor.

22. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to claim 12, wherein: each of the plurality of adaptors comprises: a cylindrical element formed by fluted material.

23. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to claim 22, wherein: each of the plurality of adaptors comprises: a base pad positioned towards a distal end of the cylindrical element, the distal end of the cylindrical element being the end which is farthest from a user’s mouth when the user inhales, in use, aerosol provided by the non- combustible aerosol provision device while the cylindrical element is received in the receptacle.

24. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to claim 22 or claim 23, wherein: each of the plurality of adaptors comprises: an inner shell which covers an inner surface of the cylindrical element, wherein the inner shell comprises a susceptor.

25. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to claim 12, wherein: each of the plurality of adaptors comprises: a sheath for receiving a respective consumable of the plurality of consumables, the sheath comprising plastic or card.

26. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to claim 25, wherein: the sheath comprises a plurality of slits extending down a part of the length of the respective adaptor from a proximal end of the respective adaptor towards the distal end of the respective adaptor; the proximal end of the respective adaptor is the end which is nearest to a user’s mouth when the user inhales, in use, aerosol provided by the non-combustible aerosol provision device while the respective adaptor is received in the receptacle; and the distal end of the respective adaptor is the end which is farthest from a user’s mouth when the user inhales, in use, aerosol provided by the non-combustible aerosol provision device while the respective adaptor is received in the receptacle.

27. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according any one of claims 12 to 26, wherein: each of the plurality of adaptors comprises a heating element for heating a respective one of the plurality of consumables.

28. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to any of claims 12 to 27, wherein: the plurality of adaptors comprises a first adaptor for receiving a first consumable of the plurality of consumables and a second adaptor for receiving a second consumable of the plurality of consumables, wherein: the first adaptor comprises a first cavity for receiving the first consumable, wherein the first cavity is centrally aligned within the receptacle when the first adaptor is received in the receptacle; the first adaptor comprises a first stop which is at a first distance away from a proximal end of the non-combustible aerosol provision device when the first adaptor is received in the receptacle, wherein the first stop is for inhibiting the movement of the first consumable towards a distal end of the non-combustible aerosol provision device past the first stop; the second adaptor comprises a second cavity for receiving the second consumable, wherein the second cavity is centrally aligned within the receptacle when the second adaptor is received in the receptacle; the second adaptor comprises a second stop which is at a second distance different to the first distance away from the proximal end of the non-combustible aerosol provision device when the second adaptor is received in the receptacle, wherein the second stop is for inhibiting the movement of the second consumable 74 towards the distal end of the non-combustible aerosol provision device past the second stop; the proximal end of the non-combustible aerosol provision device is the end which is nearest to a user’s mouth when the user inhales, in use, aerosol provided by the non-combustible aerosol provision device; and the distal end of the non-combustible aerosol provision device is the end which is farthest from the user’s mouth when the user inhales, in use, aerosol provided by the non-combustible aerosol provision device.

29. A non-combustible aerosol provision system comprising: the non-combustible aerosol provision device according to claim 28; a first consumable comprising aerosol-generating material, the first consumable having a first consumable length and a first consumable width; and a second consumable comprising aerosol-generating material, the second consumable having a second consumable length different to the first consumable length and a second consumable width different to the first consumable width, wherein: when the first consumable is received in the first adaptor and the first adaptor is received in the receptacle, the first consumable is centrally aligned within the receptacle and the first consumable protrudes from a proximal end of the non- combustible aerosol provision device by a given amount; and when the second consumable is received in the second adaptor and the second adaptor is received in the receptacle, the second consumable is centrally aligned within the receptacle and the second consumable protrudes from the proximal end of the non-combustible aerosol provision device by the given amount.

30. A non-combustible aerosol provision device for generating an aerosol from aerosol-generating material in a consumable, the non-combustible aerosol provision device comprising: a receptacle for receiving a consumable comprising aerosol-generating material; and an adaptor for being removably received in the receptacle, wherein: 75 the receptacle is configured to receive a first consumable having a first size when the adaptor is not received in the receptacle and the adaptor is configured to adapt the receptacle to receive a second consumable having a second size different to the first size when the adaptor is received in the receptacle; and the adaptor comprises a retention element configured to hold in position the second consumable.

31. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to claim 30, wherein the adaptor comprises a tube.

32. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to claim 30 or claim 31, wherein the retention element is attached to a proximal end of the tube, the proximal end of the tube being the end which is nearest to a user’s mouth when the user inhales, in use, aerosol provided by the non-combustible aerosol provision device while the adaptor is received in the receptacle.

33. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein: the receptacle is dimensioned to accommodate the first consumable when the first consumable is centrally aligned within the receptacle; the receptacle comprises a first stop at a first distance away from a proximal end of the non-combustible aerosol provision device for inhibiting the movement of the first consumable towards a distal end of the non-combustible aerosol provision device past the first stop; the adaptor comprises an adaptor cavity for receiving the second consumable, wherein the adaptor cavity is centrally aligned within the receptacle when the adaptor is received in the receptacle; the adaptor comprises a second stop which is at a second distance different to the first distance away from the proximal end of the non-combustible aerosol provision device when the adaptor is received in the receptacle, wherein the second stop is for inhibiting the movement of the second consumable towards the distal end of the non-combustible aerosol provision device past the second stop; and 76 the proximal end of the non-combustible aerosol provision device is the end which is nearest to a user’s mouth when the user inhales, in use, aerosol provided by the non-combustible aerosol provision device.