NON-COMBUSTIBLE AEROSOL PROVISION DEVICE

Abstract

A non-combustible aerosol provision device for generating an aerosol from aerosol-generating material included in a consumable, the non-combustible aerosol provision device having: a receptacle for receiving the consumable; and an adaptor configured to adapt the non-combustible aerosol provision device by varying an effective length of the receptacle such that each of a plurality consumables of different lengths, which are individually receivable in the receptacle, when received in the receptacle for use, protrude from the non-combustible aerosol provision device by substantially equal amounts.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a National Phase entry of PCT Application No. PCT/EP2022/052368, filed Feb. 1, 2022, which claims priority to GB Patent Application No. 2101474.1, filed Feb. 3, 2021, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a non-combustible aerosol provision device for heating aerosol-generating material in a consumable to volatilize at least one component of said aerosol-generating material.

BACKGROUND

Articles such as cigarettes, cigars and the like burn tobacco during use to create tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles, which burn tobacco, by creating products that release compounds without burning. Examples of such products are so-called heat-not-burn 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 the consumable; and an adaptor configured to adapt the non-combustible aerosol provision device by varying an effective length of the receptacle such that each of a plurality consumables of different lengths, which are individually receivable in the receptacle, when received in the receptacle for use, protrude from the non-combustible aerosol provision device by substantially equal amounts.

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

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 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;

FIG. 3A shows a schematic side view of a first consumable comprising aerosol-generating material;

FIG. 3B shows a schematic side view of a second consumable comprising aerosol-generating material;

FIG. 4A shows a first schematic side cross-sectional view of the second non-combustible aerosol provision device according to a first example;

FIG. 4B shows a second schematic side cross-sectional view of the second non-combustible aerosol provision device according to the first example;

FIG. 5A shows a first schematic perspective view of the second non-combustible aerosol provision device according to a second example;

FIG. 5B shows a second schematic perspective view of the second non-combustible aerosol provision device according to the second example;

FIG. 6A shows a first schematic perspective view of a side cross-section of the second non-combustible aerosol provision device according to a third example;

FIG. 6B shows a second schematic perspective view of a side cross-section of the second non-combustible aerosol provision device according to the third example;

FIG. 6C shows a first side cross-sectional view of the second non-combustible aerosol provision device according to the third example;

FIG. 6D shows a third schematic perspective view of a side cross-section of the second non-combustible aerosol provision device according to the third example;

FIG. 6E shows a second schematic side cross-sectional view of the second non-combustible aerosol provision device according to the third example;

FIG. 6F shows a first schematic perspective view of the second non-combustible aerosol provision device according to the third example; and

FIG. 6G shows a second schematic perspective view of the second non-combustible aerosol provision device according to the third example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 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 flavorants. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise an “amorphous solid”, which may alternatively be referred to as a “monolithic solid” (i.e. non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may for example comprise from about 50 wt %, 60 wt % or 70 wt % of amorphous solid, to about 90 wt %, 95 wt % or 100 wt % 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 aerosol-generating material. In some examples, the non-combustible aerosol provision device 100 is for heating the aerosol-generating material comprised in a consumable to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material. In such examples, the aerosol generator functions to provide heat to the aerosol-generating material. In other examples, the aerosol generator is configured to 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 aerosolizable material. The consumable 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 aerosol-generating 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 examples, 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 FIG. 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 FIG. 1).

In the example of FIG. 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 FIG. 1, such as ventilation inlets/outlet, a control interface, a charging port, etc. It should be noted that FIG. 1 is merely a schematic drawing showing a number of components that may be included in the device 100. FIG. 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 long 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.

FIG. 2 is a block schematic side cross-sectional diagram of the device 100, according to an example. In FIG. 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 FIG. 2. The device 100 comprises an adaptor 206 configured to adapt the device 100 by varying an effective length 201 of the heating chamber 102 such that each of a plurality of consumables of different lengths, which are individually receivable in the heating chamber 102, when received in the heating chamber 102 for use, protrude from the device 100 by substantially equal amounts.

As used herein, different lengths do not refer to variations in length of consumables due to manufacturing tolerances. As used herein, different lengths refer to different intended dimensions of the consumables. For example, consumables with different intended lengths for fitting into differently sized receptacles. Consumables of different intended lengths may be referred to as consumables of different types. Consumables of different types may differ only in that their intended lengths are different, or may additionally differ in other aspects such as internal make-up, internal structure, etc.

The effective length 201, as used herein, is the length of the heating chamber 102 plus an amount of length added to the heating chamber 102 by the inclusion of the adaptor 206.

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 other words, the amount by which the given consumable protrudes from the device 100 is the amount (e.g. length) of the given consumable which is exposed outside of the effective length 201. The effective length 201 of the heating chamber therefore defines how much of a consumable protrudes from the device 100 when received in the heating chamber 102.

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. The airflow structures are for controlling the resistance to draw of the consumable and/or controlling the degree of dilution of the aerosol with air, for example. 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 the adaptor 206 as intended.

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, the adaptor 206 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 examples, the adaptor 206 may support the proximal end of a consumable in use to reduce the risk of damage to the consumable in use. FIG. 2 is merely a schematic illustration and should not be considered to specify a particular structure, position, arrangement, etc. with respect to the adaptor 206. FIG. 2 illustrates merely that the device 100 comprises the adaptor 206.

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 the described adaptor (because different length consumable would protrude by different 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 the adaptor 206 as intended.

In the following, various examples of the device 100 with the adaptor 206 are described. The below examples describe more specific features of the adaptor 206.

FIG. 3A shows a first consumable 300 of the plurality of consumables and FIG. 3B shows 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.

In the example of FIGS. 3A and 3B, the first consumable 300 is of a first width and the second consumable 302 is of a second width. In the example of FIGS. 3A and 3B, the first consumable 300 has a larger width than the second consumable 302. 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 Examples 1, 2 and 3 described below, the adaptor 206 is configurable to adopt a first operating configuration or a second operating configuration with respect to the housing 114 of the device 100, and the effective length 201 of the heating chamber 102 in the first operating configuration of the adaptor 206 is less than the effective length of the heating chamber 102 in the second configuration of the adaptor 206. When in the first operating configuration, the adaptor 206 is configured to adapt the effective length 201 of the heating chamber 102 such that the first consumable 300 protrudes from the proximal end 202, when received in the heating chamber 102 for use, by substantially a first amount. When in the second configuration, the adaptor 206 is configured to adapt the effective length 201 of the heating chamber 102 such that the second consumable 302 protrudes from the proximal end 202, when received in the heating chamber 102 for use, by substantially the first amount.

Example 1

FIGS. 4A-B show the described device and adaptor according to Example 1. FIG. 4A is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a particular consumable inserted into the heating chamber 102. FIG. 4B is a schematic side cross-sectional view of another consumable inserted into the heating chamber 102 and an example of the described adaptor. The solid lines at the proximal end 202 represent the boundary of the housing 114 of the device 100. The adaptor of Example 1 is labelled with the reference numeral 206a. In Example 1, the adaptor 206a is a removable adaptor configured to be installed at the proximal end 202.

The adaptor 206a is installed at the proximal end 202 of the device 100. The adaptor 206a is removable from the proximal end 202. For example, the user is able to remove the adaptor 206a by pulling it off of the proximal end 202, for example. In the first operating configuration, the adaptor is not installed at the proximal end 202. In the second operating configuration, the adaptor is installed at the proximal end 202. The effective length 201 of the heating chamber 102 is greater when the adaptor 206a is installed at the proximal end 202 compared to the effective length 201 of the heating chamber 102 when the adaptor 206a is not installed at the proximal end 202. In FIG. 4A, the adaptor 206a has been removed, whereas in FIG. 4B, the adaptor 206a is installed at the proximal end 202. The effective length in FIG. 4A is less than the effective length in FIG. 4B.

When the adaptor 206a is not installed at the proximal end 202 (as shown in FIG. 4A), the first consumable 300 of the first length protrudes from the proximal end, when inserted into the device 100 for use, by substantially a first amount 402. The part of the first consumable 300 which protrudes is the part of the first consumable 300 not covered by the device 100, in the example of FIG. 4A. In this example, the part which protrudes has a length of substantially the first amount 402.

When the adaptor 206a is installed at the proximal end 202 (as shown in FIG. 4B), the second consumable 302 of the second length protrudes from the proximal end 202, when inserted into the device 100 for use, by substantially the first amount 402. In the example of FIG. 4B, the proximal end 202 is defined by the adaptor 206a because the adaptor 206a is the most peripheral part of the device 100 which the user holds closer to their mouth than the distal end 204. The part of the second consumable 302 not covered by the device 100 or the adaptor 206a when the second consumable 302 is inserted for use, is the part which protrudes. The length of the part which protrudes is substantially the first amount 402. Accordingly, when the adaptor 206a is installed at the proximal end 202, the second consumable 302 protrudes by the same amount as the first consumable 300 when the adaptor 206a is not installed.

The adaptor 206a may be a cylindrical element having a side cross section as shown in FIG. 4B. For example, the adaptor 206a may be a cylindrical element having a first portion 404 and a second portion 406, where the first portion 404 has a greater external diameter than the second portion 406 and the internal diameter is the same throughout. The second portion 406 may be dimensioned to be inserted into the opening leading into the heating chamber 102. In this way, the adaptor 206a can be installed in the device 100 by having the second portion 406 inserted into the opening leading to the heating chamber 102.

Among the described plurality of consumables, there may be consumables of different widths. Not all the consumables within the plurality of consumables may have the same width. For example, in the example of FIGS. 3A and 3B, the first consumable 300 has a larger width than the second consumable 302. 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 some examples, the removable adaptor 206a is dimensioned, and positioned relative to the heating chamber 102 when installed at the proximal end 202, such that the adaptor 206a defines a centrally aligned insertion opening into the heating chamber 102. Accordingly, when the adaptor 206s is installed at the proximal end 202 and the second consumable 302 is received in the heating chamber 102, the second consumable 302 is centrally aligned within the heating chamber when inserted into the device 100 for use. In this example, this ensures that the second consumable is centrally aligned despite having a smaller width compared to the first consumable 300.

For example, when the adaptor 206a is a cylindrical element as described above, the adaptor 206a may be arranged so that when it is installed at the proximal end 202, the central axis of the adaptor 206a is substantially coincident with the central axis of the heating chamber 102. In this manner, when the second consumable 302 is inserted into the heating chamber 102 via the adaptor 206a, the second consumable 302 is centrally aligned within the heating chamber 102.

The device 100 of Example 1 has a stopping element 408 within the heating chamber which defines the depth to which the first and the second consumables can be inserted. The stopping element 408 inhibits consumables from being inserted further than a particular point within the heating chamber 102. For example, the stopping element 408 inhibits further movement of the distal end of a consumable at a given distance away from the distal end 204 irrespective of the length and/or width of the consumable in question. In some examples, the stopping element 408 may be configured to inhibit further movement of the distal end of a consumable at different distances away from the distal end 204 depending on the physical dimensions of the consumable in question (e.g. by having a step like structure which allows greater movement of a thinner consumable, etc.). In either case, the adaptor 206a of Example 1 compensates for the extra length of the second consumable 302 as needed, so that it protrudes substantially by the first amount just like the shorter first consumable 300.

In some examples, when the adaptor 206a is installed at the proximal end as shown in FIG. 4B, the adaptor 206a is configured to hold a supplementary heating switch (not shown in FIG. 4A or 4B) in an on state. The supplementary heating switch may be a mechanical switch provided at a part of the housing 114 where the adaptor 206a engages with the housing 114, for example. As described above, the device 100 comprises a heating arrangement 104. In this example, the heating arrangement 104 comprises different heating portions which provide heat substantially to respective portions along the heating chamber 102. For example, the heating arrangement 104 comprises two or more heating portions for providing heat substantially to respective portions of the heating chamber 102. When the adaptor is in the second operating configuration, the adaptor is configured to hold the supplementary heating switch in the on state to activate at least one of the two or more heating portions, which is not activated in the first operating configuration, to provide heat.

In this example, the heating arrangement 104 comprises a first heating portion and a second heating portion. The first heating portion provides heat to a first area of the heating chamber 102 and the second heating portion provides heat to a second area of the heating chamber. The supplementary heating switch being in the on state enables one of the first and second heating portions to be activated. For example, when the supplementary heating switch is in the off state, only the first heating portion can be activated. On the other hand, when the supplementary heating switch is in the on state, both the first and second heating portion can be activated. Accordingly, the supplementary heating switch being in the on state enables a larger area of the heating chamber 102 to be heated.

For example, the second consumable 302 comprises a greater length within which there is present aerosolizable material as compared to the first consumable 300. To maximise the amount of aerosolizable material in the second consumable 302 that is heated, the second heating portion may be activated to increase the length along the chamber being supplied with heat.

In the example of FIG. 4B, the heating arrangement 104 is shown as comprising a first heating portion 410 and a second heating portion 412. In this example, holding the supplementary heating switch in the on state enables the second heating portion 412 to be activated. For example, holding the supplementary heating switch in the on position may make it possible for power to be delivered from the power supply 106 to the second heating portion 412. Activating the second heating portion 412 increases the length along the heating chamber 102 which is supplied with heat. In the case of the second consumable 302 being used, this enables a greater length of the second consumable 302 within which there is aerosolizable material to be directly heated.

In the specific example of FIGS. 4A and 4B, the heating arrangement 102 comprises induction coils for induction heating. A susceptor may be provided as part of the device 100 (e.g. to surround the inserted consumable) and/or as part of consumables intended for use with the device 100. In the example of FIG. 4B, the second heating portion 412 may be a coil which is supplied a varying electrical currently separately to the first heating portion 410. In examples relating to the supplementary heating switch, the coil of the second heating portion 412 can only be supplied with the varying electrical current when the supplementary heating switch is held in the on state.

The supplementary heating switch may be in the form of a pressable button provided e.g. on the housing 114 where the adaptor 206a contacts the housing 114. For example, the adaptor 206a presses the pressable button, when installed at the proximal end 202 in order to hold the supplementary heating switch in the on state. In some examples, the adaptor 206a may comprise an electrically conductive material which completes a circuit in order to hold the supplementary heating switch in the on state. There may be various different mechanism by which the adaptor 206a, when installed at the proximal end 202 as intended, holds the supplementary heating switch in the on state, and the described mechanism are merely some illustrative examples.

The adaptor 206a may have an internal diameter so that it acts as a retention element to contact and hold in position the second consumable 302 due to friction. In some examples, the adaptor 206 may comprise other components which contact and hold the second consumable 302 in position.

Example 2

FIGS. 5A-B show the described device and adaptor according to Example 2. FIG. 5A is a schematic perspective view of the device 100 comprising an adaptor 206b according to Example 2.

More specifically, in Example 2, the adaptor 206b is pivotably attached to the proximal end 202. In this example, the proximal end 202 is defined by the adaptor 206b because the adaptor 206b is the most peripheral part of the device 100 which the user holds closer to their mouth than the distal end 204 (see FIGS. 5A and 5B). The adaptor 206b transitions between the first operating configuration and the second operating configuration by pivoting relative to the housing 114 of the device 100.

More specifically, the adaptor 206b comprises a first opening 502 and a second opening 504. When in the first operating configuration, the first opening 502 is aligned with the heating chamber 102. In the example of FIG. 5A, the adaptor 206b is configured in the first operating configuration with respect to the housing 114 because the first opening 502 is aligned with the heating chamber 102, as shown. When in the second configuration, the second opening 504 is aligned with the heating chamber 102 of the device 100.

As used herein, an opening being aligned with the heating chamber 102 means that a consumable of a suitable size can be inserted into the chamber 102 through that opening. For example, the first opening 502 is aligned with the heating chamber 102 when the central axis of the first opening 502 is substantially coincident with the central (i.e. longitudinal) axis of the heating chamber 102. Similarly, for example, the second opening 504 is aligned with the heating chamber 102 when the central axis of the second opening 504 is substantially coincident with the central (i.e. longitudinal axis) of the heating chamber 102.

In Example 2, the second opening 504 is formed to commence at a greater distance from the heating chamber 102 towards the proximal end 202, when aligned with the heating chamber 102, than the first opening 502. The distance from the heating chamber 102 at which either opening commences is the distance between where the opening in question start and the heating chamber 102 when the opening in question is aligned with the heating chamber 102. As shown in FIG. 5A the second opening 504 is formed in a raised region 506 of the proximal face of the adaptor 206b. On the other hand, the first opening 502 is not formed in a region of the proximal face of the adaptor 206b which is raised. In this way, the second opening 504 commences at a greater distance from the heating chamber 102 when aligned with the heating chamber 102 as compared to the first opening 502.

As described, the adaptor 206b transitions between the first operating configuration and the second operating configuration by pivoting relative to the housing 114. For example, a user of the device 100 twists the adaptor 206b as shown by arrows 508 (and/or in the opposite direction to that shown by the arrows 508) in order to change between operating configurations.

The adaptor 206b may be pivotably attached to the housing 114 by means of, for example, a rod or cylindrical element that extends out of the adaptor 206b and is configured to be inserted into an opening in the housing 114 so as to be pivotable with respect to the housing 114. Various mechanisms may be envisaged to pivotably attach the adaptor 206b to the housing 114.

In order to make the first and second configurations easy to achieve and/or to hold the adaptor 206b in place in the chosen configuration, there may be provided a securing mechanism. For example, there may be a clip on the adaptor 206b which clips into two different positions on the housing 114 corresponding to the two operating configurations. Various mechanisms may be envisaged to secure the adaptor 206b to the housing 114 in the desired operating configuration.

As discussed above, FIG. 3A 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.

FIG. 5B is another schematic perspective view of the device 100 comprising an adaptor 206b according to Example 2 in the first operation configuration.

The described arrangement enables that when the first consumable 300 is inserted into the heating chamber 102 in the first operating configuration, the first consumable 300 protrudes from the proximal end 202 by the same amount (i.e. the first amount) as does the second consumable 302 when the device 100 and adaptor 206b are in the second operating configuration. Because in the second operating configuration, there is the raised region 506 where the second opening 504 for the second consumable 302 is, more of the second consumable 302 is covered (i.e. does not protrude). The raised region 506 compensates for the greater length of the second consumable 302 so that it protrudes by the same first amount that the first consumable 300 does in the first configuration.

The device 100 of Example 2 may have a stopping element within the heating chamber which defines the depth to which the first and the second consumables can be inserted. In some examples, the stopping element may inhibit consumables from being inserted further than a particular point within the heating chamber 102. For example, the stopping element may inhibit further movement of the distal end of a consumable at a given distance away from the distal end 204 irrespective of the length and/or width of the consumable in question. In some examples, the stopping element may be configured to inhibit further movement of the distal end of a consumable at different distances away from the distal end 204 depending on the physical dimensions of the consumable in question (e.g. by having a step like structure which allows greater movement of a thinner consumable, etc.). In either case, the adaptor 206b of Example 2 compensates for the extra length of the second consumable 302 as needed, so that it protrudes substantially by the first amount just like the shorter first consumable 300.

The first opening 502 and the second opening 504 may each have an internal diameter such that respective consumables are contacted by the inner portion of the openings and held in position due to friction.

Among the described plurality of consumables, there may be consumables of different widths. Not all the consumables within the plurality of consumables may have the same width.

The first opening 502 is positioned in the first operating configuration such that the first opening 502 is centrally aligned with the heating chamber 102. This means that in the first operating configuration, the consumable 300 is centrally aligned within the heating chamber 102 when inserted into the device 100 for use. The second opening 504 is positioned in the second operating configuration such that the second opening 504 is aligned with the heating chamber 102. This means that in the second operating configuration, the second consumable 302 is centrally aligned within the heating chamber 102 when inserted into the device 100 for use. The first opening 502 has a first inner diameter and the second opening 504 has a second inner diameter different to the first inner diameter.

For example, the first opening has an inner diameter to hold the first consumable 300 in position and the second opening 504 has an inner diameter to hold the second consumable 302 in position. In some examples, there may be other forms of retention apparatus which may be provided towards the proximal end 202 in order to hold in position consumables, one at a time. For example, there may be provided a retention apparatus towards the proximal end 202 within the heating chamber 102. The retention apparatus may be configured to hold in position at least the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302.

In some examples, when the adaptor 206b is configured with the device 100 such that the second consumable 302 of the second length protrudes from the proximal end 202, when inserted into the device 100 for use, by substantially the first amount, the adaptor 206b is configured to hold a supplementary heating switch (not shown in FIG. 5A or 5B) in an on state. In other words, the supplementary heating switch may be held in the on state when the adaptor 206b is in the second operating configuration. As described above, the device 100 comprises a heating arrangement 104. The heating arrangement 104 may comprise different heating portions which provide heat substantially to respective portions along the heating chamber 102. For example, the heating arrangement 104 comprises two or more heating portions for providing heat substantially to respective portions of the heating chamber 102. When the adaptor is in the second operating configuration, the adaptor is configured to hold the supplementary heating switch in the on state to activate at least one of the two or more heating portions, which is not activated in the first operating configuration, to provide heat. The supplementary heating switch being in the on state may enable a particular heating portion to be activated.

In this example, the second consumable 302 comprises a greater length within which there is present aerosolizable material as compared to the first consumable 300. To maximise the amount of aerosolizable material in the second consumable 302 that is heated, a heating portion may be activated to increase the length along the chamber being supplied with heat.

For example, there may be provided an extra heating portion towards the proximal end 202 which is positioned to heat the extra length containing aerosolizable material in the second consumable 302 as compared to the first consumable 300. Holding the supplementary switch in the on state enables the extra heating portion to be activated. For example, holding the supplementary heating switch in the on position may make it possible for power to be delivered from the power supply 106 to the extra heating portion. In such examples, activating the extra heating portion increases the length along the heating chamber 102 which is supplied with heat. In the case of the second consumable 302 being used, this enables a greater length of the second consumable 302 within which there is aerosolizable material to be directly heated.

Example 3

FIGS. 6A-G show the device and adaptor according to Example 3. FIG. 6A is a schematic perspective view of the device 100 comprising an adaptor 206c according to Example 3.

More specifically, in Example 3, the adaptor 206c is slidably attached to the proximal end 202. The adaptor 206c is slidably attached to the housing 114 at the proximal end 202. The adaptor 206c is configured to transition between the first operating configuration and the second operating configuration by sliding relative to the housing 114 of the device 100. The adaptor 206c comprises an insertion opening 602 which is aligned with the heating chamber 102. The insertion opening 602 is positioned closer to the heating chamber 102 in the first configuration than in the second configuration.

In FIG. 6A, the adaptor 206c is in the second operating configuration. In this example, the adaptor 206c comprises a shell 604, and an inner surface 606 of the shell 604 slides along a coverable surface 608 of the housing 114 (which coverable surface 608 is the surface of the housing 114 extending lengthwise along the housing 114 in a region towards the proximal end 202). In this way, the shell 604 slides towards and away from the distal end 204 (e.g. up and down with respect to the orientation of FIG. 6B) along the coverable surface 608 in order to transition between the first and the second operating configurations. To transition to the second configuration, the adaptor 206c is slid away from the housing 114 (towards the proximal end of the coverable surface 608), and to transition to the first configuration, the adaptor 206c is slid towards the housing 114 (towards the distal portion of the coverable surface 608).

In some examples, the shell 604 may be dimensioned such that it is in close physical contact with the coverable surface 608 such that there is sufficient friction between inner surface 606 and the coverable surface 608 to hold the shell 604 in place (e.g. prevent it from sliding downwards due to gravity) without there being applied an external force by the user attempting to transition between the first and second configurations. In some examples, there may be provided bearings and the like in between the shell 604 and the coverable surface 608 to facilitate the shell 604 sliding between the first and second configurations. In some examples, there may be provided certain structures which inhibit the shell 604 from being detached from the housing 114. For example, there may be a first structure (e.g. an outward extending lip) towards the proximal end of the coverable surface 608 which engages with a second structure (e.g. an inward extending lip) formed towards the distal end of the shell 604 to inhibit detachment.

In use, the user manipulates the adaptor 206c to transition between the first operating configuration and the second operating configuration.

Among the described plurality of consumables, there may be consumables of different widths. Not all the consumables within the plurality of consumables may have the same width.

As discussed above, FIG. 3A shows an example of the first consumable 300 of the plurality of consumables and an example of the 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.

The adaptor 206c comprises a first retention element 610 and a second retention element 612. The first retention element 610 comprises a first resilient opening of a first initial size. The second retention element 612 comprises a second resilient opening of a second initial size smaller than the first initial size. In other words, the first resilient opening is larger than the second resilient opening. The resilient openings are intended to accommodate and hold in position the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302.

In the example of FIG. 6A, the adaptor 206c comprises a column element 614 which extends from the proximal end of the adaptor 206c in the direction of the distal end 204.

The column element 614 is hollow. The first retention element 610 and the second retention element 612 are arranged inside the hollow column element 614. The column element 614 is aligned with the insertion opening 602 and is therefore also aligned with the heating chamber 102. The column element 614 serves as an entry channel into the heating chamber 102.

In the example of FIG. 6A, the column element 614 extends partly into the opening 616 leading to the heating chamber 102 when the adaptor 206c is in the second configuration. When the adaptor 206c is slid down along the coverable surface 608, the column element 614 inserts further into the opening 616 leading to the heating chamber 102.

In the example of FIG. 6A, both the first retention element 610 and the second retention element 612 are aligned with the heating chamber 102 so that when a consumable is inserted into the heating chamber 102 (by being inserted into the insertion opening 602 of the adaptor 206c and then into the opening 616 leading into the heating chamber 102) it also passes through the first resilient opening of the first retention element 610 and the second resilient opening of the second retention element 612.

As described above, the first resilient opening is larger than the second resilient opening in this example. The first resilient opening is primarily intended to accommodate and hold in position the first consumable 300. The first size of the first resilient opening is smaller than the width of the first consumable 300. The first resilient opening is biased towards the first size. When the first consumable 300 is inserted, the size of the first resilient opening increases to accommodate the first consumable 300. However, due to its bias, the first resilient opening presses in towards the first consumable 300 to hold it in position.

Similarly, the second resilient opening is primarily intended to accommodate and hold in position the second consumable 302. The second size of the second resilient opening is smaller than the width of the second consumable 302. The second resilient opening is biased to return to the second size. When the second consumable 302 is inserted, the size of the second resilient opening increases to accommodate the second consumable 302. However, due to its bias, the second resilient opening presses in towards the second consumable 302 to hold it in position.

For example, the resilient opening may be defined by respective resilient arms between which is formed the gap corresponding to the respective resilient opening. The resilient arms may deflect away from the position towards which they are biased to accommodate and hold consumables of the respective width in position. In the example of FIG. 6A, the first retention element 610 and the second retention element 612 are both aligned with the heating chamber 102. Therefore, a consumable received in the heating chamber 102 passes through both the first retention element 610 and the second retention element 612.

The first resilient opening is configured to allow the size of the first resilient opening to become greater than the first initial size against a bias of the first resilient opening, and the second resilient opening is configured to allow the size of the second resilient opening to become greater than the first initial size against a bias of the second resilient opening. At least the second resilient opening is configured to allow the size of the second resilient opening to become greater than the second initial size against the bias of the second resilient opening.

When the first consumable 300 is inserted into the insertion opening 602, the size of the first resilient opening and the second resilient opening becomes greater than the first size (which is the initial size of the first resilient opening and less than the width of the first consumable 300) such that the first consumable 300 is accommodated and held in position by both the first retention element 610 and the second retention element 612.

FIG. 6B is a schematic perspective view of a side cross section of the device 100 according to Example 3 with the first consumable 300 inserted therein and an expanded view of the first consumable 300 being held by the first retention element 610 and the second retention element 612. FIG. 6C is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the device 100 according to Example 3 with the first consumable 300 inserted therein. In the example of FIGS. 6B and 6C, the adaptor 206c is in the first configuration with the device 100.

It can be seen from the downward pointing (with respect to the orientation of the schematic) arrow that the adaptor 206c is slid downwards (in the direction of the distal end 204) to place it in the first operating configuration. The device 100 of Example 3 may have a stopping element 618 within the heating chamber which defines the depth to which the first and the second consumables can be inserted. In some examples, the stopping element 618 may inhibit consumables from being inserted further than a particular point within the heating chamber 102. For example, the stopping element 618 may inhibit further movement of the distal end of a consumable at a given distance away from the distal end 204 irrespective of the length and/or width of the consumable in question. In some examples, the stopping element 618 may be configured to inhibit further movement of the distal end of a consumable at different distances away from the distal end 204 depending on the physical dimensions of the consumable in question (e.g. by having a step like structure which allows greater movement of a thinner consumable, etc.). In either case, the adaptor 206c of Example 3 compensates for the extra length of the second consumable 302 as needed, so that it protrudes substantially by the first amount just like the shorter first consumable 300. The following discussion is in the context of the stopping element 618 inhibiting further movement of the distal end of a consumable at a given distance away from the distal end 204 irrespective of the length and/or width of the consumable in question.

When in the first configuration, the first consumable 300 is inserted into the heating chamber 102 to a depth as defined by the consumable stopping element 618. The position of the adaptor 206c relative to the housing 114 defines how much of a given consumable protrudes from the proximal end 202. In the example of FIGS. 6B and 6C, the distal end of the first consumable 300 rests against the consumable stopping element 618 and the adaptor 206c is in the first configuration such that the first consumable 300 protrudes from the proximal end 202 by substantially the first amount 620.

When the second consumable 302 is inserted into the insertion opening 602, the size of at least the second resilient opening is increased such that the second consumable 302 is accommodated and held in position by at least the second retention element 612. In some examples, the width of the second consumable 302 may be less than the first size of the first resilient opening. In this case, the second consumable 302, although it passes through both the first retention element 610 and the second retention element 612, is held in position only by the second retention element 612. This is because, in such an example, the second consumable is wide enough only the force an increase in the size of the second resilient opening and be held due to the bias of the second resilient opening.

In some examples, the width of the second consumable 302 may be greater than both the first size and the second size. In such a case, the second consumable 302 forces an increase in the size of both the first resilient opening and the second resilient opening and is held by both the first retention element 610 and the second retention element 612.

Both the first retention element 610 and the second retention element 612 are centrally aligned with the heating chamber 102. Therefore, irrespective of their width, the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302 can be held such that they are centrally aligned within the heating chamber when inserted into the device 100 for use.

FIG. 6D is a schematic perspective view of a side cross section of the device 100 according to Example 3 with the second consumable 302 inserted therein and an expanded view of the second consumable 302 being held by at least the second retention element 612. FIG. 6E is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the device 100 according to Example 3 with the second consumable 302 inserted therein. In the example of FIGS. 6D and 6E, the adaptor 206c is in the second configuration with the device 100. In the example of FIGS. 6D and 6E, the adaptor 206c is in the second configuration with the device 100.

When in the second configuration, the second consumable 302 is inserted into the heating chamber 102 to a depth as defined by the stopping element 618. The position of the adaptor 206c relative to the housing 114 defines how much of a given consumable protrudes from the proximal end 202. In the example of FIGS. 6D and 6E, the distal end of the second consumable 302 rests against the stopping element 618 and the adaptor 206c is in the second configuration such that the second consumable 302 protrudes from the proximal end 202 by substantially the first amount 620.

FIG. 6F is a schematic perspective view of the device 100 with the adaptor 206c. The arrows in FIG. 6F indicate how the adaptor 206c slides along the coverable surface 608 to transition between the first and second operating configurations.

Referring again to FIG. 6A, the stopping element 618 may comprise a guiding structure 622. The guiding structure 622 may be arranged to position the distal end of the inserted consumable so that the consumable is substantially centrally aligned through out the length of the heating chamber 102. For example, the guiding structure 622 may comprise a tapered region with the taper having a smaller cross section towards the distal end 204 so as to guide the distal end of the narrower second consumable 302 to be centrally aligned within the heating chamber 102.

In the example of FIG. 6A, the device 100 also comprises a bottom cover 624 provided towards the distal end 204. The bottom cover 624 may be used to remove the stopping element 618 to enable cleaning of the heating chamber 102 as shown in the schematic perspective view shown in FIG. 6G.

In some examples, when the adaptor 206c is configured with the device 100 such that the second consumable of the second length protrudes from the proximal end 202, when inserted into the device 100 for use, by substantially the first amount 620, the adaptor 206c is configured to hold a supplementary heating switch (not shown in FIGS. 6A-6G) in the on state. As described above, the device 100 comprises a heating arrangement 104. The heating arrangement 104 may comprise different heating portions which provide heat substantially to respective portions along the heating chamber 102. For example, the heating arrangement 104 comprises two or more heating portions for providing heat substantially to respective portions of the heating chamber 102. When the adaptor is in the second operating configuration, the adaptor is configured to hold the supplementary heating switch in the on state to activate at least one of the two or more heating portions, which is not activated in the first operating configuration, to provide heat. The supplementary heating switch being in the on state may enable a particular heating portion to be activated.

For example, the second consumable 302 may comprise a greater length within which there is present aerosolizable material as compared to the first consumable 300. To maximise the amount of aerosolizable material in the second consumable 302 that is heated, a heating portion may be activated to increase the length along the chamber being supplied with heat.

In the example of FIGS. 6C and 6E, a first heating portion 626 and a second heating portion 628 is shown. In this example, holding the supplementary heating switch in the on state enables the second heating portion 628 to be activated. For example, holding the supplementary heating switch in the on position may make it possible for power to be delivered from the power supply 106 to the second heating portion 628. Activating the second heating portion increases the length along the heating chamber 102 which is supplied with heat. In the case of the second consumable 302 being used, this enables a greater length of the second consumable 302 within which there is aerosolizable material to be directly heated.

In the example of FIG. 6C, the adaptor 206c is in the first configuration, the supplementary heating switch is not held in the on state, and only the first heating portion 626 is activated. On the other hand, in the example of FIG. 6E, the adaptor 206c is in the second configuration, the supplementary heating switch is held in the on state, and both the first heating portion 626 and the second heating portion 628 are activated to generate heat.

In the specific example of FIGS. 6A-6G, the heating arrangement 104 comprises induction coils for induction heating. The susceptor may be provided as part of the device 100 (e.g. to surround the inserted consumable) and/or as part of consumables intended for use with the device 100. In the present examples, the second heating portion 628 may be a coil which is supplied a varying electrical currently separately to the first heating portion 626. In examples relating to the supplementary heating switch, the coil of the second heating portion 628 can only be supplied with the varying electrical current when the supplementary heating switch is held in the on state.

The supplementary heating switch may be in the form of a pressable button provided e.g. on the housing 114. For example, the adaptor 206c may press the pressable button, when in the second operating configuration in order to hold the supplementary heating switch in the on state. In some examples, the adaptor 206c may comprise an electrically conductive material which completes a circuit in order to hold the supplementary heating switch in the on state when in the second operating configuration. There may be various different mechanism by which the adaptor 206c, when in the second configuration, holds the supplementary heating switch in the on state, and the described mechanism are merely some illustrative examples.

The device 100 comprising the adaptor 206c of Example 3 may be provided together with a first consumable comprising aerosol-generating material of a first width; and a second consumable comprising aerosol-generating material of a second width, the second width being less than the first width, as a non-combustible aerosol provision system. In these examples, when the first consumable is inserted into the insertion opening, the size of the first resilient opening and the size of the second resilient opening becomes greater than the first initial size such that the first consumable is accommodated and held in position by both the first retention element and the second retention element; and when the second consumable is inserted into the insertion opening, the size of at least the second resilient opening becomes greater than the second initial size such that the second consumable is accommodated and held in position by at least the second retention element.

The device 100 comprising the adaptor according to any of Examples 1 to 3 together with a first consumable comprising aerosol-generating material of a first length, and a second consumable comprising aerosol-generating material of a second length, the second length being greater than the first length, as a non-combustible aerosol provision system.

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

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 the consumable; and

an adaptor configured to adapt the non-combustible aerosol provision device by varying an effective length of the receptacle such that each of a plurality consumables of different lengths, which are individually receivable in the receptacle, when received in the receptacle for use, protrude from the non-combustible aerosol provision device by substantially equal amounts.

2. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to claim 1, wherein:

the non-combustible aerosol provision device comprises a housing;

the adaptor is configurable to adopt a first operating configuration or a second operating configuration with respect to the housing of the non-combustible aerosol provision device; and

the effective length of the receptacle in the first configuration of the adaptor is less than the effective length of the receptacle in the second configuration of the adaptor.

3. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to claim 2, wherein:

the adaptor is pivotably attached to a proximal end of the non-combustible aerosol provision device, the proximal end being the end of the non-combustible aerosol generating device which is nearest to the user's mouth when the user inhales, in use, aerosol provided by the non-combustible aerosol provision device; and

the adaptor transitions between the first operating configuration and the second operating configuration by pivoting relative to the housing of the non-combustible aerosol provision device.

4. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to claim 3, wherein:

the adaptor comprises a first opening and a second opening;

when in the first operating configuration, the first opening is aligned with the receptacle;

when in the second operating configuration, the second opening is aligned with the receptacle; and

the second opening is formed to commence at a greater distance from the receptacle towards the proximal end, when aligned with the receptacle, than the first opening.

5. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to claim 4, wherein:

the first opening is positioned in the first configuration such that the first opening is centrally aligned with the receptacle;

the second opening is positioned in the second configuration such that the second opening is centrally aligned with the receptacle; and

the first opening has a first inner diameter and the second opening has a second inner diameter different to the first inner diameter.

6. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to claim 2, wherein:

the adaptor is slidably attached to a proximal end of the non-combustible aerosol provision device, the proximal end being the end of the non-combustible aerosol generating device which is nearest to the user's mouth when the user inhales, in use, aerosol provided by the non-combustible aerosol provision device; and

the adaptor is configured to transition between the first operating configuration and the second operating configuration by sliding relative to the housing of the non-combustible aerosol provision device.

7. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to claim 6, wherein:

the adaptor comprises an insertion opening which is aligned with the receptacle;

the insertion opening is positioned closer to the receptacle in the first operating configuration than in the second operating configuration.

8. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to claim 7, wherein:

the adaptor comprises a first retention element and a second retention element;

the first retention element comprises a first resilient opening of a first initial size;

the second retention element comprises a second resilient opening of a second initial size smaller than the first initial size;

the first resilient opening is configured to allow the size of the first resilient opening to become greater than the first initial size against a bias of the first resilient opening, and the second resilient opening is configured to allow the size of the second resilient opening to become greater than the first initial size against a bias of the second resilient opening; and

at least the second resilient opening is configured to allow the size of the second resilient opening to become greater than the second initial size against the bias of the second resilient opening.

9. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to claim 2, wherein:

the adaptor is configured to be installed at a proximal end of the non-combustible aerosol provision device, wherein the adaptor is removable from the proximal end of the device, the proximal end being the end of the non-combustible aerosol generating device which is nearest to the user's mouth when the user inhales, in use, aerosol provided by the non-combustible aerosol provision device;

in the first operating configuration, the adaptor is not installed at the proximal end; and

in the second operating configuration, the adaptor is installed at the proximal end.

10. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to claim 9, wherein:

the adaptor is dimensioned, and positioned relative to the receptacle when installed at the proximal end, such that the adaptor defines a centrally aligned insertion opening into the receptacle.

11. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to claim 2, wherein:

the non-combustible aerosol provision device comprises a heating arrangement for heating the aerosol-generating material in a consumable received in the receptacle, wherein the heating arrangement comprises two or more heating portions for providing heat substantially to respective portions of the receptacle;

when the adaptor is in the second operating configuration, the adaptor is configured to hold a supplementary heating switch in an on state to activate at least one of the two or more heating portions, which is not activated in the first operating configuration, to provide heat.

12. A non-combustible aerosol provision system comprising: wherein:

the non-combustible aerosol provision device according to claim 8;

a first consumable comprising aerosol-generating material, the first consumable having a first width; and

a second consumable comprising aerosol-generating material, the second consumable having a second width, the second width being less than the first width,

when the first consumable is inserted into the insertion opening, the size of the first resilient opening and the size of the second resilient opening becomes greater than the first initial size such that the first consumable is accommodated and held in position by both the first retention element and the second retention element; and

when the second consumable is inserted into the insertion opening, the size of at least the second resilient opening becomes greater than the second initial size such that the second consumable is accommodated and held in position by at least the second retention element.

13. A non-combustible aerosol provision system comprising:

the non-combustible aerosol provision device according to claim 1;

a first consumable comprising aerosol-generating material, the first consumable having a first length; and

a second consumable comprising aerosol-generating material, the second consumable having a second length, the second length being greater than the first length.