NON-COMBUSTIBLE AEROSOL PROVISION DEVICE

A non-combustible aerosol provision device for generating an aerosol from aerosol-generating material in a consumable is disclosed. The non-combustible aerosol provision device includes a retention apparatus configured to hold in position, one at a time, each of the plurality of consumables comprising aerosol-generating material of different sizes.

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Description
PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application is a National Phase entry of PCT Application No. PCT/EP2022/052404, filed Feb. 2, 2022, which claims priority from GB Application No. 2101465.9, filed Feb. 3, 2021, each of which is hereby fully incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a non-combustible aerosol provision device for volatilizing at least one component of aerosol-generating material in a consumable to generate a flow of aerosol for inhalation by a user.

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 disclosure, 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 retention apparatus configured to hold in position, one at a time, each of a plurality of consumables comprising aerosol-generating material of different sizes.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a non-combustible aerosol provision system comprising the non-combustible aerosol provision device according to the first aspect, wherein the retention apparatus comprises a region adapted to receive each of a first retention member and a second different retention member, wherein a user can select which one of the first retention member and a second retention member is received in the region at any given time wherein, when the first retention member is installed in the region the first retention member is configured to hold a consumable of a first given size in position for use in the non-combustible aerosol provision device, and when the second retention member is installed in the region the second retention member is configured to hold a consumable of a second given size in position for use in the non-combustible aerosol provision device, and wherein the system comprises the first retention member and the second retention member.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a non-combustible aerosol provision system comprising the non-combustible aerosol provision device according to the first aspect, and one or more consumables comprising aerosol-generating material.

Further features and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent from the following description of various embodiments of the disclosure, given by way of example only, which is made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a block schematic diagram of a non-combustible aerosol provision device for generating aerosol from 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 schematic perspective view of a retention apparatus according to a first example.

FIG. 4B shows a schematic side view of the retention apparatus according to the first example.

FIG. 4C shows a second schematic perspective view of the retention apparatus according to the first example.

FIG. 4D shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of the retention apparatus according to the first example.

FIG. 4E shows a third schematic perspective view of the retention apparatus according to the first example.

FIG. 4F shows a second schematic side cross-sectional view of the retention apparatus according to the first example.

FIG. 5A shows a schematic perspective view of a retention apparatus according to a second example.

FIG. 5B shows an expanded cross-sectional view of the retention apparatus according to the second example.

FIG. 5C shows a second schematic perspective view of the retention apparatus according to the second example.

FIG. 5D shows a side cross sectional view of the retention apparatus according to the second example.

FIG. 5E shows a third schematic perspective view of the retention apparatus according to the second example.

FIG. 5F shows a second side cross sectional view of the retention apparatus according to the second example.

FIG. 6A shows a schematic perspective view of a side cross section of a retention apparatus according to a third example.

FIG. 6B shows a second schematic perspective view of a side cross section of the retention apparatus according to the third example.

FIG. 6C shows a schematic perspective view of a third non-combustible aerosol provision device for generating aerosol from aerosol-generating material comprised in a consumable.

FIG. 6D shows a second schematic perspective view of the third non-combustible aerosol provision device for generating aerosol from aerosol-generating material comprised in a consumable.

FIG. 7A shows a schematic sketch of a retention apparatus according to a fourth example.

FIG. 7B shows a second schematic sketch of the retention apparatus according to the fourth example.

FIG. 7C shows a third schematic sketch of the retention apparatus according to the fourth example.

FIG. 8A shows a schematic perspective inside view of a fourth non-combustible aerosol provision device for generating aerosol from aerosol-generating material comprised in a consumable comprising a retention apparatus according to a fifth example.

FIG. 8B shows a schematic perspective view of the retention apparatus according to the fifth example.

FIG. 8C shows a schematic plan view of the retention apparatus according to the fifth example.

FIG. 8D shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of the retention apparatus according to the fifth example

FIG. 8E shows a second schematic plan view of the retention apparatus according to the fifth example.

FIG. 8F shows a second schematic side cross-sectional view of the retention apparatus according to the fifth example.

FIG. 8G shows a third schematic plan view of the retention apparatus according to the fifth example.

FIG. 9A shows a schematic bottom-up view of a retention apparatus according to a sixth example.

FIG. 9B shows a second schematic bottom-up view of the retention apparatus according to the sixth example.

FIG. 9C shows a schematic perspective inside view of a fifth non-combustible aerosol provision device for generating aerosol from aerosol-generating material comprised in a consumable comprising the retention apparatus according to the sixth example.

FIG. 9D shows a second schematic perspective inside view of the fifth non-combustible aerosol provision device for generating aerosol from aerosol-generating material comprised in a consumable comprising the retention apparatus according to the sixth example.

FIG. 10A shows a schematic perspective view and a schematic perspective expanded internal view of a sixth non-combustible aerosol provision device for generating aerosol from aerosol-generating material comprised in a consumable comprising a retention apparatus according to a seventh example.

FIG. 10B shows a second schematic perspective view of the sixth non-combustible aerosol provision device for generating aerosol from aerosol-generating material comprised in a consumable comprising the retention apparatus according to a seventh example.

FIG. 10C shows a schematic perspective view of the retention apparatus according to the seventh example.

FIG. 10D shows a second schematic perspective view of the retention apparatus according to the seventh example.

FIG. 11A shows a schematic perspective view and a schematic side view of a retention apparatus according to an eighth example.

FIG. 11B shows a schematic perspective view of a seventh non-combustible aerosol provision device for generating aerosol from aerosol-generating material comprised in a consumable comprising the retention apparatus according to the eighth example.

FIG. 11C shows a second schematic perspective view and a second schematic side view of the retention apparatus according to the eighth example.

FIG. 11D shows a third schematic perspective view and a third schematic side view of the retention apparatus according to the eighth example.

FIG. 12A shows a schematic plan view of a retention apparatus according to a ninth example.

FIG. 12B shows a second schematic plan view of the retention apparatus according to the ninth example.

FIG. 13A shows a schematic plan view of a retention apparatus according to a tenth example.

FIG. 13B shows a schematic plan view of the retention apparatus according to the tenth example.

FIG. 14A shows a schematic perspective view of a retention apparatus according to an eleventh example.

FIG. 14B shows a second schematic perspective view of the retention apparatus according to the eleventh example.

FIG. 14C shows a third schematic perspective view of the retention apparatus according to the eleventh example.

FIG. 15A shows a schematic plan view of a first retention member and a second retention member.

FIG. 15B shows a first, a second and a third schematic perspective view of the non-combustible aerosol provision system.

FIG. 15C shows a fourth schematic perspective view of the non-combustible aerosol provision system.

FIG. 15D shows a fifth, a sixth and a seventh schematic perspective view of the non-combustible aerosol provision system.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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. For example, the receptable may be a heating chamber 102. The chamber 102 is configured to receive a consumable comprising aerosol-generating material.

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 flavors, 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 aerosol from aerosol-generating material comprised 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 is for heating aerosol-generating material comprised in a consumable to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material. The non-combustible aerosol provision device 100 may be configured to deliver the aerosol generated by heating the aerosolizable material. The consumable is 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 device 100 is configured to heat the aerosol-generating material comprised 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 comprising aerosol-generating material 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 heating arrangement 104 comprises one or more susceptors. In other examples, the heating arrangement 104 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 magnetic field generator. In the following examples, the power source 106 is referred to simply as the battery 106.

In the example of FIG. 1, the 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). The processor 108, the computer readable memory 110 and the heating arrangement 104 may be referred collectively to as a heating system.

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 sketch 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 an example of the device 100. For ease of explanation, certain components of the aerosol provision device 100 are omitted from FIG. 2. In FIG. 2, the numeral 202 indicates a proximal end of the device 100, and the numeral 204 indicates a 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.

In the example of FIG. 2, the retention apparatus 112 is located towards the proximal end 202 of the device 100. However, in other examples, the retention apparatus 112 may not be located towards the proximal end 202. In some examples, the retention apparatus 112 is located towards the distal end 204 of the device 100. The retention apparatus 112 is configured to hold in position, one at a time, each of a plurality of consumables of 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.

In some examples, the retention apparatus comprises at least one resilient member having a consumable retention force less than 120 grams. The consumable retention force is the force applied to a consumable by the retention apparatus to hold the consumable in position.

FIG. 2 is merely a schematic illustration and should not be considered to specify a particular structure, position towards the proximal end 202, arrangement, etc. FIG. 2 illustrates merely that the retention apparatus 112 is located towards the proximal end 202 in the particular example of FIG. 2. As described, the retention apparatus 112 may be located differently, such as towards the distal end 204.

The retention apparatus 112 may be implemented in various different ways. Various examples of the retention apparatus 112 which is located towards the proximal end 202 and is configured to hold in position, one at a time, each of a plurality of consumables of different sizes, are described in the following.

In the below described examples, each of the plurality consumables has a different width. In examples where the consumables are rod shaped (e.g. similar to conventional cigarettes), the width of the aerosol generating article may be taken to be the external diameter of the aerosol generating article. 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 width which is less than the width of the second consumable 302.

In below described examples 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 the retention apparatus 112 comprises at least one resilient member which enables the retention apparatus 112 to adopt each of a plurality of configurations in order to hold in position consumables having a respective width. For example, the retention apparatus 112 may have at least one resilient member which enables the retention apparatus 112 to adopt a first configuration in order to hold in position the first consumable 300, and which enables the retention apparatus 112 to adopt a second configuration in order to hold in position the second consumable 302.

In below described examples 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, the at least one resilient member enables the retention apparatus to define an initial arrangement which provides a gap of an initial size into which the consumables are to be inserted. Applying a force against the at least one resilient member causes the size of the gap to change to accommodate and hold, one at a time, each of the plurality of consumables.

In below described examples 4, 5, 6, 8, more specifically, the at least one resilient member comprises two or more resilient members which are deflected away from the initial arrangement to change the size of the gap. The two or more resilient members are configured each simultaneously to contact, one at a time, each of the plurality of consumables in order to hold the consumables in position.

In the below described examples 9 and 10, the retention apparatus defines an initial arrangement which provides a gap of an initial size into which the consumables are to be inserted. The retention apparatus comprises a pivotable member pivotably attached to the housing 114 such that a pivoting axis of the pivotable member is substantially aligned with a center of the heating chamber 102 throughout the length of the chamber. The size of the gap is changed by pivoting the pivotable member relative to the housing 114.

Example 1

In Example 1, each of the plurality of aerosol generating articles has a different width. FIGS. 4A-F schematically illustrate Example 1 of the retention apparatus 112. The specific retention apparatus according to Example 1 shown in FIGS. 4A-F is labelled as 112a. The retention apparatus 112a comprises an orifice 402 which provides an opening into the heating chamber 102 of the device 100. FIG. 4A shows a schematic perspective view of the retention apparatus 112a and FIG. 4B shows a schematic side view of the retention apparatus 112a.

The central axis 404 of the orifice 402 is at a non-zero angle relative to the central axis 406 of the heating chamber 102 in an initial arrangement. In the example of FIGS. 4A and 4B, the retention apparatus 112a is in the initial arrangement, and it can be seen that the central axis 404 of the orifice 402 is at a non-zero angle with respect to the central axis 406 of the heating chamber 102. This angle may be between 1° and 15°.

In this example, the retention apparatus 112a is movably attached to the housing 114 of the device 100, and moving the retention apparatus 112a relative to the housing 114 causes the angle to change such that the size of the opening changes.

More specifically, in this example, the retention apparatus 112a comprises a resilient member 408 which enables the retention apparatus 112a to adopt each of a plurality of configurations in order to hold in position consumables having a respective width. The number of resilient members is not limited to one. In other similar examples, at least one resilient member may be provided which enables the retention apparatus 112a to adopt each of a plurality of configurations in order to hold in position consumables having a respective width.

In this example, the resilient member 408 biases the retention apparatus 112a towards the initial arrangement. Applying a force against the resilient member 408 causes the angle to change such that the size of the opening into the chamber 102 increases. In this example the retention apparatus 112a comprises a housing 410 which is connected to the housing 114 of the device 100 and the resilient member 408 is positioned between the housing 410 of the retention apparatus 112a and the housing 114 of the device 100 as shown in FIG. 4B. In this example, the housing 410 of the retention apparatus 112a has a shape such that one end of the housing 410 is much thicker than the other end. The shape of the housing 410 is hereafter referred to as a wedge like shape. However, other shapes may be used which enable the described functions of this example. A narrow end 412 of the wedge like housing 410 is pivotably (for example, via a hinge) connected to the housing 114 of the device 100. A thicker end 414 of the wedge like housing 410 moves relative to the housing 114 of the device 100 when the narrow end 412 pivots relative to the housing 114 of the device 100. The thicker end 414 moves at least partly in and out of the housing 114 of the device 100 as it moves relative to the housing 114 of the device 100.

In this example, the thicker end 414 is positioned closer to the heating chamber 102 than the narrow end 412. The orifice 402 is provided closer to the thicker end 414 than the narrow end 412 of the wedge like housing 410. In this manner, when the narrow end 412 pivots relative to the housing 114 of the device 100, the angle of the central axis 404 of the orifice 402 changes relative to the central axis 406 of the heating chamber 102. The device 100 comprises a heating chamber orifice 102a leading into the heating chamber 102. In this example, the greater the angle between the central axis 404 of the orifice 402 and the central axis 406 of the heating chamber 102, the less aligned the orifice 402 is with the heating chamber orifice 102a. On the other hand, the smaller the angle between the central axis 404 of the orifice 402 and the central axis 406 of the heating chamber 102, the more aligned the orifice 402 is with the heating chamber orifice 102a.

The size of the opening into the chamber 102 depends on how aligned the orifice 402 is with the heating chamber orifice 102a. The more aligned the orifice 402 is with the heating chamber orifice 102a, the larger the size of the opening into the heating chamber 102.

In this example, the resilient member 408 is a coil spring. However, the resilient member 408 may be any other resilient member suitable for performing the functions described in this example. The coil spring 408 is arranged to bias the wedge like housing 410 so that the thicker end 414 is away from the housing 114 of the device 100.

Applying a force against the coil spring 408 causes the angle between the central axis 404 of the orifice 402 and the central axis 406 of the heating chamber 102 to decrease such that the size of the opening into the heating chamber 102 increases. This is because, the smaller the angle between the central axis 404 of the orifice 402 and the central axis 406 of the heating, the more aligned the orifice 402 is with the heating chamber orifice 102a.

FIG. 4C is a schematic perspective view of the retention apparatus 112a. In the example of FIG. 4C, the first consumable 300 is inserted into the heating chamber 102 through the retention apparatus 112a. FIG. 4D is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the retention apparatus 112a with the first consumable 300 inserted into the heating chamber 102 through the retention apparatus 112a.

In FIGS. 4C and D, a force has been applied against the coil spring 408 in order to move the thicker end 414 partly into the housing 114 of the device 100 and to correspondingly pivot the narrow end 412 relative to the housing 114 of the device 100. Accordingly, the angle between the central axis 404 of the orifice 402 and the central axis 404 of the heating chamber 102 is slightly decreased compared to the initial arrangement such that the size of the opening into the heating chamber is increased compared to the initial arrangement.

For example, a force is applied to increase the size of the opening so that the first consumable 300 can be inserted into the heating chamber 102. Once the consumable is inserted, the force against the coil spring 408 is removed. The size of the opening decreases until the top edge 402a of the orifice 402 closest to the thicker end 414 and the bottom edge 402b of the orifice 402 closest to the narrow end 412 contact the first consumable 300 as shown in FIG. 4D. This contact holds the first consumable 300 in position and inhibits the retention apparatus 112a from returning completely to the initial arrangement.

FIG. 4E is a schematic perspective view of the retention apparatus 112a. In the example of FIG. 4E, the second consumable 302 is inserted into the heating chamber 102 through the retention apparatus 112a. FIG. 4F is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the retention apparatus 112a with the second consumable 302 inserted into the heating chamber 102 through the retention apparatus 112a.

As previously described, the width of the second consumable 302 is greater than the width of the first consumable 300. In the example of FIGS. 4E and 4F, the retention apparatus functions in the same manner as described above in order to hold in position the second consumable 302. In the example of FIGS. 4E and 4F, a force is applied against the coil spring 408 to move the thicker end 414 further into the housing 114 of the device 100 as compared to the example of FIGS. 4C and 4D (and correspondingly pivot the narrow end 412 relative to the housing 114 of the device 100) such that the angle between the central axis 414 of the orifice 402 and the central axis 406 of the heating chamber 102 is decreased, and the size of the opening is increased to a greater degree than in the example of FIGS. 4C and D.

The size of the opening is increased enough to allow insertion of the second consumable 302 (which is wider). When the force is removed after insertion of the second consumable 302, the size of the opening decreases until the top edge 402a of the orifice 402 closest to the thicker end 414 and the bottom edge 402b of the orifice 402 closest to the narrow end 412 contact the second consumable 300 as shown in FIG. 4F. This contact holds the second consumable 300 in position and inhibits the retention apparatus 112a from returning completely to the initial arrangement.

In this example, the smaller the difference in the angle between the central axis 404 of the orifice 402 and the central axis 406 of the heating chamber 102, the larger is the size of the opening into the heating chamber 102. The coil spring 408 is biased to reduce the size of the opening and hold in position, one at a time, consumables as described. The retention apparatus 112a of this example is therefore able to hold in position, one at a time, consumables having different widths. The retention apparatus 112a may be used with consumables of any width that can be inserted into the orifice 402.

In other examples, there may be no resilient member 408 such as the coil spring. Instead, there may be a fixing mechanism for fixing the wedge like housing 410 in position to provide a plurality of different angles between the central axis 404 of the orifice 402 and the central axis 406 of the heating chamber 102. For example, the fixing mechanism may fix the wedge like housing 410 at a first angle suitable for holding in position the first consumable 300 and a second different angle suitable for holding in position the second consumable 302. The fixing mechanism may comprise detents, latches or the like. In such examples, there may be provided a grip structure to allow the user to manipulate the wedge like housing 410 to change the angle.

Example 2

FIGS. 5A-F schematically illustrate Example 2 of the retention apparatus 112. The specific retention apparatus according to Example 2 shown in FIGS. 5A-F is labelled as 112b. The retention apparatus 112b comprises an end cap 502 that is movably attached to the housing 114 of the device 100. The end cap 502 comprises a first opening 504 of a first size and a second opening 506 of a different second size.

The first opening 504 is sized so as to hold in position a consumable of a first width (e.g. the first consumable 300). The second opening 506 is sized so as to hold in position a consumable of a second width (e.g. the second consumable 302). For example, the first opening 504 may be sized to allow insertion of a consumable of a first width with the application of sufficient force. However, the first opening 504 may be sized to hold the consumable of the first width in position due to friction, for example, against gravity or forces generated by movement of the device 100. The first opening 504 may be sized such that the described sufficient force is not so high that the consumable of the first width is likely to take significant damage when being inserted. On the other hand, the first opening 504 may be small enough so as to adequately hold the consumable of the first size in position so that it does not move relative to the device 100 when being used as intended. The second opening 506 may be sized to similarly hold in position a consumable of a second width.

In this example, the retention apparatus 112b is configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration of the retention apparatus 112b, the first opening 504 is aligned with the heating chamber 102 of the device 100. In the second configuration of the retention apparatus 112b, the second opening 506 is aligned with the heating chamber 102. The first and second configuration are discussed below.

In the example of FIGS. 5A to 5D, the retention apparatus 112b is configured to transition between the first configuration and the second configuration by pivoting relative to the housing 114. More specifically, the end cap 502 is configured to pivot about a pivoting axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing 114 as shown by the arrows in FIG. 5A. The end cap 502 may be pivotably attached by, for example, being fixedly mounted on a rod/cylinder element mounted onto the housing 114 such that the end cap 502 can pivot with respect to the housing 114. In this example, the end cap 502 comprises an axle 518 received in a groove 516 in the housing 114. The axle 518 and the groove 516 both have a circular cross section. The center of the axle 518 and the center of the groove 516 is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the housing 114. In this manner, the end cap 502 is configured to pivot about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing 114. In other examples (not shown), the end cap 502 may be slidably attached to the housing 114. In such examples, the retention apparatus 112b is configured to transition between the first configuration and the second configuration by sliding relative to the housing 114.

In the example of FIG. 5A, the first opening 504 comprises ridges 504a which contact the consumable of the first width and hold it in position due to friction, as described above. For example, the consumable of the first width may be inserted into the first opening 504 to contact the ridges 504a on application of sufficient force. However, contact with the ridges 504a may hold that consumable in position due to friction, for example, against gravity or forces generated by movement of the device 100. In this example, the second opening 506 comprises ridges 506a which contact and hold a consumable of the second width in the same manner as the ridges 504a hold a consumable of the first width.

The ridges 504a and 506a may comprise a tapered part which tapers inwards from the proximal end towards the direction of the heating chamber 102. This tapering may allow easy and guided insertion of respectively sized consumables into the first 504 and second 506 openings.

Referring to FIG. 5B, there is shown an expanded cross-sectional view of the retention apparatus 112b in a particular configuration. In this example, the retention apparatus 112b comprises one or more holding elements configured to hold the retention apparatus in its current configuration. For example, if the retention apparatus 112b is in the first configuration, the one or more holding elements hold the retention apparatus 112b in the first configuration. If the retention apparatus 112b is in the second configuration, the one or more holding elements hold the retention apparatus 112b in the second configuration.

For example, the retention apparatus 112b comprises a first resilient holding element 508 and a second resilient holding element 510. More specifically, in this example, the first resilient holding element 508 is a first coil spring 508 and the second resilient holding element 510 is a second coil spring 510. One end of each of the first coil spring 508 and the second coil spring 510 is fixedly attached to the housing 114 at respective positions on the housing 114 such that the first 508 and second 510 coil springs can recede into the housing 114 (e.g. recede inwardly so as not to extend past an outermost surface of the housing 114) when the first 508 and second 510 coil springs are compressed (or at equilibrium). It should be noted that, in this example, there are two coil springs which are the resilient holding element. However, in some examples, there may be one resilient holding element or more.

The other end of each of the first 508 and second 510 coil springs has abutted thereto a respective spherical element 508a, 510a. In this example, when there is no force being applied to the first 508 and second 510 coil springs (apart from that of the weight of the respective spherical elements 508a, 510a), each of the first 508 and second 510 coil springs is biased such that the respective spherical elements 508a, 510a protrude, at least partly, outwards from the housing 114. In this example, each of the first 508 and second 510 coil springs is position adjacent to the axle 518 such that the respective spherical elements 508a, 510a are covered by the end cap 502 in all positions of the end cap 502 relative to the housing 114. The retention apparatus 112b has a first indent 512 and a second indent 514. When the first spherical element 508a or the second spherical element 510a is received in the first indent 512, the end cap 502 is inhibited from pivoting relative to the housing 114. Similarly, when the first spherical element 508a or the second spherical element 510a is received in the second indent 514, the end cap 502 is inhibited from pivoting relative to the housing 114. The retention apparatus 112b can thereby be held in its current configuration.

A user may cause the end cap 502 to pivot relative to the housing 114 by applying a pivoting force to the end cap 502 such that a force is applied to each of the first 508a and second 510a spherical elements causing, respectively, the first coil spring 508 and the second coil spring 510 to compress. This causes that spherical elements to recede into the housing 114 past an outermost surface of the housing 114 so as to allow pivoting movement of the end cap 502.

The first indent 512 and the second indent 514 may be configured and positioned on the end cap 502 such that the spherical elements engage with the indents to inhibit pivoting movement when the first opening 504 is aligned with the heating chamber 102 and when the second opening 506 is aligned with the heating chamber. In this manner, the first 508 and second 510 coil springs, the first 508a and second 510a spherical elements and the first 512 and the second 514 indents form detents to hold the end cap 502 in the first configuration and in the second configuration.

In the example of FIG. 5B two coil springs with spherical elements and two indents are shown. However, in other examples, there may be one or more coil springs and a corresponding appropriate number of indents which function as described above. For example, there may be provided a single coil spring and spherical element and two indents (one for each of the first and second configurations).

FIG. 5C is a schematic perspective view of the retention apparatus 112b in the first configuration. As previously described, in the first configuration, the first opening 504 is aligned with the heating chamber 102. This enables a consumable of an appropriate width to be inserted into the heating chamber 102. In the example of FIG. 5C, the first opening 504 is sized so as to allow insertion of the first consumable 300.

FIG. 5D is a side cross sectional view of the retention apparatus 112b in the first configuration with the first consumable 300 inserted into the heating chamber 102.

FIG. 5E is a schematic perspective view of the retention apparatus 112b in the second configuration. As previously described, in the second configuration, the second opening 506 is aligned with the heating chamber 102. This enables a consumable of an appropriate width to be inserted into the heating chamber 102. In the example of FIG. 5E, the second opening 506 is sized so as to allow insertion of the second consumable 302.

FIG. 5F is a side cross sectional view of the retention apparatus 112b in the second configuration with the second consumable 302 inserted into the heating chamber 102.

Example 3

The retention apparatus of Example 3 is labelled with the reference numeral 112c in FIGS. 6A-D.

FIG. 6A schematically illustrates an example of the retention apparatus 112c. In FIG. 6A, the retention apparatus 112c is shown in isolation from the rest of the device 100 to facilitate explanation. The retention apparatus 112c comprises an opening 602 comprising a tapered internal surface 604. The tapered internal surface 604 tapers radially outwards as it progresses into the opening. In this example, there is one resilient member. The resilient member comprises a resilient ring 606. The resilient ring 606 may comprise a form of rubber or other resilient material which can be deformed by application of a force and returns to its form prior to the deformation on removal of the force. There is also shown the second consumable 302 inserted into the retention apparatus 112c for explanation purposes.

In the retention apparatus 112c, a given consumable of the plurality of consumables is held in position by the retention apparatus 112c when the resilient ring 606 is sandwiched between the given consumable and the tapered internal surface 604 at a position along the tapered internal surface 604 depending upon the width of the given consumable.

For example, the user may insert the given consumable into the retention apparatus 112c as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 6A. Then, in order that the retention apparatus 112c can hold the given consumable in position, the user pulls the given consumable in the opposite direction (i.e. in the direction towards the proximal end and out of the retention apparatus 112c, hereafter referred to as upwards). When this happens, the resilient ring 606 is caused to roll upwards along with the movement of the given consumable so that it rolls towards a narrower region of the tapered internal surface 604.

The resilient ring 606 rolls upwards along with the movement of the given consumable being pulled up and eventually causes further upward movement of the given consumable to be inhibited as it is squeezed between the given consumable and the internal tapered surface 604. This squeezing (sandwiching) of the resilient ring 606 enables the given consumable to be held in position.

How far up the internal tapered surface 604 the resilient ring 606 rolls up before inhibiting further upward movement of the given consumable and holding the given consumable in place depends on the width of the given consumable.

FIG. 6B schematically illustrates a configuration of the retention apparatus 112c in which the second consumable 302 has been inserted and pulled so as to be held by the retention apparatus 112c. FIG. 6B shows that the resilient ring 606 is sandwiched (squeezed) between the second consumable 302 and the tapered internal surface.

Because the tapered internal surface is a continuous surface, the retention apparatus 112c may be used to hold in position a number of consumables of different widths. This holds true so long as those widths are such that the resilient ring 606 can be sandwiched between the consumable in question and the tapered internal surface 604 somewhere along the tapered internal surface 604 to hold the consumable in question in position.

FIG. 6C shows an example of the device 100 with a consumable inserted into the heating chamber 102. Although not shown in FIG. 6C, the collar 602 and the resilient ring 606 are located towards the proximal end 202 of the device 100. The arrow in FIG. 6C indicates the upward direction in which the user pulls the consumable inserted into the device 100 in order that the retention apparatus 112c can hold the consumable in position as described above.

It should be noted that because the resilient ring 606 becomes sandwiched between the consumable and the tapered internal surface 604, it is not desirable to attempt to remove a consumable held by the retention apparatus 112c by pulling it upward. Pulling a held consumable upward further will have the effect of the resilient ring 606 being squeezed harder and inhibiting upward movement yet further.

FIG. 6D is schematic perspective view of the device 100 of Example 3 showing the distal end 204. To enable removal of a held consumable, in Example 3, there is provided a door or lid 608 which enables the held consumable to be removed from the distal end 204. When a held consumable is pulled towards the distal end 204 (in the downward direction as referred in the description of Example 3), the resilient ring 606 is caused to move downwards towards a wider region of the tapered internal surface 604. There may be provided a retainer (not shown) to retain the resilient ring 606 in the retention apparatus 112c. For example, an inwardly extending lip may be provided at the widest part of the tapered surface 604 to retain the resilient ring 606. This causes the consumable in question not to be held by the resilient ring 606 being sandwiched, as described, and it can be removed via the door or lid 608. The door or lid 608 may comprise one or more ventilation openings as shown in FIG. 6D.

Example 4

In Example 4, two resilient members are provided. However, in other similar examples, more than two resilient members may be provided. The two resilient members are biased towards the initial arrangement, and the gap provided by the initial arrangement is smaller than the smallest width among the widths of the consumables of the plurality of consumables.

More specifically, in Example 4, each of the two resilient members is an arm forming a cantilever spring, and the consumable retention force of each of the arms forming a cantilever spring is less than 120 grams.

FIGS. 7A-C illustrate a retention apparatus labelled with numeral 112d according to Example 4. FIG. 7A is a schematic sketch of the retention apparatus 112d. In this example, the two or more resilient members comprise a first arm forming a first cantilever spring 702 and a second arm forming a second cantilever spring 704.

The first cantilever spring 702 and the second cantilever spring 704 are biased towards the initial arrangement, which is the arrangement formed when no force is being applied on the cantilever springs and they are equilibrium as illustrated in FIG. 7A. The first cantilever spring 702 comprises a fixed end 702a which is fixed inside the heating chamber 102 (or a channel leading to the heating chamber 102) towards the proximal end 202. Similarly, the second cantilever spring 704 comprises a fixed end 704a which is fixed inside the heating chamber 102 (or a channel leading to the heating chamber 102) towards the proximal end 202. Further, in this example, the first cantilever spring 702 comprises a free end 702b and the second cantilever spring 704 comprises a free end 704b.

In the example of FIG. 7A, each of the first 702 and second 704 cantilever springs comprises a respective bend 702c, 704c. In this example, the respective convex sides of the first 702c and second 704c bends face inwards towards the gap. The first 702c and second 704c bends are such that the respective apexes of the first 702c and second 704c bends are the closest parts of the first 702c and second 704c bends to the center of the gap when no force is applied to the first 702 and second 704 cantilever springs (e.g. by insertion of a consumable). In this example, the gap into which the consumables are to be inserted is the gap (the smallest distance) between the bend 702c of the first cantilever spring 702 and the bend 704c of the second cantilever spring 704. In FIG. 7A, the gap of the initial size (i.e. when there is no consumable inserted, and consequently no force applied on either cantilever spring) is indicated by the double arrow 706.

As described above, in the example of FIG. 7A, the retention apparatus 112d is in the initial arrangement. The gap 706 in the initial arrangement is smaller than the smallest width among the plurality of consumable. For example, if the first consumable 300 has the smallest width, then the gap 706 in the initial arrangement is smaller than the width of the first consumable 300.

In this example, the first 702 and second 704 cantilever springs are deflected away from the initial arrangement to change the size of the gap. For example, inserting a consumable in between the cantilever springs results in a force being applied against both the cantilever springs, causing the size of the gap to increase as the consumable pushes the cantilever springs away from one another. The first 702 and second 704 cantilever springs each contact the consumable at the bends 702c, 704c.

The first 702 and second 704 cantilever springs are biased towards the initial arrangement. The cantilever springs therefore press the 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 second consumable 302 is inserted (which has a greater width), the cantilever springs are deflected more than for the first consumable 300. The cantilever springs having a consumable retention force less than 120 grams provides the advantage that the cantilever springs can deflect enough to accommodate the second consumable with greater width without applying so much force against the second consumable that the second consumable becomes damaged, for example. At the same time, the consumable retention force is high enough so that the cantilever springs apply enough force against the first consumable to hold the first consumable in place when received in the gap. For example, the consumable retention force is less than 120 grams and can be more than 10 grams.

FIG. 7B is a schematic sketch of the retention apparatus 112d with the first consumable 300 inserted therein. It can be seen that the first consumable is held by the cantilever springs and the bends 702c, 704c contact the first consumable 300. In this example, the cantilever springs being deflected causes the amount of bend to decrease.

FIG. 7C is a schematic sketch of the retention apparatus 112d with the second consumable 302 inserted therein. The second consumable 302 is held by the cantilever springs and the bends 702c, 704c contact the second consumable 302. In this example, the cantilever springs are deflected more than in the example of FIG. 7B because the second consumable 302 is wider. In this example, the amount of bend in the cantilever springs is decreased to a greater degree than in the example of FIG. 7B. This causes more of the cantilever springs to contact the second consumable 302 due to the greater width thereof.

The retention apparatus 112d may be located towards the proximal end 202 of the device 100, or the retention apparatus 112d may be located towards the distal end 204 of the device 100.

Example 5

FIGS. 8A-G illustrate a retention apparatus labelled with numeral 112e according to Example 5. FIG. 8A is a schematic perspective view of the device 100 showing certain components housed inside the housing 114. In this example, the retention apparatus 112e comprises a tubular body 802. As can be seen from FIG. 8A, the retention apparatus 112e is provided towards the proximal end 202 of the device 100.

In example 5, there are provided eight resilient protrusions 804 as the resilient members. The resilient protrusions 804 are configured to contact, one at a time, each of the plurality of consumables in order to hold the consumables in position. The resilient protrusions 804 are biased towards the initial arrangement. The resilient protrusions 804 extend from the tubular body 802 into a cavity 801 defined by the tubular body 802. In other examples, there may be one or more resilient protrusions. For example, there may be a number of resilient protrusions other than eight.

In the example of FIG. 8A, there is also shown an absorption pad 803 which also hold a consumable to keep it in place. The absorption pad 803 may be placed at the bottom of the heating chamber 102. For example, the absorption pad 803 may be inserted from the base of the device 100 (e.g. via a lid/door at the distal end 204 of the device 100). The absorption pad 803 may be hollow to allow passage of air, or it may be solid and made of a breathable material. In example, the absorption pad may comprise a flame-resistant meta-aramid material (e.g. Nomex C)), cotton, paper, other para-aramids (e.g. Twaron C)), heat resistant and strong synthetic fibers (e.g. Kevlar C)), etc. In other examples, the absorption pad 803 may be omitted.

FIG. 8B is a schematic perspective view of the tubular body 802 and FIG. 8C is a schematic top-down view of the tubular body 802. The tubular body 802 comprises resilient protrusions 804 extending inwards into the tubular body 802 (the resilient protrusions 804 constitute the two or more resilient members mentioned above). (Note that only some of the resilient protrusions 804 shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C are pointed to using the lines connecting to the references numeral 804 for readability).

The tubular body 802 may comprise a material enabling the formation of the resilient protrusions 804. For example, the tubular body 802 may comprise sprung aluminum or another sprung metal suitable to form the tubular body 802. In some examples, the base structure of the tubular body 802 (e.g. the tubular part) may be formed of one material and the resilient protrusions 804 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 804.

FIGS. 8B and 8C show the tubular body 802 in the initial arrangement. The resilient protrusions 804 are biased towards the initial arrangement. In the initial arrangement no significant force is applied (e.g. by insertion of a consumable into the tubular body 802) to the resilient protrusions 804 to deform them away from their equilibrium position/form. The resilient protrusions 804 in the initial arrangement define a gap of an initial size, which in this example is defined by the inner circumference 806 indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 8C. The gap defined by the inner circumference 806 is smaller than the smallest width among the plurality of consumables.

When a consumable is inserted into the tubular body 802, a force is applied against the resilient protrusions 804, causing the size of the gap to change in order that the consumable which is inserted can be accommodated and held. The resilient protrusions 804 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 804 are configured each simultaneously to contact the inserted consumable. In this example, the tubular body 802 is intended for use with consumables having a substantially circular cross-section. The resilient protrusions 804 form a substantially circular boundary on the inside of the tubular body 802 enabling each of the resilient protrusions 804 to contact a consumable with a substantially circular cross-section.

In this example, because the resilient protrusions 804 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 804 press an inserted consumable radially inwards in order to hold it in place.

The resilient protrusions 804 can be pushed outward and deform in a continuous manner. Therefore, the tubular body 802 may function to hold in place any consumable intended for use with the tubular body 802 which has a width greater than the gap defined by the inner circumference 806 of the initial arrangement and a width smaller or equal to the width the geometry of the tubular body 802 and the resilient protrusions 804 can reasonably accommodate.

FIG. 8D is a schematic side cross sectional view of the tubular body 802 with the first consumable 300 inserted therein, and FIG. 8E is a schematic top-down view of the tubular body 802 with the first consumable 300 inserted therein.

FIG. 8F is a schematic side cross sectional view of the tubular body 802 with the second consumable 302 inserted therein, and FIG. 8G is a schematic top-down view of the tubular body 802 with the second consumable 302 inserted therein.

Because the second consumable 302 is wider than the first consumable 300, the resilient protrusions 804 are pushed further outward when the second consumable 302 is inserted than when the first consumable 300 is inserted.

Example 6

FIGS. 9A-D illustrate a retention apparatus labelled with numeral 112f according to Example 6. In Example 6, the retention apparatus 112 comprises a moveable element which moves between a plurality of positions with respect to an end of device 100 (e.g. with respect to the proximal end 202 of the housing 114) in order to transition the retention apparatus 112 between a corresponding plurality of different initial arrangements. In Example 6, each of the plurality of different initial arrangements provides a gap of a different initial size into which the consumables are to be inserted. In Example 6, there are two resilient members which are biased towards the initial arrangement, which initial arrangement corresponds to a current position of the moveable element. In other examples, there may be more than two resilient members.

FIG. 9A is a schematic bottom-up view of the retention apparatus 112f with the first consumable 300 inserted into the retention apparatus 112f. In this example, the retention apparatus 112f comprises a moveable element 902. In this example, a first arm 904 and a second arm 906 constitute the described two resilient members. The first 904 and second 906 arms function as cantilever springs.

The first arm 904 has a free end 904a and a fixed end 904b. Similarly, the second arm 906 has a free end 906a and a fixed end 906b. In this example, the first 904 and second 906 arms are formed from a single piece of material (e.g. a metal with suitable material properties to act as a spring). In other examples, the first and second arms may be separately formed.

FIG. 9B is a schematic bottom-up view of the retention apparatus 112f with the second consumable 302 inserted into the retention apparatus 112f. The moveable element 902 is moveable closer to and further away from the free ends of the first and second arms as shown by double arrows 908. This movement enables the moveable element 902 to move between the plurality of positions, as described above, to transition between a corresponding plurality of different initial arrangements. The first 904 and second 906 arms are fixed relative to the housing 114. Therefore, when the moveable element 902 moves, it also moves relative to the first 904 and second 906 arms.

The moveable element 902 has a first contact structure 910 and a second contact structure 912. The first contact structure 910 contacts the first arm 904 and slides along the first arm 904 towards the free end 904a when the moveable element 902 moves towards the free end 904a, and vice versa with respect to the fixed end 904b. Similarly, the second contact structure 912 contacts the second arm 906 and slides along the second arm 906 towards the free end 906a when the moveable element 902 moves towards the free end 906a, and vice versa with respect to the fixed end 906b.

Without contact with the moveable element 902, the free ends 904a, 906a have a distance between them which is equal to or greater than the distance between the free ends 904a, 906a when the moveable element 902 is at its farthest away position from the free ends 904a, 906a.

When the moveable element 902 is moved towards the free ends 904a, 906a, the free ends 904a, 906a are brought closer to one another. This is due to the contact structures contacting the first 904 and second 906 arms as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. On the other hand, when the moveable element 902 is moved away from the free ends 904a, 906a, the free ends 904a, 906a are moved further apart.

Accordingly, different positions of the moveable element 902 with respect to the first and second arms 904, 906 correspond to respective different distances between the free ends 904a, 906a. These different distances between the free ends 904a, 906a are referred to as the different initial arrangements in Example 6. In this example, the gap into which consumables are to be inserted is defined by the distance between the free ends 904a, 906a. Applying a force against the first and second arms 904, 906 (to move them apart) causes the size of the gap to change such that different width consumables can be accommodated and held. In the examples of FIGS. 9A and 9B, the first 904 and second 906 arms are curved towards the free ends 904a, 906a in order to accommodate therebetween a rod-shaped consumable.

In use, an initial arrangement may be selected such that the gap is smaller than the width of the consumable which is to be inserted. The first and second arms 904, 906 are biased towards the selected initial arrangement, whatever the selected initial arrangement. When the consumable is inserted, the first and second arms 904, 906 are forced apart (deflected away from the selected initial position to increase the size of the gap) by the consumable. Due to their bias, the first and second arms 904, 906 press the consumable thereby holding it in place. Therefore, the first and second arms 904, 906 each simultaneously contact the consumable to hold it in position.

In examples, it may be practical to first position the consumable in between the first and second arms 904, 906 when the initial arrangement is such that the gap is bigger than the width of the consumable in question, and then move the moveable element 902 into a position that defines an initial arrangement suitable for the consumable in question without a consumable being present. (Note that when the moveable element 902 is moved in this order, the first and second arms 904, 906 will not arrive at the selected initial arrangement because the consumable is already present therebetween.)

There may be provided markers which indicate various different positions of the moveable element 902 corresponding to various respective initial arrangements (e.g. based on different consumable intended for use with the retention apparatus 1120.

In the example of FIG. 9A, the first consumable 300 is inserted in between the first and second arms 904, 906 towards the free ends 904a, 906a. In the example of FIG. 9B, the second consumable 302 is inserted in between the first and second arms 904, 906 towards the free ends 904a, 906a. It can be seen from these figures that the moveable element 902 is further away from the free ends 904a, 906a and the free ends 904a, 906a are further from one another when the second consumable 302 is held by the retention apparatus 112f as compared to when the first consumable 300 is held by the retention apparatus 112f.

FIG. 9C is a schematic perspective inside view of the device 100 with the retention apparatus 112f and the first consumable 300 inserted into the heating chamber 102 and held in position by the retention apparatus 112f. FIG. 9D is a schematic perspective inside view of the device 100 with the retention apparatus 112f and the second consumable 302 inserted into the heating chamber 102 and held in position by the retention apparatus 112f. There may be provided a mechanism (e.g. a clip) which holds the moveable element 902 in the selected position.

Example 7

In Example 7, each of the plurality of consumables has a different width. 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. 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 width which is less than the width of the second consumable 302.

In this example, the retention apparatus 112 comprises at least one resilient member which enables the retention apparatus 112 to adopt each of a plurality of configurations in order to hold in position consumables having a respective width. For example, the retention apparatus 112 may have at least one resilient member which enables the retention apparatus 112 to adopt a first configuration in order to hold in position the first consumable 300, and which enables the retention apparatus 112 to adopt a second configuration in order to hold in position the second consumable 302.

More specifically, in Example 7, the resilient member is a coil spring. FIGS. 10A-D illustrate the retention apparatus according to Example 7 in which the retention apparatus of Example 7 is labelled 112g. FIG. 10A is a schematic perspective view and a schematic perspective expanded internal view of the device 100 with the retention apparatus 112g installed. The retention apparatus 112g comprises the coil spring 1002. A fixed end 1004 of the coil spring 1002 is fixedly attached to the housing 114 of the device 100. A moveable end 1006 of the coil spring 1002 is moveably attached to the housing 114 of the device 100.

The coil spring 1002 is positioned such that the central axis of the coil spring is substantial parallel to and substantially aligned with the central axis of the heating chamber 102. In this way, a consumable inserted into the heating chamber 102 passes through the coil spring 1002. Accordingly, the gap into which consumable are to be inserted is defined by the coil spring 1002.

In this example, the moveable end 1006 is attached to a moveable tab 1008. The moveable tab 1008 is moveably attached to the housing 114. In the example of FIG. 10A, the moveable tab has an elongate portion 1008a and a face portion 1008b. The face portion 1008b is positioned on the outside of the housing 114 so as to be accessible to a user. In this example, the housing 114 comprises a slit 1010 through which the elongate portion 1008a passes to extend into the housing 114. The elongate portion 1008a attaches to the moveable tab 1008 by attaching to the elongate portion 1008a of the moveable tab 1008 which extends into the housing 114 via the slit 1010.

The slit 1010 enables the moveable tab 1008 to move relative to the housing 114 along the slit. In this way, by moving the face portion 1008b along the slit 1010, the user can move the moveable end 1006.

The size of the gap is changed by moving the moveable end 1006 relative to the fixed end 1004, and therefore also the housing 114 of the device 100 (i.e. by applying a force against the coil spring 1002). For example, the moveable end 1006 may be moved in one direction to reduce the size of the gap, and in the opposite direction to increase the size of the gap. Which direction the moveable end 1006 is moved to achieve a given effect depends upon the arrangement of the coil spring 1002 (e.g. where in the housing 114 the fixed end 1004 is fixed). In the particular example of FIG. 10A, as seen from the expanded view, when the moveable end 1006 is moved so that the moveable end 1006 and the fixed end 1004 become closer together, the size of the gap is reduced and vice versa.

In use, a given consumable may be inserted into the heating chamber 102 through the retention apparatus 112g which the retention apparatus in a configuration where the size of the gap is larger than the width of the given consumable. The gap may then be reduced by moving the moveable end 1006 until the gap is small enough such that the consumable is held in place, as desired.

In the example of FIG. 10A, the second consumable 302 is held by the retention apparatus 112g. FIG. 10B is a schematic perspective view of the device 100 comprising the retention apparatus 112g which is holding in place the first consumable 300. It can be seen that the face portion 1008b is in a different position to the example of FIG. 10A in which the wider (i.e. the second consumable 302) is held in place by the retention apparatus 112g.

FIG. 10C is a schematic perspective view of the coil spring 1002 holding the first consumable 300. FIG. 10D is a schematic perspective view of the coil spring 1002 holding the second consumable 302. It can be seen that the fixed end 1004 and the moveable end 1006 are closer together (causing the size of the gap to be smaller) when the narrower first consumable 300 is held in place as compared to when the wider second consumable 302 is held in place.

The coil spring 1002 may be biased towards the size of the gap being at its largest. The retention apparatus 112g may be arranged such that the moveable tab 1008 can be held in the desired position. For example, friction between the extended portion 1008a and the slit 1010 may be sufficient to counteract the bias of the coil spring 1002 and hold the moveable end 1006 in position. In some examples, the tab 1008 may comprise a structure which engages with the slit 1010 or with a complementary structure on/in/near the slit 1010 to enable the tab 1008 to be held in place.

Example 8

The retention apparatus of Example 8 is labelled with the numeral 112h in FIGS. 11A-D. FIG. 11A shows a schematic perspective view of the retention apparatus 112h and a schematic side view of the retention apparatus 112h. In Example 8, there are more than two resilient members labelled with the numeral 1102 As shown in FIGS. 11A-D. In this example, the resilient members 1102 are circumferentially arranged in order to define the gap (into which consumables are to be inserted) therebetween.

The resilient members 1102 are biased towards the initial arrangement. In this example, the resilient members 1102 are biased away from each other. The resilient members 1102 in the initial arrangement provide a gap of an initial size into which the consumables are to be inserted. The gap provided by the initial arrangement is larger than the largest width among the widths of the consumables of the plurality of consumables. In this example, the innermost portion of the resilient members 1102 are protrusions 1102a. The gap is defined in between these protrusions 1102a and these protrusions 1102a are what contact the inserted consumables.

The retention apparatus 112h comprises a restrictive member 1104 slidably attached to the housing 114 of the device 100. The restrictive member 1104 can slide towards or away from the proximal end 202 (the arrow in FIG. 11A indicates the sliding direction). The two or more resilient members 1102 are able to move closer together to decrease the size of the gap therebetween, or further apart to increase that size. However, the two or more resilient members 1102 do not slide up or down as does the restrictive member 1104.

The restrictive member 1104 is configured to be slid relative to the housing 114 in order to urge the two or more resilient members 1102 against their bias to reduce the size of the gap. This means that the restrictive member 1104 also slides with respect to the two or more resilient members 1102. The restrictive member 1104 comprises a ring portion 1104a which surrounds the two or more resilient members 1102. The inner diameter of the ring portion 1104a is smaller than the external diameter formed by the two or more resilient members 1102 in the initial arrangement.

Therefore, when the restrictive member 1104 slides downwards (as shown by the arrow in FIG. 11A), the ring portion 1104a urges the resilient members 1102 closer together, reducing the size of the gap. The retention apparatus 112h may be configured so that when the ring portion 1104a is at its highest position, the resilient members 1102 are in the initial arrangement (i.e. the ring portion 1104a is not deflecting the resilient members away from the initial arrangement). Therefore, the resilient members 1102 are deflected away form the initial arrangement to change the size of the gap.

The restrictive member 1104 also comprises a face portion 1104b which is provided outside of the housing 114 so as to be accessible to the user (or in another manner which makes it possible for the user to manipulate the restrictive member 1104). The user can contact the face portion 1104b and cause the restrictive member 1104 to slide up and down. The face portion 1104b is connected to the ring portion 1104a via an arm portion 1104c, in this example. The housing 114 may comprise a slit, etc. to enable the face portion 1104b to be positioned outside the housing 114, for example, and connected to the ring portion 1104a via the arm portion 1104c.

The restrictive member 1104 is moved in order to cause the resilient members 1102 to define a gap such that an inserted consumable is held by the resilient members 1102. The resilient members 1102 each simultaneously contact the consumable which is inserted to hold the consumable in place.

In use, the restrictive member 1104 may be at a position so that the gap is larger than the width of the consumable being inserted. The consumable may then be inserted and the restrictive member 1104 may be slid downwards until the gap is such that the protrusions 1102a contact the consumable and hold it in position. There may be provided a clip, or the like, which holds the restrictive member 1104 in position once the inserted consumable is held in position (i.e. there may be provided a means to secure the restrictive member 1104 in the desired position).

FIG. 11B is a schematic perspective view of the device 100 including the retention apparatus 112h. FIG. 11C is a schematic perspective view of the retention apparatus 112h and a schematic side view of the retention apparatus 112h with the first consumable 300 inserted therein. FIG. 11D is a schematic perspective view of the retention apparatus 112h and a schematic side view of the retention apparatus 112h with the second consumable 302 inserted therein.

It can be seen from FIGS. 11C and 11D that when the first consumable 300 is held by the retention apparatus 112h, the restrictive member 1102 is at a lower position so that the gap is smaller for the protrusions 1102a to contact and hold the inserted consumable, as compared to when the second consumable 302 is held by the retention apparatus 112h.

Example 9

The retention apparatus of Example 9 is labelled with reference numeral 112i in FIGS. 12A-B. The pivoting member in FIGS. 12A and 12B is labelled with reference numeral 1202. The pivoting axis 1204 is indicated by the cross shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B which indicates that the pivoting axis 1204 is pointing into the page. In other words, the pivoting axis 1204 is substantially parallel to and substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the heating chamber 102.

In Example 9, the retention apparatus 112i comprises three resilient wires labelled with the reference numeral 1206. In other examples there may be two or more resilient wires. The resilient wires 1206 enable the retention apparatus 112i to adopt each of a plurality of configurations in order to hold in position, one at a time, consumables having a respective width. A first end 1206a of each resilient wire 1206 is fixedly attached to the pivoting member 1202, and a second end 1206b of each resilient wire 1206 is fixedly attached with respect to the housing 114 of the device 100.

In Example 9, the resilient wires 1206 are configured each simultaneously to contact, one at a time, each of the plurality of consumables in order to hold the consumables in position. Applying a force against the resilient wires 1206 causes the resilient wires 1206 to be deflected away from the initial arrangement to change the size of the gap to accommodate and hold, one at a time, each of the plurality of consumables.

In order to fixedly attach the second ends 1206b with respect to the housing 114, in this example, there is provided a fixed member 1210 configured to fixedly attach to the housing 114. The second ends 1206b are fixedly attached with respect to the housing 114 by being fixedly attached to the fixed member 1210. In the example of FIGS. 12A and 12B the fixed member 1206 has a circular cross section and is in coaxial alignment with the pivoting member 1202.

The size of the gap into which the consumables are to be inserted is changed by pivoting (as shown by arrow 1208) the pivoting member 1202 relative to the housing 114. In this example, the resilient wires 1206 have a shape which enables the size of the gap to change when the pivoting member 1202 is pivoted relative to the housing substantially about the central longitudinal axis of the heating chamber 102. Due to their shape, the resilient wires 1206 each comprise a bend 1206c. The bends 1206c are arranged to define the gap through which consumables are to be inserted.

The resilient wires 1206 define the initial arrangement which provides the gap of an initial size. The resilient wires 1206 may be biased such that the bends 1206c define the smallest gap in the initial arrangement. The resilient wires 1206 are deflected away from the initial arrangement to change the size of the gap. Applying a force against the resilient wires 1206 (e.g. by pivoting the pivoting member 1202) causes the size of the gap to change to accommodate and hold, one at a time, each of the plurality of consumables.

When the pivoting member 1202 pivots in the clockwise direction with respect to FIGS. 12A and 12B, the bends 1206c move away from the center and the size of the gap increases. On the other hand, when the pivoting member 1202 pivots in the counter-clockwise direction with respect to FIGS. 12A and 12B, the ends 1206c move towards the center and the size of the gap decreases. The resilient wires 1206 each simultaneously contact an inserted consumable in order to hold the inserted consumable in position. In this example, the bends 1206c contact the inserted consumable.

In the initial arrangement the pivoting member 1202 may be in it most counter-clockwise position. In use, the pivoting member 1202 may be pivoted clockwise so that the size of the gap is larger than the width of the consumable being inserted. Once the consumable has been inserted, the pivoting member 1202 may be allowed to pivot as urged by the bias of the resilient wires 1206. Therefore, the bends 1206 contact and press the consumable to hold it in position.

In some examples, there may be provided a clip, or the like, which can be used to hold the pivoting member 1202 in a desired position.

In the example of FIG. 12A, the retention apparatus 112i is holding in position the first consumable 300. In the example of FIG. 12B, the retention apparatus 112i is holding in position the second consumable 302. It can be seen that when the first consumable 300 is inserted into and held by the retention apparatus 112i, the gap defined by the bends 1206c is smaller and the pivoting member 1202 is in a more counter-clockwise position as compared to when the second consumable 302 is inserted into and held by retention apparatus 112i.

Example 10

The retention apparatus of Example 10 is labelled with reference numeral 112j in FIGS. 13A-B. In this example, the pivotable member is a cam 1302. The cam 1302 is pivotably attached to the housing 114 of the device 100. The pivoting member 1302 is pivotably attached such that the pivoting axis 1304 of the cam 1302 is substantially aligned with the center of the heating chamber 102 throughout the length of the heating chamber 102. In other words, the pivoting axis 1304 is substantially parallel to and substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the heating chamber 102. The cross labelled with numeral 1304 in FIGS. 13A and 13B indicates that the pivoting axis points into the page.

In this example, the cam 1302 comprises three angled surfaces 1302a such that the pivoting axis 1304 is substantially parallel to the planes of the angled surfaces. In other examples, the cam 1302 may comprise a different number of such angled surface. For example, the cam 1302 may comprise two or more angled surfaces. The retention apparatus 112j comprises three gripper members 1306. Each of the gripper members 1306 is slidably connected to the cam 1302. In Example 10, each gripper member 1306 is slidably connected to a respective one of the angled surfaces 1302a. In this example, there is one gripper member for each of the three angled surfaces. In other examples, there may be a different number of gripper members corresponding to the number of angled surfaces.

In this example, the gripper members 1306 are disposed circumferentially around the gap so as to define the size of the gap. The gripper members 1306 are configured each simultaneously to contact, one at a time, each of the plurality of consumables in order to hold the consumables in position. The gripper members 1306 are engaged with the cam 1302 (specifically the angled surfaces 1302a) such that pivoting the cam 1302 causes the gripper members 1306 to move towards and away from the center of the gap to change the size of the gap.

In this example, the gripper members 1306 comprise roller/slider members 1306a which roll or slide along the angled surfaces 1302a. In the following description, the roller/slider members 1306a are referred to simply as slider members 1306a for convenience. The gripper members 1306 are configured to define the gap (into which consumables are to be inserted) and contact the consumables to hold them in position. The gripper members 1306 each comprise a contact face 1306b which faces inwards into the chamber and defines the gap.

The cam 1302 can pivot clockwise or counter-clockwise as shown by arrow 1308. Pivoting the cam 1302 causes the gripper members 1306 to slide with respect to the angled surfaces 1302a so as to change the size of the gap.

In Example 10, there is at least one resilient member which biases the gripper members 1306 towards the initial arrangement in which the size of the gap is at it smallest. The gripper members 1306 are biased inwards towards the center. For example, there may be provided, for each of the gripper members 1306, a spring (e.g. connected to the housing 114 and to the gripping member in question) which biases the gripper member in question towards the center. As described above, the gripper members are slidably connected to respective angled surfaces. In this example, the gripper members 1306 do not pivot when the cam 1302 pivots. In this way, the gripper members 1306 slide with respect to the cam 1302.

In some examples, there may not be provided a spring for each gripper member. Instead, for example, a single spring may urge a pushing member to push all the gripper members towards the center. Various different arrangements may be envisaged which enable at least one resilient member to bias the gripper members 1306 towards the center.

Although the gripper members 1306 are biased towards the center, the closest position of the contact faces 1306b to the center is constrained by the angled surfaces 1302a. The initial arrangement occurs when the contact faces 1306b are at their closest to the center, which occurs when the sliding members 1306a contact the parts of the angled surfaces 1302a closest to the center.

When the cam 1302 is pivoted in the clockwise direction, a force is applied against the at least one resilient member to cause the size of the gap to change by pushing the gripper members 1306 away from the center against the bias. This is caused by the angle of the angled surfaces 1302a on which the sliding members 1306a slide. This enables consumables to be accommodated and held by the gripper members. For pivoting in the clockwise direction, the size of the gap increases.

In use, the user may pivot the cam in the clockwise direction to increase the size of the gap. A consumable may then be inserted. The pivoting force may be released (e.g. gradually/in a controlled way) and the cam 1302 may pivot in the counter-clockwise direction until the gap is such that the contact faces 1306b contact and press the consumable to hold it in position.

In some examples, there may be provided a clip, or the like, which can hold the cam 1302 in a desired position.

In the example of FIG. 13A, the first consumable 300 is held by the retention apparatus 112j. In the example of FIG. 13B, the second consumable is held by the retention apparatus 112j. It can be seen that the gripping members are closer to the center and the sliding members 1306a contact a part of the angled surfaces 1302 closer to the center when the first consumable is being held as compared to when the second consumable 302 is being held.

Example 11

The description above in relation to Example 4 also applies to Example 11.

FIG. 14A is a schematic perspective view of a retention apparatus labelled with numeral 112k according to Example 11. The retention apparatus 112k functions in the same manner as the retention apparatus 112d of Example 4. The retention apparatus 112k is different in that the retention apparatus 112k comprises four cantilever springs instead of two.

As seen in FIG. 14A, the retention apparatus comprises a first cantilever spring 1402, a second cantilever spring 1404, a third cantilever spring 1406 and a fourth cantilever spring 1408. The cantilever springs in this example are all connected to a base plate 1410. In this example, the base plate has a hole 1412 in the center.

Providing the hole 1412 is advantageous when the retention apparatus 112k is located towards the distal end 204 of the device 100 such that it is intended to hold the distal end of a consumable. As used herein, the distal end of the consumable is the end opposite to the end from which the user draws aerosol. The hole 1412 may be advantageous in such examples because the hole 1412 provides a path for e.g. aerosol which exits the distal end of the consumable to flow away from the distal end of the consumable.

FIG. 14B is a schematic perspective view of the retention apparatus 112k holding in position the first consumable 300. FIG. 14C is a schematic perspective view of the retention apparatus 112k holding in position the second consumable 302. As can be seen from FIGS. 14B and 14C, the cantilever springs are deflected more in the case of FIG. 14C because the second consumable 302 is wider.

Non-Combustible Aerosol Provision System

The following description relates to a non-combustible aerosol provision system. The non-combustible aerosol provision system comprises a non-combustible aerosol provision device (e.g. the device 100). The system also comprises a first retention member and a second retention member.

The system is configured such that the first and second retention members can be installed towards the proximal end of the device 100. FIG. 15A is a schematic plan view of the first and second retention members 1502, 1504. The retention members are discs, for example paper discs, with holes 1502a, 1504a in the center to accommodate and hold (due to friction) consumables of respective given widths. In the examples shown, there are slits 1502b, 1504b to enable the center region of the retention members 1502, 1504 to flex to accommodate consumables. The slits 1502b, 1504b define arms or prongs that deform in order for the center region to flex to accommodate consumables. The arms or prongs contact respective consumables to hold the respective consumables in position.

When installed in the device 100, the first retention member 1502 is configured to hold a consumable of a first given size in position for use in the device 100. When installed in the device 100, the second retention member is configured to hold a consumable of a second given size in position for se in the device 100.

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 width which is less than the width of the second consumable 302

In the example of FIG. 15A, the first retention member 1502 is configured to hold the first consumable 300 and the second retention member 1504 is configured to hold the second consumable 302 in position.

FIG. 15B shows schematic perspective views of an example of the system. The device 100 comprises a slot 1506 towards the proximal end 202 at the entrance to the heating chamber 102. The slot is dimensioned to receive the first and second retention members 1502, 1504 such that consumables pass through their center when being inserted into the heating chamber 102.

In this example, the device 100 comprises a hinged lid 1508 which opens to allow installation of the first and second retention members 1502, 1504, and closes to keep them in place. The left most schematic of FIG. 15B shows the hinged lid 1508 open ready for installation of the second retention member 1504. The middle schematic of FIG. 15B shows the hinged lid 1508 open and the second retention member 1504 installed in the slot 1506. The right most schematic of FIG. 15B shows the hinged lid 1508 closed after installation of the second retention member 1504. Thereafter, the second consumable 302 is inserted into the heating chamber 102 through a hole in the hinged lid 1508 and is held in place by the second retention member 1504. The first retention member 1502 can be installed in the same manner. FIG. 15C shows the second consumable 302 inserted after installation of the second retention member 1504 as described above.

FIG. 15D shows another example of the system. This example is similar to the example described above with respect to FIGS. 15B and 15C, with the difference being that there is provided a pivotably attached lid 1510 instead of the hinged lid 1508. This example functions similarly to the previous example except for the way in which the pivotably attached lid 1510 opens and closes.

There may be provided a non-combustible aerosol generating system comprising a device according to any of the described examples and one or more consumables comprising aerosol-generating material such as the first 300 and the second 302 consumables.

The above examples are to be understood as illustrative examples of the disclosure. Further examples of the disclosure 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 disclosure, 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 retention apparatus configured to hold in position, one at a time, each of a plurality of consumables comprising aerosol-generating material of different sizes.

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

each of the plurality of consumables has a different width; and
the retention apparatus comprises at least one resilient member which enables the retention apparatus to adopt each of a plurality of configurations in order to hold in position, one at a time, each of the plurality of consumables having a respective width.

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

the at least one resilient member enables the retention apparatus to define an initial arrangement which provides a gap of an initial size into which each of the plurality of consumables are to be inserted; and
applying a force against the at least one resilient member causes the initial size of the gap to change to accommodate and hold, one at a time, each of the plurality of consumables.

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

the at least one resilient member comprises two or more resilient members which are deflectable away from the initial arrangement to change a size of the gap; and
the two or more resilient members are configured each simultaneously to contact, one at a time, each of the plurality of consumables in order to hold the consumable in position.

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

the two or more resilient members are biased towards the initial arrangement; and
the gap provided by the initial arrangement is smaller than a smallest width among the different widths of the consumables of the plurality of consumables.

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

each of the two or more resilient members is an arm forming a cantilever spring; and
a consumable retention force of each of the arms forming the cantilever spring is less than 120 grams.

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

the at least one resilient member is configured to contact, one at a time, each of the plurality of consumables in order to hold the consumable in position;
the at least one resilient member is biased towards the initial arrangement;
the gap provided by the initial arrangement is smaller than a smallest width among the different widths of the consumables of the plurality of consumables;
the retention apparatus comprises a tubular body; and
the at least one resilient member is a resilient protrusion extending from the tubular body into a cavity defined by the tubular body.

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

the retention apparatus comprises a moveable element which moves between a plurality of positions with respect to an end of the non-combustible aerosol provision device in order to transition the retention apparatus between a corresponding plurality of different initial arrangements;
each of the plurality of different initial arrangements provides a gap of a different initial size into which the consumables are to be inserted; and
the two or more resilient members are biased towards the initial arrangement that corresponds to a current position of the plurality of positions of the moveable element.

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

the non-combustible aerosol provision device comprises a housing;
each of the plurality of consumables has a different width;
the retention apparatus comprises an orifice which provides an opening into a chamber of the non-combustible aerosol provision device;
a central axis of the orifice is at a non-zero angle relative to a central axis of the chamber in an initial arrangement; and
the retention apparatus is movably attached to the housing, and moving the retention apparatus relative to the housing causes the angle to change such that a size of the opening changes.

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

the retention apparatus comprises at least one resilient member which enables the retention apparatus to adopt each of a plurality of configurations in order to hold in position the consumables having respective widths;
the opening provided by the initial arrangement is smaller than a smallest width among the widths of the consumables of the plurality of consumables;
the at least one resilient member biases the retention apparatus towards the initial arrangement; and
applying a force against the at least one resilient member causes the angle to change such that the size of the opening into the chamber increases.

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

the non-combustible aerosol provision device comprises a housing;
each of the plurality of consumables has a different width;
the retention apparatus further comprises an end cap that is movably attached to the housing of the non-combustible aerosol provision device;
the end cap comprises a first opening of a first size and a second opening of a second size;
in a first configuration of the retention apparatus, the first opening is aligned with a chamber of the non-combustible aerosol provision device; and
in a second configuration of the retention apparatus, the second opening is aligned with the chamber.

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

the retention apparatus comprises one or more holding elements configured to hold the retention apparatus in a current configuration; and
the retention apparatus is configured to transition between the first configuration and the second configuration by pivoting relative to the housing of the non-combustible aerosol provision device.

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

the non-combustible aerosol provision device comprises a housing;
the at least one resilient member is a coil spring;
a fixed end of the coil spring is fixedly attached to the housing of the non-combustible aerosol provision device;
a moveable end of the coil spring is moveably attached to the housing of the non-combustible aerosol provision device;
the gap is defined by a center of the coil spring; and
a size of the gap is changed by moving the moveable end relative to the fixed end.

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

the non-combustible aerosol provision device comprises a housing;
the two or more resilient members are circumferentially arranged in order to define the gap therebetween;
the two or more resilient members are biased towards the initial arrangement and the gap provided by the initial arrangement is larger than a largest width among the respective widths of the consumables of the plurality of consumables; and
the retention apparatus comprises a restrictive member slidably attached to the housing of the non-combustible aerosol provision device, wherein the restrictive member is configured to be slid relative to the housing of the non-combustible aerosol provision device in order to urge the two or more resilient members against the bias to reduce a size of the gap.

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

the non-combustible aerosol provision device comprises a housing;
each of the plurality of consumables has a different width;
the retention apparatus defines an initial arrangement which provides a gap of an initial size into which the plurality of consumables are to be inserted one at a time;
the retention apparatus comprises a pivotable member pivotably attached to the housing such that a pivoting axis of the pivotable member is substantially aligned with a center of a chamber of the non-combustible aerosol provision device throughout a length of the chamber; and
a size of the gap is changed by pivoting the pivotable member relative to the housing.

16. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to claim 15, wherein:

the retention apparatus comprises two or more resilient wires which enable the retention apparatus to adopt each of a plurality of configurations in order to hold in position, one at a time, the plurality of consumables each having a respective width,
wherein: a first end of each of the two or more resilient wires is fixedly attached to the pivotable member; a second end of each of the two or more resilient wires is fixedly attached with respect to the housing of the non-combustible aerosol provision device; the two or more resilient wires are configured each simultaneously to contact, one at a time, each of the plurality of consumables in order to hold the plurality of consumables in position; and applying a force against the two or more resilient wires causes the two or more resilient wires to be deflected away from the initial arrangement to change the size of the gap to accommodate and hold, one at a time, each of the plurality of consumables.

17. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to claim 15, wherein:

the pivotable member is a cam;
the retention apparatus comprises two or more gripper members, each of the two or more gripper members slidably connected to the cam,
wherein: the two or more gripper members are disposed circumferentially around the gap so as to define the size of the gap and configured each simultaneously to contact, one at a time, each of the plurality of consumables in order to hold the plurality of consumables in position; and the two or more gripper members are engaged with the cam such that pivoting the cam causes the two or more gripper members to move towards and away from a center of the gap to change the size of the gap.

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

the retention apparatus comprises an opening comprising a tapered internal surface; and
the at least one resilient member comprises a resilient ring,
wherein: a respective consumable of the plurality of consumables is held in position by the retention apparatus when the resilient ring is sandwiched between the respective consumable and the tapered internal surface at a position along the tapered internal surface depending upon a width of the respective consumable.

19. The non-combustible aerosol provision device according to claim 1, wherein the retention apparatus comprises a region adapted to receive each of a first retention member and a second different retention member, wherein a user can select which one of the first retention member or the second different retention member is received in the region at any given time wherein, when the first retention member is installed in the region the first retention member is configured to hold a consumable of a first given size in position for use in the non-combustible aerosol provision device, and when the second different retention member is installed in the region the second different retention member is configured to hold a consumable of a second given size in position for use in the non-combustible aerosol provision device.

20-23. (canceled)

24. A non-combustible aerosol provision system comprising:

the non-combustible aerosol provision device according to claim 1; and
one or more consumables comprising aerosol-generating material.
Patent History
Publication number: 20240074494
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 22, 2022
Publication Date: Mar 7, 2024
Inventors: Jeremy CAMPELL (London), Matthew WRIGHT (Cambridgeshire), Daniel Anthony WALTON (Cambridgeshire), Andy FINCH (Cornwall), Jon Peter Frederick SPRATLEY (Cornwall), Daniel Thomas AHEARN (Cornwall), Andrew Richard Buchanan HALKET (London), James Garfield PRYOR (London)
Application Number: 18/262,951
Classifications
International Classification: A24F 40/40 (20200101); A24F 40/20 (20200101); A24F 40/30 (20200101);