U.S. patent application number 13/528472 was filed with the patent office on 2013-09-26 for electronic cigarette having a flexible and soft configuration.
The applicant listed for this patent is Mark Scatterday, Craig Weiss. Invention is credited to Mark Scatterday, Craig Weiss.
Application Number | 20130247924 13/528472 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49210612 |
Filed Date | 2013-09-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130247924 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Scatterday; Mark ; et
al. |
September 26, 2013 |
ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE HAVING A FLEXIBLE AND SOFT CONFIGURATION
Abstract
Generally described, the present disclosure relates to an
electronic cigarette intended to more effectively simulate the feel
of a traditional cigarette. In one illustrative embodiment, the
electronic cigarette can have a flexible and resilient housing,
sufficiently strong to protect internal components and sufficient
flexible to provide a more realistic user experience to user's
accustomed to the pliability of traditional cigarettes. A paper
label may be provided, either affixed to the flexible housing or to
a prior art, rigid housing. A plastic coating may be providing of
the portion of the paper label intended to be inserted into a
user's mouth, so as to prevent degradation of the label while at
the same time preserving a realistic feel for those portions of the
device not intended to be inserted into the mouth.
Inventors: |
Scatterday; Mark;
(Scottsdale, AZ) ; Weiss; Craig; (Scottsdale,
AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Scatterday; Mark
Weiss; Craig |
Scottsdale
Scottsdale |
AZ
AZ |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49210612 |
Appl. No.: |
13/528472 |
Filed: |
June 20, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61624056 |
Apr 13, 2012 |
|
|
|
61614973 |
Mar 23, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
131/329 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 2205/8206 20130101;
A61M 15/06 20130101; A24F 47/002 20130101; A24F 47/008 20130101;
A61M 11/042 20140204 |
Class at
Publication: |
131/329 |
International
Class: |
A24F 47/00 20060101
A24F047/00 |
Claims
1. An electronic cigarette comprising: a housing adapted to contain
components of an electronic cigarette device; wherein the housing
is comprised of a flexible and resilient material capable of
protecting the components while allowing the housing to flex when
handled by a user.
2. The electronic cigarette of claim 1 wherein the flexible and
resilient material is polycarbonate.
3. The electronic cigarette of claim 1 wherein the flexible and
resilient material is polystyrene.
4. The electronic cigarette of claim 1 wherein the flexible and
resilient material is polyvinylchloride.
5. The electronic cigarette of claim 1 wherein the housing has an
outer diameter in the range of about 7.59 mm to about 7.86 mm.
6. An electronic cigarette comprising: a housing adapted to contain
components of an electronic cigarette device; a label adapted to be
placed over at least a portion of an exterior of the housing;
wherein the label is comprised of paper; a plastic coating
positioned over a portion of the label in an area where the label
is intended to enter a user's mouth during use.
7. The electronic cigarette of claim 6 further comprising an
adhesive layer contacting an underside of the label and an exterior
of the housing.
8. The electronic cigarette of claim 6 where the plastic coating is
comprised of one of polypropylene and polyethylene
terephthalate.
9. The electronic cigarette of claim 7 wherein the label and
adhesive layer form a laminate.
10. The electronic cigarette of claim 9 wherein the laminate has a
thickness in the range of about 0.06 to about 0.15 mm.
11. The electronic cigarette of claim 6 wherein the plastic coating
has a thickness in the range of about 0.01 to about 0.06 mm.
12. The electronic cigarette of claim 6 wherein the housing is
rigid.
13. An electronic cigarette comprising: a housing adapted to
contain components of an electronic cigarette device; wherein the
housing is comprised of a flexible and resilient material capable
of protecting the components while allowing the housing to flex
when handled by a user; a label adapted to be placed over at least
a portion of an exterior of the housing; wherein the label is
comprised of paper; and a plastic coating positioned over a portion
of the label in an area where the label is intended to enter a
user's mouth during use.
14. The electronic cigarette of claim 13 wherein the flexible and
resilient material is polycarbonate.
15. The electronic cigarette of claim 13 wherein the flexible and
resilient material is polystyrene.
16. The electronic cigarette of claim 13 wherein the flexible and
resilient material is polyvinylchloride.
17. The electronic cigarette of claim 13 wherein the housing has an
outer diameter in the range of about 7.59 mm to about 7.86 mm.
18. The electronic cigarette of claim 13 further comprising an
adhesive layer contacting an underside of the label and an exterior
of the housing.
19. The electronic cigarette of claim 13 where the plastic coating
is comprised of one of polypropylene and polyethylene
terephthalate.
20. The electronic cigarette of claim 18 wherein the label and
adhesive layer form a laminate.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED DISCLOSURES
[0001] This disclosure claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/624,056 titled SOFT-ENDED ELECTRONIC
CIGARETTE to Mark Scatterday that was filed on Apr. 13, 2012 and
U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/614,973 titled ELECTRONIC
CIGARETTE ATTACHMENTS, COMPONENTS AND HOLDERS to Craig Weiss and
Mark Scatterday that was filed on Mar. 23, 2012
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure generally relates to electronic cigarettes,
and more particularly, to features that make electronic cigarettes
more able to mimic a traditional cigarette.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Electronic cigarettes currently available on the market are
an increasingly popular smoking alternative for smokers of
traditional cigarettes. Prior electronic utilize a tubular housing
that retains therewithin the device components, which typically
include a battery, cartridge, heating element, and a printed
circuit. In the prior art, such housings comprise metal or hard
plastic, so that the device does not have the precise feel of a
traditional cigarette, whether to the user's touch or when placed
in the user's mouth.
[0004] An electronic cigarette which more closely provides the feel
of a traditional cigarette, according to its various embodiments,
will be described in the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
[0005] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the DESCRIPTION OF THE APPLICATION. This summary is not intended to
identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it
intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the
claimed subject matter.
[0006] In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, an
electronic cigarette is provided. The electronic cigarette
comprises: a housing adapted to contain components of an electronic
cigarette device; wherein the housing is comprised of a flexible
and resilient material capable of protecting the components while
allowing the housing to flex when handled by a user.
[0007] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure,
an electronic cigarette is provided. The electronic cigarette
comprises: a housing adapted to contain components of an electronic
cigarette device; a label adapted to be placed over at least a
portion of an exterior of the housing; wherein the label is
comprised of paper; a plastic coating positioned over a portion of
the label in an area where the label is intended to enter a user's
mouth during use.
[0008] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
disclosure, an electronic cigarette is provided. The electronic
cigarette comprises: a housing adapted to contain components of an
electronic cigarette device; wherein the housing is comprised of a
flexible and resilient material capable of protecting the
components while allowing the housing to flex when handled by a
user; a label adapted to be placed over at least a portion of an
exterior of the housing; wherein the label is comprised of paper;
and a plastic coating positioned over a portion of the label in an
area where the label is intended to enter a user's mouth during
use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0009] The novel features believed to be characteristic of the
application are set forth in the appended claims. In the
descriptions that follow, like parts are marked throughout the
specification and drawings with the same numerals, respectively.
The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain
figures can be shown in exaggerated or generalized form in the
interest of clarity and conciseness. The application itself,
however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and
advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the
following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when
read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a side view of a single-use electronic cigarette
in accordance with one or more aspects of the present
disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of an electronic
cigarette in accordance with one or more aspects of the present
disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of an electronic in
accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure;
and
[0013] FIG. 4 is a side view of an electronic cigarette in
accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
DESCRIPTION OF THE APPLICATION
[0014] The description set forth below in connection with the
appended drawings is intended as a description of presently
preferred embodiments of the application and is not intended to
represent the only fauns in which the present application can be
constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the
functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating
the application in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It
is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions
and sequences can be accomplished by different embodiments that are
also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of this
application.
[0015] Generally described, the present disclosure relates to an
electronic cigarette. In one illustrative embodiment, the
electronic cigarette can include a flexible yet resilient housing,
preferably formed from a suitable plastic material. Through the use
of such material, a more tactile feel can be allowed, more
accurately simulating the feel of a traditional cigarette, while
still suitably protecting the internal device components contained
within the housing. In one embodiment, a paper label is
provided--whether on a prior art, steel housing or, more
preferably, on a flexible housing as described herein--so as to
more accurately simulate the paper feel of a traditional cigarette.
A number of additional advantages will become apparent from the
description provided below.
[0016] As will be shown, FIGS. 1 through 4 depict a single-use
electronic cigarette. It should be noted, however, that electronic
cigarettes consistent with one or more embodiments of the present
invention can be provided as a single unit or in multiple pieces,
(e.g., with the battery and cartridge comprising separable
components), and in the form of a cigar rather than a
cigarette.
[0017] FIG. 1 is a side view of single-use electronic cigarette 500
in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
The device 500, as shown, is provided as a one-piece assembly
(i.e., with battery and cartridge both contained within a single
housing) and may be disposable after the expiration of the battery
or cartridge. When used, the tip of the device 500 can illuminate,
simulating the effects of a traditional cigarette, as is known in
the art.
[0018] Referring now to FIG. 2, the electronic cigarette 500
includes a housing 602 that contains the components of the device.
This include the battery 606, heating element and cartridge 608, as
well as other components (not shown). The housing 602 must be
sufficiently sturdy to provide structural support and also to
protect the user from heat generated by the heating element and, as
well, to prevent the user from damaging any of the interior
components. Typical prior art housings are rigid and are comprised
of steel, which provides structural support and which suitably
protect the components housed therewithin, covered with a sheet of
plastic material. Such a construction, however, is less appealing,
from a tactile perspective, to a user of traditional cigarettes,
since it is not deformable like a traditional cigarette, lacks the
paper covering of a traditional cigarette, and because of its
excessive weight as compared to that of a traditional
cigarette.
[0019] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
the prior art rigid housing is replaced with a housing 602 that is
flexible, yet resilient--providing sufficient structural integrity
and protecting the interior components while also providing users
with a device that is flexible, yet resilient, and that is also
lighter. One preferred such material is polycarbonate (PC). The use
of PC permits the fabrication of a housing that satisfies each of
the following criteria: (a) protects interior components; (b) is
flexible to the touch, yet resilient; (c) can be provided with an
interior diameter large enough to house internal components and an
outer diameter small enough to mimic that of a traditional
cigarette (approximately 8 mm); and (d) is resistant to heat
generated by the heating element.
[0020] The use of other synthetic materials, such as polystyrene or
polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, or polypropylene, may also be
suitable, though such materials would need to be provided in a
greater wall thickness than PC to achieve the objects of the
present invention (the desired combination of strength,
flexibility, lighter weight, and heat resistance), necessitating a
shrinking of the internal device components if a traditional
cigarette outer diameter is to be maintained, the provision of an
electronic cigarette that is thicker than a traditional cigarette,
the provision of a insulation layer, or other modifications.
[0021] Referring now to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, a label 702 is
provided over all or at least some portion of the housing 602. In
some prior art electronic cigarettes, labels are comprised of a
sheet plastic type of material, which can be fashioned so as to
simulate the appearance of cigarette paper, but which lacks the
paper feel of actual cigarette paper. In this embodiment, the label
702 may be provided from a paper material. The label 702 may be
provided as a laminate, with an adhesive film layer thereunder, and
may be laminated to the exterior surface of the housing 602.
Preferably, the label 702 is slightly overlapped, to compensate for
manufacturing tolerances.
[0022] Additionally, it is preferable to laminate the portion of
the label 702 that may enter the mouth of the user during use,
generally corresponding to the portion overlaying the cartridge
608, with a plastic such as polypropylene or polyethylene
terephthalate. Without such lamination, the label 702 will degrade
after coming into contact with the interior of the user's mouth or
if it otherwise comes into contact with moisture. At the same time,
by providing the lamination only over the portion that contact's
the mouth, the remainder of the cigarette 500 retains a paper-like
feel and appearance.
[0023] In one embodiment, the housing 602 is provided with an
interior diameter of approximately 7.7 mm, though an outer diameter
in the range of about 7.59 mm to about 7.86 mm. The label 702,
including the adhesive layer, may have a thickness of approximately
0.09 mm, though a thickness in the range of about 0.06 to about
0.15 mm would be permissible. The polypropylene layer may be
provided in a thickness of approximately 0.03 mm, though a
thickness in the range of about 0.01 to about 0.06 mm would be
permissible. This combination, even allowing for an overlapping of
the label 702, permits the construction of an electronic cigarette
500 having the same outer diameter of a traditional cigarette
(i.e., approximately 8 mm).
[0024] In the preferred embodiment, the label 702 as herein
described is placed over a flexible housing 602, as also herein
described. It should be noted, however, that substantial benefit
may be obtained from providing an electronic cigarette utilizing a
prior art, rigid housing, and a paper label 702 as herein
described, or by providing a flexible housing 602 as herein
described, with a label designed printed thereon or with a plastic
label. Any such configuration would provide substantial benefit
over prior art devices.
[0025] It should be noted that it may be desired to provide an
insulation sleeve (not shown) in the interior of housing 602,
interposed between the interior diameter of the housing 602 and the
internal device components.
[0026] FIG. 4 is a side view of electronic cigarette 500,
illustrating the flexibility provided by the housing 602 as herein
described. The device 500, because of the flexible yet resilient
qualities of housing 602, can be indented typically anywhere along
the length of the device 500. When pressed in, the device 500 can
bend at the point of where the pressure was applied. When released,
the conduit 500 can return to its normal state.
[0027] The foregoing description is provided to enable any person
skilled in the relevant art to practice the various embodiments
described herein. Various modifications to these embodiments will
be readily apparent to those skilled in the relevant art, and
generic principles defined herein can be applied to other
embodiments. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the
embodiments shown and described herein, but are to be accorded the
full scope consistent with the language of the claims, wherein
reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean
"one and only one" unless specifically stated, but rather "one or
more." All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of
the various embodiments described throughout this disclosure that
are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in
the relevant art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and
intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing
disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public
regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the
claims.
* * * * *