U.S. patent application number 14/293176 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-25 for portable hand-held vaporizer heating assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to Vaporfection International Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Vaporfection International Inc.. Invention is credited to Herbert F. Postma, Franklin Wheelock, Amir Yomtov.
Application Number | 20140283824 14/293176 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49210610 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140283824 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wheelock; Franklin ; et
al. |
September 25, 2014 |
PORTABLE HAND-HELD VAPORIZER HEATING ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A portable hand-held vaporizer assembly having a body shaped to
fit substantially within a standard-sized clothing pocket, the body
including an airflow chamber, the airflow chamber having a distal
end and a proximal end; and a spiral body coupling the distal end
to the proximal end. The spiral body defines a spiral airflow
passage in fluid communication with an outside environment, winding
about an area, and being at least partially encapsulated within the
body. The distal end defines a distal opening that places the
spiral airflow passage in fluid communication with the outside
environment. The assembly further includes a heating element
thermally coupled to the spiral glass body and disposed within the
area about which the spiral body winds. A substance placement zone
is downstream from the spiral airflow passage and in fluid
communication with the spiral airflow passage.
Inventors: |
Wheelock; Franklin; (Dallas,
GA) ; Postma; Herbert F.; (Boca Raton, FL) ;
Yomtov; Amir; (Boca Raton, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Vaporfection International Inc. |
Deerfield Beach |
FL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Vaporfection International
Inc.
Deerfield Beach
FL
|
Family ID: |
49210610 |
Appl. No.: |
14/293176 |
Filed: |
June 2, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13430312 |
Mar 26, 2012 |
8739786 |
|
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14293176 |
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|
13204399 |
Aug 5, 2011 |
8739787 |
|
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13430312 |
|
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|
61424102 |
Dec 17, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
128/202.21 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 16/108 20140204;
A61M 15/06 20130101; A61M 11/041 20130101; A24F 47/008 20130101;
A61M 15/0023 20140204; A61M 15/0026 20140204; A61M 2205/8206
20130101; A61M 15/0001 20140204; A61M 11/042 20140204; A61M 16/021
20170801 |
Class at
Publication: |
128/202.21 |
International
Class: |
A61M 16/10 20060101
A61M016/10; A24F 47/00 20060101 A24F047/00; A61M 15/00 20060101
A61M015/00; A61M 15/06 20060101 A61M015/06; A61M 16/00 20060101
A61M016/00 |
Claims
1. A vaporizer heating assembly comprising: a spiral glass body
defining a spiral airflow passage; a heating element thermally
coupled to the spiral glass body without contacting an airflow in
the spiral airflow passage; and a substance placement zone
downstream from the spiral airflow passage.
2. The vaporizer heating assembly in accordance with claim 1,
wherein: the spiral glass body winds around the heating
element.
3. The vaporizer heating assembly in accordance with claim 1,
further comprising: a glass container defining the substance
placement zone.
4. The vaporizer heating assembly in accordance with claim 1,
further comprising a conduit that places the spiral airflow passage
in fluid communication with an outside environment.
5. The vaporizer heating assembly in accordance with claim 1,
wherein: an airflow passage from a distal opening of the spiral
airflow passage to the substance placement zone only contacts
material substantially comprised of glass; and the distal opening
places the spiral airflow passage in fluid communication with an
outside environment.
6. The vaporizer heating assembly in accordance with claim 1,
further comprising a glass conduit that places the spiral airflow
passage in fluid communication with an outside environment.
7. The vaporizer heating assembly in accordance with claim 1,
wherein: an airflow passage from a distal opening of the spiral
airflow passage to the substance placement zone does not contact at
least one of a metal material and a plastic material; and the
distal opening places the spiral airflow passage in fluid
communication with an outside environment.
8. The vaporizer heating assembly in accordance with claim 1,
wherein: an airflow passage from a distal opening of the spiral
airflow passage to the substance placement zone does not contact
the heating element; and the distal opening places the spiral
airflow passage in fluid communication with an outside
environment.
9. The vaporizer heating assembly in accordance with claim 1,
wherein the heating element is: spiral-shaped; and substantially
concentric with the spiral glass body.
10. The vaporizer heating assembly in accordance with claim 1,
further comprising: a body: encapsulating: the spiral glass body,
the heating element, the substance placement zone; and including
walls defining a cavity within the body; and wherein the spiral
glass body and the heating element are disposed within the cavity a
distance away from the walls, the distance defining an air gap
between the spiral glass body and the walls, the air gap operably
configured to thermally shield the body from heat radiating from
heated air flowing through the spiral airflow passage.
11. The vaporizer heating assembly in accordance with claim 1,
further comprising: a temperature control feature including: a
user-input interface operably configured to receive a user input
for controlling a temperature of the heating element; a digital
display operably configured to display information associated with
a temperature within the vaporizer heating assembly; and a
temperature controller communicatively coupled to the user-input
interface and the digital display, the temperature controller
operable to control a temperature output of the heating element
according to information received from the user-input
interface.
12. A portable hand-held vaporizer assembly comprising: a body
shaped to fit substantially within a standard-sized clothing
pocket, the body including: a spiral body defining a spiral airflow
passage, a heating element thermally coupled to the spiral body
without contacting an airflow in the spiral airflow passage; and a
substance placement zone downstream from the spiral airflow
passage.
13. The portable hand-held vaporizer assembly in accordance with
claim 12, wherein: the spiral body winds around the heating
element.
14. The portable hand-held vaporizer assembly in accordance with
claim 12, wherein: the body includes walls defining a cavity within
the body; and the spiral body and the heating element are disposed
within the cavity a distance away from the walls, the distance
defining an air gap between the spiral body and the walls, the air
gap operably configured to thermally shield the body from heat
radiating from the heating element.
15. The portable hand-held vaporizer assembly in accordance with
claim 12, wherein: an airflow passage from a distal opening of the
spiral airflow passage to the substance placement zone only
contacts material substantially comprised of glass; and the distal
opening places the spiral airflow passage in fluid communication
with an outside environment.
16. The portable hand-held vaporizer assembly in accordance with
claim 12, further comprising: a temperature control feature
including: a user-input interface operably configured to receive a
user input for controlling a temperature of the heating element; a
digital display operably configured to display information
associated with a temperature within the portable hand-held
vaporizer assembly; and a temperature controller communicatively
coupled to the user-input interface and the digital display, the
temperature controller operable to control a temperature output of
the heating element according to information received from the
user-input interface.
17. The portable hand-held vaporizer assembly in accordance with
claim 12, wherein the spiral body is comprised of glass.
18. A portable hand-held vaporizer assembly comprising: a body
shaped to fit substantially within a standard-sized clothing
pocket, the body including: a spiral glass body defining a spiral
airflow passage; a heating element thermally coupled to the spiral
glass body without contacting an airflow in the spiral airflow
passage; and a substance placement zone downstream from the spiral
airflow passage.
19. The portable hand-held vaporizer assembly in accordance with
claim 18, wherein: the spiral glass body winds around the heating
element.
20. The portable hand-held vaporizer assembly in accordance with
claim 18, further comprising: a temperature control feature
including: a user-input interface operably configured to receive a
user input for controlling a temperature of the heating element; a
digital display operably configured to display information
associated with a temperature within the portable hand-held
vaporizer assembly; and a temperature controller communicatively
coupled to the user-input interface and the digital display, the
temperature controller operable to control a temperature output of
the heating element according to information received from the
user-input interface.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a U.S. Continuation-In-Part patent
application, which: [0002] claims priority to U.S. Non-Provisional
patent application Ser. No. 13/430,312 filed Mar. 26, 2012; and
[0003] claims priority to U.S. Non-Provisional patent application
Ser. No. 13/204,399, filed Aug. 5, 2011, which claims the benefit
of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/424,102, filed Dec.
17, 2010; the entireties of which are incorporated by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention relates generally to a vaporizer for
inhalation of active ingredients within a plant material, and more
particularly relates to a portable, concealable, hand-held,
vaporizer utilizing convection heating and a spiral airflow
chamber, where the airflow does not directly contact the heating
element.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A vaporizer is a device used to extract the active
ingredients of plant material, e.g., tobacco, or other herbs or
blends, for inhalation by a human. Vaporization involves heating a
material so that its active compounds boil off into a vapor. As
opposed to smoking, i.e., burning, vaporization avoids the
production of irritating, toxic, and carcinogenic by-products. In
fact, no combustion occurs, so no smoke or taste of smoke is
present. Studies show that vapor contains substantially zero
particulate matter or tar, and, in comparison to smoking,
significantly lower concentrations of noxious gases such as carbon
monoxide. It has also been shown that, in comparison to other drug
delivery methods, such as ingestion, vaporization has a more rapid
onset of pharmacological effect, direct delivery into the
bloodstream (via the lungs), and more precise titration such that
the desired level is reached and not exceeded, enabling consistent
and appropriate dosage.
[0006] Generally, those vaporizers utilizing convection-based
heating methods employ the use of a heating element by which air
passes through, or is in contact with, such that the temperature of
the air is heated sufficiently to extract an herb's natural
ingredients. To remove an herb's active ingredients the effective
vapor temperature varies depending on the type of supplied herb,
but generally ranges from 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. After the
active ingredients from the herb are boiled off into a vapor, it
generally is too hot to be comfortably and/or safely inhaled by a
human being. As such, many vaporizes utilize hoses (also called
"whips"), elongated chambers, and large heat sinks to reduce the
temperature of the vapor so it is safe and comfortable for human
inhalation. For most known vaporizers, the vaporization process
requires an assembly or casing that is cumbersome and not easily
portable. Those assemblies that are portable are too large to
conceal within a standard-sized pant pocket and do not allow the
device to be effectively and conveniently transported. Most of
these vaporizes also require the unit to be plugged in to an
electric outlet, which is inconvenient for those persons without
access to electricity.
[0007] To effectively reduce the temperature of the vapor so it can
be consumed, many hand-held vaporizers utilize an elongated chamber
that reduces the vapor to a desired temperature. This elongated
chamber commonly creates an assembly that is in the general shape
of a flashlight with a nozzle-type mouthpiece at the end. There are
numerous disadvantages associated with the elongated shape of the
vaporizer. With the mouthpiece coupled to the end of the device it
becomes readily identifiable as a smoking-type apparatus, which
many users find undesirable. Few, if any, of those hand-held
vaporizers easily conceal the mouth piece, without removal into
multiple components, which can be easily misplaced and/or dropped.
As most mouth pieces are not easily concealable, and because they
generally have at least one opening disposed to the outside
environment to inhale the vapor, the device also becomes
susceptible to liquids and debris from entering, which may
contaminate the device's functionality. Those vaporizers that are
shaped in an elongated fashion also typically require the vaporizer
to be subject to the time-intensive task of disassembling it into
multiple components in order for the user to insert the herbs. As
such, few vaporizers allow a user to insert and remove herbs into
the vapor chamber quickly and efficiently without at least
partially disassembling the device.
[0008] To allow the vapor temperature to reduce to comfortable and
safe ranges, many known vaporizers have their heating element at a
location 4-6 inches away from the mouthpiece or inhaling area. In
such configurations, which are in-line with most known vaporizers
that are elongated, the vapor is given more time to dissipate the
heat. This, however, negatively creates an inconsistent temperature
at the mouthpiece that is dependent on the inhaling rate of the
user. For example, as a user inhales faster, the air from the
outside environment passes more quickly past the heating element
which in turn reduces the temperature at the mouthpiece. A slower
inhale rate produces a higher temperature at the mouthpiece because
the incoming air is in contact with the heating element longer.
This can lead to a less effective release of the active ingredients
in the herbs, should the user inhale very fast. Furthermore, as the
temperature generally varies, depending on the inhaling rate, many
hand-held vaporizers require a user to inconveniently adjust their
breathing rate to produce the desired temperature at the mouth
piece. As the temperature generally varies, most known portable
hand-held vaporizers do not allow the user to have an optimized air
flow, a safe vapor temperature at the mouth piece, and a highly
potent vapor containing the herb's active ingredients.
[0009] To compensate for the sporadic temperature at the mouthpiece
and to form a more compact body of the vaporizer, many known
vaporizers utilize conduction-based, as opposed to
convection-based, heating, i.e. direct contact of the herb with a
heated material. These known vaporizers overcome sporadic vapor
temperatures by placing the heating element closer to the
mouthpiece. These vaporizers are able to accomplish this as there
is no fluid that is required to be heated. Conduction vaporizers
have their own set of problems, however, and are generally
considered inferior to convection-based heated vaporizers.
Convection heating is more efficient as the heated fluid, "air," is
in contact with more surface area of the herb. This in turn
provides a more potent vapor and does not require the user to
adjust the herbs. Convection-based heating vaporizers further allow
a user to control the heating element more effectively than those
conventional conduction-based heated vaporizers. This also allows
for a generally more potent vapor, as the user increases the
chances that all of the herb's active ingredients are boiled off
into the vapor. As such, few, if any, known vaporizers are able to
utilize convection heating into a compact discrete design that
creates safe and comfortable vapor temperatures.
[0010] Prior-art vaporizers use a heating element, typically a
metallic heating element, that adds an unpleasant taste to the air
stream flowing through it. In addition, prior art vaporizers are
made with a heating element inside an air-flow conduit where the
heating element rests against a portion of the interior of the
conduit, thereby preventing air from flowing around certain
portions of the heating element, resulting in non-optimized airflow
and/or heat exchange.
[0011] Additionally, many vaporizers are not thermally efficient,
which is particularly troublesome with portable vaporizers that
require high energy efficiency for optimal battery power life. For
example, some prior-art vaporizers utilize metal components that
absorb a large amount of heat, thus, requiring the expenditure of
additional energy to generate optimum heat levels. Portable
vaporizers, which are smaller, require optimal space management, as
well as, thermal shielding. For example, certain portions of the
portable vaporizer do not operate, or operate at lesser
efficiencies, when exposed to high temperatures and from the
heating element. Accordingly, there is a need for portable
vaporizers that optimize thermal energy management, space
management, and provide thermal shielding.
[0012] Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the
prior art as discussed above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The invention provides a portable hand-held vaporizer
assembly that overcomes the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of
the heretofore-known devices and methods of this general type and
provides a device that utilizes convection-based heating, while
producing vapors for a user to inhale at a safe and comfortable
temperature. The invention also provides a portable vaporizer that
is discrete and not readable identifiable to the viewing public and
easily transportable within a pant or other type of pocket, e.g.,
shirt, jacket, etc., of a user.
[0014] With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is
provided, in accordance with the invention, a portable hand-held
vaporizer assembly that includes a body shaped to fit substantially
within a standard-sized clothes pocket, e.g., 10''.times.8'', with
the body that has an airflow chamber defining an airflow passage,
the air flow chamber having a proximal end and a distal end,
opposite to the proximal end, the distal end defining a distal
opening that places the airflow passage in fluid communication with
an outside environment and being at least partially encapsulated
within the body. The body further has a heating element assembly
having a portion thermally coupled to the airflow passage, an herb
placement zone in fluid communication with the airflow passage, and
a conductive conduit that places the airflow passage in fluid
communication with the outside environment, the conduit having a
first position where a distal end of the conduit is substantially
placed within the body and a second position where the distal end
extends a length away from the body.
[0015] In accordance with another feature, one embodiment of the
present invention includes the body with an upper end, a lower end,
opposite to the upper end, and a body height separating the upper
and lower end that is at most approximately 6 inches.
[0016] In accordance with a further feature of the present
invention, the body is in the general shape of a standard-sized
cellular phone.
[0017] In accordance with yet another feature, an embodiment of the
present invention includes the herb placement zone having a screen
that separates the herb placement zone from the airflow channel and
an upper edge that is at most approximately 2 inches away from a
lower portion of the conduit.
[0018] In accordance with one feature of the present invention, the
conduit is metallic.
[0019] In accordance with yet another feature of the present
invention, the conduit has a substantially non-conductive
mouthpiece coupled thereto.
[0020] In accordance with another feature of present invention, the
substantially non-conductive mouthpiece is adjustable a variable
length away from the distal end of the conduit.
[0021] In accordance with one more feature of the present
invention, body includes a cover that is coupled to the body and
removably-couplable to a portion of the conduit when the conduit is
in either in either the first or second positions.
[0022] In accordance with a further feature of the present
invention, the cover is rotatable and made from a conductive
material.
[0023] In accordance yet another feature of the present invention,
the conduit is rotatable along a rotation path, defined by the
conduit, to either the first position or the second position.
[0024] In accordance with an additional feature of the present
invention, the conduit is slidably-rotatable to either the first
position or the second position.
[0025] In accordance with one more feature of the present
invention, the conduit is slidable along a translation path defined
by the conduit to either the first position or the second
position.
[0026] In accordance with a further feature of the present
invention, the conduit is operable to be placed in a third position
that at least partially exposes the herb placement zone.
[0027] In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the
present invention includes a body shaped to fit substantially
within a standard-sized pocket that includes a multidirectional
airflow chamber defining a multidirectional airflow passage, the
multidirectional airflow chamber that has a proximal end, a distal
end, opposite to the proximal end, and a chamber length separating
the proximal and distal ends, the distal end defining a distal
opening that places the multidirectional airflow passage in fluid
communication with an outside environment. The multidirectional
chamber also has at least two separate portions along a chamber
length that at least partially overlap one another and is at least
partially encapsulated within the body. The body further includes a
heating element assembly having a portion thermally coupled to the
multidirectional airflow passage, an herb placement zone in fluid
communication with the multidirectional airflow passage, and a
conductive conduit that places the multidirectional airflow passage
in fluid communication with the outside environment.
[0028] In accordance an additional feature of the present in
invention, the body has a lower end, an upper end, opposite to the
lower end, and a body height separating the lower end and the upper
end, wherein the chamber length is greater than the body
height.
[0029] In another embodiment of the present invention, the assembly
has a body that defines an inner area, with the body having a lower
end, an upper end, and a body length of at most approximately 6
inches separating the lower end and upper end, a multidirectional
airflow chamber defining a multidirectional airflow passage, with
the multidirectional airflow chamber having a proximal end and a
distal end, opposite to the proximal end, the distal end defining a
distal opening that places the multidirectional airflow passage in
fluid communication with an outside environment and being at least
partially encapsulated within body. The body further includes a
heating element assembly having a portion thermally coupled to the
multidirectional airflow passage, an herb placement zone in fluid
communication with the multidirectional airflow passage, and a
conductive conduit coupled to the body that places the
multidirectional airflow passage in fluid communication with the
outside environment, the conduit being operable to be either
slidable or rotatable to a first position where the body
substantially conceals the conduit and a second position where the
conduit extends outwardly away from the inner area.
[0030] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
there is provided a vaporizer heating assembly including a spiral
glass body defining a spiral airflow passage; a heating element
thermally coupled to the spiral glass body without contacting an
airflow in the spiral airflow passage; and a substance placement
zone downstream from the spiral airflow passage.
[0031] In accordance with another feature, the spiral glass body
winds around the heating element.
[0032] In accordance with yet another feature, an embodiment of the
present invention includes a glass container defining the substance
placement zone.
[0033] In accordance with a further feature, an embodiment of the
present invention includes a conduit that places the spiral airflow
passage in fluid communication with an outside environment.
[0034] In accordance with another feature, an airflow passage from
a distal opening of the spiral airflow passage to the substance
placement zone only contacts material substantially comprised of
glass; and the distal opening places the spiral airflow passage in
fluid communication with an outside environment.
[0035] In accordance with a further feature, an embodiment of the
present invention includes a glass conduit that places the spiral
airflow passage in fluid communication with an outside
environment.
[0036] In accordance with another feature, an airflow passage from
a distal opening of the spiral airflow passage to the substance
placement zone does not contact at least one of a metal material
and a plastic material; and the distal opening places the spiral
airflow passage in fluid communication with an outside
environment.
[0037] In accordance with yet another feature, an airflow passage
from a distal opening of the spiral airflow passage to the
substance placement zone does not contact the heating element; and
the distal opening places the spiral airflow passage in fluid
communication with an outside environment.
[0038] In accordance with another feature, the heating element is
spiral-shaped; and substantially concentric with the spiral glass
body.
[0039] In accordance with a further feature, an embodiment of the
present invention includes a body encapsulating the spiral glass
body, the heating element, and the substance placement zone; and
the body including walls defining a cavity within the body. The
spiral glass body and the heating element are disposed within the
cavity a distance away from the walls, the distance defining an air
gap between the spiral glass body and the walls, and the air gap
operably configured to thermally shield the body from heat
radiating from heated air flowing through the spiral airflow
passage.
[0040] In accordance with yet another feature, an embodiment of the
present invention includes a temperature control feature having: a
user-input interface operably configured to receive a user input
for controlling a temperature of the heating element; a digital
display operably configured to display information associated with
a temperature within the vaporizer heating assembly; and a
temperature controller communicatively coupled to the user-input
interface and the digital display, the temperature controller
operable to control a temperature output of the heating element
according to information received from the user-input
interface.
[0041] In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the
present invention includes a portable hand-held vaporizer assembly
having a body shaped to fit substantially within a standard-sized
clothing pocket, the body including a spiral body defining a spiral
airflow passage, a heating element thermally coupled to the spiral
body without contacting an airflow in the spiral airflow passage;
and a substance placement zone downstream from the spiral airflow
passage.
[0042] In accordance with a further feature, the spiral body winds
around the heating element.
[0043] In accordance with another feature, the body includes walls
defining a cavity within the body; and the spiral body and the
heating element are disposed within the cavity a distance away from
the walls, the distance defining an air gap between the spiral body
and the walls, the air gap operably configured to thermally shield
the body from heat radiating from the heating element.
[0044] In accordance with a further feature, the spiral body is
comprised of glass.
[0045] In accordance with a further feature, an embodiment of the
present invention includes a portable hand-held vaporizer assembly
having a body shaped to fit substantially within a standard-sized
clothing pocket, the body including a spiral glass body defining a
spiral airflow passage; a heating element thermally coupled to the
spiral glass body without contacting an airflow in the spiral
airflow passage; and a substance placement zone downstream from the
spiral airflow passage.
[0046] Although the invention is illustrated and described herein
as embodied in a vaporizer heating assembly, it is, nevertheless,
not intended to be limited to the details shown because various
modifications and structural changes may be made therein without
departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and
range of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known
elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be
described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the
relevant details of the invention.
[0047] Other features that are considered as characteristic for the
invention are set forth in the appended claims. As required,
detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein;
however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are
merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various
forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details
disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely
as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for
teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the
present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed
structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not
intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable
description of the invention. While the specification concludes
with claims defining the features of the invention that are
regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better
understood from a consideration of the following description in
conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference
numerals are carried forward. The figures of the drawings are not
drawn to scale.
[0048] Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it
is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the
purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not
intended to be limiting. The terms "a" or "an," as used herein, are
defined as one or more than one. The term "plurality," as used
herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term "another," as
used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms
"including" and/or "having," as used herein, are defined as
comprising (i.e., open language). The term "coupled," as used
herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly,
and not necessarily mechanically.
[0049] As used herein, the terms "about" or "approximately" apply
to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These
terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in
the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e.,
having the same function or result). In many instances these terms
may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant
figure. In this document, the term "longitudinal" should be
understood to mean in a direction corresponding to an elongated
direction of the heating element. The term "heating element," as
used herein, indicates a structure that actively produces heat and
are directly physically coupled to such structures, as opposed to
nearby structures that receive heat via convection and possibly
transfer heat to other areas. The term "downstream," as used herein
indicates a location along a path of flow that is further down the
path of flow and occurs after a reference point in that path of
flow.
[0050] The terms "program," "application," "software application,"
and the like as used herein, are defined as a sequence of
instructions designed for execution on a computer system. A
"program," "computer program," "application," or "software
application" may include a subroutine, a function, a procedure, an
object method, an object implementation, an executable application,
an applet, a servlet, a source code, an object code, a shared
library/dynamic load library, and/or other sequence of instructions
designed for execution on a computer system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0051] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals
refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the
separate views and which together with the detailed description
below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve
to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various
principles and advantages all in accordance with the present
invention.
[0052] FIG. 1 is an elevational, partially cross-sectional, front
view of a portable hand-held vaporizer assembly in accordance with
the present invention;
[0053] FIG. 2 is an elevational, partially cross-sectional, front
view of the vaporizer assembly of FIG. 1 with an airflow chamber
defining an airflow passage that is placed in fluid communication
with a herb placement zone in accordance with the present
invention;
[0054] FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the vaporizer assembly of
FIG. 1 with a distal end of the airflow chamber defining a distal
opening that places the airflow passage in fluid communication with
an outside environment in accordance with the present
invention;
[0055] FIG. 4 is a close-up, elevational, partially
cross-sectional, front view of the airflow chamber of FIG. 1;
[0056] FIG. 5 is an elevational, partially-cross-sectional, front
view of the vaporizer of FIG. 1 illustrating air traveling through
the airflow chamber when the device is being operated in accordance
with the present invention;
[0057] FIG. 6 is a perspective downward-looking view of the
vaporizer of FIG. 1 illustrating a first position of a conduit that
is substantially recessed within a body in accordance an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0058] FIG. 7 is an elevational, partially cross-sectional front,
view of a conduit being rotatable along a rotation path from a
first position that is substantially recessed within the body to a
second position where a distal end of the conduit extends a length
away from the body in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention;
[0059] FIG. 8 is an elevational, partially cross-sectional, front
view of a conduit being operable to be rotatable along a rotation
path and slidable along a translation path in accordance with
another embodiment of the present invention;
[0060] FIG. 9 is a perspective downward looking view of a
vaporizing assembly illustrating the conduit being placed in a
first position that is substantially recessed within the assembly
body in accordance an embodiment of the present invention;
[0061] FIG. 10 is an elevational side view of the assembly of FIG.
9 with the conduit in the first position in accordance an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0062] FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the assembly of FIG. 9 with
the conduit in the first position in accordance an embodiment of
the present invention;
[0063] FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the assembly of FIG. 9
illustrating the conduit being placed in a second position where
the distal end extends a length away from the body in accordance
with another embodiment of the present invention;
[0064] FIG. 13 is a perspective downward-looking view of the
assembly of FIG. 9 with the conduit in the second position in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention:
[0065] FIG. 14 is a sectional front elevational view of a portable
hand-held vaporizer heating assembly in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention (where a heating element of the
assembly is not illustrated for clarity);
[0066] FIG. 15 is a sectional front perspective view of the
portable hand-held vaporizer heating assembly of FIG. 14, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention (where a
heating element of the assembly is not illustrated for
clarity);
[0067] FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view of a spiral airflow
chamber and a heating element of the portable hand-held vaporizer
heating assembly of FIG. 14;
[0068] FIG. 17 is an enlarged side elevational view of the spiral
airflow chamber and the heating element of the portable hand-held
vaporizer heating assembly of FIG. 14;
[0069] FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the portable
hand-held vaporizer heating assembly of FIG. 14, illustrating a
selectively removable herbal container and a selectively removable
mouth piece in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0070] FIG. 19 is an enlarged perspective view of the selectively
removable mouth piece of the portable hand-held vaporizer heating
assembly of FIG. 14;
[0071] FIG. 20 is an assembled perspective view of the portable
hand-held vaporizer heating assembly of FIG. 14, illustrating
insertion of the herbal container and mouth piece with a body of
the portable hand-held vaporizer heating assembly and showing the
cover in an open position; and
[0072] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the portable hand-held
vaporizer heating assembly of FIG. 14, illustrating the cover in a
closed position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0073] While the specification concludes with claims defining the
features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is
believed that the invention will be better understood from a
consideration of the following description in conjunction with the
drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried
forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are
merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various
forms.
[0074] The present invention provides a novel and efficient
portable hand-held vaporizer assembly that provides the
discreteness and transportability that many users desire along with
the effectiveness and efficiency of convection-based vaporizing
that is typically accomplished only with the larger,
non-concealable, vaporizers. Embodiments of the invention provide a
vaporizer that fits within a standard-sized pant pocket that
conceals all functional components of the devices such that it
resembles the shape of a smart phone. In addition, embodiments of
the invention provide a device that dissipates the heat generated
from the vaporization process quickly and efficiently before the
vapor reaches the mouth of the user.
[0075] Referring now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the present
invention is shown in an elevational, partially cross-sectional,
view. The figures of the instant application show several
advantageous features of the present invention, but, as will be
described below, the invention can be provided in several shapes,
sizes, combinations of features and components, and varying numbers
and functions of the components. The first example of a portable
hand-held vaporizer assembly 100, as shown in FIG. 1, includes a
body 102, an air flow chamber 104, a heating element assembly 106,
an herb placement zone 108, and a conductive conduit 110. At first
glance, the shape of the body 102 can be readily appreciated to be
much more discrete and compact than that of prior-art vaporizers
generally known in the art. The body 102 is generally shaped to fit
within a standard-sized clothing pocket so it can be easily
transportable and not readily identifiable by the viewing public. A
standard-sized clothing pocket generally ranges in dimensions
approximately from 2.times.5 (width.times.height) inches to
8.times.10 inches. FIG. 1, along many other figures shown herein,
is partially cross-sectional as only the portion of the body 102
with the airflow chamber 104, a portion of the heating element
assembly 106, herb placement zone 108, and conductive conduit 110
is cross-sectional.
[0076] The body 102 can be seen having an upper end 112 and a lower
end 114, opposite to the upper end 112, separated by a body height
116. In one embodiment, the body height 116 is at most
approximately 6 inches to allow the assembly 100 to fit within a
standard-sized clothing pocket and be transportable. In other
embodiments, the body height 116 is greater than 6 inches, but
sufficiently sized to be fitted within a standard-sized clothing,
e.g., pants, pocket. The body 102 may also have a cover 120 which
protects the inside of the body 102 and the conduit 110, should the
conduit 110 be concealed within the body 102. The upper end 112 of
the body 102 will therefore be the point on the body 102 where the
cover 120 is in a closed position, rather than an open
position--the closed position being exemplified in FIG. 1. In one
embodiment, the body 102 is made completely from an outer shell of
durable plastic. In other embodiments, the body 102 has portions,
such as the front face 118 and back face (not shown), made of
plastic or other heat resistant materials and the side portions 600
(one of which is shown in FIG. 6) of the body 102 made from
metallic or other conductive materials. In yet further embodiments,
the entire body 102, or portions thereof, may be made from a
metallic, composite, ceramic, or other material or any of the above
combinations.
[0077] As components of the heating element assembly 106 reach
temperatures around 400 degrees Fahrenheit, portions of the body
102, where it is handled by a user, should be protected with a
non-conductive material. The body 102 generally has four sides,
which includes the front face 118, and two ends 112, 114 such that
it surrounds what may be referred to herein as the body 102 "inner
area." The inner area is generally where the components of the
assembly 100 are at least partially encapsulated.
[0078] In one embodiment, the body 102 is in the general shape of a
standard-sized cellular phone. A standard-sized cellular phone has
dimensions generally ranging from 3.5.times.2.times.0.25 (body
height.times.width.times.thickness) to 5.5.times.4.times.1. Now, a
portable, convection-based vaporizer is available that assimilates
those cellular phones presently available on the market. With the
body 102 emulating the shape of a standard-sized cellular phone,
the assembly 100 provides the user with the ability to transport
and reveal the vaporizer 100 without the body 102 itself
advertising that it is an herb-smoking-type apparatus. As there
remains a contingency of the general public that scoff at the idea
of smoking, regardless the desired herb, discreetness is much
desired by many users. The portable vaporizer 100 may be sized to
fall outside those specifications of standard-sized cellular
phones, but should readily fit inside a pant pocket and has at
least one configuration where the body 102 is in the general shape
of a standard-sized cell phone.
[0079] Referring now to both FIGS. 2 and 3, portions airflow
chamber 104 can be seen will now be described in detail.
Specifically, FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section of the airflow
chamber 104 which defines an airflow passage 200. FIG. 3
illustrates a bottom plan view of the body 102 showing the outside
view of the airflow chamber 104 being in the general shape of a
circle that generally extends upwardly through the body 102. In
other embodiments, the airflow chamber 104 may be in the shape of a
rectangle, may be slotted, or has apertures that extend upwardly
through the body 102 and has at least a portion that reaches the
herb placement zone 108. The airflow chamber 104 has a proximal end
202 and a distal end 204, opposite to the proximal end 202. The
proximal end 202 can be seen adjacent to the herb placement zone
108. The distal end 204 of the chamber 104 defines a distal opening
206 that places the airflow passage 200 in fluid communication with
an outside environment. The airflow passage 200 can be seen
traveling through the chamber 104, into the herb placement zone
108, and out through the conduit 110. In one embodiment, the
airflow chamber 104 may be formed integrally at least partially
within the body 102 by using a mold. In other embodiments, the
chamber 104 may be formed separately from the body 102 and coupled
thereto with various attachments such was epoxy, clasps, and the
like.
[0080] In one embodiment, the distal opening 206 (shown in FIG. 3)
is directly adjacent to the outside environment, as shown in the
figures, but it should not be necessarily limited as such. In other
embodiments, the distal opening 206 is disposed at a location
within the body 102 and the body 102 has one or more apertures from
which the outside air is drawn. Further, the body 102 may also have
a fan or blower that pulls outside ambient air into the distal
opening 206, which may facilitate the user with inhaling the herb's
active ingredients. Regardless the configuration, the distal
opening 206 provides the assembly 100 with a steady stream of
fluid, i.e. air, used for the convection heating process, which is
more effective and efficient than other heating methods used by
prior-art vaporizers. In one embodiment, the airflow chamber 104 is
open at both ends 202, 204 such that it should not be considered
completely enclosed. In other embodiments, the chamber 104 may be
partially closed at the distal end 204, with a fan or blower
therein.
[0081] Referring specifically to FIG. 2, the airflow chamber 104 is
illustrated as completely encapsulated within the body 102. The
term "encapsulated" is defined herein as having some portion lying
in between the referenced structure, plane, or object. In other
embodiments, portions of the airflow chamber 104 may extend outside
the body such that the chamber 104 would still be said to be at
least partially encapsulated within the body 102. It is preferable,
however, that the chamber 104 be completely encapsulated to reduce
and resist impacts that could compromise the chamber's
integrity.
[0082] To achieve the superior convection-based heating typically
accomplished by larger, non-hand-held, vaporizers, the airflow
chamber 104 is multidirectional. FIG. 4 illustrates a close-up view
of the air flow chamber 104 in accordance with the present
invention. As the body 102 is advantageously designed to fit within
a standard-sized clothing, e.g., pant, pocket and the air is
required to reach 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit, the airflow chamber
104 can be seen having at least two portions 400a-b along a chamber
length that at least partially overlap one another. With the
airflow chamber 104 defining an air path that directs the air in
multiple directions, i.e., turning 180 degrees, the airflow passage
200 is thermally coupled longer to the heating element 106. Due to
the compact design of the vaporizer assembly 100, the design of the
airflow chamber 104, allows the incoming air to reach the effective
vaporizing temperature without utilizing elongated chambers
generally associated with prior hand-held convection-based
vaporizers. In one embodiment, the chamber 104 can be seen
incorporating one or more dividers 412 that separate the chamber
104 into different paths, i.e., "multidirectional," that
effectively channel the incoming air, while utilizing as little
distance as possible. In other embodiments, the chamber 104 may
wrap around the actual heating element 406 such that the divider
412, which separates the chamber 104 into two channels in the
opposite direction would, not be required. The
multidirectional--i.e. having a general direction changing in one
or more angles--path defined by the chamber 104 provides the
assembly with air with an effective and relatively constant
vaporizing temperature when it reaches the herb placement zone
108.
[0083] The airflow chamber 104 has a longitudinal central axis that
passes through a center of the chamber 104, i.e., substantially
equidistant from all portions of an interior wall of the chamber
104, and is parallel to the direction of airflow when the assembly
100 is operated. This longitudinal central axis is represented by a
dashed line 402 shown in the view of FIG. 4 and is also equivalent
to the chamber length. As indicated with the dashed line 402, the
chamber length extends from the distal end 204 to the proximal end
202 of the chamber 104. As mentioned, the chamber 104 may be in
various configurations, i.e. slotted or having apertures, such that
one side of the chamber 104, indicated with double arrows 404, may
not be included. As such, the chamber length is defined as the
length extending from just one portion of the distal end 204 to the
proximal end 202. To effectively heat the airflow passage 200, in
one embodiment, the chamber length is greater than the body height
116. With the ability of the airflow passage 200 to be thermally
coupled to the heating element 106 for a longer period of time, the
body 102 is able to be reduced to dimensions not previously
accomplished with prior known, non-fueled, convection-based
vaporizers.
[0084] Also shown in the FIG. 4 is the heating element assembly
106. The heating element assembly 106 has a portion, or an actual
heating element 406, that is thermally coupled to the airflow
passage 200 to reach the desired vaporizing temperature. The entire
heating assembly 106, or one or more portions thereof, e.g. the
heating element 406, may also be referred to as the "heat engine"
or "heating engine" as it is this component that thermally charges
the incoming outside ambient air to a proper vaporizing
temperature. The term thermally coupled is defined as having a
first and second object or matter in relative proximity such that
heat is effectively exchanged from the first object to the
referenced second object or matter. In one embodiment, the heating
element 406 is a tungsten-based metallic alloy in the form of a
coil that is disposed at least partially within the airflow passage
200. In other embodiments, the heating element 406 is made from
nickel-chrome, other types of metals, or metal-based composites
that have a general low thermal resistivity and are generally safe
to pass air through for human consumption. In further embodiments,
the heating element 406 may be in the form of a plate or other
shape, and may be located within a piece of glass or in close
proximity to the airflow passage 200, but yet still able to
effectively transfer heat.
[0085] The heating element assembly 106 includes one or more
batteries used to provide energy to the heating element 406 when in
operation. The assembly 100 is designed to run on standard-sized
batteries which includes lithium-ion based batteries. This is
advantageous over prior known vaporizers that utilize fuel-based
systems to heat the air to the vaporizing temperature because those
fuel-based systems produce foul-tasting by-products and are
generally loud and bring attention to the device. As such, the
hand-held vaporizing assembly can be operated on 2.8 to 3.3 volts,
with the possibility of recharging the batteries after continued
use with an optional charging port 408. The charging port 408 may
be located on the side of the body 102, as shown, or may be located
on any other portion of the body 102. In such an embodiment, the
batteries may charge with the assembly 100 operating fully on the
supplied electricity from an outside source. The batteries are also
at least partially encapsulated within the body 102 in a battery
storage portion 410 of the body 102 (not shown). The voltage of any
power source used with the present invention is in no way limited
to any specific voltages or range of voltages.
[0086] Referring now to FIG. 5, the assembly is shown again in an
elevational front view. When in operation, the user turns on the
device 100 which in turn supplies power to the heating element 406,
for example, by depressing a button 520 on the front face of the
device. After a period of time, the heating element 406 will have
reached a temperature sufficient to transfer heat to airflow
passage 200 in order for the air to reach a desired vaporizing
temperature. In one embodiment, the heating element assembly 106
may come with a temperature dial 502 and/or a thermostat (not
shown) for regulating the temperature of the heating element 406 or
the temperature of the airflow passage 200. In other embodiments,
the heating element 406 may be supplied power to reach a
predetermined temperature or may have a display indicating to the
user what the temperature is or that the device is ready for use.
In one embodiment, all or at least a portion of the circuits,
wiring, and other electronics are at least partially encapsulated
within and located on an upper portion 122 of the body 102, shown
in FIG. 1 as being directly above the battery compartment. In other
embodiments, the aforementioned electronics are located in other
areas of the body 102 and may have one or more portions partially
exposed outside of the body 102.
[0087] In one embodiment, after the heating element 406 reaches the
desired temperature, a user inhales from the air sealed conduit
110, which pulls the outside air 500 through the chamber 104 out
through a distal end 504 of the conduit 110. The path of the air
through the airflow passage 200, which is also referred to herein
as the multidirectional airflow passage, is represented in the
figure as a plurality of arrows 506. As the chamber 104 is
relatively "air tight," when the user inhales on the distal end
504, the air chamber 104 inner pressure decreases and the outside
ambient air 500, which is at a higher pressure, is forced into the
distal opening 206. In other embodiments, air flows into the
airflow passage 200 through the use of a fan or blower, as
mentioned above.
[0088] FIG. 5 also illustrates the airflow passage 200 being in
fluid communication with the herb placement zone 108. Just as it
sounds, the herb placement zone 108 is where the user places the
desired material to be vaporized. In one embodiment, the herb
placement zone 108 has a screen 508 located at least partially in
the path of the airflow passage 200 that separates the placement
zone 108 from the airflow chamber 104. The screen 508, which is
generally known in the art, allows air to enter and supports the
herb, but resists the herb, or debris from the herb, from entering
the airflow passage 200. In other embodiments, the herb placement
zone 108 may not have a screen 508, such that the herb is supported
by the side walls of the placement zone 108.
[0089] In one embodiment, an upper edge 510 of the herb placement
zone 108 is at most approximately 2 inches away from a lower
portion 512 of the conduit 110. This prevents the temperature of
the vapor at the distal end 504 of the conduit 110 from varying
based upon how fast or slow the user inhales which as symptomatic
of those prior known vaporizers. In other embodiments, the upper
edge 510 is greater than 2 inches away from the lower portion 512
of the conduit 110, but the configuration of the airflow chamber
104 might be required to be changed. Now a hand-held vaporizer has
the ability to be small enough to fit within a clothing pocket, be
in the shape of stand-sized cellular phone, and advantageously
provides consistent inhale temperatures regardless of the inhale
rate of the user.
[0090] In FIG. 5, the conduit 110 is shown placing the airflow
passage 200 in fluid communication with the outside environment. To
conceal the purpose of the assembly 100, leaving it relatively
unidentifiable to the viewing public, the conduit 110 has a first
position where the distal end 504 is at least partially within the
body 102 (shown in FIG. 6) and a second position where the distal
end extends a length 514 away from the body 102 (shown in FIG. 5).
As the conduit 110 has two positions it serves two goals of the
present invention, which are to be discrete and to have a small
convection-based vaporizer that generates vapor at a consistent and
safe temperature. In one embodiment, the length 514 is
approximately 2 inches. In other embodiments, the length 514 will
vary depending on what position the conduit in, but should be a
length 514 sufficient such that it fits within the confines of the
body 102. As such, the conduit would be said to be placed
substantially within the body 102. Although in certain embodiments
of the invention, the conduit 110 may be completely concealed or
recessed within the body 102 when in the first position, it should
not be so limited. In other embodiments, portions of the conduit
110, including the distal end 504, may slightly protrude outside
the body 102. Generally, however, most portions of the conduit 110
should be placed within the body 102, when in the first position,
to prevent damage and so the assembly does not attract
attention.
[0091] In one embodiment, to effectively expel heat generated from
the vaporization process, the conduit 110 is conductive, or has the
ability to transfer heat across the material at a generally high
rate. In one embodiment, the conduit 110 is made from a metal, such
as aluminum or copper. In other embodiments, the conduit 110 is
made from conductive polymers, composites, or other metallic-based
materials with conductive properties. As the herb placement zone
108 is generally close to conduit 110, the conduit 110 plays the
important role of reducing the vapor temperature. As the vapor
travels through the conduit 110, it is in contact with the inner
surface of the conduit 110 thereby reducing the temperature so it
can be subsequently inhaled by the user. The conduit 110 may also
have one or more portions that are not conductive, to allow a user
to comfortably place the conduit 110 in the first position within
the body 102.
[0092] FIGS. 5 and 6 also illustrate the conduit 110 having a
substantially non-conductive mouthpiece 516 coupled to the conduit
110. As the mouthpiece 516 is non-conductive, a user can safely
place his or her mouth on the mouthpiece 516 to create a "suction
effect" and inhale the generated vapors. In one embodiment, the
mouthpiece 516 is made with glass, which may or may not be
transparent, and is disposed at least partially within the distal
end 504 of the conduit 110. In other embodiments, the mouthpiece
516 is made from a non-conductive polymer or other non-conductive
material that resists the transfer of heat through the material. In
other embodiments, the mouthpiece 516 may also overlap the distal
end 504 of the conduit 110 and be telescopic. To prevent a user
from touching the distal end 504 of the conduit 110 during
operation of the assembly 100 and to facilitate storing the conduit
110 within the body 102, the mouthpiece 516 is adjustable a
variable length 518 away from the distal end 504 of the conduit
110. Regardless of the embodiment, the mouthpiece 516 creates an
"air tight" seal with the conduit to prevent vapors from
escaping.
[0093] Specifically referring now to FIG. 6, the cover 120 is shown
coupled to the body 102 and being removably-couplable to a portion
of the conduit 110 when the conduit 110 is in either the first or
second position. The purpose of the cover 120 is two-fold. First,
it protects the components disposed within the body 102 and the
conduit 110 from outside impact and environmental debris or liquid.
Second, it serves as another heat sink that facilitates in reducing
vapor temperature before it is inhaled by the user. As such, in one
embodiment, the cover 120 is made from a conductive material,
similar to those described for the conduit 110. In other
embodiments, the cover 120 is only rotatable to allow the conduit
110 to move from the first to the second position and may be
generally non-conductive. In further embodiments, the cover 120 has
a portion 602 shaped to receive the conduit 110 when it is in
either the first and second position so there is one or more
coupling contact points with the conduit 110.
[0094] Referring now to both FIGS. 6 and 7, FIG. 7 illustrates one
embodiment of the present invention with the cover 120 and top
portion of the body 700 removed. In one embodiment, the conduit 702
is rotatable along a rotation path 704 defined by the conduit 702
to either the first or second position. The first position 706 of
the conduit 702 is shown in FIG. 7 with dashed lines. In one such
method, the conduit 702 has two portions 604a-b that are
non-rotatable and a center spout portion 606 which would rotate in
between the two portions 604a-b (shown in FIG. 6) having air tight
seals in between to substantially prevent vapor from escaping. To
further facilitate reducing the vapor temperature, the two portions
608a-b of the cover 120 are removably-couplable to and mate with
the corresponding two portions 604a-b of the conduit 702,
respectively. The conduit 702 may also be rotatable using other
methods that do not compromise the integrity of the airflow passage
200, such that vapor would not escape.
[0095] The rotation path 704 may be in the form a variety of
different non-linear paths and various planes, both horizontal and
vertical. If the assembly 708 is only rotatable then the device
might provide access to the herb placement zone 108 through other
methods, such as removing or opening a portion 707 of the body 700.
Now, the assembly 100 can be quickly and effectively converted from
a device, most of the viewing public would perceive as cellular
phone, to an effective and efficient convection-heated vaporizer
assembly 708.
[0096] There are multiple variations or configurations of the
conduit 110 that are within the spirit and scope of this invention.
FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment the conduit 800. In FIG. 8,
the conduit 800 is both slidable and rotatable. As with the
embodiment of FIG. 7, the conduit 800 may be rotatable to the first
position 706, but may also be slidably-placed into the first
position. The conduit 800 is slidable along a translation path 802
defined by the conduit 800 (shown by the arrow). Although the
conduit 800 is shown translating laterally, or left to right, it
should not be limited as such. The conduit 800 may also translate,
or rotate, horizontally along a thickness 1000 (shown in FIG. 10)
of the body 806. FIG. 8 illustrates how the conduit 800 may be
moved to the left, or a third position 810 (indicated with dashed
lines), that at least partially exposes the herb placement zone
108. The conduit 800 may be translated using one or more tracks,
which would unlock to move the conduit 800 and lock into place when
the assembly 808 is in operation. The conduit 800 would then need
to be rotated slightly along the rotation path 704 (shown in FIG.
7) to provide better access to the herb placement zone 108.
[0097] To provide better access to the herb placement zone 108, in
one embodiment the assembly 808 has an upper screen 814 has one or
more hooks 816. The upper screen 814 prevents any herb located
within the zone 108 from being removed when the user draws on the
conduit 800 or when the assembly 808 is turned upside-down. The
hook(s) 816 facilitate the removal of the upper screen 814, but are
not necessarily required. In other embodiments, the screen 814 may
be connected to a removable side wall 818 that defines the herb
placement zone 108. As described, the hooks 816 would remove the
side wall 818 to allow a user to clean and/or refill the herb
placement zone 108. The side wall 818 may also be connected to the
screen 508 adjacent to the proximal end 202 of the airflow chamber
104 such that access to the chamber 104 may be accomplished. In
further embodiments, the body 806 may not have any upper screen 814
such that the assembly 808 may be turned upside-down and the herb
is forcibly removed.
[0098] In further embodiments of the present invention, the conduit
800 may not be rotatable, but is rather placed into the first and
second positions by sliding the conduit 800 along or more tracks,
as described. As such, a top portion 804 of the body 806 would be
sufficiently spaced to allow the conduit to translate laterally
through the translation path 802. When in the first position, the
herb placement zone 108 would then be open to the outside
environment, such that a cover 120 (as shown in FIG. 6) would be
preferably utilized. When the user desires to use the assembly 808,
the user would slide the conduit 800 over the herb placement zone
108, thereby creating a substantially air tight seal and extending
a distal end 812 of the conduit 800 away from the body 806.
[0099] FIGS. 9-12 illustrate examples of the assembly 900 in
various views as the conduit 904 is placed both in the first and
second positions in accord with embodiments of the present
invention. FIG. 9 shows the assembly 900 with the conduit 904
completely recessed within the body 902. The cover 120 can also be
seen overlaying the conduit 110 to provide further protection to
the conduit 904 and other components located within the body 902 of
the assembly 900. FIG. 10 shows the assembly 900 at an elevational
side view, also with the conduit 904 completely recessed within the
body 902. FIG. 11 shows the assembly 900 from a top plan view, with
the conduit 904 completely recessed within and the cover 120
substantially enclosing the conduit 904. FIGS. 9-11 demonstrate the
advantageous compact and unassuming nature of the assembly 900 that
is relatively inconspicuous to the public as a convection-based
vaporizer.
[0100] FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate one embodiment of the assembly
900 while the conduit is in the second position extending away from
the body 902. Specifically, FIG. 12 shows the assembly 900 from a
top plan view with the cover 120 enclosed on conduit 904 to prevent
any debris from entering the body 904. As previously mentioned, the
cover 120 also serves as a heat sink for the vapor passing though
the conduit 904. Both figures also illustrate the mouthpiece 1200
disposed at least partially within the conduit 904 in accord with
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0101] FIGS. 14-17 illustrate an embodiment of a portable hand-held
vaporizer heating assembly 1400 in accordance with the present
invention in various views. The portable hand-held vaporizer
heating assembly 1400 includes an airflow chamber 1402 having a
distal end 1404 and a proximal end 1406, and a spiral glass body
1408 coupling the distal end 1404 to the proximal end 1406. The
spiral glass body 1408 defines a spiral airflow passage 1410 and
continuously winds about an area 1412. In one embodiment, the
spiral glass body 1408 can be formed as a tubular body, where a
cross-section of the tubular body has a diameter defining a
diameter of the spiral airflow passage 1410. In another embodiment,
the tubular body is not comprised of glass. In yet another
embodiment, the area 1412 can be seen as a space defined by and
disposed within a series of closely compacted circular windings of
the spiral glass body 1408. In one embodiment, the windings of the
spiral glass body 1408 are concentric with one another and have
substantially the same diameter with one another. In an alternative
embodiment, the windings are substantially adjacent to one another,
or touching, in order to maximize a length of the spiral airflow
passage 1410 that is thermally coupled to and heated by a heating
element 1414 of the assembly 1400. The longer length of the spiral
airflow passage 1410 means that air entering in must travel a
longer distance before exiting the air passageway resulting in a
longer time period at which air is able to be heated by the heating
element 1414. The spiral configuration of the present invention
results in efficient space management and efficient thermal
distribution. As used herein, the term "spiral" is defined as a
curve or a bend on a plane that winds around a fixed point at a
continuously increasing or decreasing distance from the fixed
point.
[0102] The distal end 1404 of the airflow chamber 1402 defines a
distal opening 1416 that places the spiral airflow passage 1410 in
fluid communication with an outside environment 1418. As defined
herein, the term "outside environment" is defined as an environment
outside an external housing of the portable hand-held vaporizer
heating assembly 1400. The heating element 1414 is thermally
coupled to the spiral airflow passage 1410 and the spiral glass
body 1408, without contacting airflow in the spiral airflow passage
1410. The heating element 1414 is disposed within the area 1412
about which the spiral glass body 1408 continuously winds. As used
herein, the term "winding" is intended to indicate wrapping around
a center point or another object once or repeatedly. The heating
element 1414 can be in the form of a metallic wire or other
conductive material, operably configured to radiate heat therefrom.
In one embodiment, the heating element 1414 is spiral-shaped. In
another embodiment, the heating element 1414 is substantially
concentric with the spiral glass body 1408. Advantageously, the
heating element 1414 is not within the airflow path of the spiral
airflow passage 1410 so that air flowing through the spiral airflow
passage 1410 is not contaminated with materials from the
convection-based heating element 1412, resulting in a metallic
taste. A glass-on-glass airflow passage provides a long time of
high-temperature operation without producing any additives or
contaminants to the stream of air flowing therethrough, a problem
plaguing the prior art, which uses materials such as ceramic.
Moreover, glass is generally not known to be a highly thermally
conductive material; therefore efficient thermal distribution is
important. Accordingly, providing the glass airflow passage in a
spiral configuration, in accordance with the present invention,
advantageously increases thermal distribution efficiency, in
addition to, energy and space management efficiency within the
portable hand-held vaporizer heating assembly 1400. In a further
embodiment, the heating element 1414 is substantially adjacent to,
or touching, an external surface of the spiral glass body 1408 in
order to further optimizes space and thermal efficiency.
[0103] A substance placement zone 1420 is included in the assembly
1400, downstream from the heating element 1414 and downstream from
the spiral airflow passage 1410. A substance to be placed within
the substance placement zone 1420 can be, for example, an herb or
other material intended to be heated by the portable hand-held
vaporizer heating assembly 1400. The substance placement zone 1420
is in fluid communication with the spiral airflow passage 1410. A
container 1426 defines the substance placement zone 1420. The
container 1426 may be in the form of a cup, a bowl, a tray, or
other container body operably configured to hold an herb in a
cavity or on a support surface thereof, for being heated by heated
air flowing through the spiral airflow passage 1410. In one
embodiment, the container 1426 is selectively removable from the
assembly 1400, as best illustrated in FIG. 18. In another
embodiment, the assembly 1400 includes a multi-container carrier
sized and configured to fit substantially within a small bag, or a
pouch. The multi-container carrier can include, for example, four
containers 1426, which can be pre-loaded by a user with herbs. In
yet another embodiment, the container 1426 is comprised of glass.
The container 1426 is preferably not comprised of a metal or other
highly thermally conductive material, because the metal will absorb
large amounts of heat, resulting in thermal inefficiency and
requiring additional power in order to maintain heat levels at the
desired temperature. As with the container 1426, other components
of the assembly 1400 are preferably comprised of a material that is
not highly thermally conductive for purposes of thermal and power
efficiency. Preferably, in accordance with the present invention,
air flowing through the spiral airflow passage 1410 from the distal
opening 1416 to the substance placement zone 1420 only contacts
glass or a material substantially comprised of glass. As used
herein, the term "contact" is intended to indicate a direct,
physical touch. In a further embodiment, air flowing through the
spiral airflow passage 1410 from the distal opening 1416 to the
substance placement zone 1420 does not contact at least one of a
metal material and a plastic material. As with metal materials,
plastic materials may deteriorate at certain high temperatures
resulting in contamination of air flowing through the spiral
airflow passage 1410. In yet a further embodiment, air flowing
through the spiral airflow passage 1410 from the distal opening
1416 to the substance placement zone 1420 does not contact the
heating element 1414.
[0104] A conduit 1422 places the spiral airflow passage 1410 in
fluid communication with the outside environment 1418. In one
embodiment, the conduit 1422 is coupled to a selectively removable
mouth piece 1424, as best illustrated in FIGS. 18-19. In one
embodiment, the conduit 1422 is comprised of glass. In another
embodiment, the mouth piece 1424 is comprised of glass. The conduit
1422 is rotatable about a base 1428 of the mouth piece 1424, for
positioning the conduit 1422 in a first, storage-position 1423,
best illustrated in FIGS. 18-19 to a second, use-position 1425,
best illustrated in FIGS. 20-21.
[0105] Referring now again primarily to FIGS. 14-17, the assembly
1400 further includes a body 1430. The body 1430 can encapsulate
the spiral glass body 1408, the heating element 1414, the substance
placement zone 1420; and the conduit 1422, when the conduit 1422 is
in the first, storage-position 1423. In an alternative embodiment,
the body 1430 is shaped to fit substantially within a
standard-sized clothing pocket. The body 1430 can include a cover
1432 hingedly coupled to a sidewall of the body 1430 for
selectively closing and opening a top portion of the assembly 1400,
for selective storage, refilling, and use of the assembly 1400. The
cover 1432 can define an aperture 1434 sized and operably
configured to allow at least a portion of the conduit 1422 to pass
therethrough, in the second, use-position 1425 (FIG. 21).
[0106] The body 1430 further includes walls 1436 defining a cavity
1438 within the body 1430. The spiral glass body 1408 and the
heating element 1414 define a heat engine of the assembly 1400 that
is disposed within the cavity 1438 a distance 1440 away from the
walls 1436. In one embodiment, the spiral glass body 1408 does not
contact any of the walls 1436 of the body 1430. Advantageously, the
distance 1440 defines an air gap 1442 between the spiral glass body
1408 and the walls 1436, the air gap 1442 operably configured to
thermally shield the body 1430 from heat radiating from the heating
element 1414 and heat radiating from heated air flowing through the
spiral airflow passage 1410. In one embodiment, the walls 1436
defining the cavity 1438 are encapsulated within the body 1430. In
another embodiment, the walls 1436 are comprised of a material that
has low thermal conductivity in order to protect other components,
such as electronic components, that may be located within another
section of the body 1430, from overheating. In yet another
embodiment, the air gap 1442 extends substantially the entire
external surface area of the spiral glass body 1408 that faces the
walls 1436 of the cavity 1438.
[0107] The assembly 1400 can include a temperature control feature
1446 having a user-input interface 1448, a digital display 1450,
and a temperature controller 1452. The user-input interface 1448 is
operably configured to receive a user input for controlling a
temperature within the body 1430. In one embodiment, the user-input
interface 1448 is operably configured to receive the user input for
controlling a temperature of the heating element 1414. In another
embodiment, the user-input interface 1448 is formed as a pair of
push-buttons, where a first one of the pair of push-buttons can be
pushed to actuate an increase in temperature, via a first, pressure
sensor mounted on the temperature controller 1452; and a second one
of the pair of push-buttons can be pushed to actuate a decrease in
temperature, via a second, pressure sensor mounted on the
temperature controller 1452. In other embodiments, the user-input
interface 1448 can be a touchscreen, a keypad, a switch, a
scroller, a mouse, or any other device capable of receiving a
user's input for controlling temperature within the body 1430. The
digital display 1450 is operably configured to display information
associated with the temperature within the body 1430. In one
embodiment, the digital display 1450 is operably configured to
display information associated with a temperature detected by a
temperature sensor disposed within the body 1430.
[0108] The temperature controller 1452 is communicatively coupled
to the user-input interface 1448 and the digital display 1450. The
temperature controller 1452 can be formed as a microcontroller, a
microprocessor, or other data processing device. The temperature
controller 1452 is operable to control a temperature output of the
heating element 1414 according to information received from the
user-input interface 1448. The temperature controller 1452 is
preferably disposed a sufficient distance from the heating engine
so as not to result in overheating of the temperature controller
1452. In a further embodiment, the temperature controller 1452 is
operable to control the temperature output of the heating element
1414 using techniques, such pulse width modulation (PWM) techniques
and control loop feedback methods, such as, for example, a
proportional integral derivative controller algorithm.
[0109] A removable, rechargeable battery 1454 can be provided
within the body 1430. In one embodiment, the battery 1454 is
substantially enclosed by a polymer-based covering, for convenient
storage and removal. An interface 1456 is provided at a sidewall of
the body 1430, the interface 1456 operable to recharge the battery
1454, while the battery 1454 is within the body 1430. The interface
1456 can be in the form of a USB port, mini USB port, or other
interface capable of receiving power to charge the battery 1454. In
another embodiment, the battery 1454 is operably configured for
recharging via a wall charger.
[0110] A portable hand-held vaporizer has been disclosed that
provides a body in the shape that is able to fit within a
standard-sized pant pocket and also resembling a standard-sized
cellular phone. This novel vaporizer utilizes the more effective
and efficient convection-based heating while still maintaining a
compact design. To achieve this, the vaporizer discloses an airflow
chamber directing outside ambient air through a heating element
into an herb placement zone, which is located in the near proximity
to a distal end of a conduit where it is subsequently inhaled by a
user. When the vapor reaches the user, the temperature has reduced
to a range that is safe and comfortable for the user. The vaporizer
further provides that the conduit may be advantageously placed in a
first and second position that allows the purpose and nature of the
device to be relatively unidentifiable to the viewing public.
Additionally, the airflow chamber is designed with materials that
optimize thermal efficiency and create the purest and most
healthful vapor results available, cleanly through a completely
sealed non-contaminated glass air passage. Moreover, the compact
spiral design of the airflow chamber and the heating element
provides thermal efficiency important for power requirements and
size restrictions of a portable hand-held vaporizer.
* * * * *