U.S. patent application number 13/849709 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-25 for liquid dispensers and methods for refilling liquid containing vessels.
This patent application is currently assigned to Paulway, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is PAULWAY, LLC. Invention is credited to David Kribs.
Application Number | 20140283946 13/849709 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51568242 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140283946 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kribs; David |
September 25, 2014 |
LIQUID DISPENSERS AND METHODS FOR REFILLING LIQUID CONTAINING
VESSELS
Abstract
A method includes providing a container having a liquid disposed
therein; providing a cap having a first portion that defines a bore
and a second portion that is connectable to the container;
connecting the second portion of the cap to the container such that
the liquid is in communication the cap; connecting the first
portion of the cap to a liquid reservoir for an electronic
cigarette such that the first portion of the cap is substantially
sealed with respect to the liquid reservoir of the electronic
cigarette; and causing the liquid to flow from the container and
into the liquid reservoir of the electronic cigarette.
Inventors: |
Kribs; David; (Flushing,
MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
PAULWAY, LLC |
Flushing |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Paulway, LLC
Flushing
MI
|
Family ID: |
51568242 |
Appl. No.: |
13/849709 |
Filed: |
March 25, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
141/2 ;
141/18 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 47/06 20130101;
B65D 47/0842 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
141/2 ;
141/18 |
International
Class: |
B65B 3/14 20060101
B65B003/14; A24F 47/00 20060101 A24F047/00 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: providing a container having a liquid
disposed therein; providing a cap having a first portion that
defines a bore and a second portion that is connectable to the
container; connecting the second portion of the cap to the
container such that the liquid is in communication with the cap;
connecting the first portion of the cap to a liquid reservoir for
an electronic cigarette such that the first portion of the cap is
substantially sealed with respect to the liquid reservoir of the
electronic cigarette; and causing the liquid to flow from the
container and into the liquid reservoir of the electronic
cigarette.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the liquid reservoir including a
tubular housing that extends from a first end to a second end and a
wicking material disposed within the tubular housing.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein causing the liquid to flow from
the container and into the liquid reservoir of the electronic
cigarette further causes the liquid to contact the wicking
material.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the cap includes a nozzle that
extends through the bore of the first portion, the nozzle having an
interior and a liquid dispensing tip.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein connecting the first portion of
the cap to the liquid reservoir for the electronic cigarette cause
the liquid dispensing tip to be disposed within the liquid
reservoir.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the liquid reservoir includes a
first screw thread, the first portion of the cap includes a second
screw thread, and connecting the first portion of the cap to the
liquid reservoir for the electronic cigarette includes threadedly
engaging the first screw thread of the liquid reservoir with the
second screw thread of the first portion of the cap.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein causing the liquid to flow from
the container and into the liquid reservoir of the electronic
cigarette includes applying pressure to the liquid at the
container.
8. A method for filling a liquid reservoir for an electronic
cigarette, the liquid reservoir including a tubular housing that
extends from a first end to a second end, and a connecting
structure located at the first end of the tubular housing, the
connecting structure including an aperture that extends through the
connecting structure for communication with an interior of the
tubular housing, the method comprising: providing a container
having a liquid disposed therein; providing a cap having a second
portion that is connectable to the container, a first portion that
defines a bore, and a nozzle that extends through the bore of the
first portion, the nozzle having an interior and a liquid
dispensing tip; connecting the second portion of the cap to the
container such that the liquid is in communication with the
interior of the nozzle; connecting the first portion of the cap to
the connecting structure of the liquid reservoir such that the
nozzle of the cap is at least partially disposed within the
aperture of the connecting structure; and causing the liquid to
flow from the container, through the nozzle, and into to the
tubular housing.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the liquid reservoir includes a
wicking material that is disposed within the housing, and causing
the liquid to flow from the container, through the nozzle, and into
the tubular housing further includes causing the liquid to contact
the wicking material.
10. The method of claim 8, further comprising: sealing the second
end of the tubular housing prior to causing the liquid to flow from
the container, through the nozzle, and into to the tubular
housing.
11. The method of claim 8, wherein the connecting structure of the
liquid reservoir includes a first screw thread, the first portion
of the cap includes a second screw thread, and connecting the first
portion of the cap to the connecting structure of the liquid
reservoir includes threadedly engaging the first screw thread of
the connecting structure of the liquid reservoir with the second
screw thread of the first portion of the cap.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the second screw thread is
located on an interior annular surface of the first portion of the
cap.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the second screw thread is
located on an exterior annular surface of the first portion of the
cap.
14. The method of claim 8, wherein connecting the first portion of
the cap to the connecting structure of the liquid reservoir
establishes a seal between the cap and the liquid reservoir.
15. The method of claim 8, wherein causing the liquid to flow from
the container, through the nozzle, and into to the tubular housing
includes applying pressure to the liquid at the container.
16. An apparatus comprising: a liquid dispensing cap having a first
portion that is substantially tubular, the first portion having an
inner annular wall that defines a bore that extends through the
first portion, and a nozzle that is disposed at least partially
within the bore of the first portion, the nozzle having a liquid
dispensing opening and an outer surface, wherein the outer surface
of the nozzle is spaced apart from the inner annular wall of the
first portion.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising: a container
having a liquid disposed therein; the liquid dispensing cap having
a second portion that is connectable to the container such that at
least a portion of the container is disposed within the second
portion of the liquid dispensing cap, wherein the first portion of
the liquid dispensing cap and the second portion of the liquid
dispensing cap are parts of a unitary cap body that defines an
internal annular shoulder between the first portion and the second
portion; and the nozzle of the liquid dispensing cap being
removable with respect to the unitary cap body, the nozzle
including a radially-extending flange that is seated against the
shoulder of the unitary cap body and is restrained from moving with
respect to the unitary cap body by engagement of the container with
the radially-extending flange of the nozzle.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising: a liquid
reservoir for an electronic cigarette, the liquid reservoir having
a wicking material disposed therein, wherein the first portion of
the liquid dispensing cap is connectable to the liquid reservoir
for the electronic cigarette such that the first portion of the
liquid dispensing cap is substantially sealed with respect to the
liquid reservoir of the electronic cigarette and the nozzle is
disposed in communication with an interior of the liquid reservoir,
and further wherein the nozzle is configured to conduct the liquid
from the container, through the nozzle, and into to the tubular
housing for contact with the wicking material in response to
application of pressure to the liquid.
19. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising: a liquid
reservoir for an electronic cigarette, the liquid reservoir
including a tubular housing that extends from a first end to a
second end, a connecting structure located at the first end of the
tubular housing, the connecting structure including an aperture
that extends through the connecting structure for communication
with an interior of the tubular housing and a first screw thread
formed on the connecting structure, and a wicking material that is
disposed within the tubular housing, wherein the first portion of
the liquid dispensing cap is connectable to the connecting
structure of the liquid reservoir for the electronic cigarette such
that the first portion of the liquid dispensing cap is
substantially sealed with respect to the connecting structure of
the liquid reservoir of the electronic cigarette and the nozzle is
disposed in communication with an interior of the tubular housing
of the liquid reservoir, and further wherein the nozzle is
configured to conduct the liquid from the container, through the
nozzle, and into to the tubular housing for contact with the
wicking material in response to application of pressure to the
liquid.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein a first screw thread is
formed on the connecting structure of the liquid reservoir for the
electronic cigarette, a second screw thread is formed on the first
portion of the liquid dispensing cap, and the first portion of the
liquid dispensing cap is substantially sealed with respect to the
connecting structure of the liquid reservoir of the electronic
cigarette by threaded engagement of the first screw thread with the
second screw thread.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to liquid dispensers for
refilling liquid containing vessels and methods for refilling
liquid concentrator systems having a portable portion that can be
connected and disconnected with respect to a base portion.
BACKGROUND
[0002] An electronic cigarette is a hand-held, easily transportable
device that vaporizes a liquid solution for inhalation by a user.
Electronic cigarettes are also sometimes referred to by the names
e-cigarette and personal vaporizer. The liquid solution typically
includes a flavoring. Because electronic cigarettes are often used
as a replacement for conventional cigarettes, the liquid solution
also typically includes nicotine.
[0003] Because the liquid solution is vaporized during use, it is
eventually depleted. Refilling an electronic cigarette can be a
cumbersome and time consuming process. As an example, many
electronic cigarettes include a wicking material in which the
liquid solution is stored until it is vaporized. One common method
for refilling this type of electronic cigarette utilizes a dropper
to drip the solution on to the wicking material. Because the
wicking material is typically located within a narrow housing,
using a dropper to apply the liquid solution to the wicking
material can be difficult and messy. Another common method for
refilling this type of electronic cigarette utilizes a syringe to
apply the liquid solution to the wicking material. While this
solves some of the problems associated with using a dropper, many
persons are uncomfortable with the idea of possessing and using a
syringe, which limits mass-market acceptance of this method.
SUMMARY
[0004] Liquid dispensers and methods for refilling liquid
containing vessels are taught herein.
[0005] One aspect of the disclosed embodiments is a method that
includes providing a container having a liquid disposed therein;
providing a cap having a first portion that defines a bore and a
second portion that is connectable to the container; connecting the
second portion of the cap to the container such that the liquid is
in communication with the cap; connecting the first portion of the
cap to a liquid reservoir for an electronic cigarette such that the
first portion of the cap is substantially sealed with respect to
the liquid reservoir of the electronic cigarette; and causing the
liquid to flow from the container and into the liquid reservoir of
the electronic cigarette.
[0006] Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments is a method for
filling a liquid reservoir for an electronic cigarette, the liquid
reservoir including a tubular housing that extends from a first end
to a second end, and a connecting structure located at the first
end of the tubular housing, the connecting structure including an
aperture that extends through the connecting structure for
communication with an interior of the tubular housing. The method
includes providing a container having a liquid disposed therein;
providing a cap having a second portion that is connectable to the
container, a first portion that defines a bore, and a nozzle that
extends through the bore of the first portion, the nozzle having an
interior and a liquid dispensing tip; connecting the second portion
of the cap to the container such that the liquid is in
communication with the interior of the nozzle; connecting the first
portion of the cap to the connecting structure of the liquid
reservoir such that the nozzle of the cap is at least partially
disposed within the aperture of the connecting structure; and
causing the liquid to flow from the container, through the nozzle,
and into to the tubular housing.
[0007] Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments is an apparatus
that includes a liquid dispensing cap. The liquid dispensing cap
has a first portion that is substantially tubular and has an inner
annular wall that defines a bore that extends through the first
portion. The liquid dispensing cap also has a nozzle that is
disposed at least partially within the bore of the first portion.
The nozzle has a liquid dispensing opening and an outer surface,
wherein the outer surface of the nozzle is spaced apart from the
inner annular wall of the first portion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The various features, advantages and other uses of the
present apparatus will become more apparent by referring to the
following detailed description and drawing in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustration showing a liquid
dispenser that includes a container and a cap;
[0010] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustration of the
liquid dispenser showing a cap body of the cap and a nozzle of the
cap;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of the cap body;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a cross-section view of the nozzle;
[0013] FIG. 5A is a cross-section view of the liquid dispenser and
a liquid reservoir for an electronic cigarette wherein the liquid
dispenser is in a disconnected position relative to the liquid
reservoir for the electronic cigarette;
[0014] FIG. 5B is a cross-section view of the liquid dispenser and
the liquid reservoir for the electronic cigarette wherein the
liquid dispenser is in a connected position relative to the liquid
reservoir for the electronic cigarette;
[0015] FIG. 6A is a cross-section view of a liquid dispenser
according to an alternative embodiment and the liquid reservoir for
an electronic cigarette wherein the liquid dispenser is in a
disconnected position relative to the liquid reservoir for the
electronic cigarette; and
[0016] FIG. 6B is a cross-section view of the liquid dispenser
according to the alternative embodiment and the liquid reservoir
for the electronic cigarette wherein the liquid dispenser is in a
connected position relative to the liquid reservoir for the
electronic cigarette.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] The disclosure herein is directed to liquid dispensers and
methods for refilling liquid containing vessels. The liquid
dispensers and methods disclosed herein have particular
applicability to filling a liquid reservoir for an electronic
cigarette. However, it should be understood that the disclosure is
not necessarily limited to use in the context of filling the liquid
reservoirs of electronic cigarettes, and that the liquid dispensers
and methods discussed herein could be adapted for use in the
context of filling other types of liquid reservoirs.
[0018] FIG. 1 is an illustration showing a liquid dispenser 100.
The liquid dispenser 100 includes a container 110 and a cap 120
that is removably connected to the container 110.
[0019] FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing the container 110 and the
cap 120. The container 110 defines a hollow interior 112 for
holding a liquid (not shown). A connecting structure such as an
external screw thread 114 is formed on the container 110 for
connecting the container 110 to the cap 120 and is located adjacent
to an open end 116 of the container 110.
[0020] The cap 120 can include a cap body 122 and a nozzle 150. In
some implementations, however, the nozzle can be omitted.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a cross-section view showing the cap body 122 of
the cap 120. The cap body 122 includes a first portion 124 that is
connectable to a liquid reservoir (not shown in FIG. 2), a second
portion 126 that is connectable to the container 110, and a lid
portion 128. The cap body 122, inclusive of the first portion 124,
the second portion 126, and the lid portion 128 can be formed as a
unitary body. As an example, the cap body 122 can be formed from a
plastic material, such as high density polyethylene, but it should
be understood that other materials could be utilized. The cap body
122 is a substantially hollow structure having a hollow interior
that extends through the cap body 122, inclusive of the first
portion 124 and the second portion 126, such as to allow fluids to
flow through the cap body 122, as will be explained in detail
herein. The first portion 124 of the cap body 122 can be
substantially tubular, having an inner annular wall 130 that
defines a bore 132 that extends through the first portion 124. In
the illustrated example, a screw thread 134 is formed on the inner
annular wall 130 of the first portion 124 adjacent to an open end
thereof. In other implementations, however, the screw thread 134
can be located elsewhere or can be omitted.
[0022] The second portion 126 can be configured such that a portion
of the container 110 is receivable within the interior of the
second portion 126 for the purpose of connecting the container 110
to the cap body 122. In addition, a connecting structure such as a
screw thread 136 can be formed on an inner annular wall 138 of the
second portion 126 for the purpose of engaging the external screw
thread 114 of the container 110 to connect the cap body 122 to the
container 110.
[0023] The cap body 122 can include an internal shoulder 140 that
is positioned at a location where the first portion 124 meets the
second portion 126. The internal shoulder 140 can transition the
internal diameter of the cap body 122 from a smaller internal
diameter that is present within the first portion 124 to a larger
internal diameter that is present in the second portion 126. An
annular channel 142 can be formed on the internal shoulder 140 and
be depressed in a longitudinal direction with respect to the
surface of the internal shoulder 140. The annular channel 142 is
configured to engage a portion of the nozzle 150 for securing the
nozzle 150 with respect to the cap body 122, as will be explained
further herein.
[0024] The lid portion 128 of the cap body 122 can be pivotally
connected or detachable with respect to the remainder of the cap
body 122 for the purpose of allowing at least part of the cap body
122, such as the first portion 124, to be selectively covered. In
the illustrated example, the lid portion 128 is pivotally connected
to the first portion 124 and the second portion 126 of the cap body
122 by a living hinge 144 and is securable with respect to the
first portion 124 of the cap body 122 by a snap fit with respect to
a radial shoulder 146 that is formed on an external surface of the
cap body 122 adjacent to the first portion 124 thereof.
[0025] FIG. 4 is a cross-section view showing the nozzle 150. The
nozzle 150 includes a frustroconical portion 152 having an outer
surface 154. The frustroconical portion 152 defines a fluid
passageway therein that extends from a base opening 156 at a first
end of the nozzle 150 to a fluid-dispensing opening or
fluid-dispensing tip 158 at a second end of the nozzle 150.
Adjacent to the base opening 156 of the nozzle 150, a
radially-extending flange 160 extends outward relative to the outer
surface 154 of the frustroconical portion 152. At an outer
periphery 162 of the radially-extending flange 160, an annular lip
extends outward from the radially-extending flange 160 in a
longitudinal direction of the nozzle 150. The longitudinal
direction of the nozzle 150 is defined as a directional that is
substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the nozzle 150,
which extends from the base opening 156 toward the fluid-dispensing
tip 158 of the nozzle 150.
[0026] The nozzle 150 is configured to be connected to the cap body
122 such that the radially-extending flange 160 of the nozzle 150
is in engagement with the internal shoulder 140 of the cap body 122
and such that the annular flange 164 of the nozzle 150 is seated
within the annular channel 142 of the cap body 122. When the nozzle
150 is connected to the cap body 122 in this manner, the
frustroconical portion 152 of the nozzle 150 extends through the
bore 132 of the first portion 124 of the cap body 122 such that the
outer surface 154 of the frustroconical portion 152 of the nozzle
150 is spaced apart from the inner annular wall 130 of the first
portion 124 of the cap body 122. Furthermore, when the container
110 is connected to the cap 120, the container 110 engages the
nozzle 150 and captures the nozzle 150 between the container 110
and the cap body 122, such that the nozzle 150 is restrained
against moving with respect to the cap body 122 (FIG. 5A).
[0027] FIG. 5A is a cross-section view of the liquid dispenser 100
and first example of a liquid reservoir 200 for an electronic
cigarette (not shown) wherein the liquid dispenser 100 is in a
disconnected position relative to the liquid reservoir 200 for the
electronic cigarette. FIG. 5B is a cross-section view of the liquid
dispenser 100 and the liquid reservoir 200 for the electronic
cigarette wherein the liquid dispenser 100 is in a connected
position relative to the liquid reservoir 200 for the electronic
cigarette.
[0028] The liquid reservoir 200 includes a tubular housing 210 that
extends from a first end 212 to a second end 214. The tubular
housing can be formed from materials such as metal or plastic. A
connecting structure 220 is located at the first end 212 of the
tubular housing 210. A mouthpiece 250 can be located at the second
end 214 of the tubular housing 210.
[0029] The connecting structure 220 includes an aperture 222 that
extends through the connecting structure 220 for communication with
an interior of the tubular housing 210. The connecting structure
220 can also include a screw thread 224 that is formed on the
connecting structure 220. In particular, the connecting structure
220 can be substantially cylindrical, and the screw thread 224 can
be formed on the outer annular surface or wall of the connecting
structure 220.
[0030] The mouthpiece 250 is connected to the tubular housing 210
and has a passageway 252 formed therethrough. The passageway 252
allows fluid communication between the interior of the tubular
housing 210 and the exterior of the tubular housing 210, such that
air can be drawn through the tubular housing 210 by the user, thus
allowing delivery of the vaporized liquid to the user.
[0031] In the illustrated example, the mouthpiece 250 is in the
form of a plug that as formed from a resilient plastic or rubber
and is connected to the tubular housing 210 by a friction fit.
Mouthpieces can be provided in other forms, such as being
integrally formed with respect to the tubular housing 210 or such
as in the form of an elongated body that is connected to the second
end 214 of the tubular housing 210 and extends outward
therefrom.
[0032] The liquid reservoir 200 includes a wicking material 230
that is disposed within the tubular housing 210. The wicking
material 230 is adapted to absorb and store a liquid, such as a
liquid solution that includes a flavoring and/or nicotine. The
wicking material 230 can be a substantially cylindrical body of any
suitable absorbent material. A passageway 232 can be formed axially
through the wicking material 230. The wicking material 230 stores
the liquid for use by a vaporizer assembly 240. As an example, the
vaporizer assembly 240 can include a wicking tube that receives
liquid from the wicking material 230 and an electric heating coil
that receives power from a battery associated with the electronic
cigarette via the connecting structure 220, where the electric
heating coils heats the fluid in order to vaporize it. Other types
of vaporizer assemblies can be provided as the vaporizer assembly
240.
[0033] The liquid dispenser 100 can be moved from the disconnected
position (FIG. 5A) with respect to the liquid reservoir 200 to the
connected position (FIG. 5B) with respect to the liquid reservoir
200. The disconnected position is established when the liquid
dispenser 100 is not engaged with the liquid reservoir 200. The
connected position is established when the first portion 124 of the
cap 120 of the liquid dispenser 100 is engaged with the liquid
reservoir 200 such that the first portion 124 of the cap 120 is
substantially sealed with respect to the liquid reservoir 200. A
substantially seal is defined as a seal that is not necessarily an
air-tight or fluid-tight seal, but is sufficient to allow transfer
of liquid from the liquid dispenser 100 to the liquid reservoir 200
with minimal leakage.
[0034] As an example, a substantial seal can be defined in the
connected position by threaded engagement of the screw thread 134
of the first portion 124 of the cap 120 of the liquid dispenser 100
with the screw thread 224 of the connecting structure 220 of the
liquid reservoir 200. As another example, the screw thread 134 of
the first portion 124 of the cap 120 and the screw thread 224 of
the connecting structure 220 of the liquid reservoir 200 can be
omitted, and instead, a friction fit can establish a substantial
seal between the screw thread 134 of the first portion 124 of the
cap 120 and the screw thread 224 of the connecting structure 220 of
the liquid reservoir 200. In this example, one or both of the first
portion 124 of the cap 120 or the connecting structure 220 of the
liquid reservoir 200 could be formed from a resilient material such
as soft plastic, rubber, or silicone to promote a substantial seal.
As another example, one of the screw thread 134 of the first
portion 124 of the cap 120 or the screw thread 224 of the
connecting structure 220 of the liquid reservoir 200 can be
omitted, and engagement of the first portion 124 of the cap 120
with the connecting structure 220 of the liquid reservoir 200 could
cause cutting of the omitted screw thread by the other screw
thread.
[0035] In use, the liquid reservoir 200 can be filled using a
liquid that is disposed within the container 110 of the liquid
dispenser 100. The first portion 124 of the cap body 122 of the cap
120 of the liquid dispenser 100 is connected to the connecting
structure 220 of the liquid reservoir 200 such that the nozzle 150
of the cap is at least partially disposed within the aperture 222
of the connecting structure 220. A substantial seal can thus be
defined between the first portion 124 of the cap body 122 of the
cap 120 and the connecting structure 220 of the liquid reservoir
200. The user then causes the liquid to flow from the container
110, through the nozzle 150, and into to the tubular housing 210,
for example, by applying pressure to the container 110. This causes
the fluid to contact the wicking material 230, so that the wicking
material 230 can absorb at least a portion of the liquid and store
the liquid for later use. Causing the liquid to flow from the
container 110, through the nozzle 150, and into to the tubular
housing 210 can include applying pressure to the liquid. One
example of application of pressure to the liquid includes
compressing the internal space of the container 110, such as by
squeezing the container 110. As the liquid enters the tubular
housing 210, it initially travels through the passageway 232 that
is defined through the wicking material 230. Forcing the liquid
into the wicking material 230 can be performed by blocking fluid
conducting pathways along which the fluid could otherwise exit the
tubular housing 210 prior to causing the liquid to flow from the
container 110, through the nozzle 150, and into to the tubular
housing 210. As an example, blocking fluid conducting passageways
can include sealing the second end 214 of the tubular housing 210.
As another example, blocking fluid conducting passageways can
include blocking the passageway 252 of the mouthpiece 250. As an
example, the user can block the passageway 252 by engaging an
object with the mouth piece 250 at the passageway 252, such as a
finger 10 of the user. In some examples, doing this can include
sealing the second end 214 of the tubular housing 210.
[0036] In the foregoing example, the liquid dispenser 100 includes
the nozzle 150. However, in some implementations, the nozzle is
omitted. Use of the liquid dispenser 100 without the nozzle 150
remains the same, except that the liquid passes through the cap
body 122 directly , instead of passing through the nozzle.
[0037] FIG. 6A is a cross-section view of a liquid dispenser 300
according to an alternative embodiment and the liquid reservoir 400
for an electronic cigarette wherein the liquid dispenser 300 is in
a disconnected position relative to the liquid reservoir 400 for
the electronic cigarette. FIG. 6B is a cross-section view of the
liquid dispenser 300 according to the alternative embodiment and
the liquid reservoir 400 for the electronic cigarette wherein the
liquid dispenser 300 is in a connected position relative to the
liquid reservoir 400 for the electronic cigarette.
[0038] The liquid dispenser 300 is identical to the liquid
dispenser 100 except that an external screw thread 334 is formed on
an outer annular wall 330 of a first portion 324 of a cap body 322
of a cap 320 of the liquid dispenser 300. Other parts of the liquid
dispenser 300 are as described with respect to the liquid dispenser
100. The liquid reservoir 400 is identical to the liquid reservoir
200 except that an internal screw thread 424 is formed on a
connecting structure 420 of the liquid reservoir 400. Thus, when
the liquid dispenser 300 is in the connected position with respect
to the liquid reservoir 400, at least part of the first portion 324
of the cap body 322 is disposed within the connecting structure 420
of the liquid reservoir 400 and the external screw thread 334 is
engaged with the internal screw thread 424. Use of the liquid
dispenser 300 is as described with respect to the liquid dispenser
100.
[0039] While the description herein has been made in connection
with what is presently considered to be the most practical and
preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the claims are
not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the
contrary, are intended to cover various modifications and
equivalent arrangements.
* * * * *