U.S. patent application number 14/515356 was filed with the patent office on 2015-04-16 for electronic cigarette with mobile device case.
The applicant listed for this patent is Parker Ash. Invention is credited to Parker Ash.
Application Number | 20150101940 14/515356 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52808727 |
Filed Date | 2015-04-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150101940 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ash; Parker |
April 16, 2015 |
ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE WITH MOBILE DEVICE CASE
Abstract
An apparatus for coupling an electronic cigarette to a mobile
device case is provided. The apparatus includes a mobile device
case configured to attach to a mobile device. The apparatus also
includes an adapter configured to removably couple an electronic
cigarette to the mobile device case. Another apparatus for coupling
an electronic cigarette to a mobile device case is provided. The
apparatus includes a mobile device case configured to attach to a
mobile device. The apparatus also includes an adapter configured to
couple an electronic cigarette to the mobile device case. The
apparatus further includes a battery booster configured to supply
power to at least one of a mobile device attached to the mobile
device case or an electronic cigarette coupled to the mobile.
Inventors: |
Ash; Parker; (Norman,
OK) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ash; Parker |
Norman |
OK |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52808727 |
Appl. No.: |
14/515356 |
Filed: |
October 15, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61891306 |
Oct 15, 2013 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/216 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 1/0256 20130101;
H04M 1/21 20130101; A24F 15/18 20130101; A24F 47/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/216 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/00 20060101
B65D085/00; A24F 47/00 20060101 A24F047/00; A24F 15/18 20060101
A24F015/18 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: a mobile device case configured to
attach to a mobile device; and an adapter configured to removably
couple an electronic cigarette to the mobile device case.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adapter is configured to
couple the electronic cigarette to the mobile device case using one
or more straps.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adapter is configured to
couple the electronic cigarette to the mobile device case using a
recess.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the recess comprises a
C-shaped configuration configured to clasp and hold the electronic
cigarette in radial or axial position with respect to the mobile
device case.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adapter is configured to
couple the electronic cigarette to the mobile device case via an
encasing.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the encasing houses the
electronic cigarette and comprises at least one opening configured
to allow at least a portion of the electronic to extend through the
opening.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the adapter comprises a
removable cap configured to house at least a portion of the
electronic cigarette extending through the opening of the
encasing.
8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the encasing comprises a
retractable inner casing configured to move at least a portion of
the electronic cigarette through the opening of the encasing.
9. An apparatus comprising: a mobile device case configured to
attach to a mobile device; and an adapter configured to couple an
electronic cigarette to the mobile device case.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the adapter is configured to
permit the replacement of one or more components of the electronic
cigarette without decoupling the electronic cigarette from the
mobile device case.
11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the adapter comprises at
least two openings configured to permit air flow into and out of
the electronic cigarette.
12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the apparatus further
comprises a battery booster configured to supply power to at least
the electronic cigarette.
13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the electronic cigarette is
integrated with the adapter.
14. An apparatus comprising: a mobile device case configured to
attach to a mobile device; an adapter configured to couple an
electronic cigarette to the mobile device case; and a battery
booster configured to supply power to at least one of a mobile
device attached to the mobile device case and an electronic
cigarette coupled to the mobile.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the battery booster is
configured to supply power to the mobile device and the electronic
cigarette at a same time interval or at separate time
intervals.
16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the adapter is configured to
couple the electronic cigarette to the mobile device case using one
or more straps.
17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the adapter is configured to
couple the electronic cigarette to the mobile device case using a
recess.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the recess comprises a
C-shaped configuration configured to clasp and hold the electronic
cigarette in radial or axial position with respect to the mobile
device case.
19. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the adapter is configured to
couple the electronic cigarette to the mobile device case via an
encasing.
20. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a power
connection configured to couple with a power supply to charge at
least one of the mobile device, the electronic cigarette, or the
battery booster.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) AND CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/891,306, filed Oct. 15, 2013,
entitled "ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE WITH MOBILE DEVICE CASE". The
content of the above-identified patent document is incorporated
herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present application relates generally to electronic
cigarettes and, more specifically, to pairing an electronic
cigarette with a mobile device case.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Due to ever expanding government regulation and political
pressure on business and public entities alike, cigarette smoking
is being banned in an ever increasing number of locations and
establishments. In response, many smokers are turning to tobacco
consumption alternatives that are not subject to such bands. One
such alternative is electronic cigarettes.
[0004] Electronic cigarettes are a particularly popular alternative
to traditional cigarettes because they share many characteristics
with traditional cigarettes, such as size, shape, and means of
consuming the tobacco. Electronic cigarettes can be purchased in
both disposable and reusable forms. While some electronic cigarette
smokers prefer disposable electronic cigarettes due to the
disposable electronic cigarette's relatively lower initial cost,
many electronic cigarette smokers prefer reusable electronic
cigarettes due to the lower aggregate costs of replacing cheaper
individual pieces such as vapor cartridges, mouth pieces, or the
like, instead of a complete electronic cigarette device. However,
due to a reusable electronic cigarette's higher initial cost, any
aggregate cost savings from purchasing reusable electronic
cigarettes instead of disposable electronic cigarettes are lost if,
for example, the reusable electronic cigarette is lost, misplaced,
or even broken.
SUMMARY
[0005] In an embodiment, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus
includes a mobile device case configured to attach to a mobile
device. The apparatus also includes an adapter configured to
removably couple an electronic cigarette to the mobile device
case.
[0006] In another embodiment, an apparatus is provided. The
apparatus includes a mobile device case configured to attach to a
mobile device. The apparatus also includes an adapter configured to
couple an electronic cigarette to the mobile device case.
[0007] In yet another embodiment, an apparatus is provided. The
apparatus includes a mobile device case configured to attach to a
mobile device. The apparatus also includes an adapter configured to
couple an electronic cigarette to the mobile device case. The
apparatus further includes a battery booster configured to supply
power to at least one of a mobile device attached to the mobile
device case or an electronic cigarette coupled to the mobile.
[0008] Before undertaking the DETAILED DESCRIPTION below, it may be
advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases
used throughout this patent document: the terms "include" and
"comprise," as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without
limitation; the term "or," is inclusive, meaning and/or; the
phrases "associated with" and "associated therewith," as well as
derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within,
interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or
with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with,
interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have,
have a property of, or the like; and the term "controller" means
any device, system or part thereof that controls at least one
operation, such a device may be implemented in hardware, firmware
or software, or some combination of at least two of the same. It
should be noted that the functionality associated with any
particular controller may be centralized or distributed, whether
locally or remotely. Definitions for certain words and phrases are
provided throughout this patent document, those of ordinary skill
in the art should understand that in many, if not most instances,
such definitions apply to prior, as well as future uses of such
defined words and phrases.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure
and its advantages, reference is now made to the following
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in
which like reference numerals represent like parts:
[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates an example Phone Accessory electronic
Cigarette Holder (PACH) according to this disclosure;
[0011] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate diagrams of an example electronic
cigarette (or cigar) according to this disclosure;
[0012] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate diagrams of example components of
an electronic cigarette according to this disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates an example PACH including an adapter with
one or more straps according to this disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates an example PACH including an adapter with
a recess according to this disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates an example PACH including an adapter with
an encasing according to this disclosure;
[0016] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate examples of a PACH including an
adapter with an encasing according to this disclosure;
[0017] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate an example PACH including an
adapter with an encasing and an inner casing according to this
disclosure; and
[0018] FIG. 10 illustrates an example PACH according to this
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] FIGS. 1 through 10, discussed below, and the various
embodiments used to describe the principles of this disclosure in
this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not
be construed in any way to limit the scope of this disclosure.
Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of
this disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged mobile
device case, mobile device cover, mobile electronic device case,
mobile electronic device cover, or the like.
[0020] Below, exemplary embodiments of this disclosure provide a
method and apparatus for using an electronic cigarette coupled with
a mobile electronic device case or mobile electronic device
cover.
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates an example Phone Accessory electronic
Cigarette Holder (PACH) 100 according to this disclosure. The PACH
100 shown in FIG. 1 is for illustration only. Other embodiments
could be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.
The PACH 100 includes a mobile device case 102, an adapter 104, and
an electronic cigarette 106. The electronic cigarette 106 is
coupled to the mobile device case 102 via the adapter 104. The PACH
100 is configured to provide a safe and convenient electronic
cigarette storage and use medium by coupling and securing an
electronic cigarette to a mobile device case (such as protective
case). For example, many pedestrian environments (urban area,
campuses, or the like) cause pedestrians to carry a plurality of
items in their hands while walking to their destinations. Many
pedestrians while walking in these environments communicate via
text message or voice through their mobile device, occupying
otherwise free hand use. Mobile devices can also be used to search
an internet web page, read a document, or watch a video while
walking. Many of these same pedestrians may also use electronic
cigarettes. However, because pedestrians' hands are not always free
due a plurality of items they may be carrying, electronic cigarette
users can be delayed or inconvenienced while searching through a
bag or pocket for their electronic cigarette. Furthermore,
expensive electronic cigarettes can be dropped or broken while
searching for them or using them in conjunction with holding a
mobile device. Accordingly, a PACH 100 secures an electronic
cigarette to a mobile device case thereby providing convenience to
an electronic cigarette user as well as protecting both the
electronic cigarette and a mobile device from sustaining
damage.
[0022] As previously discussed, the PACH 100 includes a mobile
device case 102, an adapter 104, and an electronic cigarette 106.
FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate diagrams of an example electronic
cigarette (or cigar) 106 according to this disclosure. The
embodiments of the electronic cigarette 106 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3
are for illustration only. Other embodiments could be used without
departing from the scope of this disclosure. FIGS. 4A and 4B
illustrate diagrams of example components of an electronic
cigarette 106 according to this disclosure. The embodiments of the
example components of the electronic cigarette 106 shown in FIGS.
4A and 4B are for illustration only. Other embodiments could be
used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.
[0023] An electronic cigarette 106 includes a replaceable cartridge
(or first section) 201 and a reusable fixture (or second section)
202 coupled together at a threaded connection 205 or by other
convenience such as a snug-fit, detent, clamp, or clasp. In certain
embodiments, the second section 202 includes an electrical
connection configured to couple the battery 305 to an energy source
for battery charging or recharging. The second section 202 can
include a threaded coupling configured to secure the electrical
connection to the energy source retaining the electronic cigarette
in a fixed axial position. An alternative coupling can include
connections comprising pins and releasable detents or electrical
bearing surfaces with releasable detents, rotational locking
devices, or the like. In certain embodiments, the detent cooperates
with a raised annulus. One or more biased balls can be used in lieu
of or in addition to the raised annulus.
[0024] The first section 201 includes a liquid supply region 310
that stores liquid material and a heater 315 configured to
aerosolize liquid material that is drawn from the liquid supply
region 310, such as, through a wick 320. The liquid material can
include a tobacco-containing material having volatile tobacco
flavor compounds that are released from the liquid upon heating and
can contain nicotine. The liquid can be a tobacco flavor containing
material or a nicotine-containing material having no flavor.
Alternatively, or in addition, the liquid can include a non-tobacco
material, other flavor materials, and can be nicotine-free. For
example, the liquid can include water, solvents, ethanol, plant
extracts and natural or artificial flavors. Preferably, the liquid
further includes an aerosol former. Examples of suitable aerosol
formers are glycerin and propylene glycol. The liquid material also
can include preservatives or pH modifying agents, such as organic
and inorganic acids.
[0025] Upon completing the threaded connection 205, the battery 305
is configured for connection with the electrical heater 315 of the
first section 201. Air is drawn primarily into the first section
210 through one or more air inlets 210. An alternative to threaded
connection 205 includes connections with pins and releasable
detents or electrical bearing surfaces with releasable detents,
rotational locking devices, or the like. In certain embodiments,
the detent cooperates with a raised annulus. One or more biased
balls can be used in lieu of or in addition to the raised
annulus.
[0026] Once the material liquid of the liquid supply region 310 is
spent, the first section 201 can be replaced. An alternate
arrangement includes a layout in which the electronic cigarette 106
is disposed once the liquid material is depleted. In such a case,
the battery type and other features can be engineered for
simplicity and cost-effectiveness, but generally embody the same
concepts in which the second section is reused or recharged. In
certain embodiments, the section 201 is separated from section 202
and additional liquid material can be introduced into the liquid
supply region 310 so that the entire electronic cigarette 106 is
re-usable. Section 201 can also include a port for introducing
additional liquid material into the liquid supply region 310 so
that the entire electronic cigarette 106 is re-usable.
[0027] The electronic cigarette 106 is dimensioned to be about the
same size as a conventional cigarette. In some embodiments, the
electronic cigarette 106 is dimensioned to be about 80 mm to about
110 mm long, such as about 80 mm to about 100 mm long and about 7
mm to about 8 mm in diameter. For example, in certain embodiments,
the electronic cigarette 106 is about 84 mm long and has a diameter
of about 7.8 mm.
[0028] The electronic cigarette 106 includes an outer tube 215, an
inner tube 335, or a combination thereof. The outer tube 215, the
inner tube 335, or both the other tube 215 and the inner tube 335
can be formed of any suitable material or combination of materials.
Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics or
composite materials containing one or more of those materials, or
thermoplastics that are suitable for food or pharmaceutical
applications, for example polypropylene, polyetheretherketone
(PEEK), ceramic, and polyethylene. The material can also be light
and non-brittle.
[0029] At least one air inlet 210 is formed in the outer tube 215,
such as adjacent the threaded connection 205 to minimize the chance
of a smoker' fingers occluding one of the ports and to control the
resistance to draw during smoking. Each of the air inlets 210 are
machined into the tube 215 with precision tooling such that their
diameters are closely controlled and replicated from one electronic
cigarette 106 to the next during their manufacture. The air inlets
210 are drilled with carbide drill bits or other high-precision
tools or techniques. The air inlets 210 provide consistent
resistance to draw. The air inlets 210 can be sized and configured
such that the electronic cigarette 106 has a resistance to draw in
the range of from about 60 mm H.sub.2O to about 150 mm H.sub.2O,
about 90 mm H.sub.2O to about 110 mm H.sub.2O, or about 100 mm
H.sub.2O to about 130 mm H.sub.2O.
[0030] The air inlets 210 control the level of resistance to draw
of the electronic cigarette 106, which can be set at a level that
contributes a drawing experience similar to that of drawing upon a
conventional, lit-end cigarette. In an embodiment, when the
electronic cigarette is encased, the air inlets 210 can be larger
to account for an additional air passage from the ambient into a
casing a through the air inlet 210.
[0031] The first section 201 also includes a mouth end insert 330
having at least two diverging outlet passages 334 (such as three
(3), four (4), five (5) or more, such as two (2) to ten (10)
outlets or more, such as two (2) to six (6) outlet passages 334,
such as four (4) outlet passages 334). The outlet passages 334 are
located off-axis and are angled outwardly in relation to the
central channel 350 of the inner tube 335 (such as divergently).
Additionally, the mouth end insert (or flow guide) 330 includes
outlets 334 uniformly distributed about the perimeter of mouth end
insert 330 so as to substantially uniformly distribute aerosol in a
smoker's mouth during use and create a greater perception of
fullness in the mouth. Thus, as the aerosol passes into a smoker's
mouth, the aerosol enters the mouth and moves in different
directions so as to provide a full mouth feel. The mouth end insert
330 also can be removable from the electronic cigarette 106 for
cleaning, replacement due to damage, or the like.
[0032] A control circuit can be configured to supply power to the
heater 315 (such as an atomizer) so that when a smoker takes a
puff, the heater 315 heats a portion of the liquid material from
the liquid supply region 310, such as through a wick 320. The
control circuit can activate the power supply in response to a
smoker taking a puff. For example, the control circuit can be
integrated with a puff sensor 340 and can supply power to the
heater 315 in response to detecting a puff by the puff sensor 340,
preferably with a maximum, time-period limiter. The puff sensor 340
detects airflow and subsequently activates the heater 315.
Alternatively, the control circuitry includes a manually operable
switch for a smoker to initiate a puff. The time-period of the
electric current supply to the heater can be pre-set depending on
the amount of liquid desired to be vaporized. Alternatively, the
circuitry supplies power to the heater 315 as long as the puff
sensor 16 detects a pressure drop.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 1 and as previously discussed, the PACH 100
also includes a mobile device case 102. The mobile device case 102
is configured to attach to any one or more mobile devices, such as
mobile phones, tablets, laptops, pagers, wallets, notebooks,
binders, or the like. The mobile device case 102 is configured to
provide shock or damage protection for a mobile device. For
example, the mobile device case 102 protects a tablet from damage
if dropped on the ground. The mobile device case 102 also protects
a mobile phone from damage if dropped in a pool of water.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, the PACH 100 further includes an adapter
104 configured to couple an electronic cigarette 106 to a mobile
device case 102. In certain embodiments, the adapter 104 includes
one or more straps configured to secure an electronic cigarette 106
to the surface of the mobile device case 102. FIG. 5 illustrates an
example PACH 500 including an adapter with one or more straps
according to this disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5, for example, one
or more straps 541 fasten an electronic cigarette 106 to the side
or back of the mobile device case 102 so that the electronic
cigarette 106 extends at least some of the length (or height) of
the mobile device case 102 without interfering with a display of a
mobile device secured with the mobile device case 102. The straps
541 fasten to the surface of the mobile device case 102 using one
or more of buttons, snaps, buckles, VELCRO (or other fabric hook
and loop fasteners), or the like. In an embodiment, the straps 541
are attached to the mobile device case 102 at one end and fed
through a loop (also attached to the mobile device case 102) so
that straps 541 fasten to themselves holding an electronic
cigarette 106 secure against the surface of the mobile device case
102. The straps 541 fasten an electronic cigarette 106 to the
mobile device case 102 so that an electronic cigarette 106 is
removably attached to the mobile device case 102.
[0035] An adapter 104 can include a recess integrated with the
mobile device case 102. FIG. 6 illustrates an example PACH 600
including an adapter 104 with a recess 642 according to this
disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the adapter 104 includes a
recess 642 having a C-shaped configuration clasping and holding an
electronic cigarette 106 in radial or axial position with respect
to the mobile device case 102. In certain embodiments, the recess
642 may not be as long as the electronic cigarette 106 and can be
open at the top or bottom ends so that the electronic cigarette 106
can axially extend out of the recess 642. Additionally, the recess
642 can be positioned on the back or side, or both, of the mobile
device case 102 so that at least the mouth end insert 330 of the
electronic cigarette 106 extends above the top or below the bottom
of the mobile device case 102. This feature provides easy access
for a smoker to smoke the electronic cigarette 106 without having
to remove the electronic cigarette 106 from the adapter 104.
[0036] The recess 642 can also include one or more slots or holes
at least partially radially displaced along a portion of the recess
642 exposing a larger portion of an electronic cigarette 106 to the
ambient. This configuration allows for air flow to enter air inlets
so that a smoker may effectively smoke an electronic cigarette 106.
The air inlets can be axially aligned with the slots or the holes
so that a sufficient amount of air flow can enter the air flow
inlets and exit one or more of the air flow outlets.
[0037] The adapter 104 can also including an encasing. FIG. 7
illustrates an example PACH 700 including an adapter 104 with an
encasing or partial encasing 743 according to this disclosure. For
example, as shown in FIG. 7, the encasing 743 is configured to
encase at least a portion of the electronic cigarette 106. The
encasing 743 includes at least similar material to the material of
the mobile device case 102 so that if a mobile device is dropped,
for example, not only will the mobile device case 102 protect a
mobile device from damage, but the encasing 743 can protect the
electronic cigarette 106 from damage as well. The encasing 743
encases at least a portion of the electronic cigarette 106 so that
at least the mouth end insert 330 is not encased. The encasing 743
includes at least one open end 750 on a distal end of the encasing
743. Thus, a smoker can easily smoke the electronic cigarette 106
while the electronic cigarette 106 is encased by the encasing 743.
Furthermore, the encasing 743 can be positioned on the back or the
side, or both, of the mobile device case 102 so that at least the
mouth end insert 330 of the electronic cigarette 106 can extend
above the top or below the bottom of the mobile device case 102.
This feature also provides easy access for a smoker to smoke the
electronic cigarette 106 without removing the electronic cigarette
106 from the adapter 104.
[0038] In certain embodiments, the encasing 743 can encase an
electronic cigarette 106. FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate examples of a
PACH 800 including an adapter 104 with an encasing 743 according to
this disclosure. In this embodiment, the encasing 743 includes a
removable cap 860 providing access to an electronic cigarette 106
such as a mouth end insert 330, for example, when a smoker wishes
to take a puff. As shown in FIG. 8A, the removable cap 860 is
positioned over an electronic cigarette 106 thereby encasing the
electronic cigarette 106 including a mouth end insert 330. As shown
in FIG. 8B, the removable cap 860 is removed from the encasing 743
exposing the electronic cigarette 106 (such as a mouth end insert
330) allowing a smoker to smoke the electronic cigarette 106
through the mouth end insert 330. The removable cap 860 can pivot
on a hinge attached to the adapter 104 so that when the removable
cap 860 is removed, it remains attached to the adapter 104. The
removable cap 860 can also be tied to a tether attached the adapter
104. The removable cap 860 can be free to completely detach from
the adapter 104.
[0039] In certain embodiments, the encasing 743 includes an inner
casing disposed within the encasing 743 and configured to hold or
retain an electronic cigarette 106. The inner casing is retractable
so that an electronic cigarette 106 can be moved a distance through
encasing 743 along the encasing axis.
[0040] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate an example PACH 900 including an
adapter with an encasing and an inner casing according to this
disclosure. As shown in FIG. 9A, an electronic cigarette 106 can be
disposed in an encasing 743 including an inner casing 965. The
encasing 743 and the inner casing 965 can include an opening at a
same distal end so that an electronic cigarette 106 can be moved
through the encasing 743 via the inner casing 965 and at least
partially through the opening at the distal end. As shown in FIG.
9A, the inner casing 965 retains the electronic cigarette 106
within the encasing 743 so that all or at least a substantial
portion of the electronic cigarette 106 is protectively encased
within the encasing 743. However, as shown in FIG. 9B, the inner
casing is actuated to transport the electronic cigarette 106 a
distance through the encasing 743 so that at least a portion of the
electronic cigarette 106 (such as the mouth end insert 330) extends
through the open distal end of the encasing 743 enabling a smoker
to smoke the electronic cigarette 106.
[0041] It should be understood that the inner casing 965 can be
configured to releasably lock in a retracted position as shown in
FIG. 9A and releasably lock in an extended position as shown in
FIG. 9B. Thus, a smoker can protect the electronic cigarette 106
using the encasing 743 when the smoker is not using the electronic
cigarette 106 by securely retaining the inner casing 965 and the
electronic cigarette 106 within the encasing 743 and use the
electronic cigarette 106 without the electronic cigarette 106
slipping into the encasing 743 by securely retaining the electronic
cigarette 106 and the inner casing 965 in an extended position.
[0042] In certain embodiments, the adapter 104 such as an adapter
104 with an encasing 743, an inner casing 965, or both, can include
at least an air permeable portion 970 allowing air flow to enter
air inlets of the electronic cigarette 106 permitting a smoker to
pull air through the electronic cigarette 106 via the air inlets to
extract or consume the vapor. Additionally, the adapter 104 can
include one or more ports 975 to allow a button, lever, or the
like, attached to the electronic cigarette 106 to penetrate through
the adapter 104 so that, for example, the button may be accessed to
activate the heater to facilitate smoking.
[0043] In certain embodiments, the electronic cigarette 106 is
integrated with the encasing 743 such that an outer tube of the
electronic cigarette 106 includes the encasing 743 or the inner
casing 965 within an encasing 743. The encasing 743, the inner
casing 965, or both, can include one or more removable pieces
configured to allow the replacement of one or more individual
components of the integrated electronic cigarette 106. For example,
a removable piece can be positioned to allow easy removal of a
battery, the addition of more liquid material, or for the
replacement or cleaning of a new mouth end insert. The removable
piece can be located at a distal end of the encasing, via the air
permeable portion 970 (such that the air permeable portion can be
open or removable), or the like.
[0044] FIG. 10 illustrates an example PACH 1000 according to this
disclosure. As shown in FIG. 10, the mobile device case 102
includes a battery or a battery booster 1080 configured to supply
power to at least one of a mobile device 101 (such as a mobile
device battery) or an electronic cigarette 106 (such as an
electronic cigarette battery) attached to the mobile device case
102 via the adapter 104.
[0045] For example, an electronic cigarette 106 can be integrated
with the mobile device case 102 and electrically coupled to the
battery or booster battery 1080 of the mobile device case 102. At
the same time a mobile device 101 can be attached to the case so
that the mobile device 101 is also electrically coupled via
electrical coupling 1083 to one or more of: the battery or the
booster battery 1080. Thus, if either the battery of the mobile
device drains, becomes low, or empties, or the battery of the
electronic cigarette 106 drains, becomes low, or empties, the
battery or the booster battery 1080 or combination thereof, of the
mobile device case 102 can provide supplemental power to either or
both the mobile device 101 or the electronic cigarette 106.
[0046] In certain embodiments, the mobile device case 102 including
the battery or booster battery 1080, or both, can be configured so
that the mobile device case 102 is coupled to a power outlet via a
plug or USB connection 1081 and so that one or more of the mobile
device case battery or booster battery 1080, the battery of the
mobile device 101, the battery of the electronic cigarette 106, can
be charged at the same time. Furthermore, the mobile device case
102 including the battery or booster battery 1080, or both, can
also include one or more switches 1082 so that a user can activate
or cut-off power transfer via electrical coupling 1083 from the
battery or booster battery 1080 of the mobile device case 102 to
the mobile device 101 or the electronic cigarette 106. Furthermore,
circuitry within the mobile device case 102 can be configured to
prioritize power transfer between the mobile device case battery,
booster battery 1080, or both, and the mobile device 101 or between
the mobile device case battery or booster battery 1080, or both,
and the electronic cigarette 106.
[0047] Although the present disclosure has been described with an
exemplary embodiment, various changes and modifications may be
suggested to one skilled in the art. It is intended that the
present disclosure encompass such changes and modifications as fall
within the scope of the appended claims.
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