U.S. patent application number 14/514990 was filed with the patent office on 2015-04-16 for portable vaporizer packaging.
This patent application is currently assigned to NJOY, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is NJOY, Inc.. Invention is credited to Mark Scatterday.
Application Number | 20150101945 14/514990 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52808729 |
Filed Date | 2015-04-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150101945 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Scatterday; Mark |
April 16, 2015 |
PORTABLE VAPORIZER PACKAGING
Abstract
A package for an electronic cigarette including a receptacle for
receiving the electronic cigarette, wherein the receptacle defines
at least one opening through which the electronic cigarette may be
placed into the receptacle. The package may further include a cover
for selectively closing the opening, wherein the cover is movably
coupled to the receptacle. The package may also include at least
one geometric configuration disposed on an inner surface of one of
the receptacle and cover, wherein the geometric configuration is
configured to engage a surface of the electronic cigarette in an
airtight configuration.
Inventors: |
Scatterday; Mark;
(Scottsdale, AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NJOY, Inc. |
Scottsdale |
AZ |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
NJOY, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
52808729 |
Appl. No.: |
14/514990 |
Filed: |
October 15, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61891626 |
Oct 16, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/268 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24F 13/14 20130101;
A24F 15/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/268 |
International
Class: |
A24F 13/14 20060101
A24F013/14; A24F 15/12 20060101 A24F015/12 |
Claims
1. A package comprising: a receptacle for receiving an electronic
cigarette having one or more air ports, wherein the receptacle
defines at least one opening through which the electronic cigarette
may be placed into the receptacle; a cover for selectively closing
the opening, wherein the cover is movably coupled to the
receptacle; and at least one geometric configuration disposed on an
inner surface of one of the receptacle and the cover, wherein the
geometric configuration is configured to engage a surface of the
electronic cigarette to seal the one or more air ports in an
airtight configuration.
2. The package of claim 1, further comprising a hinge configured to
maintain the cover in an open configuration and a closed
configuration.
3. The package of claim 1, wherein the receptacle includes one or
more internal geometric configurations for maintaining a
positioning of the electronic cigarette within the receptacle.
4. The package of claim 1, wherein the at least one geometric
configuration comprises one of: a pad disposed on an inner surface
of the cover for engaging a proximal end of the electronic
cigarette to seal an air port at the proximal end; and a base
disposed on an inner surface of the receptacle for engaging a
distal end portion of the electronic cigarette to seal an air port
at the distal end portion.
5. The package of claim 4, wherein the pad includes a projection
configured to be disposed within the air port in the proximal end
of the electronic cigarette.
6. The package of claim 4, wherein the base defines an opening
therein for receiving the distal end portion of the electronic
cigarette.
7. The package of claim 6, wherein a wall of the opening includes a
plurality of ribs.
8. The package of claim 1, further comprising a guide coupled to a
wall of the receptacle, wherein the guide defines a first opening
for receiving the electronic cigarette and securing a position of
the electronic cigarette within the package.
9. The package of claim 8, further comprising a base disposed on an
inner surface of the receptacle, wherein the base defines a second
opening for receiving an end portion of the electronic
cigarette.
10. The package of claim 1, further comprising the electronic
cigarette.
11. A package comprising: a receptacle including a guide for
securing a position of an electronic cigarette within the package,
the guide defining an opening therethrough for receiving the
electronic cigarette; and a cover movably coupled to the receptacle
via a hinge to selectively open and close the package; wherein at
least one of an inner surface of the receptacle or an inner surface
of the cover includes a geometric feature axially aligned with at
least a portion of the opening when the package is closed, the
geometric feature being configured to engage a port of the
electronic cigarette to seal the port from air ingress.
12. The package of claim 11, wherein at least a portion of the
geometric feature is flexible, resilient, or malleable.
13. The package of claim 11, wherein the geometric feature is
coupled to the inner surface of the cover and includes a
projection.
14. The package of claim 11, wherein the geometric feature includes
a base coupled to the inner surface of the receptacle and
configured to form an airtight seal around an end portion of the
electronic cigarette.
15. The package of claim 11, wherein the geometric feature
comprises a first geometric feature coupled to the inner surface of
the cover, and a second geometric feature coupled to the inner
surface of the receptacle.
16. The package of claim 15, wherein the first geometric feature
includes a pad centered above the opening when the package is
closed.
17. The package of claim 11, further comprising the electronic
cigarette.
18. A package comprising: a receptacle including a guide for
securing a position of an electronic cigarette within the package,
the guide defining an opening; a cover movably coupled to the
receptacle to selectively open and close the package; the
electronic cigarette extending through the opening of the guide,
the electronic cigarette including at least one port; and a
geometric feature disposed on at least one of an inner surface of
the receptacle or an inner surface of the cover, wherein the
geometric feature is configured to engage the at least one port of
the electronic cigarette when the package is closed to seal the at
least one port from air ingress.
19. The package of claim 18, wherein the geometric feature
comprises a first geometric feature coupled to the inner surface of
the cover to engage a first port of the electronic cigarette, and a
second geometric feature coupled to the inner surface of the
receptacle to engage a second port of the electronic cigarette.
20. The package of claim 19, wherein the first geometric feature
includes a projection that at least partially enters the first port
of the electronic cigarette when the package is closed.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/891,626, filed on Oct. 16, 2013, the
entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to embodiments of packaging
for portable vaporizers, including, but not limited to, advanced
portable vaporizers, such as, e.g., electronic cigarettes/cigars
(e-cigarettes). More particularly, embodiments of the present
disclosure include configurations of airtight packaging that
hermetically seal an e-cigarette within the package or otherwise
restrict the flow of air or other fluids into an e-cigarette when
the package is closed about the e-cigarette.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Unlike traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes do not rely on
combustion principles to deliver nicotine to a user's lungs.
Instead, an e-cigarette heats a nicotine liquid and converts the
liquid to a vapor, or mist, that the user inhales, thereby
providing the sensations associated with "smoking." More
particularly, e-cigarette users inhale the way they would with a
regular cigarette. This inhalation activates an atomizer to heat
the liquid in a cartridge or other container and convert the liquid
to a vapor. Inhaling this vapor through a mouthpiece delivers
nicotine to the lungs, and the user exhales vapor that looks much
like a cloud of traditional cigarette smoke.
[0004] Recent data suggests that transporting or otherwise storing
e-cigarettes in airtight packaging may maintain the potency of the
nicotine liquid and/or flavor of the inhaled vapor. Accordingly,
the principles of the present disclosure provide embodiments of
airtight packaging for storing e-cigarettes or other portable
vaporizers therein.
SUMMARY
[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure include configurations
of airtight packaging that hermetically seal an e-cigarette within
the package or otherwise restrict the flow of air or other fluids
into an e-cigarette when the package is closed about the
e-cigarette. Each of the embodiments disclosed herein may include
one or more of the features described in connection with any of the
other disclosed embodiments.
[0006] In one embodiment, a package for an electronic cigarette
includes a receptacle for receiving the electronic cigarette having
one or more air ports, wherein the receptacle defines at least one
opening through which the electronic cigarette may be placed into
the receptacle. The package may further include a cover for
selectively closing the opening, wherein the cover is movably
coupled to the receptacle. The package may also include at least
one geometric configuration disposed on an inner surface of one of
the receptacle and the cover, wherein the geometric configuration
is configured to engage a surface of the electronic cigarette to
seal the one or more air ports in an airtight configuration.
[0007] Various embodiments of the package may include one or more
of the following features: a hinge configured to maintain the cover
in an open configuration and a closed configuration; the receptacle
includes one or more internal geometric configurations for
maintaining a positioning of the electronic cigarette within the
receptacle; the at least one geometric configuration comprises one
of a pad disposed on an inner surface of the cover for engaging a
proximal end of the electronic cigarette to seal an air port at the
proximal end and a base disposed on an inner surface of the
receptacle for engaging a distal end portion of the electronic
cigarette to seal an air port at the distal end portion; the pad
includes a projection configured to be disposed within the air port
in the proximal end of the electronic cigarette; and the base
defines an opening therein for receiving the distal end portion of
the electronic cigarette; and a wall of the opening includes a
plurality of ribs.
[0008] It may be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as
claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary
embodiments of the present disclosure and together with the
description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.
[0010] FIGS. 1-3 depict a first embodiment of an airtight packaging
for an e-cigarette;
[0011] FIGS. 4A-4E illustrate various views of the pad and base of
the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-3;
[0012] FIGS. 5A-5C depict a second embodiment of an airtight
packaging for an e-cigarette;
[0013] FIGS. 6A-6B depict features of a third embodiment of an
airtight packaging for an e-cigarette;
[0014] FIGS. 7A-7C depict a fourth embodiment of an airtight
packaging for an e-cigarette; and
[0015] FIGS. 8A-8B depict a fifth embodiment of an airtight
packaging for an e-cigarette.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] With reference now to FIGS. 2-3, there is depicted an
embodiment of an exemplary package 100 for a portable vaporizer
such as, e.g., an e-cigarette 10. As described above, it may be
desired to prevent or otherwise limit the entry of air into or
passage of air out of an e-cigarette 10 by storing it in an
airtight package. As those of ordinary skill in the art will
recognize, typical e-cigarettes may include one or more
openings/holes/ports located on a proximal end portion or proximal
end face through which a user may inhale nicotine vapor. A distal
end portion or distal end face may similarly include one or more
air intake openings/holes/ports. The principles of the present
disclosure provide embodiments of devices, systems, and methods for
sealing and/or covering those openings/holes/parts at the proximal
and/or distal portions of the e-cigarette 10 to prevent or
otherwise limit the entry of air into the e-cigarette 10.
[0017] The package 100 may include any suitable configuration,
dimension, and/or shape. In one embodiment, the package 100 may
include a receptacle 102 and a cover 104. Various aspects of the
disclosed package 100 may be used with and/or include one or more
of the features or configurations disclosed in U.S. application
Ser. No. 13/490,352, filed Jun. 6, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No.
8,695,794, entitled "Electronic Cigarette Container and Method
Therefor;" U.S. application Ser. No. 13/707,378, filed Dec. 6,
2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,596,460, entitled "Combination Box and
Display Unit;" U.S. application Ser. No. 13/741,109, filed Jan. 14,
2013, published as US 2013/0284190 A1, entitled "Electronic
Cigarette Having a Paper Label;" U.S. application Ser. No.
13/744,092, filed Jan. 17, 2013, published as US 2013/0284191 A1,
entitled "Electronic Cigarette Having a Flexible and Soft
Configuration;" U.S. application Ser. No. 13/744,176, filed Jan.
17, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,794,245, entitled "Aroma Pack for an
Electronic Cigarette;" U.S. application Ser. No. 13/744,812, filed
Jan. 18, 2013, published as US 2013/0276802 A1, entitled
"Electronic Cigarette Configured to Simulate the Filter of a
Traditional Cigarette;" U.S. application Ser. No. 13/495,186, filed
Jun. 13, 2012, published as US 2013/0248385 A1, entitled
"Electronic Cigarette Container;" U.S. application Ser. No.
13/954,593, filed Jul. 30, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,794,434,
entitled "Electronic Cigarette Container;" U.S. application Ser.
No. 13/729,396, filed Dec. 28, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,539,959,
entitled "Electronic Cigarette Configured to Simulate the Natural
Burn of a Traditional Cigarette;" and/or U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/856,374, filed Jul. 19, 2013, entitled
"Compositions, Devices, and Methods for Nicotine Aerosol Delivery,"
the disclosure of each of which is incorporated by reference
herein.
[0018] The receptacle 102 may define an interior cavity 103
therein. As shown in FIG. 2, receptacle 102 may include a
substantially rectangular cross-sectional configuration. However,
receptacle 102 may include any suitable configuration. Receptacle
102 may be configured to receive an e-cigarette 10 therein.
Although the depicted embodiment illustrates only one e-cigarette
10 disposed within receptacle 102, those of ordinary skill will
understand that any suitable number of e-cigarettes 10 may be
disposed within receptacle 100.
[0019] Receptacle 102 may include a bottom outer surface 200
defining a recess 202, as referred to in FIG. 3. In some
embodiments, however, bottom surface 200 may be substantially flat
(e.g., without any recess). In other embodiments, bottom surface
200 may include one or more geometric configurations to promote,
among other things, friction and/or a desired positioning of
package 100. Recess 202 may include any suitable configuration. In
one embodiment, recess 202 may be substantially rectangular in
shape. As a result of a substantially rectangular recess 202
disposed in the center of bottom outer surface 200, a raised ledge
or foot 204 may be formed around a periphery of bottom surface 200.
Foot 204 may include any suitable configuration. In some
embodiments, foot 204 may include chamfers or bevels to create a
smooth transition to one or more of sidewalls 206a, 206b, 206c, and
206d.
[0020] Each of sidewalls 206a, 206b, 206c, and 206d may include any
suitable configuration. For example, in one embodiment sidewalls
206a, 206b, 206c, and 206d may include a substantially flat
configuration. In some embodiments, however, one or more of
sidewalls 206a, 206b, 206c, and 206d may include a curved outer
surface. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, sidewall 206a may
include a curved outer surface. Further, each of sidewalls 206a,
206b, 206c, and 206d may be connected to one another via a suitable
rounded or otherwise beveled edge or chamfer.
[0021] With continued reference to FIG. 2, one or more of sidewalls
206a, 206b, 206c, and 206d may include one or more projections 208
for cooperating with cover 104. Projections 208 may include any
suitable configuration, shape, and/or dimension. As those of
ordinary skill will readily recognize, projections 208 may serve to
guide and/or limit a direction and/or distance of travel of cover
104. Further, projections 208, together with a respective sidewall,
may define a suitable ledge upon which a portion of cover 104 may
sit when cover 104 is in the closed position.
[0022] Sidewall 206c may define a first portion of a hinge
component 116 for rotatably securing cover 104 to receptacle 102.
Although the present disclosure contemplates hinge component 116
being located on side wall 206c, those of ordinary skill will
understand that hinge component 116 may be located on any of the
other sidewalls 206a, 206b, and 206d. Further, any suitable means
for coupling cover 104 to receptacle 102 may be utilized within the
contemplated principles of the present disclosure.
[0023] Hinge component 116 may include any suitable component for
allowing cover 104 to move relative to receptacle 102. More
particularly, hinge component 116 may movably couple cover 104 to
receptacle 104. In one embodiment, hinge component 116 may allow
cover 104 to be rotatably and/or pivotably moved relative to
receptacle 102. For example, hinge component 116 may include a
suitable barrel and strap hinge. As alluded to above, receptacle
102 may include a first portion of hinge component 116. The first
portion of hinge component 116 may include the straps (e.g., two
straps with a space defined therebetween for receiving a
corresponding barrel extending from a surface of the cover 104) of
hinge component 116. The first portion of hinge component 116 may
be formed with receptacle 102 from a one-piece construction or,
alternatively, may be joined to side wall 206c by any suitable
means known in the art.
[0024] With continued reference to FIGS. 2-3, cover 104 may be
rotatably coupled to receptacle 102 via hinge component 116. That
is, a second portion of hinge component 116, such as, e.g., a
barrel, may extend from a surface of cover 104 to a position
adjacent the first portion of hinge component 116, and the first
portion and second portion may be rotatably coupled to one another
via a hinge pin 118. Cover 104 then may be rotatable about a
longitudinal axis of hinge pin 118.
[0025] Cover 104 may include any suitable configuration for closing
an open end of receptacle 102. In one embodiment, cover 104 may
include a shape, dimension, and/or configuration corresponding to
receptacle 102. An inner surface of cover 104 may include a stepped
portion 250 configured to matingly receive projection 208 when
cover 104 is closed upon receptacle 102.
[0026] As alluded to above, receptacle 102 and cover 104 may be
designed to receive and store an e-cigarette 10 in an airtight
fashion. Accordingly, receptacle 102 and cover 104 may include one
or more operational geometric features to facilitate such
functionality. With continued reference to FIGS. 2-3, an interior
of receptacle 102 may include at least one transverse wall 252 for
providing structural rigidity. Transverse wall 252 may be located
at any suitable location and may include any suitable
configuration. Further, an interior of receptacle 102 may include
geometric features for securely receiving and stabilizing an
e-cigarette 10 and limiting movement thereof. For example, cavity
103 may include one or more walls 127 or other geometric
configurations arranged to define a receiving area for a distal tip
portion of e-cigarette 10 in a corner of receptacle 102, as shown
in FIGS. 2 and 3. The receiving area may be disposed in any
suitable location of receptacle 102 and may include any suitable
configuration. In some embodiments, the receiving area may include
a polymeric material or otherwise soft cushioning disposed therein
to reduce stress associated with inserting the e-cigarette 10 into
package 100.
[0027] Furthermore, an upper region of receptacle 102 may include a
guide 254 including an opening 256 therein for receiving
e-cigarette 10. Guide 254 may be configured to direct e-cigarette
10 into the aforementioned receiving area, and securely position
e-cigarette 10 within receptacle 102. Guide 254 may include any
suitable configuration known in the art. In one configuration,
guide 254 may include a generally rectangular configuration. In
some embodiments, an extension 258 may project from guide 254 as
shown in FIG. 2. Extension 258 may include a configuration
complementary to an outer surface of e-cigarette 10.
[0028] Like receptacle 102, cover 104 may also include one or more
internal geometric features. For example, an internal surface of
cover 104 may include a scallop or otherwise recessed area 260
configured to provide clearance for a proximal tip of e-cigarette
10 as cover 10 is moved between an open position (shown in FIG. 2)
and a closed position (shown in FIG. 3). Cover 104 may further
include a medial wall 120 extending across an interior of cover
104. As will be discussed in greater detail below, cover 104 may
include features to assist in keeping cover 104 closed atop
receptacle 102. Medial wall 120 may include any suitable
configuration known in the art. In one embodiment, medial wall 120
may be spaced from an end wall 121 to define a cavity 119
therebetween. Further, medial wall 121 may extend across an entire
height of cover 104 or, as depicted, only partially. Cover 104 also
may include at least one projection 125 configured to engage
e-cigarette 10 when cover 104 is in the closed position to apply a
nominal force upon e-cigarette 10, so as to maintain its position
within package 100.
[0029] Package 100 may further include a second hinge assembly 106
for maintaining a position of cover 104 relative to receptacle 102,
as discussed in greater detail below. Hinge assembly 106 may be
substantially similar to the hinge assembly disclosed in U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 13/744,176, filed Jan. 17, 2013, and
entitled "Aroma Pack for an Electronic Cigarette," the entirety of
which is incorporated by reference herein. Hinge assembly 106 may
include any suitable hinge assembly known in the art. For example,
in one embodiment, hinge assembly 106 may include a spring hinge
assembly, such as, e.g., a torsional hinge assembly. Hinge assembly
106 may be coupled within package 100 and may have a lever 110
configured to engage the walls surrounding cavity 119. Lever 110
may be coupled to hinge body 108 by a suitable pivot pin 112 as
known in the art. As depicted in FIG. 3, when cover 104 is in a
closed position, the lever 110 of the hinge assembly 106 may be in
an upright position (that is, lever 110 may extend along a
longitudinal axis of hinge body 108) and may exert a force upon
medial wall 120 to maintain cover 104 in the closed position.
Referring to FIG. 2, when cover 104 is in an open position, the
lever 110 of the hinge assembly 106 may be in an angled position
(that is, lever 110 may extend in a direction that is angled
relative to a longitudinal axis of hinge body 108) and may exert a
force upon an inner surface of end wall 121 to help maintain cover
104 in an open position. The forces exerted by lever 110 may be
generated by a spring (e.g., a torsional spring) disposed within
hinge body 108.
[0030] The hinge assembly 106 also may have elongated flanges 270
along each of its sides. As shown in FIG. 3, an inner surface of
sidewalls 206b and 206d, for example, may define corresponding
channels 272. The elongated flanges 270 of hinge assembly 106 may
be inserted into and slid within corresponding channels 272,
thereby creating a tongue and groove connection to hold the hinge
assembly 106 securely within package 100. Further, those of
ordinary skill in the art will understand that any suitable means
for securing hinge assembly 106 to package 100 may be used in
connection with the principles disclosed herein. For example, hinge
assembly 106 may be glued to the interior of receptacle 102.
Alternatively, hinge assembly 106 may be fabricated integrally with
receptacle 102 and from a one-piece construction.
[0031] One or more external surfaces of receptacle 102 and/or cover
104 may include any of suitable indicia, marking, labeling, or
promotional materials, as desired. That is, package 100 may
include, e.g., depictions of an e-cigarette 10, a company logo,
slogans, catch-phrases, or advertising as is known in the art.
[0032] With reference now to FIG. 1, the principles of the present
disclosure include providing a base 126 in, e.g., the receiving
area discussed above, for receiving a distal end of an e-cigarette
10. As used herein, the "distal end" of an e-cigarette 10 may refer
to the end opposite to the end the user places into his/her mouth.
Consequently, the "proximal" end of the e-cigarette 10 may refer to
the end the user does place into his/her mouth. Base 126 may
include any suitable configuration known in the art. In one
embodiment, base 126 may be made of a substantially flexible or
otherwise malleable material. In another embodiment, base 126 may
be made of a relatively rigid material. Further, portions of base
126 may have differing flexibilities. For example, as shown in
FIGS. 1-3, 4A, and 4C, base 126 may define an opening 128 for
receiving a distal end portion of e-cigarette 10. Opening 128
should include a depth sufficiently large to receive and cover any
openings on a distal end of an e-cigarette 10, such as openings
that permit air intake when a user inhales at the proximal end of
e-cigarette 10. Base 126 may include one or more curved 127 and/or
flat 126a surfaces that may be complementary to one or more
sidewalls of receptacle 102, as desired. Base 126 may be made of
any suitable material. In some embodiments, base 126 may be made of
silica. Other suitable materials may include, but are not limited
to, polymers, plastics, and/or rubber. In other embodiments, base
126 may be made of a self-sealing material. For example, base 126
may be fabricated from a material that may be stretched or
otherwise parted to allow a distal end of an e-cigarette 10 to be
inserted into base 126, but then reseal around a portion of
e-cigarette 10 to create an airtight seal. In further embodiments,
base 126 may include a septum or valve through which e-cigarette 10
may be inserted. That is, in some embodiments, opening 128 may be
covered by a membrane (not shown) which includes a valve or septum
(not shown) through which e-cigarette 10 may be inserted into base
126.
[0033] With reference to FIGS. 4A-4E, base 126 may define an
opening 128 therein, as described above. A peripheral sidewall of
opening 128 may include one or more geometric configurations, such
as, e.g., ribs 129 that project into opening 128. Ribs 129 may
include any suitable configuration known in the art. For example,
ribs 129 may be substantially flexible in some embodiments.
Additionally, or alternatively, ribs 129 may be replaced with
projections and/or nubs. Ribs 129 may assist in frictionally
retaining a distal end portion of e-cigarette 10 within base 126.
Further, ribs 129 may promote an airtight fit of base 126 around
the distal end portion of e-cigarette 10. For example, ribs 129 may
be configured to flatten or otherwise deform as shown in, e.g.,
FIG. 4E, when e-cigarette 10 is inserted into opening 128 to form
an airtight seal around the e-cigarette 10. The ribs 129 may assist
in sealing air intake holes (e.g., holes 500 shown in FIG. 8B)
disposed on a distal end portion of e-cigarette 10.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, a proximal end of e-cigarette 10 may
include an opening 12 through which a user may inhale nicotine
vapor. Accordingly, cover 104 may be provided with a pad 122 for
covering opening 12 to restrict or otherwise limit the entry of air
into opening 12. Like base 126, pad 122 may be made of any suitable
material, and pad 122 may include any of the features described
above in connection with base 126. Pad 122 also may be made of
silica and may include any suitable configuration. Other suitable
materials may include, but are not limited to, polymers, plastics,
and/or rubber. In one embodiment, pad 122 may be made of a
substantially flexible, resilient, or otherwise malleable material.
In another embodiment, pad 122 may be made of a relatively rigid
material. In one embodiment, pad 122 may include a substantially
circular configuration corresponding to the shape of the proximal
end of e-cigarette 10. Pad 122 may include a diameter substantially
similar to an outer diameter of e-cigarette 10. With specific
reference to FIGS. 2, 4B, and 4D, pad 122 may include a geometric
configuration, e.g., projection 124, configured to project and
press into or otherwise engage opening 12 to prevent or otherwise
limit entry of air into opening 12, so as to provide an airproof
seal at the proximal end of e-cigarette 10, especially when cover
104 is closed over receptacle 102. With brief reference to FIGS. 4B
and 4D, projection 124 may gradually extend from a substantially
planar surface of pad 122. Projection 124 may be made of the same
material as pad 122 or a differing material. Further, projection
124 may include the same or a different flexibility as pad 122.
[0035] In some embodiments, one or more of the configuration of
base 126 and/or pad 122 may be selectively adjusted. For example,
base 126 and/or pad 122 may be selectively inflatable and/or
expandable to provide airtight sealing around portions of an
e-cigarette 10 and/or improve sealing around the e-cigarette
10.
[0036] In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5A-5C, a package 100
may include only base 126, but not pad 122.
[0037] With reference now to FIGS. 6A-6B, another embodiment of
package 100 may include a cover 104 that includes a post, such as,
e.g., a post 132, instead of pad 122. The post 132 may include any
suitable size, configuration, and/or shape. Post 132 also may be
made of any suitable material, such as the materials mentioned for
pad 122 and base 126. For example, post 132 may be made of silica,
and may include one or more features of pad 122 and/or projection
124 discussed herein. Post 132 may be configured to one of fit
within or against opening 12 on the proximal end face of
e-cigarette 10 to restrict or limit entry of air into opening
12.
[0038] In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7A-7C, a package
100 may include only pad 122, but not base 126.
[0039] With reference now to FIGS. 8A-8B, another embodiment of
package 100 may replace base 126 with a rigid geometric
configuration that receives a distal end of an e-cigarette 10
therein. For example, as shown in FIG. 8B, an inner surface of a
bottom of receptacle 102 may include a raised wall 140 disposed in
a circular configuration to define a bowl. The wall 140 may extend
continuously around the bowl, or may include a plurality of
segments (not shown) disposed around the bowl. Further, the wall
140 may have a substantially constant cross-sectional
configuration. In some embodiments, however, wall 140 may have a
varying cross-sectional configuration. As shown in FIG. 8B, for
example, a base of wall 140 may include a thicker cross-sectional
dimension than a tip of wall 140. Accordingly, wall 140 may
gradually decrease in thickness. As a result, wall 140 may be
provided with a chamfer along an inner surface thereof. The chamfer
may serve to guide the distal end of an e-cigarette 10 into an
airtight position into the bowl defined by wall 140. In particular,
any holes/ports for air intake at the distal end of e-cigarette 10
may be either covered by wall 140 or are in fluid communication
with the sealed bowl so that no air may enter the holes/ports.
Further, in some embodiments, the wall 140 may be provided together
with a post 132 in a single package so as to cover holes/ports on
both proximal and distal ends of an e-cigarette 10. For example, as
shown in FIG. 8B, holes/ports 500 may be completely covered or
otherwise occluded by wall 500. Alternatively, as explained above,
holes/ports 500 may be disposed in the bowl, which be may be sealed
when e-cigarette 10 is inserted therein. In some embodiments,
holes/ports 500 may be disposed in a sidewall of e-cigarette 10. In
another embodiment, holes/ports 500 may be disposed in a housing of
a lighted tip of e-cigarette 10.
[0040] While principles of the present disclosure are described
herein with reference to illustrative embodiments for particular
applications, it should be understood that the disclosure is not
limited thereto. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access
to the teachings provided herein will recognize additional
modifications, applications, embodiments, and substitution of
equivalents all fall within the scope of the embodiments described
herein. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be considered as
limited by the foregoing description.
* * * * *