U.S. patent application number 14/658933 was filed with the patent office on 2015-11-19 for mechanisms for vaporizing devices.
The applicant listed for this patent is NJOY, Inc.. Invention is credited to Mark Scatterday.
Application Number | 20150327595 14/658933 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52394388 |
Filed Date | 2015-11-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150327595 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Scatterday; Mark |
November 19, 2015 |
MECHANISMS FOR VAPORIZING DEVICES
Abstract
The present disclosure generally relates to electronic
vaporizing devices comprising a plurality of components, and
mechanisms for locking or otherwise securing the components
together. Components of the electronic vaporizing devices may
include a cartridge (e.g., including a liquid for vaporization) and
a battery unit (e.g., including a rechargeable battery), among
other possible components. The electronic vaporizing devices may be
at least partially disassembled to allow a user to replace,
replenish, recharge, and/or repair the device, as needed.
Inventors: |
Scatterday; Mark;
(Scottsdale, AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NJOY, Inc. |
Scottsdale |
AZ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52394388 |
Appl. No.: |
14/658933 |
Filed: |
March 16, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14276547 |
May 13, 2014 |
9010335 |
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14658933 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
128/202.21 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 2205/8206 20130101;
A61M 15/06 20130101; A61M 11/042 20140204; A61M 15/0001 20140204;
A24F 47/008 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A24F 47/00 20060101
A24F047/00; A61M 15/00 20060101 A61M015/00; A61M 15/06 20060101
A61M015/06 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. A vaporizing device comprising: a first component defining a
first lumen; a second component defining a second lumen; and a
locking element including an annular portion coupled to at least
one flex member configured to flex in a radial direction, the at
least one flex member being curved; wherein the second component is
connectable to, and removable from, the first component such that
the first and second lumens are aligned by sliding a sheath of the
first component around an end portion of the second component, the
locking element being coupled to the sheath or the end portion and
the at least one flex member being configured to change shape upon
applying apply a force against the other of the sheath or the end
portion for restricting movement between the first and second
components when the first and second components are connected.
22. The vaporizing device of claim 21, wherein the annular portion
of the locking element is integral with the at least one flex
member, and wherein the locking element comprises a metal or metal
alloy.
23. The vaporizing device of claim 21, wherein the at least one
flex member includes a plurality of flex members spaced apart from
one another, each flex member having a first end extending from the
annular portion and a second end opposite the first end, such that
each flex member extends in a direction away from the annular
portion.
24. The vaporizing device of claim 21, wherein the at least one
flex member includes at least three flex members each having a
curved middle portion configured to apply the force.
25. The vaporizing device of claim 23, wherein the plurality of
flex members includes six flex members.
26. The vaporizing device of claim 21, wherein the locking element
is coupled to an inwardly-facing surface of the sheath and
configured to apply a force against an outwardly-facing surface of
the end portion of the second component when the first and second
components are connected.
27. The vaporizing device of claim 26, wherein the locking element
is rotatable relative to the first component.
28. The vaporizing device of claim 21, wherein the locking element
is coupled to an outwardly-facing surface of the end portion of the
second component and configured to apply a force against an
inwardly-facing surface of the sheath of the first component when
the first and second components are connected.
29. The vaporizing device of claim 28, wherein the locking element
is rotatable relative to the second component.
30. The vaporizing device of claim 21, wherein an outermost
diameter of the first component is equal to an outermost diameter
of the second component, and wherein the first component comprises
a cartridge and the second component comprises a battery.
31. A vaporizing device comprising: a first component defining a
first lumen; a second component defining a second lumen; and a
locking element including a plurality of flex members coupled
together via a linkage, wherein each flex member has a first end
connected to the linkage, a bendable middle portion, and a second
end opposite the first end, such that each flex member extends from
the linkage in a direction away from the linkage, each flex member
being configured to flex in a radial direction; wherein the second
component is connectable to, and removable from, the first
component such that the first and second lumens are aligned by
sliding a sheath of the first component around an end portion of
the second component, the locking element being coupled to the
sheath or the end portion and configured to apply a force against
the other of the sheath or the end portion for restricting movement
between the first and second components when the first and second
components are connected.
32. The vaporizing device of claim 31, wherein the locking element
is fixedly attached to the first component or the second
component.
33. The vaporizing device of claim 31, wherein the linkage and the
plurality of flex members of the locking element are rotatable
relative to the first component or the second component when the
first and second components are connected.
34. The vaporizing device of claim 31, wherein the linkage of the
locking element is annular in shape.
35. The vaporizing device of claim 31, wherein the locking element
is coupled to a surface of the sheath and includes at least three
flex members spaced radially apart from one another, a middle
portion of each flex member being separated from the surface of the
sheath by a space to allow the middle portion to bend towards and
away from the surface of the sheath.
36. The vaporizing device of claim 31, wherein the locking element
is coupled to an inwardly-facing surface of the sheath of the first
component and configured to apply a force against an
outwardly-facing surface of the end portion of the second component
when the first and second components are connected, and wherein the
outwardly-facing surface of the end portion includes a plurality of
concave areas, each concave area configured to receive the middle
portion of one of the flex members of the plurality of flex members
when the first and second components are connected.
37. The vaporizing device of claim 31, wherein the first component
includes an inner member radially inward of the sheath, the first
component including a cavity between the sheath and the inner
member for receiving the end portion of the second component.
38. A vaporizing device comprising: a first component having an end
portion that includes a sheath and an inner member; a second
component including an end portion, the second component having an
outermost diameter equal to an outermost diameter of the first
component; and a locking element including an annular portion
coupled to a plurality of flex members, each flex member comprising
a metal or metal alloy configured to flex in a radial direction by
bending a middle portion of the flex member; wherein the second
component is connectable to, and removable from, the first
component by sliding the sheath of the first component around the
end portion of the second component; and wherein the locking
element is coupled to an inwardly-facing surface of the sheath of
the first component or an outwardly-facing surface of the end
portion of the second component for restricting movement between
the first and second components when the first and second
components are connected.
39. The vaporizing device of claim 38, wherein the annular portion
of the locking element is integral with each of the flex members,
the locking element including at least three flex members extending
from the annular portion, each flex member spaced radially apart
from an adjacent flex member by a same distance.
40. The vaporizing device of claim 38, wherein the first component
comprises a cartridge and the second component comprises a battery,
the locking element being coupled to the inwardly-facing surface of
the sheath of the first component.
41. The vaporizing device of claim 40, wherein an end of the
locking element is disposed within a groove of the sheath of the
first component, and the locking element is rotatable relative to
the sheath of the first component.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to devices,
systems, and methods for coupling components of a vaporizing
device. More particularly, embodiments of the present disclosure
include mechanisms for connecting components of an electronic
vaporizing device.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Electronic cigarettes and other vaporizing or vaping devices
provide an alternative to traditional smoking devices that can
offer many benefits to users. These devices may be intended for
single-use or limited use (e.g., disposable devices), or may be
designed for multiple use or extended use (e.g., rechargeable
devices) by recharging or replacing various components. For
example, electronic vaporizing devices often include separable
components to allow a user to recharge the device as needed. Yet,
current devices often do not withstand repeated assembly and
disassembly, since components may not connect securely to prevent
exposing internal materials, and may be too easily damaged.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0003] The present disclosure includes a vaporizing device
comprising: a first component; a second component having an
outermost diameter equal to an outermost diameter of the first
component, the second component being connectable to, and removable
from, the first component; and at least one locking element for
restricting movement between the first and second components when
the first and second components are connected; wherein an end
portion of the first component includes a sheath configured to
slide with respect to an end portion of the second component for
connecting the first component to the second component; and wherein
each of the first component and second component defines a lumen,
such that, when connected, the lumens are in communication with
each other and with an external environment. Embodiments of the
present disclosure may include one or more of the following
features: the at least one locking element may include a surface
feature of the first component or the second component; the at
least one locking element may be configured to apply a force
radially inward; the at least one locking element may include a
plurality of elements coupled to an internal surface of the first
component or the second component; each element of the plurality of
elements may comprise a middle portion configured to flex in a
radial direction; the plurality of elements may include at least
two elements coupled to internal surfaces on opposite sides of the
first component or the second component; the first component or the
second component may include a battery, and the other of the first
component or the second component may include a liquid; the
plurality of elements may be rotatable with respect to the first
component or the second component to which they are coupled; the
end portion of the second component may include a sheath configured
to slide with respect to an inner member of the first component;
the vaporizing device may comprise an electronic cigarette; and/or
the electronic cigarette may be rechargeable.
[0004] The present disclosure further includes a vaporizing device
comprising: a first component; a second component having an
outermost diameter equal to an outermost diameter of the first
component, the second component being connectable to, and removable
from, the first component; and a locking element coupled to the
second component for restricting movement between the first and
second components when the first and second components are
connected; wherein an end portion of the first component includes a
sheath configured to slide with respect to a sheath of an end
portion of the second component for connecting the first component
to the second component. Embodiments of the present disclosure may
include one or more of the following features: each of the first
component and second component may define a lumen, such that, when
the first and second components are connected, the lumens are in
communication with each other and with an external environment for
passage of air through the vaporizing device; the first component
and the second component may be in communication with the external
environment via an inlet at a second end potion of the vaporizing
device and an outlet at a first end portion of the vaporizing
device; a portion of the at least one locking element may be
annular in shape; the end portion of the second component may have
an outer diameter less than an outer diameter of a remainder of the
second component; and/or the sheath of the first component may have
a wall thickness approximately equal to a difference in the outer
diameter of the end portion of the second component and the
remainder of the second component.
[0005] The present disclosure further includes a vaporizing device
comprising: a cartridge; a battery unit connectable to, and
removable from, the cartridge; and at least one locking element for
restricting movement between the cartridge and the battery unit
when the cartridge and the battery unit are connected; wherein an
end portion of at least one of the cartridge and the battery unit
includes a sheath configured to slide with respect to an end
portion of the other of the cartridge and the battery unit for
connecting the cartridge to the battery unit; and wherein the
vaporizing device comprises an electronic cigarette. Embodiments of
the present disclosure may include one or more of the following
features: the vaporizing device may comprise an outlet at a distal
end of the vaporizing device and an inlet at a proximal end of the
vaporizing device for passage of air through the vaporizing device,
the inlet and the outlet being in communication with each other and
with the external environment; and/or the battery unit may include
a rechargeable battery.
[0006] It is 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
[0007] 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.
[0008] FIG. 1 shows exemplary components of a device, in accordance
with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary mechanism of a device, in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0010] Particular aspects of the present disclosure are described
in greater detail below. The terms and definitions as used and
clarified herein are intended to represent the meaning within the
present disclosure. The patent literature referred to herein is
hereby incorporated by reference. The terms and definitions
provided herein control, if in conflict with terms and/or
definitions incorporated by reference.
[0011] The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural
reference unless the context dictates otherwise.
[0012] Embodiments of the present disclosure include mechanisms for
coupling two or more components of a device. The components may
form part of an electronic vaporizing device such as an electronic
cigarette that may be at least partially disassembled to allow a
user to replace, replenish, recharge, and/or repair the device. For
example, the electronic vaporizing device may comprise one or more
components of a mouthpiece, a cartridge unit, a heating unit, a
vaporization unit, an atomizer, a cartomizer, a clearomizer, a
battery unit, a liquid tank, a light, a lighting unit, a sensor
attachment, among other possible components. Embodiments of the
present disclosure may include any combination of components
configured for partial and/or complete disassembly and
reassembly.
[0013] Various aspects of the present disclosure may be used with
and/or include one or more of the features or configurations
disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 13/729,396, filed Dec. 28,
2012, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,539,959, entitled "Electronic
Cigarette Configured to Simulate the Natural Burn of a Traditional
Cigarette"; U.S. application Ser. No. 13/627,715, filed Sep. 26,
2012, entitled "Electronic Cigarette Configured to Simulate the
Natural Burn of a Traditional Cigarette"; U.S. application Ser. No.
13/974,845, filed Aug. 23, 2013, and published as US 2013/0333712
A1, entitled "Electronic Cigarette Configured to Simulate the
Natural Burn of a Traditional Cigarette"; U.S. application Ser. No.
13/741,109, filed Jan. 14, 2013, and 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, and 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, entitled "Aroma Pack for an
Electronic Cigarette"; U.S. application Ser. No. 13/744,812, filed
Jan. 18, 2013, and published as US 2013/0276802 A1, entitled
"Electronic Cigarette Configured to Simulate the Filter of a
Traditional Cigarette"; U.S. application Ser. No. 13/490,352, filed
Jun. 6, 2012, and published as US 2013/0140200 A1, entitled
"Electronic Cigarette Container and Method Therefor"; U.S.
application Ser. No. 13/707,378, filed Dec. 6, 2012, and issued as
U.S. Pat. No. 8,596,460, entitled "Combination Box and Display
Unit"; U.S. application Ser. No. 13/495,186, filed Jun. 13, 2012,
and published as US 2013/0248385, entitled "Electronic Cigarette
Container"; U.S. application Ser. No. 13/954,593, filed Jul. 30,
2013, and published as US 2013/0313139, entitled "Electronic
Cigarette Container"; U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/826,318,
filed May 22, 2013, entitled "Compositions, Devices, and Methods
for Nicotine Aerosol Delivery"; U.S. Provisional Application No.
61/856,374, filed Jul. 19, 2013, entitled "Compositions, Devices,
and Methods for Nicotine Aerosol Delivery"; U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/969,650, filed Mar. 24, 2014, entitled
"Compositions, Devices, and Methods for Nicotine Aerosol Delivery,"
U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/891,626, filed Oct. 16, 2013,
entitled "Portable Vaporizer Packaging"; U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/918,480, filed Dec. 19, 2013, entitled
"Vaporizing Device with Multicolor Light"; U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/906,795, filed Nov. 20, 2013, entitled
"Electronic Cigarette Having Multiple Air Passages"; U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/906,803, filed Nov. 20, 2013,
entitled "Leak Prevention Device for an Electronic Cigarette"; U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/906,810, filed Nov. 20, 2013,
entitled "Packaging Assembly"; U.S. Provisional Application No.
61/907,002, filed Nov. 21, 2013, entitled "Electronic Cigarette and
Method of Assembly Therefor"; U.S. Provisional Application No.
61/907,003, filed Nov. 21, 2013, entitled "Flexible and Stretchable
Electronics for an Electronic Cigarette"; U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/847,364, filed Jul. 17, 2013, entitled "Wireless
Communication System for an Electronic Cigarette"; U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/970,587, filed Mar. 26, 2014, entitled
"Vaporizing Devices Comprising a Wick and Methods of Use Thereof";
U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/968,855, filed Mar. 31, 2014,
entitled "Vaporizing Devices Comprising a Core and Methods of Use
Thereof"; U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/971,340, filed Mar.
27, 2014, entitled "Devices and Methods for Extending Battery
Power"; and/or U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/938,451, filed
Feb. 11, 2014, entitled "Electronic Cigarette with Carbonaceous
Material"; the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by
reference herein in their entireties.
[0014] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary electronic cigarette 100,
including a cartridge 105 and a battery unit 110. The cartridge 105
may have a first end portion 101 for placement in the mouth during
use, e.g., the first end portion 101 is coupled to a mouthpiece 103
or filter having an outlet to allow a user to inhale vapor. The
second end portion 102 of the cartridge 105 may be configured to
connect to the battery unit 110 (or other component(s) of the
electronic cigarette 100), as discussed below. Similarly, the
battery unit 110 may have a first end portion 116 configured to
connect to the cartridge 105 (or other component of the electronic
cigarette 100), and a second end portion 117. The second end
portion 117 of the battery unit 110 may include an inlet for the
passage of air, and may be connected to other components of the
electronic cigarette 100, such as a lighted tip 118.
[0015] The second end portion 102 of the cartridge 105 and the
first end portion 115 of the battery unit 110 may include elements
complementary to each other to provide for a conveniently
detachable, yet secure, connection. As shown in FIG. 1, the
connecting end portions of the cartridge 105 and battery unit 110
may be configured as telescoping sleeves. For example, the
cartridge 105 may include a first, outer sheath 106, and the
battery unit 110 may include a recessed portion as a second, inner
sheath 111. Thus, the inner diameter of the first sheath 106 may be
greater than the outer diameter of the second sheath 111, such that
the first sheath 106 may slide over the second sheath 111. When
connected, the outer surfaces of the cartridge 105 and battery unit
110 may lie flush. That is, the cartridge 105 and the battery unit
110 may have equal or approximately equal outer diameters, and the
wall thickness of the first sheath 106 may be approximately the
same as the difference between the outermost diameter of the
battery unit 110 and the outer diameter of the second sheath
111.
[0016] The cartridge 105 and the battery unit 110 may include inner
lumens (108 and 114, respectively) in communication with each other
once the components are connected, to allow for the passage of air
from the external environment and delivery of vapor through the
electronic cigarette 100. For example, the first end portion 101 of
the cartridge 105 may be in communication with a proximal outlet
(e.g. via mouthpiece 103), and the second end portion 117 of the
battery unit 110 may be in communication with a distal inlet (e.g.,
via a notch or other inlet of the lighted tip 118), each of the
inlet and outlet exposed to the external environment. In some
embodiments, when the cartridge 105 and the battery unit 110 are
connected, the proximal outlet and the distal inlet may be the only
portions of the electronic cigarette 100 exposed to the external
environment.
[0017] At least a portion of the inner lumen 108 of the cartridge
105 may be defined by a first inner member 109, such that between
the outer sheath 106 and the inner member 109 there may be a cavity
107. In some embodiments, both of the first inner member 109 and
the first sheath 106 may extend to the end of the cartridge 105
(e.g., terminating at the same axial position along the
longitudinal axis of the cartridge 105). Similarly, the inner lumen
114 of the battery unit 110 may be defined by a second inner member
113 recessed from the end of the battery unit 110. Between the
second sheath 111 and the second inner member 113 there may be a
space 112. Thus, the battery unit 110 may be inserted into the
cartridge 105, wherein the cavity 107 of the cartridge 105
accommodates the second sheath 111, and the space 112 of the
battery unit 110 accommodates the first inner member 109. In some
embodiments, the first inner member 109 of the cartridge 105 may at
least partially surround the second inner member 113 of the battery
unit 110 when the cartridge 105 and the battery unit 110 are
connected. While FIG. 1 illustrates the battery unit 110 configured
for insertion into the cartridge 105, the opposite configuration is
possible such that the cartridge may be inserted into the battery
unit (i.e., the battery including an outer sheath, and the
cartridge including an inner sheath).
[0018] To assist in securing the two components together, the
telescoping elements may include a locking mechanism. In some
embodiments, for example, one or more surfaces of the first and
second sheaths 106, 111, and/or one or more surfaces of the first
and second inner members 109, 113, may be configured to increase
friction, e.g., via suitable materials or surface features. In some
embodiments, the one or more surfaces of the sheaths 106, 111 and
inner members 109, 113, may include a spring or deformable element
to exert a force.
[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary locking mechanism for
components 205 and 210 of an electronic vaporizing device. For
example, component 205 may be a cartridge including any of the
features of cartridge 105, and component 210 may be a battery unit
including any of the features of battery unit 110, discussed above.
Thus, cartridge 205 may include a first sheath 206, a first inner
member 209, a cavity 207 defined by the first sheath 206 and first
inner member 209, and an inner lumen 208. The battery unit 210 may
include a second sheath 211, a second inner member 213, a space 212
defined by the second sheath 211 and the second inner member 213,
and an inner lumen 214. Once the cartridge 205 and the battery unit
210 are connected, the first inner member 209 and the second inner
member 213 may share a central longitudinal axis L. Further, the
inner lumens 208, 214 may be in communication with each other for
the passage of air from the external environment through the
vaporizing device, from the battery unit 210 to the cartridge 205,
as indicated in FIG. 2. In particular, the inner lumens 208, 214
may define an inner lumen of the vaporizing device, e.g., in
communication with the external environment via a proximal outlet
and a distal inlet. In some embodiments, the electronic vaporizing
device may only be in communication with the external environment
via the proximal outlet and the distal inlet.
[0020] The inside surface of the second sheath 211 may include one
or more elements 215, e.g., having a first end 215a, a second end
215b, and a portion 215c therebetween that extends radially inward
and is deformable such that the portion may be pushed radially
outward by force. The locking mechanism may comprise, for example,
a single discrete element 215, a plurality of discrete elements 215
disposed at different radial positions, and/or an annular,
ring-like element 215 to completely surround the first inner member
209. In some embodiments, a plurality of elements 215 (e.g., two,
three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or more elements 215) may be
disposed at regular intervals along the inside surface of the
second sheath 211. As shown in cross-sectional view in FIG. 2, for
example, the second sheath 211 may include at least two elements
215 coupled to opposite sides of the second sheath 211, or a single
annular element 215 (a cross-sectional view of both embodiments
being represented by FIG. 2). In at least one embodiment, the
second sheath 211 may include six elements 215 disposed at regular
intervals (approximately 60 degrees apart) having gaps between
adjacent elements 215. For example, the second sheath 211 may
include three pairs of elements 215, each pair comprising two
elements 215 opposite each other and facing each other
(approximately 180 degrees apart).
[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, the second sheath 211 may include
proximal and distal stepped portions to limit or prevent axial
movement of the element(s) 215. For example, the stepped portions
may include grooves into which the first and second ends 215a, 215b
may be inserted. In some embodiments, one or more elements 215 may
be fixedly attached to the second sheath 211. For example, at least
one of the first end 215a and the second end 215b of the element(s)
215 may be fixedly attached to the second sheath 211, such that the
element(s) 215 do not rotate or move axially with respect to the
second sheath 211. While FIG. 2 shows an exemplary configuration
wherein the element(s) 215 are coupled to inner surface(s) of the
second sheath 211, the element(s) 215 may be coupled to outer
surface(s) of the first inner member 209, e.g., for applying a
force against the second sheath 211 when the cartridge 205 and the
battery unit 210 are connected.
[0022] In some embodiments, the element(s) 215 may be rotatable
with the respect to the second sheath 211, e.g., by moving the
first and second ends 215a, 215b within the grooves of the second
sheath 211. For example, a plurality of elements 215 may be
interconnected, e.g., coupled together at their first ends 215a
and/or second ends 215b via a linkage. All or part of the linkage
may be annular in shape and concentric with the second sheath 211,
such as a band, ring, or circular wire. In some embodiments, the
first ends 215a and/or the second ends 215b may form part of the
linkage, e.g., the first and/or second ends 215a, 215b may be
integral with the linkage. The annular linkage(s) may allow the
plurality of elements 215 to rotate relative to the second sheath
211 while maintaining the spacing between adjacent elements 215.
Thus, in some embodiments, the element(s) 215 may not inhibit
rotation of the cartridge 205 and the battery unit 210 with respect
to each other when the cartridge 205 and the battery unit 210 are
connected and locked together.
[0023] The element(s) 215 may comprise one or more flexible
materials, e.g., allowing the middle portion 215c to flex while the
first and second ends 215a, 215b are coupled to the second sheath
211. In an unstressed position (as shown in FIG. 2), the middle
portion 215c of the element(s) 215 may bulge radially inward. Once
the battery unit 210 is inserted into the cartridge 205, the first
inner member 209 may contact the element(s) 215 and force them
towards the inner wall of the second sheath 211, e.g., in a
stressed position. The force between the first inner member 209 and
the element(s) 215 may prevent the cartridge 205 and battery unit
210 from moving with respect to each other (e.g., inhibiting axial
and/or rotational movement of the components) or becoming
detached.
[0024] When the cartridge 205 and the battery unit 210 are
connected, a distal end 206a of the first sheath 206 may abut a
stepped portion 210a of the battery unit 210. In some embodiments,
the length of the portion of the first sheath 206 that overlies the
second sheath 211 may be approximately equal to the length of the
second sheath 211 between its proximal-most end 221a and the
stepped portion 210, e.g., such that the cartridge 205 and the
battery unit 210 lie flush (e.g., the cartridge 205 and the battery
unit 210 having equal or approximately equal outermost diameters).
As the battery unit 210 is inserted into the cartridge 205, a
distal end 209a of the first inner member 209 may engage the
element(s) 215, and force the element(s) 215 radially outward
towards the second sheath 211. In a final inserted position, the
distal end 209a of the first inner member 209 may abut a stepped
portion 213a of the second inner member 213. A proximal-most end of
the second inner member 213 may be tapered (as shown in FIG. 2) to
facilitate placement of the first inner member 209 into the space
212 between the second sheath 211 and the second inner member 213.
The first inner member 209 may include a shallow groove or concave
portion 209b where it comes into contact with the element(s) 215,
e.g., to receive the element(s) 215 and further inhibit movement
once the components are connected.
[0025] Further, as the battery unit 210 is inserted into the
cartridge 205, a proximal-most end 211a of the second sheath 211
may enter the cavity 207 of the cartridge 205, and abut a stepped
portion 207a of the cavity 207a in a final inserted position. The
proximal-most end 211a of the second sheath 211 also may be tapered
(as shown in FIG. 2) to facilitate placement of the second sheath
211 into the cavity 207. In some embodiments, the cavity 207 of the
cartridge 205 may have a shape complementary to the shape of the
second sheath 211, and/or the space 212 of the battery unit 210 may
have a shape complementary to the shape of the first inner member
209, e.g., to provide for a tight fit.
[0026] Materials suitable for the element(s) 215 may include metals
and metal alloys (including shape memory materials), polymers and
polymer blends (including plastics), and combinations thereof,
among other possible flexible materials. Materials suitable for the
first and second sheaths 206, 211, and first and second inner
members 209, 213, include metals and metal alloys, polymers and
polymer blends (including plastics), ceramics, and combinations
thereof, among other suitable materials. Any of the housing
materials disclosed in U.S. Publication No. 2013/0284190 A1; U.S.
Publication No. 2013/0284191 A1; U.S. Provisional Application No.
61/906,803, filed Nov. 20, 2013; and/or U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/907,002, filed Nov. 21, 2013, each of which is
incorporated by reference herein, may be used according to the
present disclosure.
[0027] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first and/or
second sheaths 206, 211 may be flexible. For example, in at least
one embodiment, at least a portion of the second inner member 213
may be flexible to allow the second inner member 213 to flex
radially inward of the first inner member 209 when the cartridge
205 and the battery unit 210 are connected (e.g., as the first
inner member 209 is placed within the space 212 between the second
inner member 213 and the second sheath 211). In other embodiments,
the first and/or second sheaths 206, 211 may be partially or
completely rigid. Further, the first sheath 206, second sheath 211,
first inner member 209, and/or second inner member 213 may have
portions that are flexible and portions that are rigid, e.g., to
facilitate the secure connection between the cartridge 205 and the
battery unit 210. For example, any of the first sheath 206, the
second sheath 211, the first inner member 209, and/or the second
inner member 213 may comprise a combination of materials, such as
different metals or metal alloys, or one or more metals and one or
more non-metals, different non-metals, etc. In at least one
embodiment, the element(s) 215 may comprise a different metal than
the second sheath 211 and the first inner member 209. In at least
one embodiment, the first inner member 209 may comprise a
combination of a metal and a non-metal. As illustrated by the
lighter and darker shaded regions in FIG. 2, different portions of
the cartridge 205 and battery unit 210 may comprise different
materials or combinations of materials (e.g., the first inner
member 209 comprising two or three different materials). Other
variations and alternatives consistent with the disclosure herein
will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0028] While the discussion herein focuses on the connection
between the cartridge 105 and battery unit 110 for illustration
purposes, the mechanisms presently disclosed are not limited to
those particular components, and may be used in connections between
any vaporization device components. For example, a cartridge
detachable from a battery may allow for replacing or repair of
either component, refilling the cartridge (e.g., with a suitable
composition, including those disclosed in U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/826,318, filed May 22, 2013; U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/856,374, filed Jul. 19, 2013; and/or U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/969,650, filed Mar. 24, 2014;
incorporated by reference herein), or recharging the battery and/or
receiving data from the battery unit (e.g., including any of the
methods, systems, or other features disclosed in U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/847,364, filed Jul. 17, 2013;and/or U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/971,340, filed Mar. 27, 2014;
incorporated by reference herein). Detaching the cartridge 105 from
the battery unit 110 also may allow for replacement or repair of
any portions of those components, such as a heating coil, wick,
core, reservoir, or other portion of a vaporization unit (e.g.,
including any of the features of a vaporization unit disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 8,539,959; U.S. Provisional Application No.
61/906,803, filed Nov. 20, 2013; U.S. Provisional Application No.
61/938,451, filed Feb. 11, 2014; U.S. Provisional Application No.
61/907,002, filed Nov. 21, 2013; U.S. Provisional Application No.
61/970,587, filed Mar. 26, 2014; U.S. Provisional Application No.
61/968,855, filed Mar. 31, 2014; and/or U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/938,451, filed Feb. 11, 2014; incorporated by
reference herein).
[0029] Further, the electronic cigarette 100 and other electronic
vaporizing devices consistent with the present disclosure may
include other components in addition to, or in replacement of, a
cartridge 105 and battery unit 110. Further, any of the features
disclosed in U.S. Publication No. 2013/0284190 A1; U.S. Publication
No. 2013/0284191 A1; U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/906,803,
filed Nov. 20, 2013; U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/907,002,
filed Nov. 21, 2013; U.S. Pat. No. 8,539,959; U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/918,480, filed Dec. 19, 2013; U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/906,795, filed Nov. 20, 2013; U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/907,002, filed Nov. 21, 2013; U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/907,003, filed Nov. 21, 2013; U.S. Publication
No. 2013/0276802 A1; and/or U.S. Provisional Application No.
61/906,803, filed Nov. 20, 2013 (e.g., regarding a housing, lighted
tip, or filter), incorporated by reference herein, may be used
according to the present disclosure.
[0030] Any features discussed on connection with a particular
embodiment may be used in any other embodiment disclosed herein.
Further, other embodiments of the present disclosure, e.g., having
variations in dimensions, shapes, configurations, etc., will be
apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the
specification and practice of the embodiments disclosed herein. It
is intended that the specification and examples be considered as
exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the present
disclosure being indicated by the following claims.
* * * * *