U.S. patent application number 14/445908 was filed with the patent office on 2016-02-04 for vapor safety ring for mechanical mods.
The applicant listed for this patent is Joe Benites, Kimberly Do. Invention is credited to Joe Benites, Kimberly Do.
Application Number | 20160029695 14/445908 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55178659 |
Filed Date | 2016-02-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160029695 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Benites; Joe ; et
al. |
February 4, 2016 |
VAPOR SAFETY RING FOR MECHANICAL MODS
Abstract
A vapor safety ring for a mechanical mod having a battery,
atomizer and push button. The vapor safety ring includes a battery
electrical conductor and an atomizer electrical conductor. LEDS are
connected to the vapor safety ring and are electrically positioned
between the battery electrical conductor and the atomizer
electrical conductor. A microprocessor is electrically positioned
between the battery electrical conductor and the atomizer
electrical conductor and is programmed to control power flow to the
LEDS and to the atomizer. Power is provided to the microprocessor
and a mechanical mod electrical circuit is completed when the
mechanical mod push button is pushed and the mechanical mod battery
makes contact with the battery electrical conductor. In a preferred
embodiment, the microprocessor is programmed to stop power flow to
the atomizer if the push button has been held down for a time limit
exceeding a preset value. In a preferred embodiment the preset
value is 8 seconds.
Inventors: |
Benites; Joe; (Rancho
Cucamonga, CA) ; Do; Kimberly; (Rancho Cucamonga,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Benites; Joe
Do; Kimberly |
Rancho Cucamonga
Rancho Cucamonga |
CA
CA |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55178659 |
Appl. No.: |
14/445908 |
Filed: |
July 29, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
131/328 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24F 47/008
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A24F 47/00 20060101
A24F047/00 |
Claims
1. A vapor safety ring for a mechanical mod having a battery,
atomizer and push button, comprising: A. a battery electrical
conductor for removable connection to said battery, B. an atomizer
electrical conductor for electrical connection to said atomizer, C.
at least one LED electrically positioned between said battery
electrical conductor and said atomizer electrical conductor, and D.
a microprocessor electrically positioned between said battery
electrical conductor and said atomizer electrical conductor,
wherein said microprocessor comprises programming to: i. permit and
stop power flow to said at least one LED, and ii. permit and stop
power flow to said atomizer, wherein power is provided to said
microprocessor and wherein a mechanical mod electrical circuit is
completed when said push button is pushed and said battery contacts
said battery electrical conductor.
2. The vapor safety ring as in claim 1 further comprising a printed
circuit board, wherein said microprocessor and said electrical
power switch are mounted onto said printed circuit board.
3. The vapor safety ring as in claim 1, wherein said at least one
LED is a plurality of LEDS.
4. The vapor safety ring as in claim 1, wherein said mechanical mod
comprises: A. an atomizer section, and B. a battery housing
section, wherein said vapor safety ring is attached via attachment
threads between said atomizer section and said battery housing
section.
5. The vapor safety ring as in claim 1, wherein said mechanical mod
comprises: A. an atomizer section, and B. a battery housing
section, wherein said vapor safety ring is attached between said
atomizer section and said battery housing section.
6. The vapor safety ring as in claim 1, wherein said microprocessor
comprises programming to light said at least one LED when said push
button is pushed and said battery contacts said battery electrical
conductor.
7. The vapor safety ring as in claim 1, wherein said microprocessor
comprises programming to stop power flow to said atomizer after
said push button is pushed and said battery contacts said battery
electrical conductor for a time period exceeding a preset
limit.
8. The vapor safety ring as in claim 1, wherein said preset time
limit is eight seconds.
9. The vapor safety ring as in claim 1, wherein said microprocessor
comprises programming to stop power flow to said at least one LED
and said atomizer when a short occurs.
10. The vapor safety ring as in claim 1, wherein said
microprocessor comprises programming to stop power flow to said at
least one LED and said atomizer when said battery is
over-drained.
11. The vapor safety ring as in claim 1, wherein said
microprocessor comprises programming to stop power flow to said at
least one LED and said atomizer when said battery is
over-discharged.
12. The vapor safety ring as in claim 1, wherein said
microprocessor comprises programming to stop power flow to said at
least one LED and said atomizer when battery is placed backward
into said mechanical mod.
13. The vapor safety ring as in claim 1, wherein said
microprocessor comprises programming to stop power flow to said at
least one LED when said battery is placed backward into said
mechanical mod.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to electronic cigarettes, and
in particular, to safety and decorative devices for mechanical
mods.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] An electronic cigarette is a cigarette-shaped device that
commonly contains a nicotine-based liquid that is vaporized and
inhaled, and is used to simulate the experience of smoking tobacco.
There are different types of electronic cigarettes (also known as
electronic vaping devices, e-cigarettes or e-cigs). A typical
e-cigarette includes a built in microprocessor that acts as a
safety device and is used to protect and guard against short
circuits, The microprocessor is often a problem to the user and
negatively affects the amount of vapor created by the
e-cigarette.
[0003] In response, many users of personal vaporizers prefer to
utilize a mechanical mod. A purely mechanical mod is a very basic
personal vaporizer device. In essence, it is a tube that holds a
replaceable rechargeable battery and on the tube is a push button
that when engaged completes a circuit that delivers unregulated
current to the atomizer. A mechanical mod contains no wiring or
soldering, nor any electronics.
[0004] Because mechanical mods are void of circuit protection, they
must be handled with a higher degree of caution as to prevent
damage to the device and potential harm to the user. Mechanical
mods are powered by unregulated voltage directly from the battery
source. The only "built in" protection provided by some mechanical
mods are ventilation holes drilled through the battery tube.
[0005] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of prior art mechanical mod 10
and FIG. 4 shows an electronic diagram describing prior art
mechanical mod 10. Atomizer section 11 includes mouth piece 12,
atomizer housing 13 and threaded extension 14. Battery housing
section 15 includes female threads 16, battery tube 17 and push
button 18.
[0006] FIG. 2 shows atomizer section 11 threaded onto battery
housing section 15. Battery 20 is housed inside battery tube 17.
Spring 21 is connected between push button 18 and battery tube 17
and functions to keep battery 20 separated from atomizer 22.
[0007] In FIG. 3 the user has pressed push button 18 upwards
causing spring 21 to compress allowing battery 20 to contact
atomizer 22. Liquid 25 is vaporized and is contained in vapor
compartment 26. The user can inhale the vapor through mouthpiece
12.
[0008] Prior art mechanical mod 10 has many desirable qualities.
For example, battery 20 can be replaced or recharged as
appropriate. Also, there is not a complicated microprocessor that
interferes with vapor production, as with typical e-cigarettes.
However, the absence of a microprocessor for safety control means
that the user must be very careful in operating the mechanical mod.
For example push button 18 can become accidently continuously
pressed, causing the circuit to overheat. Mechanical mod 10 can
then melt or even explode causing injury to the user.
[0009] What is needed is a safety device for the mechanical mod
that adequately monitors the mod, warns the user as appropriate and
does not negatively impact vapor production.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention provides a vapor safety ring for a
mechanical mod having a battery, atomizer and push button. The
vapor safety ring includes a battery electrical conductor and an
atomizer electrical conductor. LEDS are connected to the vapor
safety ring and are electrically positioned between the battery
electrical conductor and the atomizer electrical conductor. A
microprocessor is electrically positioned between the battery
electrical conductor and the atomizer electrical conductor and is
programmed to control power flow to the LEDS and to the atomizer.
Power is provided to the microprocessor and A mechanical mod
electrical circuit is completed when the mechanical mod push button
is pushed and the mechanical mod battery makes contact with the
battery electrical conductor. In a preferred embodiment, the
microprocessor is programmed to stop power flow to the atomizer if
the push button has been held down for a time limit exceeding a
preset value. In a preferred embodiment the preset value is 8
seconds.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIGS. 1-3 show a prior art mechanical mod.
[0012] FIG. 4 shows an electrical diagram for a prior art
mechanical mod.
[0013] FIGS. 5-7 show a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 8 shows an electrical diagram for a mechanical mod
using a preferred vapor safety ring.
[0015] FIGS. 9-12 show a mechanical mod using a preferred vapor
safety ring.
[0016] FIG. 13 shows another preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Vapor Safety Ring
[0017] FIGS. 5-12 show vapor safety ring 30. Safety ring 30 is
powered by the battery 20. LEDS 33 will light as the circuit is
complete and as mechanical mod 50 is utilized. If mechanical mod 50
is accidentally left on, safety ring 30 includes programming to
stop electrical current to atomizer 22. The programming will
additionally cause LEDS 33 to flash until either one hour has
passed or the electrical circuit is disrupted. This is important as
many mechanical mods include bottom push buttons that may become
depressed (either by accident or on purpose) for an excessive time
period. This can cause the mechanical mod battery to potentially
over-heat, melt down or even explode. In another preferred
embodiment vapor safety ring 30 includes programming so that the
LEDS will no longer function if battery 20 is installed backwards
in mechanical mod 50.
[0018] In one preferred embodiment, vapor safety ring 30 is a
self-contained unit that be sold for utilization with preexisting
mechanical mods. Safety ring 30 includes attachment threads so that
it can be securely connected between atomizer section 11 and
battery housing section 15.
[0019] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view and FIGS. 6-7 show a side
view of safety ring 30. FIG. 8 shows an electrical diagram of
mechanical mod 50 having vapor safety ring 30. Safety ring 30
includes female threads 31 and male threads 32. Multiple LEDS 33
surround safety ring 30 as shown. Safety ring 30 also includes
printed circuit board (PCB) 35 having PCB electrical conductors 36
and 37. PCB 35 also includes microprocessor 40. Preferably, vapor
ring 30 includes contoured indentations 62 to minimize contact area
with atomizer section 11.
[0020] FIG. 9 shows an exploded view of mechanical mod 50 and
safety ring 30. Atomizer section 11 is positioned to thread onto
female threads 31 of safety ring 30. Male threads 32 of safety ring
30 is positioned to thread onto the female threads of battery
housing section 15.
[0021] In FIG. 10, atomizer section 11, safety ring 30 and battery
housing section 15 have been connected as shown.
[0022] In FIG. 11 atomizer section 11 is threaded onto safety ring
30 and safety ring 30 is threaded onto housing section 15. Battery
20 is housed inside battery tube 17. Spring 21 is connected between
push button 18 and battery tube 17 and functions to keep battery 20
separated from PCB electrical conductor 36 of safety ring 30.
Preferably battery 20 is a 3.7 volt, 20-30 amp rechargeable
battery.
[0023] In FIG. 12 the user has pressed push button 18 upwards
causing spring 21 to compress allowing battery 20 to contact PCB
electrical conductor 36 of safety ring 30. Liquid 25 is vaporized
and is contained in vapor compartment 26. The user can inhale the
vapor through mouthpiece 12.
LEDS
[0024] Preferably multiple LEDS 33 are 4-8 LED surface mounted
lights that are blue in color. In another preferred embodiment LEDS
33 are dual colored, for example blue and red.
Microprocessor Control
[0025] As the circuit is completed, microprocessor 40 is programmed
to light LEDS 33 continuously as the circuit remains complete.
[0026] Microprocessor 40 preferably includes programming to
complete the additional safety functions listed below:
[0027] 1) If circuit remains complete for 8 seconds microprocessor
40 includes programming to open switch 70 removing power to
atomizer 22. Microprocessor 40 further includes programming to send
a control signal to LEDS 33 causing them to blink until the circuit
is broken either by push button 18 being released or battery 20
being removed or atomizer 22 being removed.
[0028] 2) If a short occurs, microprocessor 40 includes programming
to stop power flow to LEDS 33 and atomizer 22 so that neither
works. Mechanical mod 50 will not function until the short is
fixed.
[0029] 3) If the battery is over-drained (below 7 amps),
microprocessor 40 includes programming to stop power flow to LEDS
33 and atomizer 22 so that neither works. Mechanical mod 50 will
not function until the battery is replaced with a charged one.
[0030] 4) If the battery is over-discharged, microprocessor 40
includes programming to stop power flow to LEDS 33 and atomizer 22
so that neither works. Mechanical mod 50 will not function until
the problem is remedied.
[0031] 5) If the battery is placed backward into the mod,
microprocessor 40 includes programming to stop power flow to LEDS
33 and atomizer 22 so that neither works. Mechanical mod 50 will
not function until the battery is reversed.
[0032] 6) In another preferred embodiment if the battery is placed
backward into the mod, microprocessor 40 includes programming to
stop power flow to LEDS 33 but continue to permit power flow to
atomizer 22. Mechanical mod 50 will not function properly until the
battery is reversed.
Other Preferred Embodiment
[0033] The above preferred embodiments discussed how vapor safety
ring 30 is a self-contained unit that can be securely connected
between atomizer section 11 and battery housing section 15 of a
preexisting mechanical mod via a threaded attachment. This is a
preferred embodiment because vapor safety ring 30 can be purchased
separately and used with a mechanical mod that the user may already
own. In another preferred embodiment vapor safety ring 30 is built
into a mechanical mod so that threaded attachment is not necessary.
For example FIG. 13 shows mechanical mod 80 having vapor safety
ring 30 that is solidly connected to the top of battery housing
section 15. Atomizer section 11 is threaded to the top of vapor
safety ring 30.
[0034] Although the above-preferred embodiments have been described
with specificity, persons skilled in this art will recognize that
many changes to the specific embodiments disclosed above could be
made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore,
the attached claims and their legal equivalents should determine
the scope of the invention.
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