U.S. patent application number 14/605773 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-09 for vaporizer and electronic cigarettes having the vaporizer.
The applicant listed for this patent is Xiaochun Zhu. Invention is credited to Xiaochun Zhu.
Application Number | 20160157522 14/605773 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56093059 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160157522 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zhu; Xiaochun |
June 9, 2016 |
VAPORIZER AND ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES HAVING THE VAPORIZER
Abstract
Certain aspects of the present invention relate to an electronic
cigarette. In certain embodiments, electronic cigarette has:
electronic cigarette body, top connecting assembly, vaporizer,
middle connecting assembly, lower connecting assembly, electric
connector assembly, air adjustment assembly, and mouthpiece
assembly. The electronic cigarette body has an e-liquid storage
tank inside. Top connecting assembly connects vaporizer to
mouthpiece assembly. Middle and lower connecting assembly connects
vaporizer to air adjustment assembly. Air adjustment assembly
allows the user to adjust the amount of air intake to the
electronic cigarette. When a user fills e-liquid storage tank with
e-liquid, e-liquid flows to an e-liquid medium through e-liquid
conduit openings, and is vaporized by a heating element when the
user connects an electric power supply to heating element. The
vaporized e-liquid in the vaporizer is provided to a user through a
vaporizing chamber, a vapor discharge and an air passage to
mouthpiece.
Inventors: |
Zhu; Xiaochun; (Shenzhen,
CN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Zhu; Xiaochun |
Shenzhen |
|
CN |
|
|
Family ID: |
56093059 |
Appl. No.: |
14/605773 |
Filed: |
January 26, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/CN2014/093836 |
Dec 15, 2014 |
|
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14605773 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
131/329 ;
392/404 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24F 47/008 20130101;
F01K 5/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A24F 47/00 20060101
A24F047/00; F22B 1/28 20060101 F22B001/28 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 9, 2014 |
CN |
201410751221.2 |
Claims
1. A vaporizer for electronic cigarette comprising: a circular
vaporizer connector having an upper end, and an opposite lower end,
wherein the circular vaporizer connector defines a center hollow
air passage through the lower end to the upper end; a cylindrical
e-liquid medium disposed on the upper end of the circular vaporizer
connector, wherein the cylindrical e-liquid medium has an inside
wall and an outside wall and defines a circular vaporizing chamber
having a lower end connected to the center hollow air passage of
the circular vaporizer connector, and an upper end forming a vapor
discharge; a heating element disposed on and in contact with the
inside wall of the cylindrical e-liquid medium, wherein the heating
element has a first terminal, and a second terminal; and a
vaporizer tube disposed on and in contact with the outside wall of
the cylindrical e-liquid medium, wherein the vaporizer tube has a
lower end and an opposite, upper end defines a plurality of
e-liquid conduit openings configured to allow e-liquid from an
e-liquid storage tank outside of the vaporizer to flow into the
cylindrical e-liquid medium, wherein when a user fills the e-liquid
storage tank with e-liquid, the e-liquid from the e-liquid storage
tank flows to the cylindrical e-liquid medium through the plurality
of e-liquid conduit openings, and is vaporized by the heating
element when the user connects an electric power supply to the
first terminal and the second terminal of the heating element.
2. The vaporizer for electronic cigarette of claim 1, wherein the
cylindrical e-liquid medium comprises: cotton fibers; polypropylene
fibers; terylene fibers; nylon fibers; and porous ceramic
materials.
3. The vaporizer for electronic cigarette of claim 1, wherein the
vaporizer tube comprises upper end threads configured to connect to
a top connecting assembly, and a vaporizer tube sealing ring
configured to seal the connection with the top connecting
assembly.
4. The vaporizer for electronic cigarette of claim 1, wherein the
circular vaporizer connector comprises lower end threads configured
to connect to a lower connecting assembly.
5. The vaporizer for electronic cigarette of claim 4, wherein the
lower connecting assembly comprises an upper inside threaded
portion threadedly coupled to the lower end threads of the circular
vaporizer connector, and a lower outside threaded portion
threadedly coupled to an air adjustment assembly.
6. The vaporizer for electronic cigarette of claim 5, wherein the
air adjustment assembly comprises: an air adjustment assembly base
having an upper tubular portion threadedly connected to the lower
outside threaded portion of the lower connecting assembly, an air
adjustment chamber defined inside of the air adjustment assembly
base, and a plurality of first air vents; an air adjustment ring
disposed outside of the upper tubular portion of the air adjustment
assembly base, wherein the air adjustment ring comprises a
plurality of second air vents; and a sealing ring configured to
prevent air leak from the air adjustment assembly, wherein when the
user rotates the air adjustment ring around the upper tubular
portion of the air adjustment assembly base, and when the locations
of the plurality of second air vents of the air adjustment ring
match the locations of the plurality of first air vents, air flow
from outside to the air adjustment chamber reaches maximum
capacity, and when the user further rotates the air adjustment ring
around the upper tubular portion, the air flow decreases, and when
the locations of the plurality of second air vents of the air
adjustment ring completely misalign with the locations of the
plurality of first air vents, the air flow stops.
7. The vaporizer for electronic cigarette of claim 1, wherein the
heating element comprises a heating wire wound in a spiral
shape.
8. An electronic cigarette comprising: a cylindrical electronic
cigarette body having an e-liquid storage tank inside the
cylindrical electronic cigarette body, a vaporizer body support
having an upper end thread configured to threadedly connect to a
mouthpiece assembly, and a lower end thread configured to
threadedly connect to a middle connecting assembly; a vaporizer
disposed inside the cylindrical electronic cigarette body; a top
connecting assembly defining a vapor passage in the center of the
top connecting assembly configured to allow vaporized e-liquid from
the vaporizer to pass through to the mouthpiece assembly; the
middle connecting assembly having an outside thread at an upper end
configured to threadedly connect to the cylindrical electronic
cigarette body; and an air adjustment assembly configured to allow
a user to adjust the amount of air intake to the electronic
cigarette.
9. The electronic cigarette of claim 8, wherein the vaporizer
comprises: a circular vaporizer connector having an upper end, and
an opposite lower end, wherein the circular vaporizer connector
defines a center hollow air passage through the lower end to the
upper end; a cylindrical e-liquid medium disposed on the upper end
of the circular vaporizer connector, wherein the cylindrical
e-liquid medium has an inside wall and an outside wall and defines
a circular vaporizing chamber having a lower end connected to the
center hollow air passage of the circular vaporizer connector, and
an upper end forming a vapor discharge; a heating element disposed
on and in contact with the inside wall of the cylindrical e-liquid
medium, wherein the heating element has a first terminal, and a
second terminal; and a vaporizer tube disposed on and in contact
with the outside wall of the cylindrical e-liquid medium, wherein
the vaporizer tube has a lower end and an opposite, upper end
defines a plurality of e-liquid conduit openings configured to
allow e-liquid from the e-liquid storage tank outside of the
vaporizer to flow into the cylindrical e-liquid medium, wherein
when the user fills the e-liquid storage tank with e-liquid, the
e-liquid from the e-liquid storage tank flows to the cylindrical
e-liquid medium through the plurality of e-liquid conduit openings,
and is vaporized by the heating element when the user connects an
electric power supply to the first terminal and the second terminal
of the heating element.
10. The electronic cigarette of claim 9, wherein the cylindrical
e-liquid medium comprises: cotton fibers; polypropylene fibers;
terylene fibers; nylon fibers; and porous ceramic materials.
11. The electronic cigarette of claim 9, wherein the vaporizer tube
comprises upper end threads configured to connect to a top
connecting assembly, and a vaporizer tube sealing ring configured
to seal the connection with the top connecting assembly.
12. The electronic cigarette of claim 11, wherein the circular
vaporizer connector comprises lower end threads configured to
connect to a lower connecting assembly.
13. The electronic cigarette of claim 12, wherein the lower
connecting assembly comprises an upper inside threaded portion
threadedly coupled to the lower end threads of the circular
vaporizer connector, and a lower outside threaded portion
threadedly coupled to the air adjustment assembly.
14. The electronic cigarette of claim 13, wherein the air
adjustment assembly comprises: an air adjustment assembly base
having an upper tubular portion threadedly connected to the lower
outside threaded portion of the lower connecting assembly, an air
adjustment chamber defined inside of the air adjustment assembly
base, and a plurality of first air vents; an air adjustment ring
disposed outside of the upper tubular portion of the air adjustment
assembly base, wherein the air adjustment ring comprises a
plurality of second air vents; and a sealing ring configured to
prevent air leak from the air adjustment assembly, wherein when the
user rotates the air adjustment ring around the upper tubular
portion of the air adjustment assembly base, and when the locations
of the plurality of second air vents of the air adjustment ring
match the locations of the plurality of first air vents, air flow
from outside to the air adjustment chamber reaches maximum
capacity, and when the user further rotates the air adjustment ring
around the upper tubular portion, the air flow decreases, and when
the locations of the plurality of second air vents of the air
adjustment ring completely misalign with the locations of the
plurality of first air vents, the air flow stops.
15. The electronic cigarette of claim 14, further comprising an
electric connector assembly, wherein the electric connector
assembly comprises: an electric connector base attached to the air
adjustment assembly and adapted for connecting an electric power
supply to the heating element of the vaporizer, wherein the
electric connector base comprises an outer thread configured to
electrically connect a first terminal of the electric power supply
to the first terminal of the heating element; an electrode
configured to electrically connect a second terminal of the
electric power supply to the second terminal of the heating
element; and an insulation cover positioned between the electric
connector base and the electrode to provide insulation between the
first and the second terminals of the electric power supply.
16. The electronic cigarette of claim 9, further comprising an
e-liquid storage assembly, wherein the e-liquid storage assembly
comprises: an e-liquid storage top sealing ring configured to seal
the top of the e-liquid storage assembly; an e-liquid storage
bottom sealing ring configured to seal the bottom of the e-liquid
storage assembly; a transparent e-liquid storage tube configured to
allow the user to measure the remaining e-liquid in the e-liquid
storage assembly; and the vaporizer body support, wherein the
e-liquid storage tank is defined inside of the e-liquid storage
assembly vertically between the e-liquid storage bottom sealing
ring and the e-liquid storage top sealing ring, and horizontally
between the vaporizer tube and the transparent e-liquid storage
tube.
17. The electronic cigarette of claim 9, wherein the mouthpiece
assembly comprises: a mouthpiece having a hollow center air passage
connected to the vapor passage of the top connecting assembly and
configured to provide vaporized e-liquid to the user; a mouthpiece
connector having a threaded lower portion threadedly connected to
the vaporizer body support; and a mouthpiece sealing ring
configured to prevent the vaporized e-liquid to leak from the
mouthpiece connector.
18. The electronic cigarette of claim 9, further comprising an
e-liquid refill sealing element disposed on the top connecting
assembly and configured to seal the e-liquid storage tank when the
mouthpiece connector is installed and allow the user to refill the
e-liquid into the e-liquid storage tank through the transparent
e-liquid storage tube when the mouthpiece connector is removed.
19. The electronic cigarette of claim 9, wherein the heating
element comprises a heating wire wound in a spiral shape.
20. The electronic cigarette of claim 9, further comprising an
electric power switch configured to allow the user to turn on and
off the electronic cigarette.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation in part of a
PCT/CN2014/093836, filed with the State Intellectual Property
Office of China on Dec. 15, 2014, entitled "VAPORIZER AND
ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES HAVING THE VAPORIZER", by Xiaochun ZHU, which
itself claims priority of Chinese Patent Application No.
201410751221.2, filed with the Chinese Patent Office on Dec. 9,
2014, entitled "VAPORIZER AND ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES HAVING THE
VAPORIZER", also by Xiaochun ZHU, the disclosures of which are
incorporated herein in their entireties by reference.
FIELD
[0002] The present invention generally relates to the field of
electronic cigarette, and more particularly to a vaporizer for
electronic cigarettes, and electronic cigarettes having the
vaporizer.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The background description provided herein is for the
purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work
of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in
this background section, as well as aspects of the description that
may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are
neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the
present disclosure.
[0004] It is well known that smoking cigarette is harmful to
smoker's health. The active ingredient in a cigarette is mainly
nicotine. During smoking, nicotine, along with tar aerosol droplets
produced in the cigarette burning, are breathed into the alveolus
and absorbed quickly by the smoker. Once nicotine is absorbed into
the blood of the smoker, nicotine then produces its effect on the
receptors of the smoker's central nervous system, causing the
smoker relax and enjoy an inebriety similar to that produced by an
exhilarant.
[0005] The electronic cigarette is sometimes referred as electronic
vaporing device, personal vaporizer (PV), or electronic nicotine
delivery system (ENDS). It is a battery-powered device which
simulates tobacco smoking. It generally uses a heating element that
vaporizes a liquid solution (e-liquid). Some solutions contain a
mixture of nicotine and a variety of flavorings, while others
release a flavored vapor without nicotine. Many are designed to
simulate smoking experience, such as cigarette smoking or cigar
smoking Some of them are made with similar appearance, while others
are made considerably different in appearance.
[0006] Conventional electronic cigarettes are made with a
mouthpiece assembly, a vaporizer assembly, an electric connecting
assembly, and an e-liquid storage assembly. The mouthpiece is
installed on top of the e-liquid storage assembly, and the
vaporizer assembly is installed inside of the e-liquid storage
assembly, and electrically connected to a DC power source through
the electric connecting assembly. The mouthpiece assembly is
connected to the vaporizer assembly and forms an air flow passage.
The e-liquid is stored in the e-liquid storage assembly. The
e-liquid flows through a vaporizing chamber of the heating assembly
using fiber threads. The e-liquid in the fiber threads is then
heated by a heating wire of the heating assembly and therefore
vaporized. The vaporized e-liquid goes up to the mouthpiece such
that a smoker enjoys the vaporized e-liquid. However, the vapor
flow and the quantity and speed of e-liquid vaporization are not
controllable or adjustable to meet the different demands of various
electronic cigarette smokers.
[0007] Therefore, an unaddressed need exists in the art to address
the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.
SUMMARY
[0008] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a vaporizer
for electronic cigarette. In certain embodiments, the vaporizer
includes: a circular vaporizer connector, a cylindrical e-liquid
medium, a heating element, and a vaporizer tube. The circular
vaporizer connector has an upper end, and an opposite lower end.
The circular vaporizer connector defines a center hollow air
passage through the lower end to the upper end of the circular
vaporizer connector. The cylindrical e-liquid medium is placed on
the upper end of the circular vaporizer connector. The cylindrical
e-liquid medium has an inside wall and an outside wall and defines
a circular vaporizing chamber. The vaporizing chamber has a lower
end connected to the center hollow air passage of the circular
vaporizer connector, and an upper end forming a vapor discharge.
The heating element is disposed on and in direct contact with the
inside wall of the cylindrical e-liquid medium. The heating element
has a first terminal, and a second terminal. The vaporizer tube is
disposed on and in contact with the outside wall of the cylindrical
e-liquid medium. The vaporizer tube has a lower end and an
opposite, upper end. The vaporizer tube defines certain e-liquid
conduit openings. These e-liquid conduit openings are used to allow
e-liquid from an e-liquid storage tank outside of the vaporizer to
flow into the cylindrical e-liquid medium. When a user fills the
e-liquid storage tank with e-liquid, the e-liquid from the e-liquid
storage tank flows to the cylindrical e-liquid medium through the
e-liquid conduit openings, and is vaporized by the heating element
when the user connects an electric power supply to the first
terminal and the second terminal of the heating element. The
heating element has a heating wire, and the heating wire is wound
in a spiral shape.
[0009] In certain embodiments, the cylindrical e-liquid medium is
made from at least one of: cotton fibers, polypropylene fibers,
terylene fibers, nylon fibers; and porous ceramic materials. The
vaporizer tube has upper end threads used to connect to a top
connecting assembly, and a vaporizer tube sealing ring used to seal
the connection with the top connecting assembly. The circular
vaporizer connector has lower end threads for connecting to a lower
connecting assembly. The lower connecting assembly has an upper
inside threaded portion threadedly coupled to the lower end threads
of the circular vaporizer connector, and a lower outside threaded
portion threadedly coupled to an air adjustment assembly.
[0010] In certain embodiments, the air adjustment assembly
includes: an air adjustment assembly base, an air adjustment ring,
and a sealing ring. The air adjustment assembly base has an upper
tubular portion threadedly connected to the lower outside threaded
portion of the lower connecting assembly, an air adjustment chamber
defined inside of the air adjustment assembly base, and a
predetermined number of first air vents. The air adjustment ring
positioned outside of the upper tubular portion of the air
adjustment assembly base. The air adjustment ring has a
predetermined number of second air vents. The sealing ring is used
to prevent air leak from the air adjustment assembly. When the user
rotates the air adjustment ring around the upper tubular portion of
the air adjustment assembly base, and when the locations of the
second air vents of the air adjustment ring match the locations of
the first air vents, air flow from outside to the air adjustment
chamber reaches maximum capacity. When the user further rotates the
air adjustment ring around the upper tubular portion, the air flow
decreases, and when the locations of the second air vents of the
air adjustment ring completely misalign with the locations of the
first air vents, the air flow stops.
[0011] In another aspect, the present invention relates to an
electronic cigarette. In certain embodiments, the electronic
cigarette has: a cylindrical electronic cigarette body, a
vaporizer, a top connecting assembly, a middle connecting assembly,
and an air adjustment assembly. The cylindrical electronic
cigarette body has an e-liquid storage tank inside the cylindrical
electronic cigarette body, a vaporizer body support, and a lower
end thread. The vaporizer body support has an upper end thread
configured to threadedly connect to a mouthpiece assembly, and a
lower end thread configured to threadedly connect to the middle
connecting assembly. The vaporizer is disposed inside the
cylindrical electronic cigarette body. The top connecting assembly
defines a vapor passage in the center of the top connecting
assembly. The vapor passage is configured to allow vaporized
e-liquid from the vaporizer to pass through to the mouthpiece
assembly. The middle connecting assembly has an outside thread at
an upper end configured to threadedly connect to the cylindrical
electronic cigarette body. The air adjustment assembly is used to
allow a user to adjust the amount of air intake to the electronic
cigarette.
[0012] In certain embodiments, the vaporizer includes: a circular
vaporizer connector, a cylindrical e-liquid medium, a heating
element, and a vaporizer tube. The circular vaporizer connector has
an upper end, and an opposite lower end. The circular vaporizer
connector defines a center hollow air passage through the lower end
to the upper end. The cylindrical e-liquid medium is placed on the
upper end of the circular vaporizer connector. The cylindrical
e-liquid medium has an inside wall and an outside wall and defines
a circular vaporizing chamber. The vaporizing chamber has a lower
end connected to the center hollow air passage of the circular
vaporizer connector, and an upper end forming a vapor discharge.
The heating element is disposed on and in direct contact with the
inside wall of the cylindrical e-liquid medium. The heating element
has a first terminal, and a second terminal. The vaporizer tube is
disposed on and in contact with the outside wall of the cylindrical
e-liquid medium. The vaporizer tube has a lower end and an
opposite, upper end. The vaporizer tube defines certain e-liquid
conduit openings. These e-liquid conduit openings are used to allow
e-liquid from the e-liquid storage tank outside of the vaporizer to
flow into the cylindrical e-liquid medium. When a user fills the
e-liquid storage tank with e-liquid, the e-liquid from the e-liquid
storage tank flows to the cylindrical e-liquid medium through the
e-liquid conduit openings, and is vaporized by the heating element
when the user connects an electric power supply to the first
terminal and the second terminal of the heating element. The
heating element has a heating wire, and the heating wire is wound
in a spiral shape.
[0013] In certain embodiments, the cylindrical e-liquid medium is
made from at least one of: cotton fibers, polypropylene fibers,
terylene fibers, nylon fibers; and porous ceramic materials. The
vaporizer tube has upper end threads used to connect to a top
connecting assembly, and a vaporizer tube sealing ring used to seal
the connection with the top connecting assembly. The circular
vaporizer connector has lower end threads for connecting to a lower
connecting assembly. The lower connecting assembly has an upper
inside threaded portion threadedly coupled to the lower end threads
of the circular vaporizer connector, and a lower outside threaded
portion threadedly coupled to an air adjustment assembly.
[0014] In certain embodiments, the air adjustment assembly
includes: an air adjustment assembly base, an air adjustment ring,
and a sealing ring. The air adjustment assembly base has an upper
tubular portion threadedly connected to the lower outside threaded
portion of the lower connecting assembly, an air adjustment chamber
defined inside of the air adjustment assembly base, and a
predetermined number of first air vents. The air adjustment ring
positioned outside of the upper tubular portion of the air
adjustment assembly base. The air adjustment ring has a
predetermined number of second air vents. The sealing ring is used
to prevent air leak from the air adjustment assembly. When the user
rotates the air adjustment ring around the upper tubular portion of
the air adjustment assembly base, and when the locations of the
second air vents of the air adjustment ring match the locations of
the first air vents, air flow from outside to the air adjustment
chamber reaches maximum capacity. When the user further rotates the
air adjustment ring around the upper tubular portion, the air flow
decreases, and when the locations of the second air vents of the
air adjustment ring completely misalign with the locations of the
first air vents, the air flow stops.
[0015] In certain embodiments, the electronic cigarette further
includes an e-liquid storage assembly. The e-liquid storage
assembly has: an e-liquid storage top sealing ring, an e-liquid
storage bottom sealing ring, a transparent e-liquid storage tube,
and the vaporizer body support. The e-liquid storage top sealing
ring seals the top of the e-liquid storage assembly. The e-liquid
storage bottom sealing ring seals the bottom of the e-liquid
storage assembly. The transparent e-liquid storage tube configured
to allow the user to measure the remaining e-liquid in the e-liquid
storage assembly. The e-liquid storage tank is defined inside of
the e-liquid storage assembly vertically between the e-liquid
storage bottom sealing ring and the e-liquid storage top sealing
ring, and horizontally between the vaporizer tube and the
transparent e-liquid storage tube.
[0016] In certain embodiments, the mouthpiece assembly has: a
mouthpiece, a mouthpiece connector, and a mouthpiece sealing ring.
The mouthpiece has a hollow center air passage connected to the
vapor passage of the top connecting assembly and provides vaporized
e-liquid to the user. The mouthpiece connector has a threaded lower
portion threadedly connects to the vaporizer body support. The
mouthpiece sealing ring prevents the vaporized e-liquid from
leaking through the mouthpiece connector.
[0017] In certain embodiments, the electronic cigarette further
includes an e-liquid refill sealing element disposed on the top
connecting assembly and configured to seal the e-liquid storage
tank when the mouthpiece connector is installed, and allow the user
to refill the e-liquid into the e-liquid storage tank to the
transparent e-liquid storage tube when the mouthpiece connector is
removed.
[0018] In certain embodiments, the electronic cigarette further
includes an electric connector assembly. The electric connector
assembly has: an electric connector base, an electrode, and an
insulation cover. The electric connector base is attached to the
air adjustment assembly and adapted for connecting an electric
power supply to the heating element of the vaporizer. The electric
connector base has an outer thread configured to electrically
connect a first terminal of the electric power supply to the first
terminal of the heating element. The electrode is used to
electrically connect a second terminal of the electric power supply
to the second terminal of the heating element. The insulation cover
is positioned between the electric connector base and the electrode
to provide insulation between the first and the second terminals of
the electric power supply.
[0019] In certain embodiments, the heating element has a heating
wire, and the heating wire is wound in a spiral shape. The
electronic cigarette also includes an electric power switch to
allow the user to turn on and off the electronic cigarette.
[0020] These and other aspects of the present invention will become
apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiment
taken in conjunction with the following drawings, although
variations and modifications therein may be effected without
departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The accompanying drawings illustrate one or more embodiments
of the invention and, together with the written description, serve
to explain the principles of the invention. Wherever possible, the
same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to
the same or like elements of an embodiment. The drawings do not
limit the present invention to the specific embodiments disclosed
and described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale,
emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the
principles of the invention, and wherein:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a top connecting assembly, a
vaporizer and a middle connecting assembly of the electronic
cigarette according to certain embodiments of the present
invention;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of the vaporizer of
the electronic cigarette according to certain embodiments of the
present invention;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a perspective exploded view of an air adjustment
assembly of the electronic cigarette according to certain
embodiments of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the electronic cigarette
according to certain embodiments of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the electronic cigarette
according to certain embodiments of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the electronic
cigarette according to certain embodiments of the present
invention;
[0028] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an electronic cigarette body
and an e-liquid storage assembly of the electronic cigarette
according to certain embodiments of the present invention; and
[0029] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a mouthpiece assembly of the
electronic cigarette according to certain embodiments of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] The present invention will now be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention
may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather,
these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be
thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the
invention to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals
refer to like elements throughout.
[0031] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as
being "on" another element, it can be directly on the other element
or intervening elements may be present therebetween. In contrast,
when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another
element, there are no intervening elements present. As used herein,
the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more
of the associated listed items.
[0032] It will be understood that, although the terms first,
second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various
elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these
elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be
limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish
one element, component, region, layer or section from another
element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, a first
element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could
be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section
without departing from the teachings of the present invention.
[0033] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and
"the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood
that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," or "includes"
and/or "including" or "has" and/or "having" when used herein,
specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps,
operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the
presence or addition of one or more other features, regions,
integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups
thereof.
[0034] Furthermore, relative terms, such as "lower" or "bottom",
"upper" or "top," and "front" or "back" may be used herein to
describe one element's relationship to another element as
illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that relative
terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the
device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures. For
example, if the device in one of the figures is turned over,
elements described as being on the "lower" side of other elements
would then be oriented on "upper" sides of the other elements. The
exemplary term "lower", can therefore, encompasses both an
orientation of "lower" and "upper," depending of the particular
orientation of the figure. Similarly, if the device in one of the
figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath"
other elements would then be oriented "above" the other elements.
The exemplary terms "below" or "beneath" can, therefore, encompass
both an orientation of above and below.
[0035] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and
scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this
invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such
as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be
interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their
meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present
disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly
formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0036] As used herein, "around", "about" or "approximately" shall
generally mean within 20 percent, preferably within 10 percent, and
more preferably within 5 percent of a given value or range.
Numerical quantities given herein are approximates, meaning that
the term "around", "about" or "approximately" can be inferred if
not expressly stated.
[0037] Many specific details are provided in the following
descriptions to make the present invention be fully understood, but
the present invention may also be implemented by using other
manners different from those described herein, so that the present
invention is not limited by the specific embodiments disclosed in
the following.
[0038] The description will be made as to the embodiments of the
present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings
FIGS. 1 through 8. In accordance with the purposes of this
invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, this
invention, in one aspect, relates to a vaporizer 5 of electronic
cigarettes.
[0039] In certain embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
vaporizer 5 includes: a circular vaporizer connector 57, an
cylindrical e-liquid medium 55, a heating element 54, and a
vaporizer tube 53. The circular vaporizer connector 57 has an upper
end, and an opposite lower end. The circular vaporizer connector 57
defines a center hollow air passage 571 through the lower end to
the upper end. The cylindrical e-liquid medium 55 is placed on the
upper end of the circular vaporizer connector 57. The cylindrical
e-liquid medium 55 has an inside wall and an outside wall and
defines a circular vaporizing chamber 551. The circular vaporizing
chamber 551 has a lower end connected to the center hollow air
passage 571 of the circular vaporizer connector 57, and an upper
end forming a vapor discharge 52 (not shown in FIG. 2).
[0040] In certain embodiments, the heating element 54 is disposed
on and in direct contact with the inside wall of the cylindrical
e-liquid medium 55. The heating element 54 has a first terminal
541, and a second terminal 542. The first terminal 541, and the
second terminal 542 of the heating element 54 are connected to a
first terminal and a second terminal of an electrical power supply,
respectively to receive electric power for the heating element. The
vaporizer tube 53 is disposed on and in contact with the outside
wall of the cylindrical e-liquid medium 55. The vaporizer tube 53
has a lower end and an opposite, upper end. The vaporizer tube 53
defines a predetermined number of e-liquid conduit openings 51.
These e-liquid conduit openings 51 are used to allow e-liquid from
an e-liquid storage tank 7 disposed outside of the vaporizer 5 to
flow into the cylindrical e-liquid medium 55. In certain
embodiments, the cylindrical e-liquid medium 55 is made from at
least one of: cotton fibers, polypropylene fibers, terylene fibers,
nylon fibers; and porous ceramic materials.
[0041] When a user fills the e-liquid storage tank 7 with e-liquid,
the e-liquid from the e-liquid storage tank 7 flows to the
cylindrical e-liquid medium 55 through the e-liquid conduit
openings 51, and is vaporized by the heating element 54 when the
user connects the electric power supply to the first terminal 541
and the second terminal 542 of the heating element 54. In one
embodiment, the heating element has a heating wire, and the heating
wire is wound in a spiral shape. In other embodiments, the heating
wire may be wound in a triangular, square, polygon, or oval
shapes.
[0042] The vaporizer tube 53 has upper end threads 531 used to
connect to a top connecting assembly 3, and a vaporizer tube
sealing ring 532 used to seal the connection with the top
connecting assembly 3. The circular vaporizer connector 57 has
lower end threads 572 for connecting to a lower connecting assembly
56, as shown in FIG. 3. The lower connecting assembly 56 has an
upper inside threaded portion threadedly coupled to the lower end
threads 572 of the circular vaporizer connector 57, and a lower
outside threaded portion 561 threadedly coupled to an air
adjustment assembly 8.
[0043] Referring now to FIG. 3, a perspective view of the air
adjustment assembly 8 of the electronic cigarette is shown
according to certain embodiments of the present invention. The air
adjustment assembly 8 includes: an air adjustment assembly base 81,
an air adjustment ring 82, and a sealing ring 85. The air
adjustment assembly base 81 has an upper tubular portion threadedly
connected to the lower outside threaded portion 561 of the lower
connecting assembly 56, an air adjustment chamber 811 defined
inside of the air adjustment assembly base 81, and a predetermined
number of first air vents 812. The air adjustment ring 82 is
positioned outside of the upper tubular portion of the air
adjustment assembly base 81. The air adjustment ring 82 has a
predetermined number of second air vents 821. The sealing ring 85
is used to prevent air leak from the air adjustment assembly 8.
When the user rotates the air adjustment ring 82 around the upper
tubular portion of the air adjustment assembly base 81, and when
the locations of the second air vents 821 of the air adjustment
ring 82 align with the locations of the first air vents 812, air
flow from outside of the electronic cigarette to the air adjustment
chamber 811 reaches maximum capacity. When the user further rotates
the air adjustment ring 82 around the upper tubular portion, the
air flow decreases, and when the locations of the second air vents
821 of the air adjustment ring 82 completely misalign with the
locations of the first air vents 812, the air flow stops.
[0044] In certain embodiments, the air adjustment assembly 8
further includes a rotation stop spring 813, and a rotation stopper
814. The rotation stop spring 813 is positioned under the rotation
stopper 814. The rotation stopper 814 is positioned under the air
adjustment ring 82. When the user finishes the air adjustment
rotation, the rotation stopper 814 holds the air adjustment ring 82
in place using its surface frictional force and the resilient force
of the rotation stop spring 813.
[0045] When the user adjusts the air adjustment assembly 8 and sets
the air flow to a preferred level, the air outside of the air
adjustment assembly 8 flows into the air adjustment chamber 811.
The air adjustment chamber 811 is connected to the vaporizer 5
through the center hollow air passage 571 of the circular vaporizer
connector 57, and the air in the air adjustment chamber 811 flows
into the circular vaporizing chamber 551. The e-liquid in the
cylindrical e-liquid medium 55 is vaporized by the heating element
54 to generate vapor with the air supplied into the circular
vaporizing chamber 551, and provides vaporized e-liquid to the user
through a mouthpiece assembly (not shown in FIGS. 1-3).
[0046] In another aspect, the present invention relates to an
electronic cigarette 100. FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the
electronic cigarette 100, FIG. 5 shows a cross sectional view of
the electronic cigarette 100, and FIG. 6 shows a exploded
perspective view of the electronic cigarette 100 according to
certain embodiments of the present invention. The electronic
cigarette 100 has: a cylindrical electronic cigarette body 1, a top
connecting assembly 3, a middle connecting assembly 4, a vaporizer
5, an electric connector assembly 6, an air adjustment assembly 8,
and a mouthpiece assembly 9.
[0047] In certain embodiments, the cylindrical electronic cigarette
body 1 has the e-liquid storage tank 7 inside the cylindrical
electronic cigarette body 1, a vaporizer body support 12, and a
lower end thread. The vaporizer body support 12 has an upper end
thread configured to threadedly connect to the mouthpiece assembly
9, and a lower end thread configured to threadedly connect to the
middle connecting assembly 4.
[0048] The top connecting assembly 3 defines a vapor passage 31 in
the center of the top connecting assembly 3. As shown in FIG. 5,
the vapor passage 31 is configured to allow vaporized e-liquid from
the vaporizer 5 to pass through to the mouthpiece assembly 9. The
middle connecting assembly 4 has an outside thread at an upper end
configured to threadedly connect to the cylindrical electronic
cigarette body 1 through the lower end thread of the vaporizer body
support 12.
[0049] In certain embodiments, the vaporizer 5 is disposed inside
the cylindrical electronic cigarette body 1. The vaporizer 5
includes: a circular vaporizer connector 57, an cylindrical
e-liquid medium 55, a heating element 54, and a vaporizer tube 53.
The circular vaporizer connector 57 has an upper end, and an
opposite lower end. The circular vaporizer connector 57 defines a
center hollow air passage 571 through the lower end to the upper
end. The cylindrical e-liquid medium 55 is placed on the upper end
of the circular vaporizer connector 57. The cylindrical e-liquid
medium 55 has an inside wall and an outside wall and defines a
circular vaporizing chamber 551. The circular vaporizing chamber
551 has a lower end connected to the center hollow air passage 571
of the circular vaporizer connector 57, and an upper end forming a
vapor discharge 52 (as shown in FIG. 5).
[0050] In certain embodiments, the heating element 54 is disposed
on and in direct contact with the inside wall of the cylindrical
e-liquid medium 55. The heating element 54 has a first terminal
541, and a second terminal 542. The first terminal 541, and the
second terminal 542 of the heating element 54 are connected to a
first terminal and a second terminal of an electrical power supply,
respectively to receive electric power for the heating element. The
vaporizer tube 53 is disposed on and in contact with the outside
wall of the cylindrical e-liquid medium 55. The vaporizer tube 53
has a lower end and an opposite, upper end. The vaporizer tube 53
defines a predetermined number of e-liquid conduit openings 51.
These e-liquid conduit openings 51 are used to allow e-liquid from
an e-liquid storage tank 7 disposed outside of the vaporizer 5 to
flow into the cylindrical e-liquid medium 55. In certain
embodiments, the cylindrical e-liquid medium 55 is made from at
least one of: cotton fibers, polypropylene fibers, terylene fibers,
nylon fibers; and porous ceramic materials.
[0051] When a user fills the e-liquid storage tank 7 with e-liquid,
the e-liquid from the e-liquid storage tank 7 flows to the
cylindrical e-liquid medium 55 through the e-liquid conduit
openings 51, and is vaporized by the heating element 54 when the
user connects the electric power supply to the first terminal 541
and the second terminal 542 of the heating element 54. In one
embodiment, the heating element has a heating wire, and the heating
wire is wound in a spiral shape. In other embodiments, the heating
wire may be wound in a triangular, square, polygon, or oval
shapes.
[0052] The vaporizer tube 53 has upper end threads 531 used to
connect to a top connecting assembly 3, and a vaporizer tube
sealing ring 532 used to seal the connection with the top
connecting assembly 3. The circular vaporizer connector 57 has
lower end threads 572 for connecting to a lower connecting assembly
56. The lower connecting assembly 56 has an upper inside threaded
portion threadedly coupled to the lower end threads 572 of the
circular vaporizer connector 57, and a lower outside threaded
portion 561 threadedly coupled to the air adjustment assembly
8.
[0053] In certain embodiments, the air adjustment assembly 8 is
used to allow a user to adjust the amount of air intake to the
electronic cigarette. Referring now to FIG. 3, a perspective view
of the air adjustment assembly 8 of the electronic cigarette is
shown according to certain embodiments of the present invention.
The air adjustment assembly 8 includes: an air adjustment assembly
base 81, an air adjustment ring 82, and a sealing ring 85. The air
adjustment assembly base 81 has an upper tubular portion threadedly
connected to the lower outside threaded portion 561 of the lower
connecting assembly 56, an air adjustment chamber 811 defined
inside of the air adjustment assembly base 81, and a predetermined
number of first air vents 812. The air adjustment ring 82 is
positioned outside of the upper tubular portion of the air
adjustment assembly base 81. The air adjustment ring 82 has a
predetermined number of second air vents 821. The sealing ring 85
is used to prevent air leak from the air adjustment assembly 8.
When the user rotates the air adjustment ring 82 around the upper
tubular portion of the air adjustment assembly base 81, and when
the locations of the second air vents 821 of the air adjustment
ring 82 align with the locations of the first air vents 812, air
flow from outside of the electronic cigarette to the air adjustment
chamber 811 reaches maximum capacity. When the user further rotates
the air adjustment ring 82 around the upper tubular portion, the
air flow decreases, and when the locations of the second air vents
821 of the air adjustment ring 82 completely misalign with the
locations of the first air vents 812, the air flow stops.
[0054] In certain embodiments, the air adjustment assembly 8
further includes a rotation stop spring 813, and a rotation stopper
814. The rotation stop spring 813 is positioned under the rotation
stopper 814. The rotation stopper 814 is positioned under the air
adjustment ring 82. When the user finishes the air adjustment
rotation, the rotation stopper 814 holds the air adjustment ring 82
in place using its surface frictional force and the resilient force
of the rotation stop spring 813.
[0055] When the user adjusts the air adjustment assembly 8 and sets
the air flow to a preferred level, the air outside of the air
adjustment assembly 8 flows into the air adjustment chamber 811.
The air adjustment chamber 811 is connected to the vaporizer 5
through the center hollow air passage 571 of the circular vaporizer
connector 57, and the air in the air adjustment chamber 811 flows
into the circular vaporizing chamber 551. The e-liquid in the
cylindrical e-liquid medium 55 is vaporized by the heating element
54 to generate vapor with the air supplied into the circular
vaporizing chamber 551, and provides vaporized e-liquid to the user
through the mouthpiece assembly 9.
[0056] In certain embodiments, the electronic cigarette 100 further
includes an electric connector assembly 6, as shown in FIG. 3. The
electric connector assembly 6 has: an electric connector base 61,
an electrode 62, and an insulation cover 63. The electric connector
base 61 is attached to the air adjustment assembly 8 and adapted
for connecting a first terminal of the electric power supply to the
heating element 54 of the vaporizer 5. The electric connector base
61 has an outer thread configured to electrically connect the first
terminal of the electric power supply to the first terminal 541 of
the heating element 54. The electrode 62 is used to electrically
connect a second terminal of the electric power supply to the
second terminal 542 of the heating element 54. The insulation cover
63 is positioned between the electric connector base 61 and the
electrode 62 to provide insulation between the first and the second
terminals of the electric power supply.
[0057] In certain embodiments, the electronic cigarette 100 further
includes an e-liquid storage assembly 2. Referring now to FIG. 7, a
perspective view of an electronic cigarette body 1 and an e-liquid
storage assembly 2 of the electronic cigarette 100 is shown
according to certain embodiments of the present invention. The
e-liquid storage assembly 2 has: an e-liquid storage top sealing
ring 21, an e-liquid storage bottom sealing ring 22, a transparent
e-liquid storage tube 11, and the vaporizer body support 12. The
e-liquid storage top sealing ring 21 seals the top of the e-liquid
storage assembly 2. The e-liquid storage bottom sealing ring 22
seals the bottom of the e-liquid storage assembly 2. The e-liquid
storage tank 7 is defined inside of the e-liquid storage assembly 2
vertically between the e-liquid storage bottom sealing ring 22 and
the e-liquid storage top sealing ring 21, and horizontally between
the vaporizer tube 53 and the transparent e-liquid storage tube 11.
The transparent e-liquid storage tube 11 configured to allow the
user to visually measure the remaining e-liquid in the e-liquid
storage assembly 2. The e-liquid storage tube 11 can be made from
at least one of: a glass material, a transparent ceramic material,
and a crystalline material.
[0058] In certain embodiments, the e-liquid storage assembly 2 is
sealed on the top by the e-liquid storage top sealing ring 21, and
at the bottom by the e-liquid storage bottom sealing ring 22. The
middle connecting assembly 4 has a cylindrical top portion 41 and a
threaded portion 42 on the cylindrical top portion 41. The threaded
portion 42 of the middle connecting assembly 4 is threadedly
connected to the lower end thread of the vaporizer body support 12.
A middle connecting assembly sealing ring 43 is positioned between
the middle connecting assembly 4 and the e-liquid storage bottom
sealing ring 22 to prevent the e-liquid in the e-liquid storage
assembly 2 to leak into the air adjustment chamber 811 below. The
vaporizer body support 12 has the upper end thread configured to
threadedly connect to the mouthpiece assembly 9.
[0059] Referring now to FIG. 8, a perspective view of the
mouthpiece assembly 9 of the electronic cigarette 100 is shown
according to certain embodiments of the present invention. In
certain embodiments, the mouthpiece assembly 9 has: a mouthpiece
91, a mouthpiece connector 92, and a mouthpiece sealing ring 93.
The mouthpiece 91 has a hollow center air passage connected to the
vapor passage 31 of the top connecting assembly 3 and provides
vaporized e-liquid to the user. The mouthpiece connector 92 has a
threaded lower portion 921 threadedly connects to the upper end
thread of the vaporizer body support 12. The mouthpiece sealing
ring 93 prevents the vaporized e-liquid from leaking through the
mouthpiece connector 92.
[0060] In certain embodiments, the electronic cigarette further
includes an e-liquid refill sealing element 24 as shown in FIG. 1.
The e-liquid refill sealing element 24 is disposed on the top
connecting assembly 3 and configured to seal the e-liquid storage
tank 7 when the mouthpiece connector 92 is installed, and allow the
user to refill the e-liquid into the e-liquid storage tank 7 to the
transparent e-liquid storage tube 11 when the mouthpiece connector
92 is removed.
[0061] In certain embodiments, when the user wants to refill the
e-liquid into the e-liquid storage tank 7, the user pulls the air
adjustment assembly 8 downward. Since the air adjustment assembly 8
is connected to the lower connecting assembly 56 through the lower
outside threaded portion 561 of the lower connecting assembly 56,
the lower connecting assembly 56 is connected to the circular
vaporizer connector 57 through the lower end threads 572 of the
circular vaporizer connector 57, and the vaporizer 5, the top
connecting assembly 3, and the e-liquid refill sealing element 24
are connected to the circular vaporizer connector 57, when the air
adjustment assembly 8 is pulled downward, the entire assembly of
the lower connecting assembly 56, the circular vaporizer connector
57, the vaporizer 5, the top connecting assembly 3, and the
e-liquid refill sealing element 24 is pulled down to an open
position at the same time. When the mouthpiece assembly 9 is
removed from the top, the e-liquid can be filled into the e-liquid
storage tank 7. When the entire assembly is pulled down, the
e-liquid conduit openings 51 are moved below the lower end of the
vaporizer body support 12, therefore, the e-liquid in the e-liquid
storage tank 7 will not be able to flow through the e-liquid
conduit openings 51 to the cylindrical e-liquid medium. This
ensures that the refilled e-liquid will not flow to the vaporizer 5
before the entire assembly is moved back to a closed position. Once
the e-liquid in the e-liquid storage tank 7 is refilled, the
mouthpiece assembly 9 can be placed back, and the entire assembly
of the lower connecting assembly 56, the circular vaporizer
connector 57, the vaporizer 5, the top connecting assembly 3, and
the e-liquid refill sealing element 24 is pushed back to the closed
position.
[0062] In certain embodiments, the heating element has a heating
wire, and the heating wire is wound in a spiral shape. The
electronic cigarette also includes an electric power switch to
allow the user to turn on and off the electronic cigarette. The
electric power supply may be a rechargeable battery, or a
disposable alkaline battery. The electric connector base 61 and the
electrode 62 can also be used to connect to an external battery
charger (not shown). When the user turns on the electrical power
switch, the electric connector base 61 is internally connected to
the first terminal 541 of the heating element 54, and the electrode
62 is connected to the second terminal 542 of the heating element
54. Once the heating element 54 is energized by the electrical
power supply, the heating wire inside the vaporizer 5 vaporizes the
e-liquid soaked in the e-liquid medium 55 to provide the vaporized
e-liquid to the user through the mouthpiece 91.
[0063] In certain embodiments, the user may use the air adjustment
assembly 8 to adjust the air flow into the air adjustment chamber
811. At the suction force of the user through the mouthpiece
assembly 9, the air in the air adjustment chamber 811 flows up
through the center hollow air passage 571 of the circular vaporizer
connector 57 into the circular vaporizing chamber 551. When the
user turns on the electric power supply, the air in the circular
vaporizing chamber 551 is vaporized by the e-liquid soaked in the
e-liquid medium 55, and then flow up through the vapor discharge 52
of the vaporizer 5, vapor passage 31 of the top connecting assembly
3, and the mouthpiece 91 to the user.
[0064] The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of
the invention has been presented only for the purposes of
illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive
or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many
modifications and variations are possible in light of the above
teaching.
[0065] The embodiments were chosen and described in order to
explain the principles of the invention and their practical
application so as to activate others skilled in the art to utilize
the invention and various embodiments and with various
modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in
the art to which the present invention pertains without departing
from its spirit and scope. Accordingly, the scope of the present
invention is defined by the appended claims, the foregoing
description and the exemplary embodiments described therein, and
accompanying drawings.
* * * * *