U.S. patent application number 15/786364 was filed with the patent office on 2018-02-08 for electronic cigarette.
The applicant listed for this patent is Healthier Choices Management Corp. Invention is credited to Edwin Balder, Gilbert Cyphert, Daniel Julia.
Application Number | 20180035721 15/786364 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61071435 |
Filed Date | 2018-02-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180035721 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cyphert; Gilbert ; et
al. |
February 8, 2018 |
ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE
Abstract
A heating device for an electronic smoking apparatus has a
heating element encased in a bulb so that e-liquid does not come in
contact with the heating element, but rather is heated indirectly
by the bulb. The heating element is in electrical communication
with electrical contacts exterior of the bulb, which contacts are
placed in electrical communication with a power source such as a
batter. The bulb can be made of glass, quartz, or similar inert
silica-based compositions. The bulb can be shaped and sized to
accommodate the components of a variety of electronic smoking
apparatus.
Inventors: |
Cyphert; Gilbert; (Phoenix,
AZ) ; Balder; Edwin; (Mesa, AZ) ; Julia;
Daniel; (Phoenix, AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Healthier Choices Management Corp |
Hollywood |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
61071435 |
Appl. No.: |
15/786364 |
Filed: |
October 17, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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15298147 |
Oct 19, 2016 |
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15786364 |
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|
13999652 |
Mar 14, 2014 |
9538788 |
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15298147 |
|
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|
61852336 |
Mar 15, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 15/06 20130101;
A61M 11/042 20140204; A24F 47/008 20130101; A61M 2205/8206
20130101; A61M 11/003 20140204; A61M 2205/75 20130101; A24F 7/04
20130101; A24D 3/10 20130101; A61M 2205/3653 20130101; A24D 3/048
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A24F 47/00 20060101
A24F047/00 |
Claims
1. A heating device for an electronic smoking apparatus,
comprising: a heating element disposed and encased inside a bulb,
wherein a portion of the heating element is exposed exterior of the
bulb, the portion delimiting at least one electrical contact.
2. The heating device of claim 1, wherein the bulb comprises a
material selected from the list of glass, quartz, or combinations
thereof.
3. The heating device of claim 1, wherein the heating element
comprises a wire.
4. The heating device of claim 1, wherein the heating element
comprises a coil.
5. The heating device of claim 1, wherein the heating element
comprises a ribbon.
6. The heating device of claim 1, wherein the bulb comprises
beveled ends.
7. The heating device of claim 1, wherein the heating element
extends from both ends of the bulb, thereby delimiting an anode and
a cathode.
8. The heating device of claim 1, further comprises a sealing
element sealing the heating element inside the bulb.
9. The heating device of claim 1, wherein the electrical contact is
flush with an end of the bulb.
10. The heating device of claim 9, wherein a magnetic connector is
disposed about the electrical contact.
11. A heating device for an electronic smoking apparatus,
comprising: a heating element disposed and encased inside a bulb;
at least one electrical contact exterior of the bulb, the
electrical contact in electrical communication with the heating
element.
12. The heating device of claim 11, wherein the bulb comprises a
material selected from the list of glass, quartz, or combinations
thereof.
13. The heating device of claim 11, wherein the heating element
comprises a wire.
14. The heating device of claim 11, wherein the heating element
comprises a coil.
15. The heating device of claim 11, wherein the heating element
comprises a ribbon.
16. The heating device of claim 11, wherein the bulb comprises
beveled ends.
17. The heating device of claim 11, wherein the heating device
includes two electrical contacts each in electrical communication
with the heating element and delimiting a respective anode and
cathode.
18. The heating device of claim 11, further comprises a sealing
element sealing the heating element inside the bulb.
19. The heating device of claim 11, wherein the electrical contact
is flush with an end of the bulb.
20. The heating device of claim 19, wherein a magnetic connector
element is disposed about the electrical contact.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 15/298,147 filed Oct. 19, 2016, which is a
continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/999,652 filed Mar. 14,
2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,538,788, which claims priority to U.S.
Provisional Application No. Ser. No. 61/852,336, filed Mar. 15,
2013
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0002] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an
electronic cigarette embodying the principals of the invention;
[0003] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of
an electronic cigarette embodying the principals of the
invention;
[0004] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the second
embodiment of an electronic cigarette illustrated in FIG. 2;
[0005] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a heating
device.
[0006] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
heating device.
[0007] FIG. 3C is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a
heating device.
[0008] FIG. 3D is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a
heating device.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a view of an electronic cigarette showing a
moveable clip feature;
[0010] FIG. 5 is a view of an electronic cigarette showing a
retractable tip feature;
[0011] FIG. 6 is a view of an electronic cigarette showing a
peel-away wrapper tip;
[0012] FIG. 7 is a view of the peel-away wrapper illustrated in
FIG. 6;
[0013] FIG. 8 is an end view of a filter element that may be
included in a embodiment of an electronic cigarette; and
[0014] FIG. 9 is a view of a removable sleeve that may be
attachable to an electronic cigarette.
[0015] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the bulb heater in use.
[0016] It will be recognized that some or all of the Figures are
schematic representations for purposes of illustration and do not
necessarily depict the actual relative sizes or locations of the
elements shown. The Figures are provided for the purpose of
illustrating one or more embodiments of the invention with the
explicit understanding that they will not be used to limit the
scope or the meaning of the claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] In the following description, for the purposes of
explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of the electronic cigarette of the
present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in
the art that the electronic cigarette may be practiced without some
of these specific details. Throughout this description, the
embodiments and examples shown should be considered as exemplars,
rather than as limitations on the electronic cigarette. That is,
the following description provides examples, and the accompanying
drawings show various examples for the purposes of illustration.
However, these examples should not be construed in a limiting sense
as they are merely intended to provide examples of the electronic
cigarette rather than to provide an exhaustive list of all possible
implementations of the electronic cigarette.
[0018] Specific embodiments of the invention will now be further
described by the following, non-limiting examples which will serve
to illustrate various features. The examples 5 are intended merely
to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the invention may
be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to
practice the invention. Accordingly, the examples should not be
construed as limiting the scope of the invention. In addition,
reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an
embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is
included in at 10 least one embodiment of the present invention.
Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an
embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not
necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the
particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined
in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
[0019] Referring to FIG. 1, an electronic cigarette 10 is
illustrated. As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic cigarette 10
comprises a cylindrical casing, or tube 15 that may be constructed
of stainless steel, plastic, or other materials. Within the
cylindrical casing 15, a first chamber 20, a second chamber 25, and
a third chamber 30 are formed, the three chambers located
sequentially within the cylindrical casing 15.
[0020] A battery 35 is located in the first chamber 20, a liquid,
or fluid or concentrate 40 is located in the second chamber 25, and
a heating element 45 is located in the third chamber 30. In one
embodiment, the liquid 40 contained in the electronic cigarette 10
comprises: glycol, nicotine, water based flavors of regular or
menthol (or other desired flavors). The heating element 45 may be
made of platinum wire, nickel chromium alloy or iron chromium
aluminum alloy wire with a rare earth element. The battery 35 may
be lithium, but other materials and types of batteries may be
employed, including disposable types.
[0021] A first seal 50 forms a partition between the first 20 and
second 25 chambers. The first seal 50 may be constructed of rubber,
silicone, plastic or other materials. The first seal includes a
hole or aperture in which a portion of a tube 55 is located. The
tube 55 extends substantially the length of the second chamber 25
allowing passage of air from the first chamber 20 into the third
chamber 30.
[0022] A second seal 60 forms a partition between the second 25 and
third 30 chambers. In one embodiment, the second seal 60 comprises
a ceramic material shaped substantially in a "T." The "leg" of the
"T" comprises a hollow cylinder that receives one end of the tube
55 and the "top" of the "T" comprises two arms that form the seal
between the second 25 and third 30 chambers, and may also hold, or
fix the heating element 45 in position in the third chamber 30.
[0023] The electronic cigarette 10 also includes a cotton or other
fiber material 65 that has a first segment in contact with the
heating element 45, and a second segment located in the second
chamber 25, so that the fiber material 65 can carry or transfer the
fluid 40 from the second chamber 25 to the heating element 45.
[0024] In one embodiment, the fiber material comprises a
high-temperature fiberglass fabric, but other materials may be
employed, such as cotton, high-temperature conduction oil cotton,
or other materials. The fiber material 65 also may be positioned by
the second seal 60 to aid in sealing the second chamber 25 from the
third chamber 30.
[0025] An air pressure switch is located at a distal end of the
first chamber 20 and may be mounted on, or separate from a printed
circuit board 70. A light-emitting diode 75 (LED) is located
adjacent to the printed circuit board 70, with the LED 75 forming
an end-cap at one end of the electronic cigarette 10. A mouthpiece
(not shown) may be located at the other end of the electronic
cigarette 10, with the mouthpiece coupled to the end-cap 80 that
includes a small aperture, or end-cap aperture 82 that allows
passage of air from the third chamber 30 though the mouthpiece and
into a user's mouth. The end-cap 80 may be made of silicone,
plastic, metal or other materials.
[0026] The printed circuit board, or chip 70 includes the air
pressure switch, which may be integral to the chip or may be a
separate element that communicates with the chip. In one
embodiment, the chip and air pressure switch comprise an electronic
assembly that allows communication between the air pressure switch
and the other components comprising the printed circuit board. For
example, in one embodiment, the printed circuit board, or chip may
comprise an embedded data processor connected via an internal bus
to a read only memory containing the executable code for causing
the microprocessor to perform the functions described herein. In
another embodiment, the printed circuit board, or chip may comprise
one or more electronic circuits that employ one or more switches to
perform the functions described herein.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, the printed circuit board, or chip 70
has three wires coupled to it, the anode wire 85, the cathode wire
90 and the air pressure switch wire 95. The anode wire 85 runs from
the printed circuit board 70 to the anode side of the battery. The
cathode wire 90 connects the printed circuit board 70 to the
cathode side of the battery, and then passes through the first seal
50 and into tube 55 connecting to a first end of the heating
element 45 by extending all the way through the tube 55. The air
pressure switch wire 95 connects the air pressure switch to the
second end of the heating element 45, by also passing through the
first seal 50 and then into the tube 55.
[0028] Sealing member 100 may be coupled to the tube 55 to provide
additional sealing to prevent passage of fluid 40 from the second
compartment 25 into the first compartment 20. The sealing member
100 may comprise a cylindrical shape at one end that receives the
tube 55 and a shoulder or flange at the other end that aids in
sealing the hole or aperture in the first seal 50 seal.
[0029] In addition, two sealing tubes 105 are included to seal each
end of the second chamber 25. As shown in FIG. 1, one sealing tube
105 contacts the first seal 50, with the other end contacting the
entire perimeter, or circumference of tube 55 so that the area
where the tube 55 engages with the first seal 50 is kept free of
the fluid 40. Similarly, at the other end of the second chamber 25,
a second sealing tube 105 contacts the entire perimeter of tube 55
with a distal end enclosing the elements located at the end of the
second chamber 25. However, the fiber material 65 extend through
holes in the sealing tube 105 so that fluid 40 can pass along the
fiber material 65 to the heating element 45. But, the air pressure
switch wire 95, and cathode wire 90, as well as the end of the tube
55 that engages with the second seal 60 are kept free of the fluid
40. Optionally, cotton batting (not shown) may be positioned around
the tube 55 and under, or within the two sealing tubes 105 to aid
in sealing so that the fluid 40 does not reach either end of the
tube 55, or the other areas sealed by the two sealing tubes
105.
[0030] An air inlet (not shown), in the form of a hole or aperture,
may be located in the external wall of the casing 15 allowing
passage of ambient air into the first chamber 20.
[0031] The printed circuit board, or chip 70 in conjunction with
the air pressure switch controls the function of the electronic
cigarette 10. According to one embodiment, outside, or ambient air
is drawn into the first chamber 20 through the air inlet (not
shown). The air pressure switch senses the low pressure formed by a
user "drawing" on the mouthpiece (not shown), and activates the
heating element 45 by allowing electricity to flow from the battery
to the heating element 45. The LED 75 also illuminates at this
time. The air flows down the tube 55 and into the third chamber 30,
where the heating element 45 has atomized, or vaporized some of the
fluid 40 that is carried to the heating element 45 on the fiber
material 65. The vaporized fluid mixes with the air, and passes
though end-cap aperture 82 that allows passage of the mixture from
the third chamber 30 though the mouthpiece and into a user's
mouth.
[0032] In one embodiment, the electronic cigarette 10 is
disposable. During operation, if a user smokes for more than 5
seconds per puff the LED flashes two times then shuts off, or will
flash ten times, which indicates the battery 35 is running low on
stored power.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 2, another embodiment electronic cigarette
200 is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic cigarette
200 comprises a cylindrical casing, or tube 15 that may be
constructed of stainless steel, plastic, or other materials. Within
the cylindrical casing 15, is a first chamber 20 and a second
chamber 25 are formed, the two chambers located within the
cylindrical casing 15.
[0034] A battery 35 is located in the first chamber 20, and a fluid
container 205 is located in the second chamber. The fluid container
205 contains a liquid mixture such as glycol, nicotine, water based
flavors of regular or menthol (or other desired flavors). The
battery 35 may be lithium, but other materials and types of
batteries may be employed, including disposable types, such as AAA
or AA sized batteries.
[0035] A first seal 50 forms a partition between the first 20 and
second 25 chambers. The first seal 50 may be constructed of rubber,
silicone, plastic or other materials. The first seal includes a
hole or aperture in which a portion of a tube 55 is located. The
tube 55 extends into a heating assembly 220 and allows passage of
air from the first chamber 20 into the second chamber 25.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, the tube 55
comprises a ceramic, brass, or other metal material shaped
substantially in a "T." The "leg" of the "T" comprises a hollow
cylinder that comprises one end of the tube 55 and the "top" of the
"T" comprises two arms that hold, or fix a heating device 2220 in
position in the heating assembly 220. In some embodiments, the
heating device 2220 comprises a heating element 225 inside a bulb
220. The heating element 225 receives electrical energy (current)
from the battery which causes the element 225 to heat up, which in
turns heats the bulb 230, which bulb 230 then heats the fluid that
is introduced into the heating assembly 220 through fiber element
215 that connects the heating assembly 220 with the fluid container
205. One or more apertures (not shown) allow the passage of the
vapor that is produced when the fluid contacts the heated glass
bulb 230. In some embodiments, the heating element 225 is be made
of platinum wire, nickel chromium alloy or iron chromium aluminum
alloy wire with a rare earth element. The tempered glass bulb 230
may also be manufactured from quartz, or other elements such as
those described further herein. One feature of this arrangement is
that the fluid is not brought into direct contact with the heating
element 225 but rather contacts the heated bulb 230, avoiding any
chemical reaction between the fluid and the heating element that
would otherwise release harmful toxins such as heavy metals into
the inhaled vapor.
[0037] In one embodiment, the fiber element 215 comprises a
high-temperature fiberglass fabric, but other materials may be
employed, such as cotton, high-temperature conduction oil cotton,
or other materials. Sealing material 210 located around the heating
assembly 220 prevents any fluid from passing into the first chamber
20, and may also be constructed of a high-temperature fiberglass
fabric, but other materials may be employed, such as cotton,
high-temperature conduction oil cotton, or other materials. The
vapor then passes around the fluid container 205 and out through
the end-cap aperture 82.
[0038] An air pressure switch is located at a distal end of the
first chamber 20 and may be mounted on, or separate from a printed
circuit board 70. A light-emitting diode 75 (LED) is located
adjacent to the printed circuit board 70, with the LED 75 forming
an end-cap at one end of the electronic cigarette 200. A mouthpiece
(not shown) may be located at the other end of the electronic
cigarette 200, with the mouthpiece coupled to the end-cap 80 that
includes a small aperture, or end-cap aperture 82 that allows
passage of air from the second chamber 25 though the mouthpiece and
into a user's mouth. The end-cap 80 may be made of silicone,
plastic, metal or other materials.
[0039] The printed circuit board, or chip 70 in conjunction with
the air pressure switch controls the function of the electronic
cigarette 200. According to one embodiment, outside, or ambient air
is drawn into the first chamber 20 through the air inlet (not
shown). The air pressure switch senses the low pressure formed by a
user "drawing" on the mouthpiece (not shown), and activates the
heating element 225 by allowing electricity to flow from the
battery to the heating element 225. The LED 75 also illuminates at
this time. The air flows down the tube 55 and into the heating
assembly 220, where the glass bulb 230 has atomized, or vaporized
some of the fluid that is carried to the heating assembly 220 by
the fiber element 215. The vaporized fluid mixes with the air, and
passes though end-cap aperture 82.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 2, the printed circuit board, or chip 70
has three wires coupled to it, the anode wire 85, the cathode wire
90 and the air pressure switch wire 95. The anode wire 85 runs from
the printed circuit board 70 to the anode side of the battery. The
cathode wire 90 connects the printed circuit board 70 to the
cathode side of the battery, and then passes through the first seal
50 and into tube 55 connecting to the heating assembly 220 by
extending all the way through the tube 55. The air pressure switch
wire 95 connects the air pressure switch to the heating assembly
220, by also passing through the first seal 50.
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 3A-3D, shown are various non-exhaustive
embodiments of a universal bulb-encased heating device 2220 that
can be configured for use as part of the heating assembly 220 of an
electronic smoking device such as electronic cigarette 200 or can
be applied to a multi-component modular electronic smoking device
or vaporizer device such as, without limitation, a two-piece
tank-battery type vaporizer, a re-buildable dripping atomizer (RDA)
or a re-buildable dripping tank atomizer. The heating device 2220
comprises an heating element 225 disposed in and encased by a bulb
230. In some embodiments the bulb comprises quartz, glass,
silica-containing compositions, or any like composition that is
capable of protecting and containing the heating element 225 from
exposure during use. In some embodiments, the bulb 230 is
substantially cylindrical as shown in FIG. 3A and may also be
configured with beveled ends as shown in FIG. 3B.
[0042] The heating element 225 comprises a heat conductive wire or
coil as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. In other embodiments, the heating
element 225 comprises a heat-conductive ribbon as shown in FIG. 3C.
In some embodiments, the ends of the heating element 225 are in
electrical communication exterior of the bulb 230 to electrical
contacts 231 and 231'. The electrical contacts 231 and 231' define
the respective anode and cathode of the electrical circuit between
the heating element 225 and the power source of the device, such as
battery 35. In some embodiments, the heating element 225 itself
extends exterior of the bulb and terminates at the contacts 231 and
231'. In other embodiments, the heating element 225 is sealed
within the bulb 230 with discrete electrical contacts 231 and 231'
structured to be in electrical communication with the heating
element 225.
[0043] In some embodiments, such as in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the
electrical contacts 231 and 231' are configured to be secured to
the power posts of an RDA or RDTA or other like vaporizer power
supply hardware by a fastener such as a screw. In other
embodiments, such as in FIG. 3C, the contacts 231 and 231' are
received in a slot or otherwise achieve and interference fit with a
power source or power adaptation point.
[0044] In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3D the contacts
231 and 231' are flush with the exterior surface of the bulb 230,
providing surface-type flat electrical contacts. The flat contacts
can be coupled with a magnetic connector element 233 surrounding or
embedded therein to provide a releasable magnetic feature that
connects to a target power source or related hardware. Accordingly,
the configuration of the heating element 225 and the bulb 230 can
be varied depending on the application and whether the heating
device 2200 is intended to be permanently affixed as part of the
electronic smoking apparatus, or whether it is designed to be
modular, removable and replaceable.
[0045] In some embodiments, the heating element 225 is sealed to
the respective ends of the bulb 230 by a sealing member 232. The
sealing member 232 comprises a plug, grommet, or washer type
element that is capable of sealing the ends of the bulb 230 at the
insertion point of the heating element 225. In other embodiments
the bulb 230 may be itself crimped or heat sealed to the heating
element 225 at the ends thereof.
[0046] In FIG. 3C, shown is another embodiment of the heating
device 2220 configured with a ribbon-type heating element 220. The
bulb 230 encases the ribbon, which ribbon provides larger surface
area than a the wire or coil-type heating element shown in FIGS. 3A
and 3B. FIG. 3C also demonstrates another embodiment of the
contacts 231 and 231' here comprising elongated tabs that are
configured to be received by power supply slots on a target RDA or
RTDA or other structure of an electronic cigarettes 200 or
vaporizer device.
[0047] It is appreciated that the bulb 230 may be comprise various
shapes and sizes in order to be compatible with the given
application such as in disposable "closed system" electronic
cigarettes, modular vaporizer units and RDA/RDTA units. For
example, FIG. 10 depicts an embodiment of the heating device 2200
configured with beveled ends that conform to the posts of an
exemplary RDTA 3000. Here, the contacts 231 and 231' are physically
attached to and electrically coupled to the bi-lateral posts 3001
of the RDA 3000 to provide a secure connection. The heating device
2200 is configured to be in fluid communication with a vaporization
fluid such as, for example, by a fiber element, wick,
capillary-action tube or other means that can bring such fluid into
contact with the surface of the bulb 230. In some embodiments, the
shape of the bulb 230 can be manipulated to change the available
exposed surface area. Further, in some embodiments the bulb 230 can
be fashioned with one or more indentations or impressions providing
an integrated reservoirs to retain smoking material such as fluids
and concentrates. Further still in some embodiments a discrete
reservoir may be provided that is either attached to or integrated
with the bulb 230 to receive and retain smoking material such as a
fluids and concentrates. The impression and/or external reservoir
may comprise various shapes such as circular, cylindrical,
elliptical, oval, square, rectangular, and the like.
[0048] With the heating device 2220 in electrical communication
with a power source, the heating elements 225 will heat up and, in
turn, heat the bulb 230. Once adequate temperature levels are
reach, fluid coming in contact with the surface of the bulb will
vaporize into an aerosol suitable for inhalation.
[0049] It is appreciated and understood that the bulb-type heating
device 2220 provides a substantial health benefit over traditional
wire/wick designs in that the bulb encases the heating element,
thereby preventing a potentially toxic reaction between the target
vaporization fluid and the heating element. In this design, the
heating device 2200 is designed such that the fluid will only come
into physical contact with the inert bulb (glass, quartz, or the
like), which bulb is heated by the internal heating element 220.
Thus, the fluid is indirectly heated by the heating element 225,
which element 225 generates heat through the application of
electrical current therethrough, from a power supply and connection
means of any known type. The avoidance of direct contact between
the fluid and the heating element 220 also has the further
advantage of improving flavor and vapor concentration as it
provides a cleaner vaporization reaction.
[0050] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, another feature of the
electronic cigarette 200 is illustrated. Extendable tip 245 is
retractable into the casing 15. As shown in FIG. 4, slideable clip
235, shaped substantially like a clip on a pen or the like, is
slideable toward one end of the electronic cigarette 200. Rod, or
connector 242 connects to the clip 235, with one end of the rod 242
slideably positioned in casing aperture 240.
[0051] As the clip 235 is moved toward the end of the electronic
cigarette 200, extendable tip 245 extends from the casing 15. The
extendable tip 245 may comprise a generally hollow member that a
user would grasp with their lips to inhale the vapors exiting
through end-cap aperture 82. The extendable tip 245 can be kept
clean, and away from contaminants by being kept retracted within
the casing 15 when the electronic cigarette 200 is not in use.
[0052] Also, the clip 235 may also be used to attach, or secure the
electronic cigarette 200 to clothing, purses, pockets or other
items. And, in one embodiment, the clip 235 may be shaped to act as
a stand for the electronic cigarette 200. The "stand" may prevent
direct contact of the extendable tip 245 to an unclean surface when
the electronic cigarette 200 is placed on a surface.
[0053] An alternative embodiment extendable tip may comprise a
rotatable piston (not shown) that includes threads that when
rotated, the extendable tip rides upwardly or downwardly on the
threads. To prevent the rotatable piston from merely turning in
response to the motion of a driving member (not shown) so as not to
slide, the interior wall may be provided with a guide member (not
shown) that extends along at least a portion of the length of the
rotatable piston and mates with a corresponding feature in the
casing 15. In a preferred embodiment, the rotatable piston and the
interior cross section may be given a shape that is other than
circular. Preferably, the rotatable piston may have an oval or
ellipsoid shape. In some embodiments, with an integrated reservoir
the bulb 230 is T-shaped, L-shaped, or the like.
[0054] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, another feature of the
electronic cigarette 200 is illustrated. Removable wrapper 250 may
be located at one distal end of the electronic cigarette 200, where
a user would place their lips when drawing on the electronic
cigarette 200. For example, in one embodiment, one or more sanitary
peel-away wrappers 250 that can be removed as desired are coupled
to the electronic cigarette 200, so that a user's lips are not
exposed to a dirty or contaminated tip.
[0055] Referring now to FIG. 8, another feature of the electronic
cigarette 200 is illustrated. Some embodiments of the electronic
cigarette 200 may include a filter assembly 255. The filter
assembly 255 may be located at one distal end of the electronic
cigarette 200, where a user would place their lips when drawing on
the electronic cigarette 200. In one embodiment, the filter
assembly 255 includes an inner element 265 and an outer element
260. One or both of the inner and outer elements 265 and 260 may be
constructed of microfibers or other materials made of any
polyester, polyamides, bamboo, wood or any cellulose fibers or any
polymeric material that is capable of absorbing water or vapor, and
that is capable of being impregnated with a flavor or chemical
compound.
[0056] For example, one or both of the inner and outer elements 265
and 260 may comprise filtration and pass through structures
comprise flow passages having a high surface area for contact with
vapor passing there through, enabling the vapor to become enriched
with nicotine, flavors, and other blends, either alone or in
combination. In one arrangement, the outer element 260 may comprise
a multiplicity of axially elongated fibrous filtering material
members disposed concentrically to reduce the amount of water vapor
carried into the lungs when inhaling vapors from the electronic
cigarette 200.
[0057] In one embodiment, the inner element 265 comprises a section
capable of dispensing volatile ingredients including nicotine,
tobacco flavor, medications, and other flavoring. Reservoirs formed
therein may be circular or noncircular in cross section. Absorbent
material may be used to retain more volatiles within the section to
better wick the volatile vapors when vapor or air is drawn through
the electronic cigarette 200. Drawing vapor or air through the
inner element 265 transfers vapors to the user. Loading of any
material into the inner or outer elements 265 or 260 may be
accomplished via sprayer, direct injection or a gaseous atmosphere
conductive to preserving nicotine. The fluid mechanic principles of
adhesion, cohesion capillary action and surface tension which can
cause a thin film may be used. The basic properties, components and
applications may be exchanged between the inner and outer elements
265 and 260.
[0058] Now referring to FIG. 9, another feature of the electronic
cigarette is illustrated. A removable sleeve 270 may be placed over
the casing 15 and positioned at any location along the casing 15.
The removable sleeve 270 includes a plurality of apertures 275 that
may be filled with nicotine or other medications.
[0059] In one embodiment, the removable sleeve 270 is constructed
of rubber, latex, or a medical grade rubber, latex or plastic.
During the manufacturing process, the plurality of apertures, or
holes 275 are formed by a mold, or by other means. The plurality of
apertures, or holes 275 may then be filled with any desired
medication(s) (usually in a gel form) by immersing the removable
sleeve 270 in the medication or by injection. When injection is
used no holes 275 need be added to the mold. In this embodiment,
the removable sleeve 270 is inserted into a device that injects the
medications right into the sleeve material. After filling, a
cellulite spray is applied to the removable sleeve 270. The
cellulite cover retains the medication in the holes 275 until the
cellulite is broken when pressure is applied, thereby allowing the
medications to provide transdermal drug delivery.
[0060] In another embodiment, a transdermal drug delivery system
may be built into the cigarette itself without the use of the
removable sleeve 270. In this embodiment, an absorbent paper
featuring a mesh overlay (not shown) may be employed. When
manufactured, a paper is soaked with the desired medication. Then a
mesh overly is applied which is made of medical grade rubber, latex
or other material as described above in connection with the
removable sleeve 270. Next, the paper and mesh (not shown) are
covered in a cellulite to seal the medication in. Then, the paper
and mesh are wrapped around the desired product, which could be the
electronic cigarette 200, or a cardboard tube that looks like a
cigarette. When pressure is applied to the paper the pressure
removes the cellulite wrapper allowing finger tips to squeeze down
the mesh and allow the medicated absorbent paper to provide a
transdermal drug delivery
[0061] In one embodiment, the electronic cigarette 200 is
disposable. During operation, if a user smokes for more than 5
seconds per puff the LED flashes two times then shuts off, or will
flash ten times, which indicates the battery 35 is running low on
stored power.
[0062] It is appreciated and understood that the term fluid as used
herein is exemplary of an inhalation material that can be used with
the devices described herein. In additional to liquids, the
inhalation material may comprise concentrates, waxes, solid
materials, herbs, and the like.
[0063] It is to be noticed that the term "comprising," used in the
claims, should not be interpreted as being limitative to the means
listed thereafter. Thus, the scope of the expression "a device
comprising means A and B" should not be limited to devices
consisting only of components A and B. It means that with respect
to the present invention, the only relevant components of the
device are A and B. Put differently, the terms "including",
"comprising" and variations thereof mean "including but not limited
to", unless expressly specified otherwise.
[0064] Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term "coupled", also
used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limitative
to direct connections only. Thus, the scope of the expression "a
device A coupled to a device B" should not be limited to devices or
systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an
input of device B. It means that there exists a path between an
output of A and an input of B which may be a path including other
devices or means.
[0065] The enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or
all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified
otherwise. The terms "a", "an" and "the" mean "one or more", unless
expressly specified otherwise.
[0066] Elements of the invention that are in communication with
each other need not be in continuous communication with each other,
unless expressly specified otherwise. In addition, elements of the
invention that are in communication with each other may communicate
directly or indirectly through one or more other elements or other
intermediaries.
[0067] One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present
invention can be practiced by other than the above-described
embodiments, which are presented in this description for purposes
of illustration and not of limitation. The specification and
drawings are not intended to limit the exclusionary scope of this
patent document. It is noted that various equivalents for the
particular embodiments discussed in this description may practice
the invention as well. That is, while the present invention has
been described in conjunction with specific embodiments, it is
evident that any alternatives, modifications, permutations and
variations will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is
intended that the present invention embrace all such alternatives,
modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the
appended claims. The fact that a product, process or method
exhibits differences from one or more of the above-described
exemplary embodiments does not mean that the product or process is
outside the scope (literal scope and/or other legally-recognized
scope) of the following claims.
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