U.S. patent application number 15/203334 was filed with the patent office on 2018-07-12 for vaporizing device with power component.
This patent application is currently assigned to NJOY, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is NJOY, LLC. Invention is credited to William E. Allenfort, Jonathon Davenport, Ryan Miller, Mark Scatterday, David Schuler.
Application Number | 20180192698 15/203334 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60674949 |
Filed Date | 2018-07-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180192698 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Schuler; David ; et
al. |
July 12, 2018 |
VAPORIZING DEVICE WITH POWER COMPONENT
Abstract
A vaporizing device generally having a tank, power component,
battery, and shroud is disclosed. The power component may include a
frame defining a slot configured to receive the tank in an upright
position, such that a portion of the tank is adjacent to the power
component when the tank is in position. The battery may be coupled
to the frame of the power component. The shroud may be configured
to be positioned around the battery and coupled to the frame. The
battery may be activated when the shroud is compressed radially
inward. The device may include a port for connection to an external
power supply for recharging the battery. The device may be portable
with a generally compact configuration in order to allow a user to
comfortably hold the device in the palm of the hand.
Inventors: |
Schuler; David; (Scottsdale,
AZ) ; Miller; Ryan; (Scottsdale, AZ) ;
Allenfort; William E.; (Phoenix, AZ) ; Davenport;
Jonathon; (Las Vegas, NV) ; Scatterday; Mark;
(Scottsdale, AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NJOY, LLC |
Scottsdale |
AZ |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
NJOY, LLC
Scottsdale
AZ
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20170367406 A1 |
December 28, 2017 |
|
|
Family ID: |
60674949 |
Appl. No.: |
15/203334 |
Filed: |
July 6, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62189085 |
Jul 6, 2015 |
|
|
|
62189032 |
Jul 6, 2015 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02E 60/10 20130101;
H01R 13/207 20130101; H01M 2220/30 20130101; H01M 2/1022 20130101;
A24F 47/008 20130101; H01M 2/1055 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A24F 47/00 20060101
A24F047/00; H01M 2/10 20060101 H01M002/10 |
Claims
1. A vaporizing device comprising, in combination: a tank having a
mouthpiece for insertion into a user's mouth; and a power component
comprising: a frame, wherein a portion of the frame defines a slot
configured to receive the tank in an upright position; a battery
configured to be attached to the frame; and a shroud configured to
be positioned around the battery and coupled to the frame; wherein
at least a portion of the tank is adjacent to the power component
when the tank is positioned in the slot.
2. The vaporizing device of claim 1, wherein the power component
further comprises a charging port.
3. The vaporizing device of claim 2, wherein the charging port is
positioned on a base portion of the power component.
4. The vaporizing device of claim 1, wherein an upper portion of
the frame that defines the slot has a tapered surface, such that a
top of the slot is tapered to expose at least a portion of a length
of the tank.
5. The vaporizing device of claim 4, wherein a portion of the tank
from the mouthpiece to a lower area of the tank is visible when the
tank is disposed in the slot.
6. The vaporizing device of claim 1, wherein the power component
further comprises an electrical connector positioned in the slot
and configured to be connected to the tank.
7. The vaporizing device of claim 1, wherein the shroud is
removably coupled to the frame.
8. The vaporizing device of claim 1, wherein the battery is
removably attached to the frame.
9. The vaporizing device of claim 1, wherein the power component
has a generally ergonomic shape configured to fit in a palm of the
user's hand.
10. A vaporizing device comprising, in combination: a tank having a
mouthpiece for insertion into a user's mouth; and a power component
comprising: a frame, wherein a portion of the frame having a
tapered surface defines a slot configured to receive the tank in an
upright position, wherein a top of the slot is tapered to expose at
least a portion of a length of the tank; an electrical connector
positioned in the slot and configured to be connected to the tank;
a battery configured to be attached to the frame; and a shroud
configured to be positioned around the battery and coupled to the
frame; wherein at least a portion of the tank is adjacent to the
power component when the tank is positioned in the slot.
11. The vaporizing device of claim 10, wherein the power component
further comprises a charging port.
12. The vaporizing device of claim 11, wherein the charging port is
positioned on a base portion of the power component.
13. The vaporizing device of claim 10, wherein a portion of the
tank from the mouthpiece to a lower area of the tank is visible
when the tank is disposed in the slot.
14. The vaporizing device of claim 10, wherein the shroud is
removably coupled to the frame.
15. The vaporizing device of claim 10, wherein the battery is
removably attached to the frame.
16. The vaporizing device of claim 10, wherein the power component
has a generally ergonomic shape configured to fit in a palm of the
user's hand.
17. A vaporizing device comprising, in combination: a tank having a
mouthpiece for insertion into a user's mouth; and a power component
having a generally ergonomic shape configured to fit in a palm of
the user's hand comprising: a frame, wherein an upper portion of
the frame having a tapered surface defines a slot configured to
receive the tank in an upright position, wherein a top of the slot
is tapered to expose at least a portion of a length of the tank,
and wherein a portion of the tank from the mouthpiece to a lower
area of the tank is visible when the tank is disposed in the slot;
an electrical connector positioned in the slot and configured to be
connected to the tank; a base portion having a charging port; a
battery configured to be attached to the frame; and a shroud
configured to be positioned around the battery and removably
coupled to the frame; wherein at least a portion of the tank is
adjacent to the power component when the tank is positioned in the
slot.
18. The vaporizing device of claim 17, wherein the charging port
includes a micro-USB connector adapted to receive a micro-USB
cable.
19. The vaporizing device of claim 17, wherein the electrical
connector is a 510 threaded connector.
20. The vaporizing device of claim 17, wherein the shroud is
configured to activate the battery when compressed radially inward.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/189,032, titled VAPORIZING
DEVICE WITH POWER COMPONENT, filed on Jul. 6, 2015, which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present application relates generally to vaporizing
devices and components thereof, e.g., batteries and tanks for
containing e-liquid for vaporization and, more particularly, to a
vaporizing device that may be portable with a generally compact
configuration, e.g., to allow a user to comfortably hold the device
in the palm of the hand.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Many current vaporizing devices have a wand- or pen-like
shape. Often these devices are intended to be carried in a case,
which may be bulky and too big to carry in a pocket. Or the device
itself may be too bulky to be conveniently carried. In addition,
some devices must be taken apart for transport between uses, e.g.,
in a cigarette case.
[0004] The present application addresses these problems encountered
in prior art vaporizing devices and provides other, related
advantages.
SUMMARY
[0005] In accordance with one embodiment of the present
application, a vaporizing device is disclosed. The vaporizing
device comprises, in combination: a tank having a mouthpiece for
insertion into a user's mouth; and a power component comprising: a
frame, wherein a portion of the frame defines a slot configured to
receive the tank in an upright position; a battery configured to be
attached to the frame; and a shroud configured to be positioned
around the battery and coupled to the frame; wherein at least a
portion of the tank is adjacent to the power component when the
tank is positioned in the slot.
[0006] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
application, a vaporizing device is disclosed. The vaporizing
device comprises, in combination: a tank having a mouthpiece for
insertion into a user's mouth; and a power component comprising: a
frame, wherein a portion of the frame having a tapered surface
defines a slot configured to receive the tank in an upright
position, wherein a top of the slot is tapered to expose at least a
portion of a length of the tank; an electrical connector positioned
in the slot and configured to be connected to the tank; a battery
configured to be attached to the frame; and a shroud configured to
be positioned around the battery and coupled to the frame; wherein
at least a portion of the tank is adjacent to the power component
when the tank is positioned in the slot.
[0007] In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present
application, a vaporizing device is disclosed. The vaporizing
device comprises, in combination: a tank having a mouthpiece for
insertion into a user's mouth; and a power component having a
generally ergonomic shape configured to fit in a palm of the user's
hand comprising: a frame, wherein an upper portion of the frame
having a tapered surface defines a slot configured to receive the
tank in an upright position, wherein a top of the slot is tapered
to expose at least a portion of a length of the tank, and wherein a
portion of the tank from the mouthpiece to a lower area of the tank
is visible when the tank is disposed in the slot; an electrical
connector positioned in the slot and configured to be connected to
the tank; a base portion having a charging port; a battery
configured to be attached to the frame; and a shroud configured to
be positioned around the battery and removably coupled to the
frame; wherein at least a portion of the tank is adjacent to the
power component when the tank is positioned in the slot.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The novel features believed to be characteristic of the
application are set forth in the appended claims. In the
descriptions that follow, like parts are marked throughout the
specification and drawings with the same numerals, respectively.
The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain
figures can be shown in exaggerated or generalized form in the
interest of clarity and conciseness. The application itself,
however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and
advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the
following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when
read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vaporizing device,
consistent with an embodiment of the present application;
[0010] FIG. 2 depicts a vaporizing device, consistent with an
embodiment of the present application, being held in a palm of a
user;
[0011] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate various views of a vaporizing
device, consistent with an embodiment of the present
application;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a power component of the
vaporizing device of FIGS. 3A and 3B, consistent with an embodiment
of the present application;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the power component
of FIG. 4;
[0014] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the power component of FIG.
4;
[0015] FIGS. 7A-7E illustrate various views of a vaporizing device
and exemplary dimensions of a power component thereof, consistent
with an embodiment of the present application;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the vaporizing device of
FIGS. 3A and 3B;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the vaporizing device of
FIGS. 3A and 3B, illustrating a micro-USB cable connected thereto,
consistent with an embodiment of the present application;
[0018] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a prior art vape pen;
[0019] FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the vaporizing device of
FIGS. 3A and 3B;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of the power component of
FIG. 4, with a shroud thereof removed; and
[0021] FIG. 12 illustrates a plurality of vaporizing devices,
consistent with embodiments of the present application.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] Referring first to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a vaporizing
device 10 is shown, consistent with an embodiment of the present
application. Devices according to the present application may
include a tank 30 and a power component 50, e.g., battery
component. The tank 30 may be configured to fit within a slot 54 of
the power component 50 such that at least a portion of the tank 30
is adjacent to the power component 50 (see, e.g., FIG. 1). The
power component 50 may have a generally ergonomic shape for fitting
in the palm of a user's hand (see, e.g., FIG. 2). The vaporizing
device 10 may have dimensions that allow a user to carry the device
in a pocket of a piece of clothing.
[0023] FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4-6 show different views of an exemplary
vaporizing device 20 according to the present disclosure, which may
be substantially similar to the vaporizing devices 10 shown FIGS. 1
and/or 2. As shown, the tank 30 may fit into a slot 54 of the power
component 50 in an upright position. The dimensions and shape of
the slot 54 may generally correspond to the dimensions of the tank
30, e.g., both the slot 54 and the tank 30 may be generally
cylindrical in shape. When the tank 30 is secured in the slot 54,
the power component 50 may provide power to an atomizer of the tank
30 to generate vapor. The mouthpiece 32 of the tank 30 may extend
above the top surface 58 of the power component 50 for access by a
user. While FIGS. 1 and 3A-3B each show the portion of the tank 30
within the respective slots 54 as entirely surrounded, in some
embodiments the slot 54 of the power component 50 may only
partially surround the tank 30, e.g., wherein the slot 54 has an
opening along the side, such as a slit extending along the entire
length or part of the length of the slot 54. At least a portion of
the tank 30 may be at least partially or completely transparent to
allow the user to view the liquid contents therein. In some
embodiments, the slot 54 may be configured to allow a user to
monitor the level of liquid in the tank 30. For example, the
portion of the frame 52 that defines the top of the slot 54 may
have a curved or tapered surface 56, such that the top of the slot
54 may be tapered to expose all or a portion of the length of the
tank 30 (e.g., exposing all or a portion of a reservoir inside the
tank, wherein the reservoir contains the liquid to be vaporized).
In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, for example, a portion of
the tank 30 from the mouthpiece 32 to a middle or lower area 36 of
the tank 30 may be visible when the tank 30 is disposed in the slot
54. The portion of the frame 52 that defines the slot 54
additionally or alternatively may be at least partially or
completely transparent so that all or most of the tank 30 can be
viewed. The tank 30 may be secured to (e.g., locked into) and
electrically connected to the power component 50 by any suitable
connection(s). For example, the power component 50 may include
threads complementary to threads of the tank 30 for connecting the
tank 30 to a battery or other power source within the power
component 50. In some embodiments, the tank 30 may include a 510
threaded portion, a CE-4 type of threaded connection, or a CE-5
type of threaded connection, and the power component may include
complementary threaded portions or types of threaded portions.
[0024] In some embodiments, a bottom surface of the tank 30 may
include a threaded portion that screws into the slot 54 of the
power component 50. For example, the slot 54 of the power component
50 may have a closed bottom to limit displacement of the tank 30 in
the slot 54. The wall 62 at the closed bottom of the slot 54 may
include an electrical connector 64 to couple with a connector of
the tank 30, e.g., for supplying power from the battery to the tank
30 (e.g., to the atomizer of the tank). FIG. 4 shows a top view of
the power component of FIGS. 3A and 3B, wherein the bottom wall 62
of the slot includes a standard 510 threaded connector 64 for
receiving a tank 30 with a complementary 510 threaded portion. In
other embodiments, a side of the tank 30 may have threads
complementary to threads in an adjacent surface of the power
component 50. For example, the power component 50 may have a
threaded portion along a side surface thereof.
[0025] Tanks suitable for the present disclosure include prefilled
tanks and refillable tanks. Exemplary tanks may be about 13 mm or
about 14 mm in diameter. In some embodiments, the vaporizer device
10 or 20 may include an adapter fixedly or detachably coupled to a
surface of the slot 54 for connecting the tank 30 to the power
component 50.
[0026] The power component 50 may include a battery 76 (as shown,
for example, in FIG. 6), e.g., a rechargeable battery. In some
embodiments, for example, the power component 50 may include a
lithium-ion battery, e.g., a 1100 mAh or 2200 mAh Li-ion battery.
FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of the power component 50 of FIGS. 3A
and 3B, including a frame 52, a battery/battery cell 76
(hereinafter battery 76), and a cover or shroud 78 (hereinafter
shroud 78). The battery 76 may be removable or non-removable. For
example, the battery 76 may be fixedly attached to the frame 52
such that the battery 76 may not be removed from the power
component 50. In some embodiments, the frame 52 may completely
surround the battery 76, e.g., such that a user may not be able to
access the battery 76. The frame 52 may contain various electronic
components of the device, such as e.g., microprocessors, LEDs,
sensors, etc. The shroud 78 also may be removable or non-removable.
For example, the shroud 78 may be fixedly attached to the battery
76 and/or frame 52. In some embodiments, the shroud 78 may be
removable, e.g., allowing a user to exchange shrouds 78 of
different colors or designs (see, e.g., FIG. 12 and discussion
below).
[0027] In some embodiments, the battery 76 may provide a voltage
ranging from about 1.5 V to about 5.0 V, such as about 3.7 V. In
some embodiments, the battery 76 may have a 3.7 V output that may
be increased to 4.2 V, e.g., with a booster circuit, providing 13.6
W. The vaporizer device 10 or 20 may be configured to power an
atomizer in the tank 30 down to about 1.0.OMEGA..
[0028] The power component 50 may include a power button, e.g., for
activating the battery. For example, the frame 52 may include a
power button operably coupled to the battery 76, such that pressing
the power button causes the battery 76 to supply voltage for
vaporizing liquid in the tank 30, e.g., via a heating element in an
atomizer of the tank 30. Additionally or alternatively, the power
component 50 may be configured such that pressing one or more
portions of the shroud 78 radially inward activates the battery 76
(e.g., similar to clicking a computer mouse). Thus, for example, a
user may squeeze one or both sides of the shroud 78 while holding
the vaporizing device 10 or 20 in his/her hand in order to generate
vapor.
[0029] In some embodiments, the power component 50 may include a
port 80 for connection to an external power supply for recharging
the battery 76. For example, the power component 50 may include a
USB or micro-USB charging port 80, e.g., as shown in FIG. 5. The
port 80 may have any suitable location along the power component
50, such as, e.g., the bottom surface 68, the top surface 58, the
side surface (opposite the slot 54 for receiving the tank 30), the
front surface, or the back surface. FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of
the power component 50 of FIGS. 3A and 3B, wherein a base portion
66 of the power component 50, below the slot 54 for the tank 30,
includes a micro-USB connector 82. A micro-USB cable 84 may be
connected to the connector 82, as shown in FIG. 9. The power
component 50 may include multiple charging ports 80. Vaporizing
devices 10 or 20 according to the present disclosure may be
configured to stably sit on a desktop or other generally flat
surface.
[0030] In some embodiments, the power component 50 may include one
or more LEDs, e.g., as indicator lights. When the battery power is
at or above a threshold level, the LED(s) may be one color (e.g.,
white), and when the battery power drops below the threshold, the
LED(s) may change to a different color (e.g., red). The LEDs may be
lit when the vaporizing device 10 or 20 is activated or may only be
lit when the power component 50 is connected to a power supply
(e.g., via a USB or micro-USB cord). Additionally or alternatively,
the LEDs may be configured to flash. For example, the LEDs may
briefly or continuously flash when the vaporizing device 10 or 20
is turned on or off. The base portion 66 of the power component 50
may be at least partially transparent to a user to see light from
LEDs within (see, e.g., FIGS. 7C, 7D, 7E and 9).
[0031] The power component 50 and/or tank 30 may be made of any
suitable materials or combination of materials, including, but not
limited to, glass, metal, plastics and other polymers and
thermopolymers. As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the power
component 50 may include a cover or shroud 78, which may be
removable/replaceable from the power component 50 (as shown in FIG.
11). For example, the shroud 78 may be configured to snap onto the
power component 50 (e.g., snap onto a frame 52 or housing of the
power component 50), and may be removed by pulling the shroud 78
away from the power component 50. Any other suitable connections
for securing the shroud 78 to the power component 50 may be used.
The shroud 78 may allow for the power component 50 to have
different colors and/or designs, according to the user's
preferences.
[0032] FIGS. 7A-7E and 8-12 illustrate additional features and
characteristics encompassed by the present disclosure. FIGS. 7A and
7C, for example, shows exemplary dimensions of a power component 50
(75 mm+38 mm+20 mm). The power component 50 may have any other
suitable dimensions. Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B, a comparison
of a wand-like vape pen 100 to a vaporizing device 20 of the
present disclosure is shown, e.g., illustrating that embodiments of
the present disclosure may have relatively more compact
dimensions.
[0033] The following provides some exemplary features of power
components 50 and vaporizing devices 10 or 20 according to the
present disclosure. Power components 50 and vaporizing devices 10
or 20 according to the present disclosure may include at least one,
some, or all of the features listed below. It is understood that
additional embodiments and combinations of features are encompassed
by the disclosure herein.
Exemplary Features
[0034] 2,200 mAh Li-ion cell
[0035] Compact size, fits in the palm of your hand and is easily
pocketable--no more wands
[0036] Micro-USB charging port--port is on the side so the unit can
be recharged in the upright position
[0037] 510 threads, accepts PFT and most CE-4 and CE-5 tanks
[0038] 3.7 V output--could be increased to 4.2 V (with booster
circuit) providing 13.6 W when used with a prefilled tank (PFT) (13
TPM)
[0039] Capable of powering atomizers down to 1.0.OMEGA.
[0040] Stable standing on your desktop
[0041] Replaceable cover--different colors are available (see,
e.g., FIG. 11).
[0042] The foregoing description is provided to enable any person
skilled in the relevant art to practice the various embodiments
described herein. Various modifications to these embodiments will
be readily apparent to those skilled in the relevant art, and
generic principles defined herein can be applied to other
embodiments. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the
embodiments shown and described herein, but are to be accorded the
full scope consistent with the language of the claims. All
structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the
various embodiments described throughout this disclosure that are
known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the
relevant art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and
intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing
disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public
regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the
claims.
* * * * *