System For Vaporizing Plant Material

Zuleta; Alexander ;   et al.

Patent Application Summary

U.S. patent application number 15/438862 was filed with the patent office on 2018-08-23 for system for vaporizing plant material. The applicant listed for this patent is Juan Manuel Gomez, Alexander Zuleta. Invention is credited to Juan Manuel Gomez, Alexander Zuleta.

Application Number20180235276 15/438862
Document ID /
Family ID63166688
Filed Date2018-08-23

United States Patent Application 20180235276
Kind Code A1
Zuleta; Alexander ;   et al. August 23, 2018

SYSTEM FOR VAPORIZING PLANT MATERIAL

Abstract

In one embodiment, a system for vaporizing plant material is disclosed. The system includes: a vaporization container for housing plant material therein; a flame diffusing element for converting thermal energy from an external source to a useable form of thermal energy sufficient to release vapor of plant material; a flame diffusing element holder coupled proximate to a first end of the flame diffusing element and coupled proximate to the first end of the vaporization container; a housing for housing and coupling with the vaporization container; and, an insulating element substantially surrounding the vaporization container within the housing, wherein the insulating element is for decreasing thermal energy acting on the housing when the system is in a fully assembled configuration.


Inventors: Zuleta; Alexander; (Miami, FL) ; Gomez; Juan Manuel; (Miami, FL)
Applicant:
Name City State Country Type

Zuleta; Alexander
Gomez; Juan Manuel

Miami
Miami

FL
FL

US
US
Family ID: 63166688
Appl. No.: 15/438862
Filed: February 22, 2017

Current U.S. Class: 1/1
Current CPC Class: A24F 47/004 20130101; A24F 47/006 20130101; A24F 7/04 20130101; A24F 1/32 20130101
International Class: A24F 47/00 20060101 A24F047/00; A24F 7/04 20060101 A24F007/04; A24F 1/32 20060101 A24F001/32

Claims



1. A system for vaporizing plant material comprising: a vaporization container for housing plant material therein; a flame diffusing element for converting thermal energy from an external source to a useable form of thermal energy sufficient to release vapor of plant material; a flame diffusing element holder coupled proximate to a first end of the flame diffusing element and coupled proximate to the first end of the tubular vaporization container; a housing for receiving and coupling with the vaporization container; and, an insulating element substantially surrounding the vaporization container within the housing, wherein the insulating element is for decreasing thermal energy acting on the housing when the system is in a fully assembled configuration.

2. The system for vaporizing plant material of claim 1, wherein said system further includes a filtering element for preventing debris from leaving the system.

3. The system for vaporizing plant material of claim 1, wherein said filtering element comprises a disc shaped screen.

4. The system for vaporizing plant material of claim 1, wherein said insulating element comprises a tubular shaped body having insulating properties.

5. The system for vaporizing plant material of claim 4, wherein said tubular shaped body comprises ceramic.

6. The system for vaporizing plant material of claim 4, wherein said tubular shaped body comprises polymeric materials.

7. The system for vaporizing plant material of claim 1, wherein said insulating element comprises an air gap between said housing and said vaporization container when the system is in fully assembled configuration.

8. The system for vaporizing plant material of claim 1, wherein the flame diffusing element comprises: a body having a first end and an opposing second end; a central port having a termination end within the body; a plurality of radial ports extending radially outward from a longitudinal axis of the central port and in fluid communication with the central port and environment external to the vaporizing element.

9. A system for vaporizing plant material comprising: a vaporization container for housing plant material therein; a flame diffusing element for converting thermal energy from an external source to a useable form of thermal energy sufficient to release vapor of plant material; a housing for receiving and coupling with the vaporization container; an insulating element for substantially surrounding the vaporization container within the housing container, wherein the insulating element is for decreasing thermal energy acting on the housing when the system is in a fully assembled configuration.

10. The system for vaporizing plant material of claim 9, wherein said insulating element comprises a tubular shaped body having insulating properties.

11. The system for vaporizing plant material of claim 10, wherein said tubular shaped body comprises ceramic.

12. The system for vaporizing plant material of claim 10, wherein said tubular shaped body comprises polymeric materials.

13. The system for vaporizing plant material of claim 9, wherein said insulating element comprises an air gap between said housing and said vaporization container when the system is in the fully assembled configuration.

14. The system for vaporizing plant material of claim 9, wherein the flame diffusing element comprises: a body having a first end and an opposing second end; a central port having a termination end within the body; and, a plurality of radial ports extending radially outward from a longitudinal axis of the central port and in fluid communication with the central port and environment external to the vaporizing element.

15. A system for vaporizing plant material comprising: a vaporization container for housing plant material therein; a flame diffusing element for converting thermal energy from an external source to a useable form of thermal energy sufficient to release vapor of plant material, the flame diffusing element having a body having a first end and an opposing second end, a central port having a termination end within the body, and a plurality of radial ports extending radially outward from a longitudinal axis of the central port and in fluid communication with the central port and the environment external to the vaporizing element; a flame diffusing element holder coupled proximate to a first end of the flame diffusing element and coupled proximate to the first end of the tubular vaporization container; a housing for receiving and coupling with the vaporization container; and, an insulating element for substantially surrounding the tubular vaporization container within the tubular housing container, wherein the insulating element is for decreasing thermal energy acting on the housing when the system is in a fully assembled configuration.

16. The system for vaporizing plant material of claim 15, wherein said filtering element comprises a disc shaped screen.

17. The system for vaporizing plant material of claim 15, wherein said insulating element comprises a tubular shaped body having insulating properties.

18. The system for vaporizing plant material of claim 17, wherein said tubular shaped body comprises ceramic.

19. The system for vaporizing plant material of claim 17, wherein said tubular shaped body comprises polymeric materials.

20. The system for vaporizing plant material of claim 15, wherein said insulating element comprises an air gap between said housing and said vaporization container when the system is in the fully assembled configuration.
Description



CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not Applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

[0003] Not Applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present invention relates to the field of plant material, and more specifically to the field of systems for vaporizing plant material.

BACKGROUND

[0005] People have been smoking tobacco, other herbs and plantlike materials for centuries. Throughout history people smoked by inhaling the smoke from tobacco, herbs and other materials produced by plants in cigarettes, pipes, and cigars. It is understood that the term "plant material" used throughout this application includes, but is not limited to, tobacco, herbs, medicinal herbs, and a plurality of other plant materials. For centuries, people would use a flame, produced by a lighter, match, or other flame producing device, to burn plant material resulting in smoke that would be breathed into a person's mouth and lungs.

[0006] However, inhaling smoke from burned plant material has negative health effects. Additionally, because of the large amount of medical literature demonstrating the negative health effects of smoking, smoking now also has a negative perception in certain segments of society. As a result, recently vaporization has been used to replace smoking while providing many of the same benefits of smoking.

[0007] Vaporizing is the act of vaporizing the active ingredients in plant material for inhalation. To vaporize plant material, thermal energy or heat is applied to plant material causing a vapor with the active ingredients in the plant material to be released from the plant material. During vaporization, the plant material is not burned or combusted and therefore no smoke or a minimum amount of smoke is released.

[0008] One major issue with vaporizers is that the vaporizers are battery-powered. Thus, one major problem is that when a vaporizer is needed, the battery is not sufficiently charged to vaporize the plant material. Another major problem experienced with vaporizers is that many people desire to have a wood element proximate to the vaporizer. However, the wood element may be damaged by the heat produced by certain vaporizers.

[0009] As a result, there exists a need for improvements over the prior art and more particularly for a more efficient and better vaporizer.

SUMMARY

[0010] A system for vaporizing plant material is disclosed. This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of disclosed concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description including the drawings provided. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor is this Summary intended to be used to limit the claimed subject matter's scope.

[0011] In one embodiment, a system for vaporizing plant material is disclosed. The system includes: a vaporization container for housing plant material therein; a flame diffusing element for converting thermal energy from an external source to a useable form of thermal energy sufficient to release vapor of plant material; a flame diffusing element holder coupled proximate to a first end of the flame diffusing element and coupled proximate to the first end of the vaporization container; a holding container for housing and coupling with the vaporization container; and, an insulating element substantially surrounding the vaporization container within the housing, wherein the insulating element is for decreasing thermal energy acting on the housing when the system is in a fully assembled configuration.

[0012] Additional aspects of the disclosed embodiment will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosed embodiments. The aspects of the disclosed embodiments will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosed embodiments, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments. The embodiments illustrated herein are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown, wherein:

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fully assembled system for vaporizing plant material, according to an example embodiment;

[0015] FIG. 1A is an exploded perspective view of the components of the system for vaporizing plant material, according to an example embodiment;

[0016] FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional side view of a fully assembled system for vaporizing plant material, wherein an insulating element is a tubular shaped body, according to an example embodiment;

[0017] FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional side view of a fully assembled system for vaporizing plant material, wherein the insulating element is an air gap, according to an example embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a flame diffusing element holder of the system for vaporizing plant material, according to an example embodiment;

[0019] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional side view of the flame diffusing element holder of the system for vaporizing plant material, according to an example embodiment;

[0020] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a flame diffusing element of the system for vaporizing plant material, according to an example embodiment;

[0021] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional side view of the flame diffusing element of the system for vaporizing plant material, according to an example embodiment;

[0022] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a filtering element of the system for vaporizing plant material, according to an example embodiment;

[0023] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a vaporization container of the system for vaporizing plant material, according to an example embodiment;

[0024] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional side view of the vaporization container of the system for vaporizing plant material, according to an example embodiment;

[0025] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an insulating element of the system for vaporizing plant material, according to an example embodiment;

[0026] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional side view of the vaporization container of the system for vaporizing plant material, according to an example embodiment;

[0027] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a coupling element of the system for vaporizing plant material, according to an example embodiment;

[0028] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a housing of the system for vaporizing plant material, according to an example embodiment; and,

[0029] FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional side view of a housing of the system for vaporizing plant material, according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. While disclosed embodiments may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting reordering, or adding additional stages or components to the disclosed methods and devices. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the disclosed embodiments. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosed embodiments is defined by the appended claims.

[0031] The disclosed embodiments improve upon the problems with the prior art by providing a system or vaporizer for vaporizing plant material. The system improves over the prior art by providing an insulating element that prevents a wood or wood like housing from being damaged from the heat released from a vaporizer when the vaporizer is in a fully assembled configuration. In one embodiment, the insulating element may comprise an air gap between a vaporization container and the internal surface of the system's housing. In another embodiment, the insulating element may comprise a tubular shaped body positioned between the vaporization container and the housing. In the insulating element comprises insulating properties that prevents or decreases heat from being transferred to the wood housing. The system also improves over the prior art by providing a flame diffusing element for converting thermal energy from an external source to a useable form of thermal energy sufficient to release vapor of plant material. The flame diffusing element includes a body having a first end and an opposing second end, a central port having a terminating end within the body, and a plurality of radial ports extending perpendicularly radially outward from a longitudinal axis of the central port and in fluid communication with the central port and environment external to the vaporizing element.

[0032] Referring now to the Figures, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fully assembled system for vaporizing plant material, according to an example embodiment. In FIG. 1 the system 100 is a fully assembled configuration. In the fully assembled configuration, a user can vaporize plant material 125 contained within the vaporization container (not shown, however illustrated as 125 in FIG. 1A and further explained below) by inhaling and applying a sucking force at the second end 103 of the tubular shaped housing 105 while applying a flame to the first end of the flame diffusing element holder 110 (as will be further described below). As mentioned above, one of the key features of the present invention is that the insulating element decreases thermal energy acting on the housing thereby preventing damaging to the housing.

[0033] FIG. 1A is an exploded perspective view of the components of the system for vaporizing plant material, according to an example embodiment. As mentioned above, the system or vaporizer for vaporizing plant material has a first end 101 opposing a second end 103. At the first end of the system or vaporizer is a flame diffusing element holder 110 that is configured for holding or receiving the first end 310 of the flame diffusing element 115 (further explained in FIG. 3). FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional side view of the system for vaporizing plant material in a fully assembled configuration, according to an example embodiment. Each of the components of the system will be discussed below.

[0034] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a flame diffusing element holder of the system for vaporizing plant material, according to an example embodiment, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional side view of the flame diffusing element holder of the system for vaporizing plant material, according to an example embodiment. In one embodiment, the flame diffusing element holder may comprise stainless steel. However, in other embodiments, other materials such as wood, metals, alloys, composites, ceramics, polymeric materials or any combination thereof may also be used and are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The flame diffusing element holder may be formed from a single piece or from several individual pieces joined or coupled together. The components of the flame diffusing element holder may be manufactured from a variety of different processes including an extrusion process, using a CNC lathe, a mold, welding, shearing, punching welding, folding etc. However, other manufacturing processes are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The flame diffusing element holder is a somewhat conical tubular shape body 213 having a first end 205 opposing a second end 210. However, it is understood that other shapes other than conical may also be used and are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. At the first end of the conical shaped body is a first opening 215 and at the opposing end is a second opening 230. Towards the first end of the conical shaped body is a first threaded section 242 that is adapted to receive the threads 315 of the threaded section 316 of the flame diffusing element 115. Towards the second end of the conical shape body is a second threaded section 240 having a plurality of threads 241. As will be further explained below, second threaded section 240 of the flame diffusing element holder is configured for coupling to the first threaded section 542 of the vaporization container 125. It is also understood that other means of attaching the flame diffusing element may also be used and are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a flame diffusing element of the system for vaporizing plant material, according to an example embodiment, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional side view of the flame diffusing element or heat exchanger of the system for vaporizing plant material, according to an example embodiment. In a preferred embodiment, the flame diffusing element may comprise stainless steel. However, in other embodiments, other materials such as wood, metals, alloys, composites, ceramics, polymeric materials or any combination thereof may also be used and are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The flame diffusing element may be formed from a single piece or from several individual pieces joined or coupled together. The components of the flame diffusing element may be manufactured from a variety of different processes including an extrusion process, a mold, welding, shearing, punching welding, folding etc. However, other manufacturing processes may also be used and are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The flame diffusing element is for diffusing a flame from an external source to a low enough temperature and to prevent combusting or burning to allow for vaporization of plant material when placing the system. As mentioned above, the flame diffusing element 115 is configured for being received by the first threaded section 242 of the flame diffusing element holder. The flame diffusing element comprises a body 313 having a first end 310 and an opposing second end 305. A threaded section 316 is toward the first end of flame diffusing element. The threads 315 of the threaded section 316 is for attaching or mating to the first threaded section towards the first end of the flame diffusing element holder. A central port 320 is configured to have an opening 324 at the first end of the claimed diffusing element and an opposing terminating end 322 that ends before the second end of the flame diffusing element. A plurality of radial ports 330 extend perpendicularly radially outward from the longitudinal axis of the central port and are in fluid communication with the central port. However, it is understood that the radial ports may extend radially outward at other angles relative to the longitudinal access of the central port. The radial ports are proximate to the terminating end of the central port. In the fully assembled configuration, when the flame diffusing element is attached or coupled to the flame diffusing holder and the flame diffusing holder is coupled to the vaporization container, at least a portion of each of the radial ports extends into the vaporization container (as illustrated in FIG. 1B). As a result, when a user provides a suction force to the second end of the system or vaporizer, air can be moved from the ambient environment proximate to the first end of the system and into the vaporization container through the central port via the radial ports. Also, because of the terminating end of the central port and the configuration of the radial ports relative to the central port, a flame does not have a linear path into the vaporization container and as a result the flame is diffused and temperature is adequate and appropriate to vaporize--but not burn or combust--plant material provided inside the chamber 550 of the vaporization container.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the filtering element 120 of the system for vaporizing plant material, according to an example embodiment. In one embodiment, the filtering element may comprise stainless steel. However, in other embodiments, other materials such as wood, metals, alloys, composites, ceramics, polymeric materials or any combination thereof may also be used and are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The filtering element may be formed from a single piece or from several individual pieces joined or coupled together. The components of the filtering element may be manufactured from a variety of different processes including an extrusion process, a mold, welding, shearing, punching welding, folding etc. However, other manufacturing processes are also within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The filtering element is configured for preventing debris from leaving the system when a user applies a suction force to the tubular housing. In the present embodiment, the filtering element comprises a disc like screen. Such screens are well known to those skilled in the art. In one embodiment, the screen comprises a plurality of fibers 415 arranged in a bilateral, trilateral, a quadrilateral configuration that is configured for allowing air to pass through the screen. The screen may comprise a variety of materials including wood, metal, aluminum, metallic materials, polymeric materials, etc. Additionally, other materials and shapes and other types of filters may also be used and are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. In one nonlimiting embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1B, the screen is configured to be positioned within inside the body of the vaporization container. In the present embodiment, the screen is proximate to a second end of the vaporization container and prevents debris from moving to the second end 810 of the housing 803.

[0037] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a vaporization container 125 of the system for vaporizing plant material, according to an example embodiment, and, FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional side view of a vaporization container of the system for vaporizing plant material, according to an example embodiment. In one embodiment, the vaporization container may comprise stainless steel. However, in other embodiments, other materials such as wood, metals, alloys, composites, ceramics, polymeric materials or any combination thereof may also be used and are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The vaporization container may be formed from a single piece or from several individual pieces joined or coupled together. The components of the vaporization container may be manufactured from a variety of different processes including an extrusion process, a mold, welding, shearing, punching welding, folding etc. However, other manufacturing processes are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. In the present embodiment, vaporization container to a substantially tubular shaped body 513 having a first end 515 and an opposing second end 520. The tubular shaped body has a first threaded section 542 proximate to the first end of the tubular shaped container having a plurality of threads 530. The tubular shaped body also has a second threaded section 541 having a plurality of threads 540 that is proximate to the second end 520 of the body of the vaporization container. The cross-sectional diameter of the second threaded section is less than the cross-sectional diameter of the first threaded section. The first threaded section 542 is configured for mating with the threads of the flame diffusing element holder 110 such that the flame diffusing element holder is coupled to the first end of the vaporization container. When fully assembled, the threads proximate to the first end of the flame diffusing element couple with the threads proximate to the threads of the first end of the flame diffusing element holder and the threads proximate to the second end of the flame diffusing element holder couple with the threads proximate to the first end of the vaporization container. Because of the tubular shaped design, the vaporization container allows air to pass through the body of the vaporization container. The vaporization container is also configured for allowing plant material to be received within the vaporization container. The plant material may medicinal herbs, tobacco, etc. The second threaded section on the external surface of the second end of the vaporization container are configured to couple and mate with a coupling element 130 that is for coupling the second end of the vaporization container to inside the housing 105.

[0038] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an insulating element of the system for vaporizing plant material, according to an example embodiment, and, FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional side view of a vaporization container of the system for vaporizing plant material, according to an example embodiment. In one embodiment, the insulating element 135 may comprise a tubular shaped body 613 having a first and 615 and an opposing second end 620. The insulating element comprises material having insulating properties, such as or combinations of materials such as ceramics, polymeric materials such as Polystyrene, Polyisocyanurate, Polyurethane, cellulose, fiberglass etc. However, other materials having insulating properties may also be used and are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Additionally, in other embodiments, the insulating element may also include multiple layers to further prevent heat from transferring to the body of the housing. In other embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 1C, the insulating element includes an air gap 905 between the body of the housing 803 and the external surface of the vaporization container. The insulating elements described above decrease or prevent thermal energy or heat from being transferred to the housing from the vaporization container when the system is fully assembled. As a result, the insulating element prevents damage to the housing when the housing is configured of combustible materials such as wood.

[0039] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a coupling element 130 of the system for vaporizing plant material, according to an example embodiment. In one embodiment, the coupling element comprises a tubular shaped body 703 having a first end 705 and an opposing second end 710. In one embodiment, the coupling element may comprise stainless steel. However, in other embodiments, other materials such as wood, metals, alloys, composites, ceramics, polymeric materials or any combination thereof may also be used and are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The coupling element may be formed from a single piece or from several individual pieces joined or coupled together. The coupling element may be manufactured from a variety of different processes including an extrusion process, a mold, welding, shearing, punching welding, folding etc. However, other manufacturing processes are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The coupling element is for attaching the second end of the vaporization container to the inside of the housing. The external surface of the body is threaded defining a threaded section 749 having a plurality of threads 750. The external threaded section 749 is configured for mating and coupling with a threaded section 841 of the housing. The coupling element may be integral with or attached separately to the vaporization container. Along the inside surface of the coupling element is an inside threaded section 755 having a plurality of threads 760. In one embodiment, the coupling element may also comprise a lip 740 or flanged feature that protrudes radially outward from the body 703 of the coupling element. The lip is configured to rest against opposing shoulders 855, 856 within and defined by the walls of the body of the housing. In operation, the external threaded section 749 of the coupling element may be coupled with the threaded section 841 of the housing (further explained below) such that the lip 740 is proximate to or abuts the opposing shoulders 855, 856 of the housing. The second threaded section 541 of the vaporization container is coupled with the internal threaded section at 755 of the coupling element.

[0040] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a housing of the system for vaporizing plant material, according to an example embodiment, and, FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional side view of a housing of the system for vaporizing plant material, according to an example embodiment. In one embodiment, the housing may comprise wood. However, in other embodiments, other materials may also be used and are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The housing may be formed from a single piece or from several individual pieces joined or coupled together. The components of the hosing may be manufactured from a variety of different processes including an extrusion process, a mold, welding, shearing, punching welding, folding etc. However, other manufacturing processes are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The housing is a substantially tubular shaped body 803 having a first end the 805 and an opposing second end in 810. The inside walls of the housing define a first receiving cavity 825 and a second receiving cavity 820. The first receiving cavity is configured for receiving the vaporization container when the system is in the fully assembled configuration (as illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 1C). The second receiving cavity is configured for receiving the coupling element 130 and for receiving the second threaded section 541 of the vaporization container within the coupling element. In other embodiments, the coupling element may be permanently affixed to the second receiving cavity using glue, or other fastening means. In such embodiments, the second receiving cavity does not include a threaded section having threads (as illustrated in FIG. 8B).

[0041] FIGS. 1B and 1C illustrate the fully assembled system 100 according to two example embodiments. In both embodiments, the threaded section 316 of the flame diffusing element is coupled with the first threaded section 242 of the flame diffusing element holder. The second threaded section 240 of the flame diffusing element holder is coupled to the first threaded section 542 of the vaporizing element. In both embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the central port 320 and the radial ports 330 of the flame diffusing element are positioned such that the radial ports provide fluid communication from the external environment outside of the system and into the chamber 550 of the vaporization container. The flame diffusing element, as mentioned above, prevents the flame from entering the vaporization container where plant product is stored and as a result prevents the plant product from combusting or burning while allowing vaporizing the plant product.

[0042] In operation, when the system is fully assembled, a user will place plant material into the chamber of the vaporization container before fully assembling the system. Next, a user will fully assemble the system. To fully assemble the system, the user will couple the vaporization container to the housing. As mentioned above, in one embodiment, the attaching element may be either permanently attached or removably attached to the housing. Next, if a tubular shaped insulating element is used, a user will position the tubular shaped insulating element surrounding the vaporization container within the housing. Next, a user will couple the flame diffusing element within the flame diffusing element holder, and then couple the flame diffusing element holder to the first end of the vaporization container. To disassemble the system, a user will perform the above steps in reverse.

[0043] To operate the system, a user will use a lighter, or some other flame producing device, to provide a flame proximate to the first end of the flame diffusing element holder. Next, a user will use his or her mouth to apply a suction force to the second end of the housing to pull ambient air and the flame into the flame diffusing element. As the flame is sucked into the central port of the flame diffusing element, the configuration of the radial ports perpendicular to the central port causes no flame to enter the vaporization container while allowing the thermal energy, heat or hot air to enter the vaporization container. The heated or hot air vaporizes the plant material releasing vapor produced by the plant material (while not burning the plant material). The vapor released by the plant material will then be sucked through the channel 815 of the housing and into a user's mouth.

[0044] The insulating element 135, 905 substantially surrounds the vaporizing container when the system is fully assembled. In one embodiment, the insulating element may comprise a tubular shape body that substantially surrounds the vaporization container (see FIGS. 1A and 1B). In other embodiments, the vaporization container may also be a gap of air 905 that substantially surrounds the vaporization container when the system is in the fully assembled configuration (see FIG. 1C). The insulating element prevents or decreases the amount of heat that is received by the housing 105. The insulating element prevents damage caused by heat or thermal energy on the housing.

[0045] In the fully assembled state, the filtering element 120 is positioned proximate to the second end of the vaporization container. As mentioned above, the filtering element prevents debris or plant material from leaving the system or entering into a user's mouth. In the fully assembled state, second threaded section 541 of the vaporization container is received by the threads of the inside threaded section 755 of the coupling element. In the fully assembled configuration, the threads of the outside threaded section 749 is received by the threaded section 841 of the second receiving cavity of the housing such that the body of the vaporization container is received within the first receiving cavity of the housing.

[0046] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

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