U.S. patent application number 15/979591 was filed with the patent office on 2019-08-01 for inhalation device having security features.
The applicant listed for this patent is INDOSE INC. Invention is credited to Ari Freeman, Daniel Freeman, Jacqueline Freeman.
Application Number | 20190230984 15/979591 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63791190 |
Filed Date | 2019-08-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190230984 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Freeman; Daniel ; et
al. |
August 1, 2019 |
INHALATION DEVICE HAVING SECURITY FEATURES
Abstract
An inhalation device for inhaling a vaporized substance that
provides security and/or childproof capability that includes an
inlet, an outlet, a channel positioned between the inlet and
outlet, a security mechanism capable of configuring the inhalation
device in a locked mode and an unlocked mode, where the inhalation
device is configured to vaporize an unvaporized substance when the
security mechanism configures the inhalation device in the unlocked
mode, where the security mechanism is configured to prevent the
inhalation device from vaporizing an unvaporized substance when the
security mechanism configures the inhalation device in the locked
mode.
Inventors: |
Freeman; Daniel; (Agoura,
CA) ; Freeman; Ari; (Lafayette, CA) ; Freeman;
Jacqueline; (Lafayette, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
INDOSE INC |
Woodland Hills |
CA |
US |
|
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20180295886 A1 |
October 18, 2018 |
|
|
Family ID: |
63791190 |
Appl. No.: |
15/979591 |
Filed: |
May 15, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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15244518 |
Aug 23, 2016 |
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15979591 |
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62621795 |
Jan 25, 2018 |
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62388066 |
Jan 13, 2016 |
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62386615 |
Dec 7, 2015 |
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62386614 |
Dec 7, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F22B 1/284 20130101;
A61M 11/042 20140204; A61M 2016/0021 20130101; A24F 47/008
20130101; A61M 15/06 20130101; A61M 15/0065 20130101; A61M
2016/0039 20130101; A61M 2205/3653 20130101; A61M 15/0086 20130101;
A24F 40/49 20200101; A61M 2016/0027 20130101; A61M 15/0001
20140204 |
International
Class: |
A24F 47/00 20060101
A24F047/00 |
Claims
1. An inhalation device for inhaling a vaporized substance
comprising: an inlet; an outlet; a channel positioned between the
inlet and outlet; a security mechanism capable of configuring the
inhalation device in a locked mode and an unlocked mode; wherein
the inhalation device is configured to vaporize an unvaporized
substance when the security mechanism configures the inhalation
device in the unlocked mode; wherein the security mechanism is
configured to prevent the inhalation device from vaporizing an
unvaporized substance when the security mechanism configures the
inhalation device in the locked mode.
2. The inhalation device of claim 1 wherein the security mechanism
includes at least one button.
3. The inhalation device of claim 2 wherein a user presses the
button in a pre-determined sequence to configure the inhalation
device in the unlocked mode.
4. The inhalation device of claim 1 wherein the security mechanism
includes a plurality of buttons.
5. The inhalation device of claim 4 wherein a user presses one or
more of the plurality of buttons in a pre-determined sequence to
configure the inhalation device in the unlocked mode.
6. The inhalation device of claim 5 wherein the plurality of
buttons corresponds to one or more numbers.
7. The inhalation device of claim 5 wherein the plurality of
buttons corresponds to one or more letters.
8. The inhalation device of claim 5 wherein the plurality of
buttons corresponds to a combination of one or more letters and
numbers.
9. The inhalation device of claim 1 wherein the security mechanism
comprises software that allows a user a passcode.
10. The inhalation device of claim 9 wherein the passcode is based
on a parameter selected from the group consisting of: user
identification information, limit usage, limit drug dosage, and
auto lock settings.
11. The inhalation device of claim 1 wherein the security mechanism
comprises a touchscreen.
12. An inhalation device for inhaling a vaporized substance
comprising: an inlet; an outlet; a channel positioned between the
inlet and outlet; a security mechanism having a lock configured to
be in a locked position or an unlocked position; wherein the
inhalation device is configured to vaporize an unvaporized
substance when the lock is in a locked position; wherein the
security mechanism is configured to prevent the inhalation device
from vaporizing an unvaporized substance when the lock is in an
unlocked position.
13. The inhalation device of claim 12 wherein the security
mechanism includes a slide, wherein the lock is configured to move
from the locked position to the unlocked position by way of the
slide.
14. The inhalation device of claim 13 is configured in the shape of
one or more rectangles.
15. The inhalation device of claim 14 wherein the slide includes at
least one curved portion.
16. The inhalation device of claim 15 wherein the lock is
configured to have resistance making it difficult for a child to
move the lock from a locked position to an unlocked position.
17. The inhalation device of claim 12 wherein the lock is
configured to move from the locked position to the unlocked
position by a user inhaling or exhaling.
18. An inhalation device for inhaling a vaporized substance
comprising: an inlet; an outlet; a channel positioned between the
inlet and outlet; a security mechanism comprising a biometric
sensor capable of configuring the inhalation device in a locked
mode and an unlocked mode; wherein the inhalation device is
configured to vaporize an unvaporized substance when the security
mechanism configures the inhalation device in the unlocked mode;
wherein the security mechanism is configured to prevent the
inhalation device from vaporizing an unvaporized substance when the
security mechanism configures the inhalation device in the locked
mode.
19. The inhalation device of claim 18 wherein the biometric sensor
is configured to read a user's fingerprint to configure the
inhalation device in the unlocked mode.
20. The inhalation device of claim 20 wherein the biometric sensor
is configured to read a pre-determined pattern based on a user's
fingerprint to configure the inhalation device in the unlocked
mode.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims
priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/244,518, filed on
Aug. 23, 2016, which in turn claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Nos. 62/386,614 and 62/386,615, both of which
were filed on Dec. 7, 2015, and 62/388,066, which was filed on Jan.
13, 2016. This application also claim priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 62/621,795 filed on Jan. 25, 2018. All of
these applications are incorporated by reference herein in their
entireties.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Inhaling devices such as vaporizers, vaporizing pens, and
vaporizing machines are used to vaporize substances such as
tobaccos, oils, liquids, medical drugs, and plant herbs. Once
vaporized, these substances are then inhaled by consumers. Such
inhaling devices have health benefits over traditional smoking
methods. But inhaling the vapor can have negative effects on the
body depending on the substance, such as nicotine. Inhaling devices
have become more popular with consumers, but pose problems.
[0003] For example, while vaporizers can be safer than traditional
smoking methods, it is difficult to meter the amount of vaporized
substance that is being inhaled. These devices, however, can
present issues. For example, they pose a risk to children.
Vaporizers can be portable and battery operated and many of them
can be easily turned on and used. In fact, some do not have any
on/off button and are instantly turned on by inhaling from them.
Unintended users may inhale the vapor without intending or knowing.
Inhaling from a vaporizer can be extremely dangerous for a child if
the vapor contains harmful substances. Moreover, ingesting such a
vapor can go undetected by the child since some vaporizers do not
have the harsh taste and coughing effect of a cigarette.
[0004] Another issue is that vaporizes are typically meant for
personal use. Many times vaporizers contain product that is meant
to be used by a specific person and not to be shared or used by
others. Vaporizers do not include mechanisms to ensure that they
are used by authorized persons.
[0005] Another issue is that vaporizers can be accidentally turned
on, given the ease with which they can be used. And because parts
within a vaporizer can get extremely hot (approximately 400
degrees), accidentally turning on a vaporizer can have dangerous
consequences.
SUMMARY
[0006] Various aspects and embodiments of inhalation devices are
provided in this disclosure. In one embodiment, this disclosure
provides security and/or childproof capability that includes an
inlet, an outlet, a channel positioned between the inlet and
outlet, a security mechanism capable of configuring the inhalation
device in a locked mode and an unlocked mode, where the inhalation
device is configured to vaporize an unvaporized substance when the
security mechanism configures the inhalation device in the unlocked
mode, where the security mechanism is configured to prevent the
inhalation device from vaporizing an unvaporized substance when the
security mechanism configures the inhalation device in the locked
mode.
[0007] In another aspect, the disclosure provides an inhalation
device inhalation device for inhaling a vaporized substance
including an inlet; an outlet; a channel positioned between the
inlet and outlet; a security mechanism having a lock configured to
be in a locked position or an unlocked position; where the
inhalation device is configured to vaporize an unvaporized
substance when the lock is in a locked position; where the security
mechanism is configured to prevent the inhalation device from
vaporizing an unvaporized substance when the lock is in an unlocked
position.
[0008] In yet another embodiment, this disclosure provides, an
inhalation device for inhaling a vaporized substance comprising: an
inlet; an outlet; a channel positioned between the inlet and
outlet; a security mechanism comprising a biometric sensor capable
of configuring the inhalation device in a locked mode and an
unlocked mode; where the inhalation device is configured to
vaporize an unvaporized substance when the security mechanism
configures the inhalation device in the unlocked mode; where the
security mechanism is configured to prevent the inhalation device
from vaporizing an unvaporized substance when the security
mechanism configures the inhalation device in the locked mode.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an inhalation device.
[0010] FIG. 2 is another diagram of an inhalation device, according
to an embodiment of this disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 3 is another diagram of an inhalation device, according
to an embodiment of this disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 4 is another diagram of an inhalation device, according
to an embodiment of this disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] As described in various embodiments herein, this disclosure
provides an inhalation device with one or more security features
that prevent unauthorized use of the inhalation device. The
security features described in the embodiments herein prevent, for
example, children who may have access to the inhalation device,
from activating it. More broadly, the embodiments herein describe
various ways in which unauthorized use of the inhalation device can
be prevented. Generally, the inhalation device with one or more
security features can have a lock/unlock and/or an
activate/deactivate feature. The security device can be a
mechanical, electrical, and/or a software. When the inhalation
device is locked or deactivated, the device will not produce vapor
or smoke. In other words, the device will not function as an
inhalation device.
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates an inhalation device 100 for inhaling a
vaporized substance. The inhalation device 100 includes a first
opening 102 and a second opening 104. In between the two openings
is a channel 106. When a user inhales using the inhalation device
100, air flows into the first opening 102 and in the device 100,
vaporized substance is created by a heating element such as an
atomizer (not shown), and a mixture of air and vapor flows through
the channel 106 to the second opening 104 and ultimately to the
user. It should be understood that this description of the
inhalation device is provided for illustration only. Those with
ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the security features
described herein can be applied to other known inhalation devices
without departing from the scope of this disclosure.
[0015] Continuing with FIG. 1, the security device includes a
button 108 that is pressed in a pre-programmed or customized
pattern which would unlock the vaporizing ability. This can be
implemented for example, with a processor that compares the user's
inputted pattern with a pre-determined pattern that can be stored
on the inhalation device such as on the processor, or stored
remotely, or any other suitable place where the pattern can be
stored. This pattern, for example, could be a Morse code sequence
that could act as a passcode to enable the device. The code could
comprise presses of various lengths and pauses of various lengths.
Use of a button in this manner would allow for complex codes with a
single button.
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates another inhalation device 200 according
to another embodiment of this disclosure. Inhalation device 200
includes a security mechanism that comprises a plurality of buttons
202, 204, 206, 208, and 210. The buttons 202-210 are shown with
identifiers 1-5 and A-E. The buttons 202-210 allow for a user to
input a passcode as a combination of letter and/or numbers in order
to unlock the inhalation device. It should be understood that the
buttons could include only numbers, only letters, and mix of both,
or have no identifiers. Users can use the buttons 202-210 to enter
a passcode made up of a sequence of button presses.
[0017] While embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 involve pressing
one or more buttons, other security mechanisms could be used
without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example,
FIG. 3 illustrates an inhalation device 300 having a mechanical
locking device 302 having a slide 304. The inhalation device 300
can be activated when the user slides the slide 804 as indicated by
the arrows. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the locking device 302 is
at a first end 306 of the slide 304 at a position that locks the
inhalation device. When a user moves the locking device 302 along
arrows as indicated to the second end 308 of the slide 304, the
locking device 302 is at a position that unlocks the locking
device. While the slide 304 is illustrating as having three
rectangular portions is should be understood that other shapes for
the slides, such as fewer than three rectangles, curved portions,
S-shapes, can be used without departing from the scope of this
disclosure. In addition, the slide can be implemented to include
resistance making it difficult for a child's dexterity to enable.
Alternatively, an inhalation device with a mechanical locking
device could be activated with the user's hand, teeth, tongue,
blowing, sucking and/or by shaking. For example, a passcode can be
entered by inhaling or exhaling on the vaporizer. The inhales and
or exhales would act in place of button presses and allow the user
to enter a Morse code style passcode. This can be implemented using
a sensor, such as a pressure sensor, and air flow sensor to allow
the consumer to communicate with the device using a passcode. Other
suitable sensors that could be implemented to communicate a
passcode to the device could be touch or heat sensors.
[0018] Other options include a software key, passcode or biometric
reading to enable the device. As to software, embodiments of a
security device could include software that allows users to create
multiple passcodes which would have multiple restrictions or
parameters such as: user identification information, limit usage,
limit drug dosage, and auto lock settings. FIG. 4 illustrates an
inhalation device 400, with a security device 402. The security
device 402 can be a biometric sensor wherein the biometric sensor
can be programmed to recognize specific users, such as for example
a finger print. The biometric sensor alternatively could include
detecting a particular swipe pattern with the user's finger on the
device. In another embodiment of the security device, the security
device 402 could include a touch screen where the user would be
able to enter into the touchscreen a passcode to unlock or activate
the vaporizer. Alternatively, a finger print reader could be
implemented.
[0019] While embodiments have been illustrated and described
herein, it is appreciated that various substitutions and changes in
the described embodiments may be made by those skilled in the art
without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. The
embodiments described herein are for illustration and not intended
to limit the scope of this disclosure.
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