U.S. patent application number 16/697676 was filed with the patent office on 2020-06-04 for accessory e-cigarette and filter sleeve assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to Philter Labs Incorporated. The applicant listed for this patent is Philter Labs Incorporated. Invention is credited to John Grimm, Yuval Shenkal.
Application Number | 20200170295 16/697676 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 70848916 |
Filed Date | 2020-06-04 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200170295 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Grimm; John ; et
al. |
June 4, 2020 |
Accessory E-Cigarette And Filter Sleeve Assembly
Abstract
An accessory e-cigarette filter assembly that is essentially a
protective sleeve for both a vaporizer and an exhale filter is
disclosed. The device also allows for removably pairing an exhale
filter to a vaporizer. In the preferred embodiment, the sleeve
provides for the filter and e-cigarette to be juxtaposed however a
mouthpiece for the filter and a mouthpiece for the e-cigarette are
at opposite ends.
Inventors: |
Grimm; John; (Santee,
CA) ; Shenkal; Yuval; (Cardiff by the Sea,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Philter Labs Incorporated |
San Diego |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Philter Labs Incorporated
San Diego
CA
|
Family ID: |
70848916 |
Appl. No.: |
16/697676 |
Filed: |
November 27, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62774276 |
Dec 2, 2018 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24F 40/40 20200101;
A24F 13/00 20130101; A24F 15/18 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A24F 40/40 20060101
A24F040/40; A24F 13/00 20060101 A24F013/00 |
Claims
1. An accessory sleeve for a vaporizer comprising: a first
lengthwise channel in parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sleeve
for receiving the vaporizer; and a second lengthwise channel
parallel to the first lengthwise channel for receiving a filter
device, wherein the first and second channels are configured to
friction fit said vaporizer and said filter device.
2. The accessory sleeve for a vaporizer of claim 1, further
comprising: a top end wall; and a bottom end wall opposite the top
end wall, the first lengthwise channel further comprising a race
track configuration through the top end wall and the bottom end
wall, the race track configuration comprising a rectangle with
rounded ends.
3. The accessory sleeve for a vaporizer of claim 2, the race track
configuration comprising a rounded carve out in each of two
opposing sides for contacting a curved surface on the
vaporizer.
4. The accessory sleeve for a vaporizer of claim 1 further
comprising an interior wall separating the first and second
lengthwise channels.
5. The accessory sleeve for a vaporizer of claim 1, the first and
second lengthwise channels each comprising a cut out exposing an
interior of the sleeve, the cut out for assisting a user in
receiving and removing the vaporizer and the filter to and from the
sleeve.
6. The accessory sleeve for a vaporizer of claim 1 further
comprising soft silicon rubber for providing impact protection to
the vaporizer and the filter and for facilitating said friction
fit.
7. The accessory sleeve for a vaporizer of claim 1, wherein the
filter device comprises a mouthpiece, and further wherein the
filter device mouthpiece rests upon a top end wall of the accessory
sleeve also within the first lengthwise channel.
8. The accessory sleeve for a vaporizer of claim 2 wherein the top
end wall and bottom end wall each comprise apertures appropriately
sized and shaped to allow for the filter and vaporizer to be
secured with mouthpieces at opposite ends of the accessory
sleeve.
9. An accessory sleeve for an exhale filter comprising a first
lengthwise channel concentric to a longitudinal axis of the sleeve
for receiving the exhale filter wherein the exhale filter includes
a mouthpiece wherein the mouthpiece rests upon a top surface of the
first lengthwise channel.
10. The accessory sleeve for an exhale filter of claim 9 further
comprising an eyelet coupled to the sleeve at an end thereof, for
connecting to a lanyard, or a key chain, or a clip as preferred by
a user.
11. An accessory sleeve for a vaporizer comprising: a first
lengthwise channel in parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sleeve
for receiving the vaporizer; and a second lengthwise channel
parallel to the first lengthwise channel for receiving a filter
device, the first and second lengthwise channels each comprising a
cut out exposing an interior of the sleeve, the cut out for
assisting a user in receiving and removing the vaporizer and the
filter to and from the sleeve.
12. The accessory sleeve for a vaporizer of claim 11, further
comprising: a top end wall; and a bottom end wall opposite the top
end wall, the first lengthwise channel further comprising a race
track configuration through the top end wall and the bottom end
wall, the race track configuration comprising a rectangle with
rounded ends.
13. The accessory sleeve for a vaporizer of claim 12, the race
track configuration comprising a rounded carve out in each of two
opposing sides for contacting a curved surface on the
vaporizer.
14. The accessory sleeve for a vaporizer of claim 11 further
comprising an interior wall separating the first and second
lengthwise channels.
15. The accessory sleeve for a vaporizer of claim 11 further
comprising soft silicon rubber for providing impact protection to
the vaporizer and the filter and for providing a friction fit
between the first and second channels and the vaporizer and the
filter device, respectively.
16. The accessory sleeve for a vaporizer of claim 11, wherein the
filter device comprises a mouthpiece, and further wherein the
filter device mouthpiece rests upon a top end wall of the accessory
sleeve also within the first lengthwise channel.
17. The accessory sleeve for a vaporizer of claim 12 wherein the
top end wall and bottom end wall each comprise apertures
appropriately sized and shaped to allow for the filter and
vaporizer to be secured with mouthpieces at opposite ends of the
accessory sleeve.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This patent application claims benefit of the priority date
of U.S. Prov. Pat. App. Ser. No. 62/774,276 filed on Dec. 2, 2018
entitled "Accessory E-Cigarette Filter Assembly." Accordingly, the
entire contents this U.S. provisional patent submission is hereby
expressly incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention pertains generally to accessories for
electronic smoking devices. More specifically, the present
invention relates to a sleeve for receiving an exhale filter
further accommodating and coupling to a vaporizer or e-cigarette,
the filter for cleansing and scrubbing exhaled vapor.
Description of the Prior Art
[0003] Ever increasing in popularity, "electronic
cigarettes/e-cigarettes" and vaporizers typically use an electrical
heating element to heat a liquid usually containing a mixture of
nicotine and flavorings/extract that produces a mist similar to
smoke but without the excessive heat that causes combustion. A
useful exemplary apparatus was proposed by Counts et al., U.S. Pat.
No. 5,666,978, entitled "Electrical Smoking System for Delivering
Flavors and Methods of Making Same," and was awarded patent
protection in 1997. This particular prior art device has a
receptacle for receiving tobacco or "tobacco flavored material" and
electrical heating elements configured to the device for heating
the material in order to emit vapors or aerosol for delivery to a
smoker.
[0004] Over the intervening years, e-cigarettes have evolved to pen
types, stick or wafer types, or larger units fitting into a user's
hand with a mouthpiece coupled thereto.
[0005] Further, as e-cigarette use has expanded and gained
momentum, either as an alternative to typical cigarettes or smoked
flower material, so have accessory items to accompany them. One
such accessory currently on the market has been branded the Smoke
Buddy.RTM.. This device is specifically an external filter for
receiving exhaled mist; however, it's bulky, awkward and irregular
in shape. Other e-cigarette accessories on the market include
holders, containers, cases, and outer protectors such as typical
for smart phones. Accordingly, the present invention herein is
somewhat of a combination of these accessories further providing a
novel and useful mating of a commercial vaporizer or e-cigarette
with an original and unique filter.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates
the above mentioned deficiencies, more specifically, the present
invention, in a first aspect is an accessory sleeve for a vaporizer
comprising: a first lengthwise channel in parallel to a
longitudinal axis of the sleeve for receiving the vaporizer; and a
second lengthwise channel parallel to the first lengthwise channel
for receiving a filter device, wherein the first and second
channels are configured to friction fit said vaporizer and said
filter device.
[0007] The invention in this aspect is additionally characterized
in that it comprises a top end wall and a bottom end wall opposite
the top end wall. Also, the first lengthwise channel further
comprises a race track configuration through the top end wall and
the bottom end wall, the race track configuration being a rectangle
with rounded ends.
[0008] Additionally further, the race track configuration is
defined as having a rounded carve out in each of two opposing sides
to accommodate a curved surface on the vaporizer. Also further an
interior wall separates the first and second lengthwise
channels.
[0009] Still further in this aspect the invention may be
characterized wherein both of the first and second lengthwise
channels each comprise a cut out exposing an interior of the
sleeve, the cut out for assisting a user in receiving and removing
the vaporizer and the filter to and from the sleeve. Also in the
preferred embodiment, the sleeve is made from soft silicon rubber
for providing impact protection to the vaporizer and the filter and
facilitating the friction fit.
[0010] Yet further notably the filter device comprises a
mouthpiece, and further wherein the filter device mouthpiece rests
upon a top end wall of the accessory sleeve also within the first
lengthwise channel. In other words, the top end wall is an abutment
to the filter device mouthpiece. Also in this aspect, the invention
may be characterized in that the top end wall and bottom end wall
each comprise apertures appropriately sized and shaped to allow for
the filter and vaporizer to be secured with mouthpieces at opposite
ends of the accessory sleeve.
[0011] In another aspect the invention may be characterized as an
accessory sleeve for an exhale filter comprising a first lengthwise
channel concentric to a longitudinal axis of the sleeve for
receiving the exhale filter wherein the exhale filter includes a
mouthpiece wherein the mouthpiece rests upon a top surface of the
first lengthwise channel. Uniquely included to this particular
embodiment, an eyelet is coupled to the sleeve at an end thereof,
for connecting to a lanyard, or a key chain, or a clip as preferred
by a user.
[0012] While the apparatus and method has or will be described for
the sake of grammatical fluidity with functional explanations, it
is to be expressly understood that the claims, unless expressly
formulated under 35 USC .sctn. 112, or similar applicable law, are
not to be construed as necessarily limited in any way by the
construction of "means" or "steps" limitations, but are to be
accorded the full scope of the meaning and equivalents of the
definition provided by the claims under the judicial doctrine of
equivalents, and in the case where the claims are expressly
formulated under 35 USC .sctn. 112 are to be accorded full
statutory equivalents under 35 USC .sctn. 112, or similar
applicable law. The invention can be better visualized by turning
now to the following drawings wherein like elements are referenced
by like numerals.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The novel features of this invention, as well as the
invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will
be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar
reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:
[0014] FIG. 1A is a first exploded view of an accessory sleeve
mating a filter device to an e-cigarette of the present
invention;
[0015] FIG. 1B is a second exploded view of the sleeve prepared to
receive a pen-type vaporizer;
[0016] FIG. 1C is an isometric view of the sleeve of the present
invention having received a pen-type e-cigarette, the view from an
opposite underneath vantage point;
[0017] FIG. 1D is an additional exploded view of the sleeve
prepared to receive a stick-type vaporizer;
[0018] FIG. 1E is an isometric view of the sleeve of the present
invention having received a stick-type e-cigarette;
[0019] FIG. 1F is a top plan view of the sleeve particularly
showing openings for 1.sup.st and 2.sup.nd lengthwise channels;
[0020] FIG. 1G is a top plan view alternative embodiment to the
1.sup.st lengthwise channel;
[0021] FIG. 2A is an isometric view of an improved version of the
sleeve with a more specific geometry in the top plan view;
[0022] FIG. 2B is an enlarged view thereof taken about line 2B-2B
in FIG. 2A;
[0023] FIG. 2C is an isometric view of the 2.sup.nd generation
sleeve having received a stick-type e-cigarette or vaporizer;
[0024] FIG. 2D is an isometric view of the 2.sup.nd generation
sleeve of the present invention having received a pen-type
e-cigarette;
[0025] FIG. 2E is an isometric view thereof from a rear vantage
point;
[0026] FIG. 2F is a bottom plan view particularly showing the
1.sup.st lengthwise channel having a pair of rounded carve outs for
accommodating a pen-type device;
[0027] FIG. 2G is a top plan view thereof;
[0028] FIG. 3A is an isometric view of an additional sleeve
embodiment containing magnets;
[0029] FIG. 3B is a first exploded view thereof from a frontal
vantage point;
[0030] FIG. 3C is a second exploded view thereof from a rear
vantage point;
[0031] FIG. 3D is yet a third exploded view of the sleeve
embodiment containing magnets;
[0032] FIG. 4A is an exploded view of an eyelet sleeve embodiment
to receive a only the personal exhale filter;
[0033] FIG. 4B is an isometric view of the additional eyelet sleeve
embodiment; and
[0034] FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the eyelet sleeve
embodiment coupled to a lanyard intended use.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0035] Referring initially to FIG. 1A, an exploded view of a filter
device 98 to be mated to an e-cigarette 96, 97 via a first
preferred accessory sleeve 10 is shown. The accessory sleeve 10 is
designed to integrate a Philter.TM. Solo/Pocket device 98 with
existing off the shelf commercial vaporizer pens 96 (FIG. 1B, FIG.
1C), sticks 96 (FIG. 1D, FIG. 1C), and dry herb vaporizers.
[0036] Also referring to FIG. 1A through FIG. 1E, the adapter
sleeve 10 will receive the personal exhale filtering device 98 on
one side and the commercial vaporizer pen 97 or stick 96 on the
other side in opposing directions. That is, a mouthpiece for the
vaporizer will protrude from one end 14 while a mouthpiece 94 for
the filter 98 will protrude from the opposite end 13. The user will
operate the vaporizing device as normal, and then flip the device
about its axis 99 and exhale into the filter device 98. This
adapter sleeve 10 is preferably made from a compliant material such
as silicone or other flexible polymer that can accommodate various
sizes and geometries of commercial vaporizers. Specifically, the
material will be slightly pliable to allow for a friction fit for
either a pen or a stick having sizes that may vary slightly.
Furthermore, the sleeve 10 material will provide impact resistance
to the pen, stick and filter affording protection thereto. With
regard to FIG. 1C, a cylindrical pen 97 easily fits within a
rectilinear channel 11 due to the pliable silicone material having
elastic properties.
[0037] An important aspect of the invention is the end view aspect
FIG. 1F, FIG. 1G, FIG. 2F and FIG. 2G, of the sleeve that receives
either the pen or the stick. Initially, the end view of the sleeve
comprises a racetrack configuration for the first lengthwise
channel 11, 21 that is essentially a rectangle with rounded corners
19; or the racetrack configuration could be a rectangle with
rounded ends 18. An improvement to the rectangular end view with
rounded ends is illustrated in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B. Herein, the
racetrack configuration has a pair curved carve outs 29 in the two
opposing sides to accommodate a curved surface of cylindrically
shaped vaporizer pen 97. Importantly, regarding the present
invention, the same sleeve 10, 20 can hold a cylindrical pen or
rectilinear stick providing versatility. In addition it should be
noted, for example in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1C, that the size of the
apertures in the top end wall 13 corresponding to first channel 11
and second channel 12, together with apertures in bottom end wall
14 (FIG. 1C) allow for the filter and vaporizer to be secured with
the vaporizer mouthpiece and the filter mouthpiece 94 at opposite
ends of the accessory sleeve. More specifically, large aperture for
the second lengthwise channel 12, 22 in top end wall 13, 23 is
larger to accommodate the body of the filter 98 and smaller
aperture for the second lengthwise 12, 22 channel in the bottom end
wall 14, 24 acts as a stop for the filter only exposing the exhale
vent clearly illustrated in FIG. 1C. And, the stick 96 or the pen
97 may be inserted in either lengthwise direction.
[0038] Also notably, first 11 and second 12 channels have end walls
13, 14, 23, 24 formed by the top surface 13, 23 and the bottom
surface 14, 24. Further with regard to FIG. 2F and FIG. 2G,
apertures in the end walls 13, 14, 23, 24 provide a beginning and
an end of the first and second channels 11, 12, 21, 22. The
apertures for the first lengthwise channel 11, 21 have an identical
shape, either racetrack 18 or modified racetrack 19, 29. With
regard to FIG. 2G, the apertures that accommodate the filter are
either shaped like the filter 98 body, as in the top end wall 13,
23; or circular in shape to accommodate a filter exit vent in the
bottom end wall 14, 24. The exit vent is clearly shown on FIG. 1C
and FIG. 1E on the bottom surface 14 end wall 14.
[0039] Particularly with regard to FIG. 1B, it should be understood
that in some embodiments, the filter device 98 is separate and
distinct from the present invention 10, 20, 30, 40; and in other
embodiments, the filter device mouthpiece 94 is included because of
its interrelatedness with the sleeve 10, 20, 30, 40; specifically
in that the mouthpiece 94 rests upon an outside of top surface end
wall 13, 23 when the filter device is inserted down into second
lengthwise channel 12, 22. Embodiments 30, 40 illustrated in FIG.
3D and FIG. 4B also show this arrangement. Due to the
interrelatedness in some embodiments, the filter mouthpiece 94 is
shown dashed lines in some illustration and in others, it 94 is not
shown in dashed lines.
[0040] Also with regard to FIG. 1C, FIG. 2A, and FIG. 2E, the
channels 11, 12, 21, 22 have carve outs 16, 17, 26, 27 or reliefs
in the side exposing the pen or stick and the filter, These reliefs
16, 17, 26, 27 are useful to work either the pen, stick or filter
out of sleeve 10, 20 by a user's thumb or finger. Additionally, the
first 11, 21 and second 12, 22 channels are separated by a wall 28
at an interior to the sleeve 10, 20. In the case of the second
generation embodiment and as shown in FIG. 2A the rounded cut outs
29 to the racetrack configuration 18 extend all the way down on
that side of the wall 28 in the first channel.
[0041] FIG. 3A through FIG. 3D are illustrative of an additional
sleeve embodiment 30 containing magnets. In this concept variation,
an adapter sleeve 30 will house the personal exhale filter device
98 on one side 37 and have a magnetic receiver 39 the other 38 that
will allow the user to attach via the magnetic connection. This
allows the accessory sleeve to fit various diameter and larger
geometric shaped vaporizers 95 and electronic cigarettes, since the
accessory filter assembly 30 would not have to fit entirely over
the vaporizer 95 as in other embodiments. The sleeve 30 further
includes a curved surface 38 opposite a side 37 that holds the
filter 98.
[0042] A slight variation contemplated herein has the attachment
mechanism as in FIG. 3A through FIG. 3D comprising magnets 39, but
instead of flipping the device around to exhale into it, the
variation slides up using a slider button (or translational lever)
and subsequently retracts. In this manner, the filter mouthpiece 94
is extended for exhale by a user and conveniently slides back when
not in use.
[0043] FIG. 4A through FIG. 4C illustrate an additional sleeve
embodiment 40 particularly for receiving a filter 98 (or possibly a
vaporizer 95, 96, 97) via a channel 42. The sleeve 40 incorporates
an eyelet 44 at an end thereof for connecting to a clip, a keychain
and/or a lanyard 93, as shown in FIG. 4C.
[0044] As detailed herein, the invention in one aspect is accessory
sleeve 10, 20 for a vaporizer 96, 97 comprising: a first lengthwise
channel 11, 21, parallel to a longitudinal axis 99 of the sleeve,
for receiving the vaporizer. Additionally, the accessory sleeve has
a second lengthwise channel 12, 22 parallel or juxtaposed to the
first lengthwise channel for receiving an exhale filter device 98,
wherein the first and second channels are configured to friction
fit both the vaporizer and the exhale filter device.
[0045] The invention in this aspect is additionally characterized
in that the first lengthwise channel further comprises a race track
18 configuration in an end view. Further, the race track
configuration comprises a rectangle with rounded ends.
Alternatively, the end view racetrack has rounded corners 19
without rounded ends. An improvement to the racetrack end view,
comprises a curved carve out 29 in each of two opposing sides to
accommodate a curved surface on a pen-type 97 vaporizer.
[0046] In a similar aspect, the invention may be characterized as
an accessory sleeve 30 for an exhale filter comprising: a first
lengthwise channel between wall 37 and surface 38 (similar to
embodiments 10, 20, second lengthwise channel 12, 22) parallel to a
longitudinal axis 99 of the sleeve, for receiving an exhale filter
device 98; and a first magnet 39 coupled at a lateral side 38 of
the sleeve 30 for coupling to a side of the vaporizer 95.
[0047] In another aspect the invention may be characterized as an
accessory sleeve 40 for an exhale filter comprising: a first
lengthwise channel 42 (parallel to a longitudinal axis 99 of the
sleeve) for receiving the exhale filter 98; and an eyelet 44
coupled to the sleeve 40 at an end thereof, for connecting to a
lanyard 93, or a key chain, or a clip, as preferred by a user.
[0048] While the particular Accessory E-Cigarette And Filter Sleeve
Assembly herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of
obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before
stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of
the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no
limitations are intended to the details of construction or design
herein shown other than as described in the appended claims.
[0049] Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as
viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or
later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently
within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions
now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are
defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.
* * * * *