U.S. patent application number 16/248852 was filed with the patent office on 2020-07-16 for cartridge used in a smoking device for vaporization.
The applicant listed for this patent is JT International S.A.. Invention is credited to Adam Bowen, James Monsees.
Application Number | 20200221759 16/248852 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37669547 |
Filed Date | 2020-07-16 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200221759 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Monsees; James ; et
al. |
July 16, 2020 |
Cartridge Used in a Smoking Device for Vaporization
Abstract
A cartridge for use in a smoking device for vaporization
including a first area for including a smokeable material, a second
area for including a vapor-forming material, and a perforation
allowing vapor to exit the cartridge upon heating the
cartridge.
Inventors: |
Monsees; James; (San
Francisco, CA) ; Bowen; Adam; (San Francisco,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
JT International S.A. |
Geneve |
|
CH |
|
|
Family ID: |
37669547 |
Appl. No.: |
16/248852 |
Filed: |
January 16, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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14578193 |
Dec 19, 2014 |
|
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16248852 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24F 47/008 20130101;
A61M 2205/3368 20130101; A24F 40/20 20200101; A61M 15/0028
20130101; A61M 11/048 20140204; A24F 13/04 20130101; F23Q 2/32
20130101; F23Q 3/002 20130101; A24D 1/14 20130101; A24F 47/006
20130101; A61M 11/042 20140204; A61M 15/06 20130101; A24F 7/00
20130101; A61M 2205/0266 20130101; A24F 40/40 20200101; A24F 40/42
20200101 |
International
Class: |
A24D 1/14 20060101
A24D001/14; A24F 47/00 20060101 A24F047/00; A24F 7/00 20060101
A24F007/00; F23Q 3/00 20060101 F23Q003/00; F23Q 2/32 20060101
F23Q002/32 |
Claims
1-32. (canceled)
33. A cartridge for use in a smoking device for vaporization
comprising: a first area for including a smokeable material; a
second area for including a vapor-forming material; and a
perforation allowing vapor to exit the cartridge upon heating the
cartridge.
34. The cartridge according to claim 33, wherein the smokable
material includes tobacco.
35. The cartridge according to claim 33, wherein the first area is
located adjacent to the perforation, such that the vapor traverses
the first area generated from the vapor after being heated.
36. The cartridge according to claim 33, wherein the perforation is
configured to be in fluidic communication with a inhaling
passage.
37. The cartridge according to claim 33, wherein the first area is
located between the perforation and the second area, such that
vapor formed from the vapor-forming material traverses the first
area before exiting the perforation.
38. The cartridge according to claim 33, wherein a shape of the
cartridge is configured to be inserted into a vaporization chamber
of the smoking device for vaporization.
39. The cartridge according to claim 33, wherein side walls of the
cartridge are drafted.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of my Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/700,105 filed on Jul. 15, 2005, which is hereby
incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention is directed to improvements in smoking
devices, particularly to smoking articles which employ a formed
tobacco cartridge as a source of producing vapor by heat transfer
to the cartridge by conduction, convection, and radiation for smoke
and flavor. The present invention relates to self-contained
vaporization devices, and more particularly, to a low-temperature
vaporization device for use of tobacco product. The device is of an
elongated main body with a mouthpiece at one end and an attached
tubular casing at the other end having a vaporization chamber and a
heater. The mouthpiece and the casing form an unitary unit.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0003] Smoking devices, such as cigarette holders and pipes are
well known in the art for providing flavored vapor from a smokeable
substance to a user for therapeutic and smoking pleasure. However,
existing devices used have no control of heating and combustion of
the tobacco products. The devices tend to produce toxic, tarry and
carcinogenic by-products which are harmful and also impart a bitter
and burnt taste to a mouth of a user.
[0004] A further problem is that there is no control of
contamination of the inhaled vapor mixture with heater exhaust
gases, due to inappropriate proportioning and location of the
inlets and the exhaust vents. Typically, the exhaust gas is used to
directly heat the tobacco, and those gases contain harmful
byproducts of incomplete combustion.
[0005] In an effort to overcome these deficiencies, there have been
numerous attempts to provide a device structure and the substance
for producing vapor for smoking which is free from harmful
by-product and would provide a cool and soothing vapor for
smoking.
[0006] For example, U.S. Patent Application No. 2004/0237974 A1,
published on Dec. 2, 2004 for Min discloses a filtering cigarette
and cigar holder which removes tar and nicotine from the tobacco
smoke.
[0007] U.S. Patent Application No. 2004/0031495 A1, published on
Feb. 19, 2004 for Steinberg discloses a vaporization pipe with
flame filter which uses a flame to vaporize the smoking
substance.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,164,287, issued Dec. 26, 2000 to White,
describes a smoking device which produces smoke from tobacco at low
temperatures, without producing harmful by products.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,848,374, issued Jul. 18, 1989 to Chard et al
describe a smoking device to vaporize aerosol precursor, an event
which precedes condensation to mainstream aerosol precursor by
contact with heated surface rather than by hot gases into the mouth
of a smoker.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,219,032, issued Aug. 26, 1980 to Tabatznik
et al describe a smoking device wherein an extracted smoke is
cooled by passing it through a suitable liquid to provide a
soothing smoke.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 4,020,853, issued May 3, 1977 to Nuttall,
describes a smoking pipe made of ceramic material such as colored
and ornamental porcelain for enhancing the artistic look, and also
to provide a circulating air to keep the outer wall of the pipe
cool and safe for handling. U.S. Pat. No. 3,792,704, issued Feb.
19, 1974 to Parker, describes a pipe tobacco smoking system,
wherein the pipe and the tobacco capsule are mutually designed to
yield a slim-line smoking combination that can be manufactured from
relatively low temperature thermo-plastic material.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention is drawn to a novel smoking device
consisting of a mouthpiece and a casing having a heater, a low
temperature vaporization chamber, a fuel tank, an igniter with
control means for maintaining equilibrium point by keeping the
operating temperature below 400 F, preferably below 350 F during
combustion whereby in order to maintain a stable operating
temperature, a thermal regulator is used to control flow rate of
the fuel.
[0013] Accordingly, it is principal object of the invention to
provide a mouthpiece made of a high temperature food-safe material,
such as ceramic, glass, or high temperature plastics known as PEI
resin (brand name Ultem) However, suitable plastic or wood, etc.,
could also be used but would additionally require an insulating
material that would prevent excessive heat reaching the user's
lips.
[0014] Additionally, air inlets are directed downwards, so that
fresh ambient air drawn through mixes with the vapor generated into
the vaporization chamber located above the smokeable substance
cartridge, which is extracted from the cartridge by inlets located
below the cartridge and drawn into user's mouth for inhalation.
[0015] It is another object of the invention to provide air inlet
or inlets having a diameter and direction sized to admit ambient
air into the chamber to heat up the substance and not effect the
operating temperature and also regulating the velocity of ambient
air entering and mixing with the vapor generated from combustion,
radiation and convection in the chamber at such a rate that the
proportionate inhalation passage provides a perception to the user
as if the smoke is drawn through a cigarette.
[0016] It is still another object of the invention to provide a
heater which is separated from the vapor chamber by an insulating
medium such as ring made of PTFE, ceramic or other insulating
material and thereby preventing the exhaust gases produced by the
heater from entering and contaminating the vapor in the
vaporization chamber collected for inhalation.
[0017] Another object of the invention to provide a heater is
formed of a conductive shell and a catalyst, the shell may be of
one or more material formed by welding or pressing together.
Whereas, the catalyst could be of platinum or palladium impregnated
metal or glass or other suitable material, which provides for
efficient flameless combustion of the fuel and glows red when
heated to indicate that the device is activated. Additionally, a
feedback loop could be employed to regulate the desired
temperature.
[0018] Preferably the tobacco cartridge formed and shaped for
easier insertion into the heating chamber and to snugly fit into
the cavity of the heating chamber for improved thermal conduction
and vaporization. The cartridges are formed and wrapped into
wrapper which does not produce significant amount of harmful
gases.
[0019] These and other objects of the present invention will become
readily apparent upon further review of the following
specifications and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a side view of a portable vaporization device,
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the same embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a heater, according to the
same embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a cutaway view of an alternate embodiment
according to the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a sectional detail view of a tobacco cartridge,
according to the preferred embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a tobacco cartridge,
according to the preferred embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a sectional detail view of a tobacco cartridge,
according to an alternate embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 8 is a sectional detail view of a tobacco cartridge,
according to an alternate embodiment
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the exterior of the device
10 comprises a mouthpiece 11, a tubular case 12, and the base 14 of
a butane tank 21. The mouthpiece is removable and creates an
airtight seal with the interior of the case. With the mouthpiece
removed, a tobacco cartridge (FIG. 5) is introduced to vaporization
chamber 15 of a heater 16. The mouthpiece is then reinserted to
close the device.
[0029] The mouthpiece is made of a high-temperature and food-safe
material such as ceramic, glass, or various high-temperature
plastics such as PEI resin (brand name Ultem). Design is simplified
by use of high temperature materials, but standard plastics or
wood, etc, could also be used with the addition of an insulating
component that prevents any excessive heat from reaching the user's
lips.
[0030] To activate the device, the butane tank is pulled axially
outward, partially removing it from the case. This starts the flow
of butane by opening a master valve 18, and then activating a
piezoelectric igniter 13. The tank remains in the partially removed
position for the duration of use. While the master valve is open,
butane flows through a thermal regulator 17, and into the
carburetor 20. Ambient air enters the case through slot 19. A
venturi in the carburetor entrains air, causing it to mix with the
butane. The mixture then flows into the heater 16.
[0031] The lead of the ignitor is positioned in the heater. With
the spark of the ignitor (immediately following the start of gas
flow) the gas ignites and heat starts conducting throughout the
heater. Heat transfers to the cartridge by conduction, convection,
and radiation. The cartridge is shaped to fill the chamber, so as
to maximize surface contact for thermal conduction.
[0032] As the cartridge heats, vapor generates within the cartridge
and in the space immediately above it. When a user draws on the
device, fresh air enters through air inlet 22, mixes with the
vapor, and the mixture is delivered to the user via the inhalation
passage 23. In the preferred embodiment, the air inlet or inlets
are directed downward, so as to improve the extraction of vapor
from the cartridge. They could also be directed along a diagonal
through the mouthpiece, or laterally through the case itself, above
the cartridge.
[0033] FIG. 3 depicts a detailed view of the heater 16. The heater
comprises a thermally conductive shell 26 and catalyst 27. The
shell could be comprised of one material, or a combination of
materials welded or pressed together. The catalyst could be
platinum- or palladium-impregnated metal or glass, or other
suitable material known to those skilled in the art The catalyst
provides for efficient flame-less combustion of the butane. The
vent 28 of the heater is positioned such that it is visible through
the slot 29 of the body as shown in FIG. 1. This allows the user to
see the catalyst which, when heated, can glow red to indicate that
the device has been activated.
[0034] Referring again to FIG. 3, adjacent to the heater and in
intimate thermal contact is the thermal regulator 17. As the
temperature of the heater increases, so does that of the regulator.
The regulator is designed to restrict the flow of butane as the
temperature increases, thus creating a feedback loop. In the
preferred embodiment, the regulator consists of a bimetallic strip
60 and silicone tubing 61 which is the conduit of the butane. The
two are arranged such that as the bimetallic strip heats up, it
curls to pinch the silicone tube and thereby restrict the flow of
butane. The reduced flow of butane results in less heat generated.
The heater subsequently cools down, and so does the regulator,
allowing more butane to flow again. The overall result is that a
stable operating temperature is established in the heater. Such a
system can be readily tuned to achieve an operating temperature
that varies by less than +/-5 degrees Fahrenheit.
[0035] The regulator further comprises a moveable backplate 62
which allows adjustability of the operating temperature by
adjusting the temperature at which the bi-metallic actuator closes
the tube valve. This is to be performed once at manufacture, to
calibrate the device. In alternate embodiments, a control means
could be used to allow the target temperature of the device changed
during operation.
[0036] In the preferred embodiment, the regulator comprises in part
a bi-metallic strip and silicone tubing valve. In alternate
embodiments, the regulator could be comprised of other materials
and configurations, as described later.
[0037] For the purposes of vaporizing most botanicals in this
device, the desired operating temperature is below 400 F;
preferably below 350 F.
[0038] In the preferred embodiment, the air inlet diameter is sized
such that inhalation is somewhat inhibited. This allows time for
ambient air entering the chamber to heat up and not affect
operating temperature considerably. It also increases velocity of
the entering air, which improves circulation and mixing in the
vaporization chamber. It also creates a partial vacuum, lowering
the vapor point temperature for material contained in the
vaporization chamber. The reduction in draw rate can also serve to
give the impression of drawing on a cigarette or pipe. Both the
fresh air inlet and inhalation passage can be adjusted to provide
appropriate draw rate for the operating temperature of the device,
and the perception intended for the user.
[0039] Once the cartridge is consumed, the device is turned off by
pushing the tank back into the case, closing the master valve. The
spent tobacco cartridge is removed by opening the device and
turning the body over. In the preferred embodiment, the cartridge
simply falls out In alternate embodiments, a mechanism could be
used to quickly and easily remove the cartridge. This mechanism
could include, but does not require, the use of a pin or slide part
to eject the cartridge as another part of the device is moved or
removed. The removal mechanism could also involve introduction of a
foreign object.
[0040] In an alternate embodiment, the mouthpiece is permanently
attached to the body. In that case, the vaporization chamber could
be accessed by operating a sliding or hinged door, or similar
means, built into the device.
[0041] The heater of the device is fitted into the case with an
insulator 24. The insulator could be made of PEI (brand name
Ultem), ceramic, or other insulating material. The insulator serves
to minimize thermal transfer from the heater to the case, while
creating an air-tight seal. The seal prevents exhaust gases
produced by the heater from entering the vaporization chamber.
Exhaust gases are instead vented out the case slots. Since the air
inlet is distant from the slots, there is substantially no
contamination of the inhaled vapor mixture by heater exhaust
gases.
[0042] In an alternate embodiment, the insulator could be a
partially hollow shell, containing a sealed vacuum. In another
embodiment, the heater might be sealed directly to the case by
braising in a vacuum furnace, so as to create a vacuum between the
two and obviate need for an insulator component.
[0043] In the preferred embodiment, the tank is made of a
translucent material. This allows the user to determine the level
of fuel remaining by looking at the base of the tank.
[0044] In the preferred embodiment, the case is made of a material
that is either a good thermal conductor (such as aluminum), or a
poor one (such as ceramics). In both cases, the effect is that the
body remains cool enough to touch over a large portion of its
surface.
[0045] In the preferred embodiment, a bimetallic actuator is used
in the regulator. In alternate embodiments, a shape memory alloy
actuator such nickel-titanium alloys ("Nitinol") could be used.
Alternatively, a paraffin-filled component that expands and
contracts to modulate butane flow could be employed. Alternatively,
a system could be employed to measure the current temperature,
e.g., with a thermocouple sensor and compare it to a prescribed
temperature, e.g., with a micro-controller, and by controlling an
electromechanical valve, e.g., servo or solenoid valve. In an
embodiment with user-selected temperature, as described above, the
selected temperature could be used as an input to this system.
[0046] In the preferred embodiment, a thermal regulator is used. In
an alternate embodiment, the device is constructed without an
active regulating element. This could result in reduced complexity
and in lowering the overall cost of the device. In this case, the
flow of butane is set at a low level. In use, the temperature
inside the chamber increases until an equilibrium point where
additional heat introduced equals the heat lost to the environment.
Heat is lost by conduction through the body of the device, and with
the vapor delivered to the user. This equilibrium point determines
the operating temperature of the device. By changing the butane
flow rate, size and material of the burner, and other factors, the
system can be calibrated to provide a fairly stable desired
operating temperature.
[0047] The principal advantage of the preferred bimetallic
regulator feedback loop methods over the equilibrium method is that
the operating temperature is not dependent on environmental factors
such as ambient temperature and wind.
[0048] In the preferred embodiment, a piezo-electric ignitor is
used. Other ignitors could be used, such as, a flint starter or
battery-powered resistive coil.
[0049] In the preferred embodiment, the butane tank is meant to be
refillable, and has a port 25 for that purpose. As an alternate
embodiment, the tank might be disposable once its fuel is
exhausted. A release mechanism such as a pin or cam would be
employed allowing the user to quickly remove the depleted tank and
replace it with a full one. The replaceable tank might include
additional parts of the device including, but not limited to, the
ignitor and heater. Butane is the preferred fuel source, but could
be replaced by other liquid fuels, such as ethanol.
[0050] In alternate embodiments of the present invention, various
means of feedback could be used to indicate the following states or
metrics of the device: 1) the device is on, 2) the current
temperature of the vaporization chamber, 3) the chamber is below a
prescribed operating temperature, 4) the chamber has reached a
prescribed operating temperature and vapor is ready for
consumption, and 5) the chamber has exceeded a prescribed operating
temperature.
[0051] The means of the feedback includes both physical and
electronic implementations. Possibilities include thermochromatic
paint, light-emitting diodes and liquid crystal display. The
sensing and control means for electronic feedback could be
implemented by use of thermocouple and micro-controller, as is
known to those skilled in the art
[0052] Active elements contained in botanicals vaporize at
different temperatures. In the preferred embodiment, the device is
calibrated to establish a single stable temperature, intended for
vaporizing solely tobacco or solely chamomile, for example. In
alternate embodiments, a control means would be used to select a
variety of temperature settings. The user would choose which
setting based on the type of cartridge used. The control means
could effect a desired temperature mechanically, such as by
changing flow rate of the valve, or electronically, such as by
electromechanical valve and micro-controller intermediary.
[0053] Butane was found to be the most energy-dense and practical
fuel source. In alternate embodiments of the invention, the butane
heating system is replaced by a battery-powered electric heater or
other compact heat source.
[0054] FIG. 4 depicts a cutaway view of an alternate embodiment
which more closely resembles a traditional pipe form. In this
embodiment the device retains all of the critical elements from the
preferred embodiment. The user inserts a tobacco cartridge 40,
under a sliding top piece 41, where the cartridge mates with the
heater 42. Fuel held in the tank 43 is released by turning dial 44
to open master valve 45. The fuel travels through the regulator 51,
and then through the carburetor 46 where it draws in air through
the intake port 47 and catalyzes in a manner similar to that of the
preferred embodiment. As the cartridge 40 reaches its operating
temperature the user places the mouthpiece 48 in their mouth and
draws air in through the inhalation intake port 49 and through the
vapor passage 50 where it is pre-cooled.
[0055] FIG. 5 depicts a sectional view of the tobacco cartridge 30.
In the preferred embodiment, it consists of tobacco material 31,
enclosed in a wrapper 32, with perforations 33, and aeration wells
34. The wrapped cartridge allows for the easy insertion and
disposal of tobacco material without creating a mess, while the
perforations allow the formed vapor to be released. When the
cartridge is used up it can be easily disposed of in its
entirety.
[0056] Here, tobacco or tobacco material is defined as any
combination of natural and synthetic material that can be vaporized
for pleasure or medicinal use. As an example, one test cartridge
was prepared as embodiment of the present invention using
flue-cured tobacco, glycerin, and flavorings. Those skilled in the
art of tobacco product manufacture are familiar with these and
other ingredients used for cigarettes, cigars, and the like. The
test cartridge was produced by chopping tobacco into fine pieces
(less than 3 mm diameter, preferably less than 2 mm), adding the
other ingredients, and mixing until even consistency was
achieved.
[0057] In the preferred embodiment, the cartridge is primarily
cylindrical. In other embodiments, the form could be modified for
various reasons. As an example, the walls of the cartridge might be
drafted for easier insertion into the vaporization chamber. Or, the
bottom of the cartridge might possess receptacles, which when
combined with complimentary features on the surface cavity of the
vaporization chamber would allow for more surface contact and hence
improved thermal conduction.
[0058] Any material could be used for the wrapper, provided that
when heated to the operating temperature, it does not produce
significant amounts of harmful gases. Aluminum foil and parchment
paper are two examples. With papers, the cartridge would be
manufactured in a folded-cup design, similar to that shown in FIG.
6. With films or metal foils, the wrapper could be pressed or
blow-molded to the appropriate shape.
[0059] During manufacture of the preferred embodiment, the
cartridge is enclosed on all sides, and perforated on the top so
that vapors can emanate upwards. In the perforation step, or in an
additional step, the optional aeration wells would be created.
[0060] In an alternate embodiment, the cartridge might be wrapped
on all sides but leaving the top exposed, as shown in FIG. 7. This
is possible since the purpose of the wrapper is primarily to
prevent tobacco material from touching the sides and bottom of the
vaporization chamber.
[0061] In another embodiment, the material for the top of the
cartridge might be vapor-permeable, such that perforations are not
necessary.
[0062] In another embodiment, the cartridge as purchased by the
user has no openings, but is punctured prior to insertion into the
device, or upon introduction to the vaporization device. The latter
could be achieved by adding a hollow puncturing means to the
mouthpiece part of the device. For example, the inhalation passage
of the mouthpiece could be extended by a hollow tube. When the
mouthpiece is reinserted to close the device, it pierces the
cartridge previously introduced, and allows a path for vapor to
exit to the user.
[0063] In the preferred embodiment, the tobacco material is a
homogenous mixture. In another embodiment, there might be two
layers, as shown in FIG. 8. The moist layer 35 has higher content
of vapor-forming material than the dry layer 36, which consists of
dry tobacco or other material acting as a filter. The dry layer
serves to prevent any liquid from bubbling up and out of the
cartridge during heating.
[0064] In another embodiment of the cartridge, a lower compartment
might consist entirely of a vapor-forming medium, such as
glycerine. An upper region would consist of the tobacco material to
be vaporized, and the two would be separated by a material that
only allows the medium to pass in a vapor or gaseous phase.
Gore-tex (brand name) is one such material. In use, vapor generated
in the lower region would pass through the semi-permeable membrane,
volatize the active components of the tobacco, and a mix of the two
would be delivered to the user upon inhalation.
[0065] In another embodiment, the consistency of the tobacco
material is such that the wrapper is not necessary. This is
possible if at least the outer surface of the cartridge is dry and
cohesive enough to not leave deposits inside the device. Such a
cartridge can be made by forming tobacco material in a mold. If the
resulting surface is excessively moist, it can be dried by heating
the cartridge in an oven.
[0066] It is to be understood that the present invention is not
limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and
all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *