U.S. patent application number 17/674536 was filed with the patent office on 2022-06-02 for transportable mouthpiece.
The applicant listed for this patent is Puff Corporation. Invention is credited to Avinash BAJPAI, Ryan FITT, Charlton HUANG.
Application Number | 20220167679 17/674536 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-06-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220167679 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BAJPAI; Avinash ; et
al. |
June 2, 2022 |
TRANSPORTABLE MOUTHPIECE
Abstract
Aspects of the present invention relate to a transportable
mouthpiece for use in inhalation of products in gas form, and
including a sealable attachment piece.
Inventors: |
BAJPAI; Avinash; (Aguora
Hills, CA) ; HUANG; Charlton; (Irvine, CA) ;
FITT; Ryan; (Santa Rosa, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Puff Corporation |
Los Angeles |
CA |
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/674536 |
Filed: |
February 17, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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PCT/US20/46904 |
Aug 19, 2020 |
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17674536 |
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62893707 |
Aug 29, 2019 |
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International
Class: |
A24F 40/485 20060101
A24F040/485; A24F 1/30 20060101 A24F001/30; A24F 7/02 20060101
A24F007/02; A24F 1/14 20060101 A24F001/14; A24F 40/70 20060101
A24F040/70 |
Claims
1. A mouthpiece for the inhalation of a product in the form of a
gas, the mouthpiece comprising: an inhalation outlet; a mouthpiece
housing comprising one or more mouthpiece walls at least partly
defining a mouthpiece internal flow path through the mouthpiece
housing; a first opening at a first end of the mouthpiece housing;
and at least one mouthpiece inlet configured to receive a flow of
the gas at a second end of the mouthpiece housing; wherein the
mouthpiece further comprises: an internal gas flow structure
extending into an interior region of the mouthpiece housing and
having: a first chamber at least partly defined by at least one
first housing that is configured to receive the flow of gas from
the at least one mouthpiece inlet, the first chamber having an open
end at a portion of the gas flow structure that is distal to the at
least one mouthpiece inlet, and the at least one first housing
comprising at least one first aperture therein that allows the flow
of gas therethrough; a second chamber at least partly defined by at
least one second housing that is configured to receive the flow of
gas via the at least one first aperture from the first chamber and
direct the flow of gas towards at least one second aperture formed
in the at least one second housing; and a main chamber at least
partly defined by the mouthpiece housing that is configured to
receive the flow of gas from the at least one second aperture from
the second chamber and direct the gas towards the first opening at
the first end of the mouthpiece housing, wherein the second chamber
and main chamber are adapted to be at least partly filled with
water for cooling and/or filtering of the gas as it passes through
the second and main chambers, and wherein the at least one second
aperture is configured to allow a flow of water between the second
chamber and the main chamber, and wherein the mouthpiece further
comprises: a sealable attachment piece configured to at least
partly seal a portion of the internal flow path within the
mouthpiece housing, the sealable attachment piece comprising: an
upper sealing portion configured to be inserted into the first
opening of the mouthpiece housing, the upper sealing portion
configured to be transitioned between an open state in which gas is
allowed to flow through the inhalation outlet, and a closed state
in which gas is blocked from flowing through the inhalation outlet;
and a lower sealing portion configured to be inserted into the open
end of the internal gas flow structure, the lower sealing portion
configured to be transitioned between an open state in which gas is
allowed to flow through the at least one first aperture connecting
the first and second chambers, and a closed state in which gas is
blocked from flowing through the at least one first aperture
between the first and second chambers, and an activating member
configured to simultaneously transition the upper and lower sealing
portions between the open and closed states upon activation
thereof, wherein, in a case where the upper sealing portion and
lower sealing portion are in their respective closed states, the
portion of the mouthpiece internal flow path between the at least
one first aperture and the inhalation outlet is sealed to trap any
gas and/or water therebetween, and wherein, in a case where the
upper sealing portion and lower sealing portion are in their
respective open states, the portion of the mouthpiece internal flow
path is open to allow a flow of gas and/or water therethrough.
2. The mouthpiece according to claim 1, wherein the lower sealing
portion seals the open end of the first chamber in the internal gas
flow structure, so as to form a portion of the internal flow path
extending from the gas flow inlet to the second chamber.
3. The mouthpiece according to claim 1, wherein the first and
second chamber of the internal gas flow structure respectively
comprise an inner cylindrical chamber at least partly defined by a
first cylindrical housing, and an outer cylindrical chamber at
least partly defined by both the first cylindrical housing and a
second cylindrical housing that is radially external to the first
cylindrical housing, and wherein the at least one first aperture is
formed in the first cylindrical housing so as to place the inner
and outer cylindrical chambers in communication with one
another.
4. The mouthpiece according to claim 3, wherein the flow of gas is
received by the inner cylindrical chamber at a bottom portion of
the inner cylindrical chamber from the mouthpiece inlet, and
wherein the first cylindrical housing is configured to direct the
flow of gas towards an upper portion of the inner cylindrical
chamber where the at least one first aperture is disposed in the
first cylindrical housing.
5. The mouthpiece according to claim 3, wherein the flow of gas is
received by the outer cylindrical chamber at an upper portion
thereof, and wherein the first and second cylindrical housings
direct the flow of gas downwardly through the outer cylindrical
chamber and towards the at least one second aperture located
towards a bottom portion of the outer cylindrical chamber.
6. The mouthpiece according to any of claims 3-6, wherein the first
cylindrical housing comprises the open end of the inner cylindrical
chamber at an end of the first cylindrical housing distal to the
mouthpiece inlet, and wherein insertion of the lower sealing
portion of the sealable attachment piece into the open end seals
the open end of the first cylindrical housing to direct gas
received from the mouthpiece inlet and passing through the inner
cylindrical chamber into the outer cylindrical chamber via the at
least one first aperture formed in the first cylindrical
housing.
7. The mouthpiece according to any preceding claim, wherein the
main chamber is external to and at least partly surrounds the
internal gas structure.
8. The mouthpiece according to any of claims 3-7, wherein the main
chamber is radially external to and at least partly surrounds the
inner and outer cylindrical chambers, and the mouthpiece housing at
least partly defining the main chamber is configured to direct the
gas received via the at least second aperture towards the
inhalation outlet, the inhalation outlet being located at a
position above the inner cylindrical chamber.
9. The mouthpiece according to any preceding claim, wherein the
sealable attachment piece comprises an upper sealing portion
comprising a plug portion and an upper cap portion that is in
communication with a shaft extending from the upper cap portion to
the lower sealing portion.
10. The mouthpiece according to claim 8, wherein the plug portion
comprises one or more annular sealing rings to form a seal with an
inner surface of the mouthpiece housing in a region proximate to
the first opening at the first end of the mouthpiece housing.
11. The mouthpiece according to claim 10, wherein the mouthpiece
comprises one or more registration features to register and secure
a circumferential position of the plug portion when the sealable
attachment piece is attached to the mouthpiece housing.
12. The mouthpiece according to any of claims 8-11, wherein the
upper cap portion is rotatable independently of the plug portion to
act as the activating member that activates the transition between
the open and closed states of the upper and lower sealed
portions.
13. The mouthpiece according to any of claims 8-11, wherein the
upper cap portion is translatable independently of the plug portion
to act as the activating member that activates the transition
between the open and closed states of the upper and lower sealed
portions, and thereby act as the activating member.
14. The mouthpiece according to any of claims 8-11, wherein the
upper sealing portion comprises one or more gas channels formed in
the plug portion and/or upper cap portion to flow gas from the main
chamber of the mouthpiece to the inhalation outlet.
15. The mouthpiece according to any of claims 8-14, wherein the
upper cap portion comprises an opening corresponding to the
inhalation outlet at an upper end thereof.
16. The mouthpiece according to any of claims 8-14, wherein the one
or more gas channels passing through the upper sealing portion
comprise one or more ports formed in a shaft extending from the
upper cap portion, the shaft comprising a hollow portion therein
forming an inner gas channel between the one or more ports and the
inhalation outlet.
17. The mouthpiece according to claim 16, wherein at least a
portion of the plug portion circumferentially surrounds the shaft
at a portion thereof where the one or more ports are formed, and
wherein an inner surface of the plug portion comprises
circumferentially disposed sealing and non-sealing regions
configured to engage with the one or more ports, such that when the
sealing regions are engaged with one or more of the ports, one or
more of the gas flow channels is open to pass through the upper
sealing portion to the inhalation outlet, and when the non-sealing
regions are engaged with one or more of the ports, the one or more
gas flow channels are closed to prohibit a flow of gas through the
upper sealing portion to the inhalation outlet.
18. The mouthpiece according to claim 16, wherein at least a
portion of the plug portion circumferentially surrounds the shaft
at a portion thereof where the one or more ports are formed, and
wherein an inner surface of the plug portion comprises sealing and
non-sealing regions configured to engage with the one or more
ports, the sealing and non-sealing regions being longitudinally
disposed along the inner surface of the plug portion, such that
when the sealing regions are engaged with one or more of the ports,
one or more of the gas flow channels is open to pass through the
upper sealing portion to the inhalation outlet, and when the
non-sealing regions are engaged with one or more of the ports, the
one or more gas flow channels are closed to prohibit a flow of gas
through the upper sealing portion to the inhalation outlet.
19. The mouthpiece according to claim 17, wherein the
circumferentially disposed sealing and non-sealing regions of the
plug portion are engaged via rotation of the rotatable upper
portion to rotate the one or more ports about the axis of the shaft
to engage with the one or more sealing and non-sealing regions.
20. The mouthpiece according to claim 18, wherein the
longitudinally disposed sealing and non-sealing regions of the plug
portion are engaged via translation of the upper cap portion
translate the one or more ports on the shaft longitudinally with
respect to the plug portion, to engage with the one or more sealing
and non-sealing regions on the inner surface of the plug
portion.
21. The mouthpiece according to any one of claims 19-20, wherein
the sealing regions comprise finned windows comprising flexible
sealing material, the finned windows comprising sealing fins that
are extend from the inner surface of the plug portion and are
capable of forming a seal about the one or more ports formed in the
shaft such that gas entering one or more gas flow channels at a
lower end of the upper sealing portion is blocked from entering the
one or more ports formed in the shaft and prevented from being
passed to the inhalation outlet.
22. The mouthpiece according to any of claims 16-17, wherein the
non-sealing regions of the inner surface of the plug portion
comprise one or more inlet channels configured to pass the flow of
gas from the mouthpiece main chamber and to the one or more ports
in the shaft to flow the gas to the inhalation outlet, in a case
where the non-sealing regions of the plug are engaged.
23. The mouthpiece according to any of claims 8-22, wherein the
sealable attachment piece comprises a lower sealing portion
comprising one or more lower annular sealing rings disposed on a
lower portion of the rotatable shaft, the one or more sealing rings
being configured to form a seal with a surface of the first housing
of the first chamber in a region of the open end of the first
chamber, to form at least a portion of the gas flow path directing
the gas received through the mouthpiece inlet to the at least one
first aperture connecting the first and second chambers.
24. The mouthpiece according to any of claims 8-23, wherein the
lower sealing portion comprises a lower region of the shaft
comprising one or more lower sealing regions and lower non-sealing
regions circumferentially disposed about an outer surface of the
lower region of the shaft, wherein the one or more sealing regions
and/or non-sealing regions are engaged with the at least one first
aperture via rotation of the rotatable shaft, such that when the
sealing regions are engaged with the at least one first aperture,
the at least one first aperture is closed to prohibit a flow of gas
and/or liquid therethrough, and when the non-sealing regions are
engaged with at least one first aperture, the at least one first
aperture if open to permit a flow of gas therethrough from the
first chamber to the second chamber.
25. The mouthpiece according to any of claims 8-24, wherein the
lower sealing portion comprises a lower region of the shaft
comprising one or more lower sealing regions and lower non-sealing
regions disposed longitudinally along an outer surface of the lower
region of the shaft, wherein the one or more sealing regions and/or
non-sealing regions are engaged with the at least one first
aperture via translation of the shaft, such that when the sealing
regions are engaged with the at least one first aperture, the at
least one first aperture is closed to prohibit a flow of gas and/or
liquid therethrough, and when the non-sealing regions are engaged
with at least one first aperture, the at least one first aperture
if open to permit a flow of gas therethrough from the first chamber
to the second chamber.
26. The mouthpiece according to any of claims 8-25 wherein the
upper and lower sealing regions are simultaneous engaged via
rotation of the upper cap portion.
27. The mouthpiece according to any of claims 8-26, wherein the
upper and lower sealing regions are simultaneous engaged via
translation of the upper cap portion.
28. The mouthpiece according to any one of claims 8-27, wherein the
sealing regions of the lower sealing portion comprise finned
windows comprising flexible sealing material, the finned windows
comprising sealing fins that are extend from the outer surface of
the shaft and are capable of forming a seal about the at least one
first aperture formed in the first housing such that gas and/or
liquid is prevented from flowing through the at least one aperture
between the first and second chambers.
29. The mouthpiece according to any of claims 8-28, wherein the
upper cap portion comprises an outer lip portion at an upper end
thereof that is configured to be fitted over a top portion of the
plug portion to retain the upper cap portion over the plug
portion.
30. The mouthpiece according to claim 29, wherein the plug portion
further comprises rotation registration features on an external
surface thereof configured to engage with complementary features on
an inner surface of the lip portion of the upper cap portion so as
to allow for a predetermined arc of rotation of the upper cap
portion to provide for a predetermined rotation of the shaft and
engagement and/or disengagement of the sealing and non-sealing
regions of the upper sealing portion and/or lower sealing portion
of the sealable attachment piece.
31. The mouthpiece according to claim 29, wherein the plug portion
further comprises translation registration features on an external
surface thereof configured to engage with complementary features on
an inner surface of the lip portion of the upper cap portion so as
to allow for a predetermined length of translation of the upper cap
portion to provide for a predetermined translation of the shaft and
engagement and/or disengagement of the sealing and non-sealing
regions of the upper sealing portion and/or lower sealing portion
of the sealable attachment piece.
32. The mouthpiece according to any preceding claim, wherein the
mouthpiece is releasably attachable to a base component having a
conduit therein to receive a flow of vaporized product from an
atomizer.
33. The mouthpiece according to any preceding claim, wherein the
mouthpiece is configured to receive a gas generated by one or more
of vaporization and/or burning of a product.
34. A method of using the mouthpiece according to any preceding
claim, the method comprising: (a) providing a volume of water to at
least partially fill the main chamber and flow into the second
chamber; (b) adjusting the activating member to set the upper and
lower sealing portions, respectively, in their open states; (c)
introducing a gas formed from a product intended for inhalation
into the mouthpiece inlet; (d) inhaling a flow of the gas entrained
with vapor exiting the inhalation outlet; (e) optionally, repeating
(c)-(d); and (f) following (d)-(e), adjusting the activating member
to set the upper and lower sealing portions, respectively, in their
closed states.
35. A method of fabricating the mouthpiece according to any
preceding claim, the method comprising: providing the mouthpiece
housing having the internal gas flow structure with the first
chamber having the open first end, and at least one first aperture,
and having the first opening at the first end thereof; providing
the sealable attachment piece having the upper and lower sealing
portions; inserting the sealable attachment piece into the first
opening of the mouthpiece housing such that the lower sealing
portion at least partly seals the open first end of the first
chamber of the internal gas flow structure, to form at least a part
of the internal gas flow path that directs gas through the at least
one first aperture, and such that the upper sealing portion is
sealed to a region of the mouthpiece housing about the first
opening.
36. A portable electronic vaporizing device comprising: a base
having comprising a gas flow path conduit therein, the gas flow
path conduit comprising a conduit inlet and a conduit outlet; the
mouthpiece according to any of claims 1-33, wherein the mouthpiece
is removably attachable to the base; and an atomizer that is
removably attachable to the base, the atomizer comprising: an
atomizer inlet configured to receive a flow of gas into the
atomizer; a container within the atomizer housing that is capable
of holding a vaporizable product, a heating element capable of
heating the vaporizable product held in the container; and one or
more atomizer outlets capable of receiving the flows of gas from
the atomizer internal flow path, and providing the flow of gas to
the conduit inlet of the base, wherein the flow of gas having the
vaporizable product entrained therein flows from the atomizer
through the gas flow path conduit of the base and to the mouthpiece
inlet, and along the mouthpiece internal flow path to the
inhalation outlet.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of PCT/US2020/046904,
filed Aug. 19, 2020, which claims the benefit of priority from U.S.
Provisional Patent Application 62/893,707 filed on Aug. 29, 2010
and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/659,188, filed Oct. 21,
2019 now issued U.S. Pat. No. 10,813,386 issued Oct. 27, 2020, each
of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Aspects of the present invention relate to a transportable
mouthpiece for use in inhalation of a product in gas form, as well
as devices and methods for using the mouthpiece. Aspects of the
present invention further relate to a transportable mouthpiece that
is sealable to inhibit and even prevent leakage of water from the
mouthpiece during transport and/or storage thereof, as well as
devices and methods for using the mouthpiece.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Devices for the inhalation of vaporizable and/or combustible
products are becoming increasing popular, such as used for the
purpose of aroma and/or inhalation therapy. Examples of such
devices include vaporizers, which heat a substance such as tobacco,
cannabis, lavender, chamomile, and many other types of plant
material, to produce a vapor therefrom. Typical vaporizers may work
by heating the substance through the use of direct heat or the use
of hot air, such as with a heating plate or by using hot air, and
to produce a vapor containing the substance that can be inhaled.
Yet another example of such a device is a pipe or other smoking
device, which typically generates a gas via combustion of the
product (i.e., burning of the product), and thereby forming a
gaseous combustion product for inhalation thereof.
[0004] However, the gas containing the vaporized substance and/or
gaseous combustion products can in some instances be harsh on the
throat and bronchial tubes. Accordingly, some devices use a cooling
down process that allows water moisture to be included in the gas
that is to be inhaled. These devices enable the user to inhale a
cool gas and/or vapor that is relatively less harsh and irritating.
The addition of water to the device may also allow for filtering of
the gas prior to inhalation, such that irritating or unpleasant
substances that may be entrained in the gas can be removed. An
example of a portable vaporizing device that provides for
inhalation of a vaporizable substance with overall excellent
experience is the Puffco PEAK.RTM. device, which device is also
described by U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/373,170, filed on
Apr. 2, 2019, the entirety of which application is hereby
incorporated by reference herein.
[0005] An issue that can arise with devices using water or other
sources of moisture to cool and/or filter a gas prior to inhalation
is that the water provided in the device can be subject to leakage
when the device or parts thereof are transported or disassembled
for storage. Such unwanted leakage can make transport and/or
storage of the devices unpleasant, due to the possibility of
leakage of the device onto any bags, purses, or surfaces used to
carry or store the device. While it may be possible to clean and
completely dry the device to remove any residual water therefrom,
in certain cases it may be inconvenient to completely dry the
device, and/or a person using the device may not have the time
necessary to allow for complete drying of the device. Furthermore,
the drying process may be inconvenient in those cases where the
device is only being transported and/or stored for a short time and
is intended to be subject to almost immediate refill and
re-use.
[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for improved devices that allow
for easy and convenient transport and/or storage, while reducing
the likelihood of water and moisture leakage therefrom, to improve
the experience and convenience of using such devices.
SUMMARY
[0007] Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a mouthpiece for
the inhalation of a product in the form of a gas, the mouthpiece
comprising: an inhalation outlet; a mouthpiece housing comprising
one or more mouthpiece walls at least partly defining a mouthpiece
internal flow path through the mouthpiece housing; a first opening
at a first end of the mouthpiece housing; and at least one
mouthpiece inlet configured to receive a flow of the gas at a
second end of the mouthpiece housing. Embodiments of the mouthpiece
can further comprise an internal gas flow structure extending into
an interior region of the mouthpiece housing and having: a first
chamber at least partly defined by at least one first housing that
is configured to receive the flow of gas from the at least one
mouthpiece inlet, the first chamber having an open end at a portion
of the gas flow structure that is distal to the at least one
mouthpiece inlet, and the at least one first housing comprising at
least one first aperture therein that allows the flow of gas
therethrough; a second chamber at least partly defined by at least
one second housing that is configured to receive the flow of gas
via the at least one first aperture from the first chamber and
direct the flow of gas towards at least one second aperture formed
in the at least one second housing; and a main chamber at least
partly defined by the mouthpiece housing that is configured to
receive the flow of gas from the at least one second aperture from
the second chamber and direct the gas towards the first opening at
the first end of the mouthpiece housing. According to certain
embodiments, the second chamber and main chamber are adapted to be
at least partly filled with water for cooling and/or filtering of
the gas as it passes through the second and main chambers, and
wherein the at least one second aperture is configured to allow a
flow of water between the second chamber and the main chamber.
Embodiments of the mouthpiece further comprise a sealable
attachment piece configured to at least partly seal a portion of
the internal flow path within the mouthpiece housing, the sealable
attachment piece comprising: an upper sealing portion configured to
be inserted into the first opening of the mouthpiece housing, the
upper sealing portion configured to be transitioned between an open
state in which gas is allowed to flow through the inhalation
outlet, and a closed state in which gas is blocked from flowing
through the inhalation outlet; and a lower sealing portion
configured to be inserted into the open end of the internal gas
flow structure, the lower sealing portion configured to be
transitioned between an open state in which gas is allowed to flow
through the at least one first aperture connecting the first and
second chambers, and a closed state in which gas is blocked from
flowing through the at least one first aperture between the first
and second chambers, and an activating member configured to
simultaneously transition the upper and lower sealing portions
between the open and closed states upon activation thereof.
According to certain embodiments, in a case where the upper sealing
portion and lower sealing portion are in their respective closed
states, the portion of the mouthpiece internal flow path between
the at least one first aperture and the inhalation outlet is sealed
to trap any gas and/or water therebetween, and in a case where the
upper sealing portion and lower sealing portion are in their
respective open states, the portion of the mouthpiece internal flow
path is open to allow a flow of gas and/or water therethrough.
[0008] Aspects of the disclosure are further directed to a method
of using the mouthpiece according to any embodiment herein, the
method comprising:
[0009] (a) providing a volume of water to at least partially fill
the main chamber and flow into the second chamber;
[0010] (b) adjusting the activating member to set the upper and
lower sealing portions, respectively, in their open states;
[0011] (c) introducing a gas formed from a product intended for
inhalation into the mouthpiece inlet;
[0012] (d) inhaling a flow of the gas entrained with vapor exiting
the inhalation outlet;
[0013] (e) optionally, repeating (c)-(d); and
[0014] (f) following (d)-(e), adjusting the activating member to
set the upper and lower sealing portions, respectively, in their
closed states.
[0015] Aspects of the disclosure further relate to a method of
fabricating the mouthpiece claim according to any embodiment
herein, the method comprising: providing the mouthpiece housing
having the internal gas flow structure with the first chamber
having the open first end, and at least one first aperture, and
having the first opening at the first end thereof; providing the
sealable attachment piece having the upper and lower sealing
portions; inserting the sealable attachment piece into the first
opening of the mouthpiece housing such that the lower sealing
portion at least partly seals the open first end of the first
chamber of the internal gas flow structure, to form at least a part
of the internal gas flow path that directs gas through the at least
one first aperture, and such that the upper sealing portion is
sealed to a region of the mouthpiece housing about the first
opening.
[0016] Aspects of the disclosure further relate to a portable
electronic vaporizing device comprising: a base having comprising a
gas flow path conduit therein, the gas flow path conduit comprising
a conduit inlet and a conduit outlet; the mouthpiece according to
any embodiment herein, wherein the mouthpiece is removably
attachable to the base; and an atomizer that is removably
attachable to the base, the atomizer comprising: an atomizer inlet
configured to receive a flow of gas into the atomizer; a container
within the atomizer housing that is capable of holding a
vaporizable product, a heating element capable of heating the
vaporizable product held in the container; and one or more atomizer
outlets capable of receiving the flows of gas from the atomizer
internal flow path, and providing the flow of gas to the conduit
inlet of the base, wherein the flow of gas having the vaporizable
product entrained therein flows from the atomizer through the gas
flow path conduit of the base and to the mouthpiece inlet, and
along the mouthpiece internal flow path to the inhalation
outlet.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The following drawings form part of the present
specification and are included to further demonstrate certain
aspects of the present invention. The invention may be better
understood by reference to one or more of these drawings in
combination with the detailed description of specific embodiments
presented herein.
[0018] FIGS. 1A-1C show isometric views of an embodiment of a
transportable mouthpiece including a sealable attachment piece;
[0019] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a mouthpiece
housing;
[0020] FIGS. 3A-3B are sectional side and sectional isometric views
of the mouthpiece housing of FIG. 2;
[0021] FIGS. 4A-4C are side views of an embodiment of a sealable
attachment piece, an embodiment of an upper cap portion with shaft
of the sealable attachment piece, and an embodiment of a plug
portion of the sealable attachment piece;
[0022] FIGS. 5A-5B are a side view and sectional view of an
embodiment of the upper cap portion with shaft of the sealable
attachment piece;
[0023] FIGS. 6A and 6B are a side view and sectional view of an
embodiment of the plug portion of the sealable attachment
piece;
[0024] FIGS. 7A-7B are a sectional side view and cross-sectional
view of an embodiment of mouthpiece including the sealable
attachment piece, where the upper and lower sealing portions of the
sealable attachment piece are in a closed state;
[0025] FIGS. 8A-8B are a sectional side view and cross-sectional
view of an embodiment of mouthpiece including the sealable
attachment piece, where the upper and lower sealing portions of the
sealable attachment piece are in an open state;
[0026] FIGS. 9A-9B are a sectional side view and cross-sectional
top view of the mouthpiece including the sealable attachment piece,
where the upper and lower sealing portions of the sealable
attachment piece are in a closed state;
[0027] FIGS. 10A-10B are a sectional side view and cross-sectional
top view of the mouthpiece including the sealable attachment piece,
where the upper and lower sealing portions of the sealable
attachment piece are in an open state;
[0028] FIG. 11 shows embodiments of a portable electronic
vaporizing device comprising a base, atomizer and mouthpiece;
[0029] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the device of FIG. 11;
[0030] FIG. 13 is a schematic view of the device of FIG. 11;
[0031] FIGS. 14A-14D shows an embodiment of a base;
[0032] FIG. 15 shows a close-up schematic view of the device of
FIG. 11:
[0033] FIGS. 16A-16C show embodiments of an atomizer;
[0034] FIG. 17 shows views of embodiments of a mouthpiece; and
[0035] FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the
mouthpiece of FIGS. 1A-1B as used in combination with a pipe for
combustion of a substance.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0036] Aspects of the invention as described herein are directed to
an improved transportable mouthpiece for use in inhaling a gas,
such as a gas formed from vaporizing, burning or otherwise
aerosolizing a product intended for inhalation. According to
certain aspects, the mouthpiece may be used with a portable
vaporizing device, such as embodiments of the device as shown in
FIGS. 1-15, as described in more detail below. According to yet
another embodiment, the mouthpiece may be used with any other
device capable of generating and/or providing a gas for inhalation,
such as a pipe used for combustion of a substance to form the
product in gas form, as shown in FIG. 18. In one embodiment, the
mouthpiece may be used for the inhalation of vaporizable and/or
gaseous substances, including gaseous combustion products, such as
aromatic substances, therapeutic substances and/or substances with
physiological effects. Examples of such substances can include
herbs, such as tobacco, cannabis, lavender, chamomile, and other
types of plant material. In one embodiment, a product that can be
vaporized, burned and/or aerosolized for inhalation can comprise a
cannabinoid, such as for example one or more of cannabadiol (a
generally non-psychoactive therapeutic substance) and
tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (a psychoactive therapeutic substance).
The product may in some embodiments be in the form of an oil and/or
wax (e.g., hash) comprising the product, e.g., as extracted from
plant material containing the product, a distillate product, and
the product may optionally be provided in combination with carriers
or other additives. In some embodiments, the product for inhalation
in gas form can comprise the combustion products resulting from
igniting and burning a substance, such as an herb, tobacco, or
cannabis-containing substance.
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 1A-1C, embodiments of a mouthpiece 4 are
shown according to aspects of the disclosure herein, the mouthpiece
4 being suitable for the inhalation by a user of the product in the
form of a gas. In one embodiment, the mouthpiece 4 comprises an
inhalation outlet 406 through which a user can inhale the product
in vapor form. According to certain embodiments, the mouthpiece 4
comprises a mouthpiece housing 408 comprising one or more
mouthpiece walls 110 that at least partly define a mouthpiece
internal flow path 412 through the mouthpiece housing 408 (see,
e.g., FIG. 8B). In certain embodiments, the mouthpiece 4 comprises
a first opening 407 at a first end 405 (e.g., an upper region) of
the mouthpiece housing 408, and further comprises at least one
mouthpiece inlet 402 configured to receive a flow of gas at a
second end 404 (e.g., a lower region) of the mouthpiece housing.
The gas received by the at least one mouthpiece inlet 402 is passed
via the mouthpiece internal flow path 412 to the inhalation outlet
406 for inhalation thereof of the product in gas form.
[0038] According to certain embodiments, the mouthpiece 4 comprises
an internal gas flow structure 800 that extends into an interior
region 802 of the mouthpiece housing 408. For example, the internal
gas flow structure 800 may extend generally upwardly from the
second end 404 (e.g., a lower region) of the mouthpiece housing,
into the interior region, and may in certain embodiments extent to
a point just below the first opening 407 of the mouthpiece housing.
The internal gas flow structure 800 may, in certain embodiments,
generally direct a flow of gas received by the mouthpiece 4 along
at least a portion of the internal flow path 412, for example by
defining at least a portion of the internal flow path.
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 3A-3B, in one embodiment, the internal
gas flow structure 800 comprises a first chamber 804 at least
partly defined by at least one first housing 805 that is configured
to receive the flow of gas from the at least one mouthpiece inlet
402. For example, in the embodiment as shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, the at
least one mouthpiece inlet 402 is configured to provide gas to a
gas plenum 808 located at the second end 404 (e.g., bottom region)
of the mouthpiece housing 408, which gas plenum 808 is in
communication with the first chamber 804 via a port 809. The first
chamber 804 further comprises an open end 810 of the first housing
805 at a portion of the internal gas flow structure 800 that is
distal to the at least one mouthpiece inlet 402. For example, the
open end 810 may be located towards the first end 405 (e.g., upper
region) of the mouthpiece housing, and may be below the first
opening 407 of the mouthpiece housing. In other embodiments, the
open end 810 may be co-located with the first opening 407 of the
mouthpiece housing, and/or may be positioned above the first
opening 407 of the mouthpiece housing.
[0040] According to certain embodiments, the first housing 805 at
least partly defining the first chamber 804 further comprises at
least one first aperture 812 formed therein. The at least one first
aperture 812 is capable of passing the gas received into the first
chamber 804 therethrough, such as for example to form at least a
portion of the mouthpiece internal flow path 412. In the embodiment
as shown in FIGS. 7A-7B, the first housing 805 comprises two first
apertures 812 formed at opposing sides of the housing 805, although
other configurations and arrangements of the apertures 812 may also
be provided, including just a single first aperture 812 or a
multitude of apertures 812. Furthermore, in the embodiment as shown
in FIGS. 7A-7B the first apertures 812 are located at a region of
the first housing 805 that is distal to the at least one mouthpiece
inlet, and below the open end 810 of the first chamber. In other
embodiments, one or first apertures 812 may be located at varying
distances and/or positions along the first housing, according to a
gas flow to be provided through the internal gas flow structure
800.
[0041] Referring again to FIGS. 3A-3B, according to certain
embodiments, the internal gas flow structure 800 comprises a second
chamber 806 that is at least partly defined by at least one second
housing 807 that is configured to receive the flow of gas via the
at least one first aperture 812 from the first chamber 804, and
direct the flow of gas towards at least one second aperture 814.
That is, according to certain embodiments, the at least one first
aperture 812 forming in the first housing connects the first and
second chambers 804, 806, to allow a flow of gas therethrough, such
that a gas received in the first chamber 804 from the at least one
mouthpiece inlet 402 is passed to the second chamber 806 via the at
least first aperture 412.
[0042] Referring to the embodiments as shown in FIGS. 7A-7B, the at
least one second aperture 814 may be formed in the at least one
second housing 807 at least partly defining the second chamber 806.
Similarly to the at least one first aperture 812, the at least one
second aperture 814 can comprise various different number,
configurations and arrangements, such as at least two apertures 814
formed in the second housing 807 at a same side of the housing, as
depicted in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7A, and/or just a single
aperture 814 or a multitude of apertures 814. Furthermore, in the
embodiment as shown in FIGS. 7A-7B the second apertures 814 may be
located at a region of the second housing 807 that is distal to the
at least one first aperture 812, such as at a lower region of the
second chamber 806. In other embodiments, one or second apertures
814 may be located at varying distances and/or positions along the
second housing, according to a gas flow to be provided through the
internal gas flow structure 800.
[0043] In one embodiment, the at least one second aperture 814 is
located at a region of the second chamber 806 that is below the at
least one first aperture 812, such that a flow of gas received from
the at least one first aperture 812 into the second chamber is
directed in a downward direction towards the at least one second
aperture 814. That is, the second housing 807 may at least partly
direct the received flow gas in a direction towards the at least
one second aperture located towards a lower end of the second
chamber. Such a configuration may be suitable, for example, when
the second chamber 806 is at least partly filled with water, such
that gas entering the second chamber 806 from the first aperture
812 can enter at a region of the second chamber that is above a
level of water in the second chamber 806, and can be made to pass
through the water held in the second chamber 806 and to the at
least one second aperture 814, to provide cooling and/or filtering
of the gas by the water held in the second chamber 806. That is,
referring to FIG. 7A, the at least one first aperture 812 may be
located at a height H.sub.1 along a longitudinal axis A of the
mouthpiece that is greater than a height H2 of the at least one
second aperture 814 as measured from a lowest point of the second
end 404 of the mouthpiece housing.
[0044] Referring again to FIGS. 1A-1C, according to certain
embodiments, the mouthpiece 4 further comprises a main chamber 816
that is at least partly defined by the mouthpiece housing 408. The
main chamber 816 is configured to receive the flow of gas exiting
the second chamber 806 via the at least one second aperture 814,
and the gas received into the main chamber 816 is directed towards
the first opening 407 at the first end 405 of the mouthpiece
housing 405, such that the main chamber 816 forms at least a
portion of the mouthpiece internal flow path 812. According to one
embodiment, the main chamber 816 may, similarly to the second
chamber 806, be capable of being at least partly filled with water
at a lower region thereof, such as for cooling and/or filtering of
the gas received from the second chamber 406 via the at least one
second aperture 814, and passing through the main chamber 816. The
at least one second aperture 814 may also be positioned so as to
allow a flow of water between the second chamber 806 and main
chamber 816, such that at least partly filling the main chamber 816
also at least partly fills the second chamber 806. That is, water
may be provided to the main chamber and/or second chamber such that
the level of water L exceeds a height H2 of the at least one second
aperture 814, to provide fluid communication between the chambers.
Thus, in certain embodiments, a gas received in the first chamber
804 and passed to the second chamber 806 is passed into a reservoir
of water held in the second chamber 806, through the at least one
second aperture 814 at a height below the level L water in the
second chamber, and through a reservoir of water held in the main
chamber 816, with the flow of gas exiting the reservoir of water
held in the main chamber at a point above the at least one second
aperture and being directed towards the first opening 807 at the
first end 805 of the mouthpiece housing.
[0045] According to one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, 2,
3A-3B, 7A-7B and 8A-8B, the first and second chambers 804, 806 of
the internal gas flow structure 800 respectively comprise an inner
cylindrical chamber 804a at least partly defined by a first
cylindrical housing 805a, and an outer cylindrical chamber 806a at
least partly defined by both the first cylindrical housing 805a and
a second cylindrical housing 807a that is radially external to the
first cylindrical housing 805a, and wherein the at least one first
aperture 812 is formed in the first cylindrical housing 805a so as
to place the inner and outer cylindrical chambers 804a, 806a in
communication with one another (see, e.g., FIG. 8A). According to
one such embodiment, the flow of gas is received by the inner
cylindrical chamber 804a at a bottom portion 804b of the inner
cylindrical chamber from the mouthpiece inlet 402. The first
cylindrical housing 805a can be configured to direct the flow of
gas towards an upper portion 804c of the inner cylindrical chamber
where the at least one first aperture 812 is disposed in the first
cylindrical housing 805a. According to yet a further embodiment,
the flow of gas from the inner cylindrical chamber 804a is received
by the outer cylindrical chamber 806a at an upper portion 806b
thereof, and wherein the first and second cylindrical housings
805a, 807a direct the flow of gas downwardly through the outer
cylindrical chamber 806a and towards the at least one second
aperture 814 located towards a bottom portion 806c of the outer
cylindrical chamber 806a.
[0046] According to one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, 2,
3A-3B, 7A-7B and 8A-8B, the main chamber 816 that is at least
partly defined by the mouthpiece housing is external to, and at
least partly surrounds, the internal gas structure 800. For
example, according to one embodiment, the main chamber 816 is
radially external to and at least partly surrounds the inner and
outer cylindrical chambers 804a, 806a. According to a further
embodiment, the mouthpiece housing at least partly defining the
main chamber 816 is configured to direct the gas received via the
at least second aperture 814 towards the inhalation outlet 406,
where the inhalation outlet is located at a position above the
inner cylindrical chamber 804a
[0047] In certain embodiments, the main chamber 816 and/or second
chamber 806 may further be defined by a bottom portion of the
mouthpiece housing 408 that forms a lower surface of one or more of
the main chamber 816 and second chamber 806. For example, the
mouthpiece housing 408 can comprise a lower wall 820 that separates
one or more of the main chamber 816 and/or second chamber 806 from
the plenum chamber where gas is received from the mouthpiece inlet.
The lower wall 820 may thus, in certain embodiments, serve to at
least partly the main chamber in combination with the sidewalls 110
of the mouthpiece housing. The lower wall 820 may also in certain
embodiment serve to at least partly define the second chamber 806
in combination with the first and second housings 805, 807, and an
upper wall 822 of the second chamber 806. The main chamber 816 and
second chamber 806 may also have different lower walls at different
respective heights to one another. The main chamber 816 and second
chamber 806 may thus be at least partly filled with water during
operation of the mouthpiece, with the water being retained in the
main chamber and/or second chamber by the enclosures formed by the
lower wall(s) of these chambers and the respective chamber housings
defining the chambers. That is, in certain embodiments the main
chamber 816 can be understood to contain a first water reservoir
822 configured to retain water in a lower portion 818 thereof, and
the second chamber 806 can be understood to contain a second water
reservoir 824 configured to retain water in a lower portion 806
thereof, where the first and second water reservoirs are in
communication with one another via the at least one second aperture
814.
[0048] Referring to FIGS. 1A-1C and 4A-4C, in one embodiment, the
mouthpiece 4 further comprises a sealable attachment piece 900 that
is configured to at least partly seal a portion of the internal
flow path 412 within the mouthpiece housing 408. According to
certain embodiments, the sealable attachment piece 900 may be
releasably removable from the mouthpiece housing 408, such that the
sealable attachment piece 900 can be removed from the mouthpiece
housing for cleaning, refurbishment and/or replacement of the
sealable attachment piece 900 and/or mouthpiece housing 408.
According to yet another embodiment, the sealable attachment piece
900 may be made integral with the mouthpiece housing 408 such that
the attachment piece 900 and mouthpiece are effectively a unitary
body.
[0049] According to one embodiment, the sealable attachment piece
900 comprises an upper sealing portion 902 that is configured to be
inserted into the first opening 407 of the mouthpiece housing 408.
The upper sealing portion 902 may be configured to be transitioned
between an open state in which gas is allowed to flow through the
inhalation outlet 406, and a closed state in which gas is blocked
from flowing through the inhalation outlet 406. Embodiments of the
sealable attachment piece 900 can further comprise a lower sealing
portion 904 that is configured to be inserted into the open end 810
of the internal gas flow structure 800. The lower sealing portion
904 may be configured to be transitioned between an open state in
which gas is allowed to flow through the at least one first
aperture 812 connecting the first and second chambers, 804, 806 and
a closed state in which gas is blocked from flowing through the at
least one first aperture 812 between the first and second chambers
804, 806. The sealable attachment piece 900 can further comprise an
activating member 906 configured to transition the upper and lower
sealing portions between the open and closed states upon activation
thereof. For example, the activating member 906 may be capable of
simultaneously transitioning the upper and lower sealing portions
between the open and closed states, such that the flow of gas is
simultaneous stopped at the upper and lower sealing portions, or
simultaneously allowed to flow at the upper and lower sealing
portions, according to the activation state of the activating
member 906.
[0050] According to one embodiment, in a case where the upper
sealing portion 902 and lower sealing portion 904 are in their
respective closed states, the portion of the mouthpiece internal
flow path 412 between the at least one first aperture 812 and the
inhalation outlet 406 is sealed to trap any gas and/or water
therebetween. According to the embodiment, in a case where the
upper sealing portion and lower sealing portion are in their
respective open states, the portion of the mouthpiece internal flow
path between the at least one first aperture 812 and the inhalation
outlet 406 is open to allow a flow of gas and/or water
therethrough. That is, then the activating member 906 transitions
the sealing portions to the closed states, any water and/or gas
that might be in the mouthpiece housing is stopped from leaking
through the inhalation outlet 406 by the upper sealing portion, and
is simultaneously stopped from leaking through the at least one
first aperture 812 (and thus preventing leakage out of the
mouthpiece inlet 402 in communication with the first chamber having
the at least one first aperture) by the lower sealing portion. When
the activating member 906 transitions the sealing portions to the
open states, the internal gas flow path is again open to allow gas
received from the mouthpiece inlet 402 to pass through the internal
gas flow structure 800 into the main chamber 816 and out of the
inhalation outlet 406. Accordingly, the sealable attachment piece
may, in certain embodiments, allow for ready and convenient
transport of the mouthpiece 4, even in a case where some amount of
water or residue remains in the mouthpiece housing 408, as the
internal flow path can be sealed via a single activation that
simultaneously blocks exit from both the inlet and outlet to the
mouthpiece housing.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 1A-1B and 8B, according to one
embodiment, the lower sealing portion 904 is configured to seal the
open end 810 of the first chamber 804 in the internal gas flow
structure 800, so as to form a portion of the internal flow path
812 extending from the gas flow inlet 402 to the second chamber
806. For example, in an embodiment where the first and second
chambers comprising inner and outer cylindrical chambers 804a,
806a, the first cylindrical housing 805a can comprise the open end
810 of the inner cylindrical chamber 804a at an end of the first
cylindrical housing 805a that distal to the mouthpiece inlet 402.
Accordingly, in this embodiment, insertion of the lower sealing
portion 904 of the sealable attachment piece 900 into the open end
810 seals the open end of the first cylindrical housing to direct
gas received from the mouthpiece inlet and passing through the
inner cylindrical chamber into the outer cylindrical chamber via
the at least one first aperture 812 formed in the first cylindrical
housing 805a.
[0052] Referring to FIGS. 4A-4C, in one embodiment, sealable
attachment piece 900 comprises an upper sealing portion 902
comprising a plug portion 902a and an upper cap portion 902b that
is in communication with a shaft 908 extending from the upper cap
portion 902b to the lower sealing portion 904. According to one
embodiment, the plug portion 902a comprises one or more annular
sealing rings 906 about a circumference thereof on an outer surface
907 of the plug portion, to form a seal with an inner surface 408a
of the mouthpiece housing 408 in a region proximate to the first
opening 407 at the first end 405 of the mouthpiece housing when the
plug portion is at least partly inserted into the first end 405 of
the mouthpiece housing (see, e.g., FIG. 7B). According to yet other
versions, the plug portion could comprise a different
configuration, such as a plug portion that extends over an outer
surface of the mouthpiece housing as opposed to being at least
partly inserted inside the mouthpiece housing as in the embodiments
as shown. In an embodiment where the plug portion fits over the
mouthpiece housing, the annular sealing rings could be formed
circumferentially about an internal surface of the plug portion, so
as to engage an outer surface of the mouthpiece housing in a region
of the first opening. That is, the plug portion 902a is capable of
engaging and forming a seal with a surface of the mouthpiece
housing so as to retain the plug portion on the mouthpiece housing.
In one embodiment, the upper cap portion 902b and at least a
portion of the shaft 908 extending therefrom are formed of a
relatively hard plastic material, such as polycarbonate. In a
further embodiment the plug portion 902a is formed of a relatively
flexible and conformable sealing material, such as a silicone
material. Other sealing features provided on the upper and lower
sealing portions and described further herein, such as annular
sealing rings, finned windows with sealing fins, etc., may
similarly be formed of a conformable sealing material to form a
seal with a surface engaged by the sealing feature, such as a
silicone material.
[0053] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3A-3B, according to one embodiment,
the mouthpiece housing 408 comprises one or more registration
features 408b to register and secure a circumferential position of
the plug portion 902a when the sealable attachment piece 900 is
attached to the mouthpiece housing 408. For example, the one or
more registration features can comprise one or more notches or
other features formed in an upper surface of the mouthpiece housing
to secure the plug portion 902a, for example by securing
complementary registration features 408a of the plug portion (see,
e.g. FIG. 10).
[0054] According to one embodiment, the upper cap portion 902b may
be capable of moving independently of the plug portion 902a so as
to act as the activating member 906 that simultaneously transitions
the upper and lower sealing portions between closed and open
states. In one embodiment, the upper cap portion 902b is rotatable
independently of the plug portion 902a to act as the activating
member that activates the transition between the open and closed
states of the upper and lower sealed portions. In another
embodiment, the upper cap portion 902b is translatable
independently of the plug portion 902a to act as the activating
member that activates the transition between the open and closed
states of the upper and lower sealed portions, and thereby act as
the activating member. For example, the upper cap portion 902b may
be translatable a predetermined distance along the longitudinal
axis A of the mouthpiece 4.
[0055] Referring to FIGS. 5A-5B and 8B, according to one
embodiment, the upper sealing portion 902 comprises one or more gas
channels 910 formed in the plug portion 902a and/or upper cap
portion 902b to facilitate a flow of gas from the main chamber 816
of the mouthpiece to the inhalation outlet 406. In the embodiment
as shown, the upper cap portion 902b comprises an opening
corresponding to the inhalation outlet 406 at an upper end thereof.
The one of more channels 910 passing through the upper sealing
portion 902 can, in certain embodiments, comprise one or more ports
912 formed in the shaft 908 extending from the upper cap portion
902b. In this embodiment, the shaft 908 can comprise a hollow
portion 914 therein forming an inner gas channel 910a between the
one or more ports 912 and the inhalation outlet 406. The one or
more ports 912 communicate with outer gas channels 910b formed in
the spaces between the inner surface of the plug portion 902a and
an exterior surface of the shaft 908. That is, according to one
embodiment, at least a portion of the plug portion 902a
circumferentially surrounds the shaft 908 at a portion thereof
where the one or more ports 912 are formed, and is capable of
forming the outer gas channels 910 external to the shaft 908 and
leading to the main chamber 816. Accordingly, gas entering the
upper sealing portion 902 from the main chamber 816 of the
mouthpiece housing passes can pass through the one or more outer
gas channels 910b formed between the plug portion and shaft,
through the one or more ports 912 into the inner channel 910a
formed by the hollow portion of the shaft, and through the
inhalation outlet 406 (see, e.g., FIG. 8B). In the embodiment as
shown in FIG. 8, the one or more ports are on opposing sides from
one another on the shaft 908, and other configurations can also be
provided. The plug portion 902a can further comprise one or more
annular sealing rings 922 on an inner surface 916 at an upper end
920 thereof, which are configured to engage with an outer surface
of the shaft 908 to form a seal with the shaft at the upper end 920
of the plug portion.
[0056] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the plug portion
902a circumferentially surrounds the shaft 908 at a portion thereof
where the one or more ports 912 are formed, and the inner surface
916 of the plug portion 902a comprises circumferentially disposed
sealing regions 918a and non-sealing regions 918b configured to
engage with the one or more ports 912. In one embodiment, when the
non-sealing regions 918b of the plug portion 902a are engaged with
one or more of the ports 912, one or more of the gas flow channels
910 is open to pass through the upper sealing portion 902 to the
inhalation outlet 406, and when the sealing regions 918a are
engaged with one or more of the ports 912, the one or more gas flow
channels 910 are closed to prohibit a flow of gas through the upper
sealing portion 902 to the inhalation outlet 406. In another
embodiment, the inner surface 916 of the plug portion 902a
comprises sealing and non-sealing regions 918a, 918b is configured
to engage with the one or more ports 912, the sealing and
non-sealing regions being longitudinally disposed along the inner
surface 916 of the plug portion. In certain embodiments, the
circumferentially disposed sealing and non-sealing regions of the
plug portion are engaged via rotation of the upper cap portion 902b
to rotate the one or more ports 912 about the axis of the shaft 908
to engage with the one or more sealing and non-sealing regions
918a, 918b. In other embodiments, the longitudinally disposed
sealing and non-sealing regions of the plug portion are engaged via
translation of the upper cap portion 902b to translate the one or
more ports on the shaft 908 longitudinally with respect to the plug
portion 902a, to engage with the one or more sealing and
non-sealing regions on the inner surface of the plug portion
902a.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 6B, in one embodiment, the sealing regions
918a comprise finned windows 924 comprising flexible sealing
material, the finned windows comprising sealing fins 926 that
extend from the inner surface 916 of the plug portion 902a and are
capable of forming a seal about the one or more ports 912 formed in
the shaft 308, such that gas entering one or more gas flow channels
910 at a lower end of the upper sealing portion 902 is blocked from
entering the one or more ports 912 formed in the shaft 908 and
prevented from being passed to the inhalation outlet 406. In
further embodiments, the non-sealing regions 918b of the inner
surface 916 of the plug portion 920 can comprise the one or more
outer channels 910b configured to pass the flow of gas from the
mouthpiece main chamber 816 and to the one or more ports 912 in the
shaft 908, to flow the gas to the inhalation outlet 406, in a case
where the non-sealing regions 918b of the plug portion 902a are
engaged with the ports 912.
[0058] Referring to FIGS. 4A-4B, 5A-5B and 8B, according to one
embodiment, the sealable attachment piece 900 comprises a lower
sealing portion 904 that comprises one or more annular sealing
rings 926 disposed on a lower portion 928 of the rotatable shaft
908, the one or more sealing rings 926 being configured to form a
seal with a surface of the first housing 805 of the first chamber
804 in a region of the open end 810 of the first chamber 804 to
form at least a portion of the gas flow path 412 directing the gas
received through the mouthpiece inlet 402 to the at least one first
aperture 812 connecting the first and second chambers 804, 806. For
example, the one or more sealing rings 926 may extend from an outer
surface 908a of the shaft and engage an inner surface 805b of the
first housing 805 just above the at least one first aperture 812.
The one or more sealing rings 926 may be configured to block the
open end 810, such that gas is prevented from passing therethrough,
and is instead directed to the at least one first aperture 812.
[0059] According to one embodiment, the lower sealing portion 904
comprises a lower region 928 of the shaft 908 comprising one or
more lower sealing regions 928a and lower non-sealing regions 928b
circumferentially disposed about an outer surface 908 of the lower
region 928 of the shaft. According to one embodiment, the one or
more sealing regions and/or non-sealing regions 928a, 928b are
engaged with the at least one first aperture 812 via rotation of
the rotatable shaft 908, such that when the sealing regions 928a
are engaged with the at least one first aperture 812, the at least
one first aperture 812 is closed to prohibit a flow of gas and/or
liquid therethrough, and when the non-sealing regions 928b are
engaged with at least one first aperture 812, the at least one
first aperture 812 is open to permit a flow of gas therethrough
from the first chamber to the second chamber. For example,
according to embodiments herein, the upper and lower sealing
portions 902, 904 can be simultaneously engaged via rotation of the
upper cap portion. According to yet another embodiment, the lower
region of the shaft comprises one or more lower sealing regions and
lower non-sealing regions disposed longitudinally along an outer
surface of the lower region of the shaft, wherein the one or more
sealing regions and/or non-sealing regions are engaged with the at
least one first aperture via translation of the shaft. For example,
according to embodiments herein, the upper and lower sealing
portions 902, 904 can be simultaneously engaged via rotation of the
upper cap portion.
[0060] According to one embodiment, the sealing regions 928a of the
lower sealing portion comprise finned windows 930 comprising
flexible sealing material, the finned windows comprising sealing
fins 932 that extend from the outer surface 908a of the shaft 908
and are capable of forming a seal about the at least one first
aperture 812 formed in the first housing, such that gas and/or
liquid is prevented from flowing through the at least one aperture
812 between the first and second chambers.
[0061] Referring to FIGS. 4A-4C, in one embodiment, the upper cap
portion 902b comprises a lip portion 934 at an upper end thereof
that is configured to be fitted over a top portion of the plug
portion 902a to retain the upper cap portion 902b over the plug
portion 902a. According to yet another embodiment, the plug portion
902a can comprise rotation registration features 938a on an
external surface thereof configured to engage with complementary
features 938b on an inner surface of the lip portion 934 of the
upper cap portion 902b, so as to allow for a predetermined arc of
rotation of the upper cap portion 902b to provide for a
predetermined rotation of the shaft and engagement and/or
disengagement of the sealing and non-sealing regions of the upper
sealing portion and/or lower sealing portion of the sealable
attachment piece. For example, referring to FIGS. 5B and 6A, the
complementary features 938b on the inner surface of the upper cap
portion 902b can comprise interference ribs that engage with
features 938a comprising complementary ribs on the external surface
of the plug portion 902a. According to another embodiment, the plug
portion can comprises translation registration features on an
external surface thereof configured to engage with complementary
features on an inner surface of the lip portion of the upper cap
portion so as to allow for a predetermined length of translation of
the upper cap portion to provide for a predetermined translation of
the shaft and engagement and/or disengagement of the sealing and
non-sealing regions of the upper sealing portion and/or lower
sealing portion of the sealable attachment piece.
[0062] Referring to FIGS. 7A-7B and 9A-9B, embodiments of the
mouthpiece are shown where the sealable attachment piece 900 is
closed, meaning that both upper and lower sealing portions are
closed, so as to prevent a flow of gas and/or water into or out of
the mouthpiece housing. Referring to FIGS. 8A-8B and 10A and 10B,
embodiments of the mouthpiece are shown where the sealable
attachment piece 900 is open, meaning that both upper and lower
sealing portions are open, so as to allow a flow of gas and/or
water into or out of the mouthpiece housing.
[0063] According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a method of
using the mouthpiece described herein is provided. Embodiments of
the method can generally comprise providing a volume of water to
the mouthpiece housing to at least partially fill the main chamber
and flow into the second chamber, and adjusting the activating
member to set the upper and lower sealing portions, respectively,
in their open states. A gas is introduced into the mouthpiece
housing that is formed from a product intended for inhalation into
the mouthpiece inlet, and passed through the internal gas flow path
to the mouthpiece inhalation outlet. The flow of gas passing
through the mouthpiece is inhaled via the inhalation outlet. The
flowing of a gas through the mouthpiece and inhalation via the
inhalation outlet can be repeated according to preferred use. Once
an amount of gas has been inhaled, for example if a user wishes to
end the inhalation session, the activating member can be adjusted
to set the upper and lower sealing portions, respectively, in their
closed states, for example if the user wishes to transport the
mouthpiece or store the mouthpiece after use without risk of
leakage.
[0064] Aspects of the disclosure herein further provide for a
method of fabricating the mouthpiece described herein. Embodiments
of such a method of fabrication can comprise providing the
mouthpiece housing having the internal gas flow structure with the
first chamber having the open first end, and at least one first
aperture, and having the first opening at the first end thereof;
providing the sealable attachment piece having the upper and lower
sealing portions; inserting the sealable attachment piece into the
first opening of the mouthpiece housing such that the lower sealing
portion at least partly seals the open first end of the first
chamber of the internal gas flow structure, to form at least a part
of the internal gas flow path that directs gas through the at least
one first aperture, and such that the upper sealing portion is
sealed to a region of the mouthpiece housing about the first
opening.
[0065] The mouthpiece 4 as described herein may be used with any
suitable device or apparatus that is capable of providing a gas to
the mouthpiece 4, such as a portable vaporizing device that
provides a gas vapor to the inlet of the mouthpiece for inhalation
thereof. The transportable mouthpiece 4 may also have the advantage
that it can be readily switched between devices without excessive
leakage therefrom, due to the sealing capabilities provide by the
sealable attachment pieces.
[0066] Accordingly, an embodiment of a portable vaporizing device
that may be suitable for use with the transportable mouthpiece 4 is
described below with reference to FIGS. 11-17, however it is
understood that the use of the mouthpiece 4 is not limited to use
with the device described herein, and the device is being described
for illustrative purposes only. For example, the transportable
mouthpiece 4 may also be suitable for use with a source of gas
emanating from burning and/or combustion of an inhalable product,
such as a pipe, or with other vaporizers other than that
specifically described herein.
[0067] Furthermore, as an alternative to the portable electronic
device 1 as shown in FIGS. 11-17, in certain embodiments the
mouthpiece 4 having the sealable attachment piece 900 described
herein may be provided as a part of a pipe 1000 for the inhalation
of the gaseous products produced by combustion of a substance. For
example, referring to FIG. 18, a pipe 1000 may comprise a pipe base
1001 that is placed in communication with the mouthpiece 4, and
having a receptacle 1002 for receiving a substance that is also
suitable for combustion of the substance therein, such as by
igniting the substance. The gaseous combustion product produced by
burning of the substance can be introduced into the mouthpiece from
the pipe base 1001, such as via a conduit within the pipe base that
connects to the mouthpiece inlet.
[0068] Furthermore, while certain of FIGS. 11-17 depict a device 1
with an embodiment of the mouthpiece 4 that does not include a
sealable attachment piece 900, it is to be understood that the
embodiment of the mouthpiece with the sealable attachment piece as
shown in any of FIGS. 1-10B could be substituted for the embodiment
of the mouthpiece shown in any of FIGS. 11-22 for use with the
device 1. Furthermore, in some embodiments, features of the
mouthpiece 4 as described in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11-17
may also be incorporated, where suitable, into the embodiment of
the mouthpiece as shown in FIGS. 1-10B.
[0069] Referring to FIG. 11, an embodiment of a portable electronic
vaporizing device 1 is shown according to aspects of the disclosure
herein. The portable electronic device 1 comprises a base 2, and
atomizer 3 and the mouthpiece 4 (which may correspond to any of the
embodiments of the mouthpiece as shown in FIGS. 1-10B disclosed
herein, e.g., including a sealable attachment piece). The atomizer
3 is configured to receive a vaporizable product therein and to
heat the vaporizable product to form a vapor therefrom. As
discussed above, the mouthpiece 4 comprises an outlet where a user
can inhale the vapor produced by the atomizer, optionally with
water or other substances entrained therein. The base 2 provides a
gas flow connection between the atomizer 3 and mouthpiece 4, to
deliver the vaporized product from the atomizer 3 to the mouthpiece
4 for delivery to the use via inhalation thereof. The base 2 can
also comprise a housing for one or more components for powering
and/or controlling the device 1. For example, the base may contain
compartments therein for storing a power source, such as a battery,
for powering elements of the device 1 such as a heating element
used in the atomizer 3. In a case where the device is powered by a
rechargeable battery, such as a lithium ion battery, the base 2 may
also comprise a charging port connectable to a battery charger (not
shown). The base may also have compartment doors to allow access to
a battery or other components held within the housing. The base 2
may also house further control circuitry for controlling the
device, such as to provide predetermined heating cycles or heating
programs, and may also allow for user interaction with the device
via control buttons and/or control interface, a display and/or
lights to signal to the user, and/or other control and operation
features.
[0070] Referring to FIG. 12, an embodiment of the device 1 is shown
in exploded view, with the mouthpiece 4 and atomizer 3 removed from
the base 2. In one embodiment, the mouthpiece 4 is removably
attachable to the base 2, for example so as to allow a user to
readily remove the mouthpiece for cleaning and/or replacement, as
is described in further detail herein. In yet another embodiment,
the atomizer may be removably attachable to the base, for example
so as to allow a user to replace the atomizer 3 when no longer
serviceable, for cleaning of the atomizer, and/or to more readily
allow access to a container (e.g. bowl) where a vaporizable product
may be loaded into the atomizer 3. In one embodiment, both the
atomizer 3 and the mouthpiece 4 may be removably attachable to the
base 2. In yet another version, the atomizer 3 may be independently
removable from the base 2. That is, the atomizer 3 may be
configured to be removably attached to the base such that it can be
removed therefrom, without requiring that the mouthpiece 2 be
removed beforehand. Referring to FIG. 12 it can be seen that the
atomizer 3 itself is external to the mouthpiece 4, and its
connection to the base 2 is also at a position that is outside the
mouthpiece 4, such that the atomizer 3 can be removed from the base
2 while the mouthpiece is kept attached to the base. Similarly,
according to the embodiment as shown, the mouthpiece 4 can be
removed from the base 2 independently of the atomizer 3, as the
mouthpiece 4 and its connection to the base are external to the
atomizer, and so the mouthpiece 4 can be removed from the base 2
without requiring removal of the atomizer 3. Furthermore, in the
embodiment as shown in FIG. 12, the atomizer 3 can be loaded with
vaporizable product without requiring removal of the mouthpiece 4,
and without requiring passing of the vaporizable product through a
portion of the mouthpiece, as the atomizer can be accessed
separately from the mouthpiece.
[0071] Referring to FIG. 13, an embodiment of a gas flow path
through the portable electronic device 1 is shown. In one
embodiment, a flow of ambient air is received in the atomizer 3,
where the ambient air is entrained with vaporizable product that is
vaporized in the atomizer via a heating element. The gas comprising
the ambient air and vaporizable product flows from the atomizer 3
to a portion of the base 2 having a gas flow conduit therein, and
which provide a sealed gas flow connection between the atomizer 3
and mouthpiece 4. The gas received into the mouthpiece 4, where it
is directed to an inhalation outlet of the mouthpiece, where the
gas comprising the vaporizable product can be inhaled by the user.
In one embodiment, water is provided in a region of the mouthpiece
4 such that water can cool and/or filter the gas passing through
the mouthpiece, thereby providing a more pleasant inhalation
experience to the user. An embodiment of an overall flow path of
gas through the device 1 is depicted via dashed lines in FIG. 13.
According to yet a further embodiment, the mouthpiece 4 can
comprise any of the mouthpiece embodiments as shown in FIGS. 1-10B
and including a sealable attachment piece.
[0072] Referring to FIGS. 14A-14D, embodiments of the base 2, and
mechanism of attachment of the base 2 to one or more of the
atomizer 3 and mouthpiece 4 are described in more detail. As shown
in FIGS. 14A-14D, the base 2 comprises a gas flow path conduit 200
therein, the gas flow path conduit 200 comprising a conduit inlet
201a and a conduit outlet 201b, an embodiment of which may also be
viewed with respect to FIG. 15. The conduit inlet 201a receives gas
exhausted from the atomizer 3, and provides a flow of gas to the
mouthpiece 4. In one embodiment, one or more airtight seals are
formed between the base 2 and/or the atomizer 3 and mouthpiece 4,
so as to create an airtight gas flow path between from the
atomizer, through the gas flow path conduit 200 in the base 2, and
to the mouthpiece 4. In the embodiment as shown, the gas flow
conduit 200 in the base separates an atomizer internal gas flow
path from a mouthpiece internal flow path.
[0073] According to one embodiment, the atomizer 3 and/or
mouthpiece 4 are removably attachable to the base 2 via a fastening
feature 202 that allows for repeated removal and re-insertion of
the atomizer 3 and/or mouthpiece 4 into the base. In one
embodiment, the fastening feature 202 may be located on the base 2,
and/or the fastening feature 202 may be located on one or more of
the atomizer 3 and mouthpiece, and/or the components may have
mutually complementary fastening features that allow for repeatable
removal and re-attachment of the atomizer 3 and/or mouthpiece 4 to
the base 2.
[0074] In the embodiment as shown in FIGS. 14A-14D, the base 2
comprises first and second recessed regions 203a and 203b,
comprising cavities formed in the base 2 that are configured to
receive at least a portion of the atomizer 3 and mouthpiece
therein. For example, the base can comprise a first recessed region
203a configured to receive at least a portion of the atomizer 3
therein, and a second recessed region 203b configured to receive at
least a portion of the mouthpiece 4 therein. In one embodiment, the
fastening feature 202 is provided as part of the base, and can
comprise one or more airtight sealing members 204a, 204b located in
the base, such as a first airtight sealing member 204a provided in
the first recessed region to retain the atomizer therein, and/or a
second airtight sealing member 204b provided in the second recessed
region to retain the mouthpiece 4 therein. In yet another
embodiment, the fastening feature 202 may be provided on the
atomizer and/or mouthpiece. For example, the mouthpiece 4
(including any of the embodiments of the mouthpiece as shown in
FIGS. 1-10B) may comprise a snap region 401 that is configured to
be received by the second recessed region of the base, and that
comprises a fastening feature 202 thereon to retain the step region
in the base, as is described in more detail hereinbelow. In one
embodiment, the fastening feature that removably retains one or
more of the atomizer and/or mouthpiece in their respective recessed
region is also capable of providing an airtight seal between the
base and atomizer and/or mouthpiece. In another embodiment, the
fastening feature comprises a structural element that is separate
from and/or provided in addition to an airtight sealing member. For
example, in one embodiment, the base and atomizer and/or mouthpiece
may be fastened together by a fastening feature that does not
provide an airtight seal, but an airtight sealing member may be
provided about the gas flow interfaces of the base, such as about
one or more of the base conduit inlet 201a and conduit outlet 201b,
to provide an airtight connection for gas flowing from the atomizer
through the base conduit and into the mouthpiece 4. According to
yet another embodiment, the device comprises both fastening
elements that provide an airtight seal, as well as further airtight
sealing members along the gas flow path to ensure an airtight
airflow. For example, referring to FIG. 4B, an airtight sealing
member 204c can be provided about the gas conduit outlet 201b to
provide an airtight connection to the mouthpiece inlet.
[0075] In one embodiment, the base 2 is capable of forming a first
airtight compartment 205a via airtight seal with the atomizer,
and/or is capable of forming a second airtight compartment 205b via
an airtight seal with the mouthpiece 4, as shown in FIG. 15. In one
embodiment, the base comprises a first recessed receiving region
203a formed therein that is configured to receive the atomizer 3,
the first recessed receiving region 203a comprising an annular
sealing region 204a provided about an internal circumference 206a
of the first recessed receiving region, to form the airtight
compartment between the base and atomizer in the portion of the
first recessed region below the annular sealing region. In another
embodiment, the base comprises a second recessed receiving region
203b formed therein that is configured to receive the mouthpiece,
the second recessed receiving region 203b comprising an annular
sealing region 204b provided about an internal circumference 206b
of the second recessed receiving region, to form the airtight
compartment between the base and mouthpiece in the portion of the
second recessed region below the annular sealing region. In another
embodiment, the base comprises a first recessed receiving region
203a formed therein that is configured to receive the atomizer, and
a second recessed region 203b formed therein that is configured to
receive the mouthpiece, and wherein at least one of the atomizer
and/or mouthpiece comprise an annular sealing region provided about
an external circumference thereof, to form an airtight compartment
between the base and atomizer and/or mouthpiece in the portion of
the first and/or second recessed regions below the annular sealing
region 204a, 204b. In another embodiment, the base comprises a
second recessed region 203b formed therein that is configured to
receive the mouthpiece, and wherein a sealing region is provided on
one or more of the base and/or mouthpiece about one or more of the
gas flow path conduit outlet on the base and/or the at least one
mouthpiece inlet on the mouthpiece, to form an airtight seal
between the gas flow conduit outlet and the mouthpiece inlet.
Furthermore, in one embodiment at least a portion of the first
airtight compartment in the first recessed region 203a forms a
passage 207 for flow of gas from the atomizer to the gas flow path
conduit in the base, below the annular sealing region, as shown in
FIG. 15.
[0076] In one embodiment, an annular sealing region provided about
a recessed cavity in the base, and/or about a circumference of the
atomizer and/or mouthpiece, comprises a plastic, elastomeric,
rubber and/or silicone material. In another embodiment, the base 2
comprises one or more plastic, elastomeric, rubber and/or silicone
sleeves 208 conformally lining one or more recessed regions 203a,
203b, and/or the conduit 200. In one embodiment, the sleeve 208 may
be a single sleeve piece lining at least a portion of the recessed
regions 203a, 203 and conduit. According to yet another embodiment,
at least one of the atomizer and mouthpiece can comprise a plastic,
elastomeric, rubber and/or silicone sleeve conformally lining at
least a part of a surface thereof that is received by first and/or
second recessed regions of the base. In yet another embodiment, the
sleeve 208 provided in one or more of the recessed regions 203a,
203b comprises one or more annular protrusions extending therefrom,
such as by molding of the sleeve material to form the protrusions,
which can serve as airtight sealing members 204a, 204b between the
base and atomizer and/or mouthpiece.
[0077] In one embodiment, the base 2 comprises a second recessed
receiving region 203b formed therein that is configured to receive
the snap region 401 of the mouthpiece 4, the second recessed
receiving region comprising the annular sealing region 204b
provided about an internal circumference thereof, to form an
airtight compartment between the base and snap region of the
mouthpiece in the portion of the second recessed region below the
annular sealing region. In yet another embodiment, the second
recessed receiving region further comprises the annular sealing
region 204c about the conduit outlet 201b to form an airtight seal
between the conduit outlet 204c and a mouthpiece inlet 402. In one
embodiment, the gas flow path conduit outlet 201b in the base is
located below the annular sealing region 204b in the second
recessed region, such that an interface between the gas flow path
conduit outlet in the base, and the mouthpiece inlet is located in
an airtight compartment portion of the second recessed receiving
region. In one embodiment, the annular sealing region 204b, 204c
comprises at least one of a rubber, elastomeric, and a silicone
material. In yet another embodiment, the second recessed region is
sized an shaped to accommodate a snap region 401 of the mouthpiece
that comprises an annular indentation 403 formed about a
circumference of the mouthpiece towards a bottom end 404 of the
mouthpiece that is distal to an inhalation outlet 406 of the
mouthpiece, the annular indentation being configured to conformally
mate with the annular sealing member in the second recessed region
to so as to form the airtight compartment.
[0078] As described above, in one embodiment the base 2 comprises a
housing 209 that is configured to house a power source 210 for
powering a heating element in the atomizer 2, and optionally
comprises one or more control elements for operating components of
the device 1. For example, in one embodiment the power source 210
can comprise a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium-ion battery.
The housing may also contain outlets to connect the device with an
electrical outlet and/or other devices, and may house control
elements such a CPUs and/or wireless transmitters for controlling
heating and vapor production with the device, either via direct or
wireless input into the device by a user.
[0079] Referring to FIGS. 16A-16C, an embodiment of an atomizer 3
is described. In the embodiment as shown, the atomizer 3 is
removably attachable to the base, an includes an atomizer inlet 301
configured to receive a flow of gas into the atomizer 3, and an
atomizer housing 10 comprising one or more atomizer housing walls
304 that at least partially define an atomizer internal flow path
therein. The atomizer 2 is further configured to contain a
container 7 (e.g., a bowl) within the atomizer housing 302 that is
capable of holding a vaporizable product therein. The atomizer
further comprises a heating element 8 capable of heating the
vaporizable product held in the container 7. According to the
embodiment as showing, the atomizer comprises a first container
inlet 305 capable of introducing gas into the container 7 to
entrain vaporizable product therein, and comprises one or more
second container outlets 306 capable of flowing the gas having the
vaporizable product entrained therein into an atomizer internal
flow path 308. Embodiments of the atomizer 3 comprise one or more
atomizer outlets 309 capable of receiving the flow of gas from the
atomizer internal flow path 308, and providing the flow of gas to
the conduit inlet 201a of the base 2.
[0080] According to one embodiment, the at least one heating
element 8 is disposed within the atomizer housing 10. For example,
the at least one heating element 8 may be disposed below a bottom
surface 310 of the container 7 that is adapted to receive the
vaporizable product therein. In one embodiment, the heating element
comprises a ceramic heating plate, such as an alumina plate. The
heating element 8 may be capable of resistively heating the
container 7 via thermal contact therewith, as in direct contact
with the bottom surface 310. In one embodiment, the heating element
8 is attached to conductive elements such as wires leading to the
power source (e.g. battery) to provide an applied voltage for the
resistive heating. In one embodiment, the container 7 adapted to
receive and hold the vaporizable product comprises a thermally
conductive ceramic material, such as alumina, such that placing the
container is in thermal contact with the heating element causes
heating of the container.
[0081] According to yet another embodiment, the atomizer 3
comprises a bottom insulating element 9 comprising a spacer
disposed between the heating element 8 and atomizer housing 10 that
thermally insulates the heating element 8 from the atomizer housing
8. The bottom insulating element 9 may also act to secure the
heating element in position at a bottom end 312 of the container,
such as in contact with the bottom surface of the container 7. In
one embodiment, the bottom insulating element comprises a ceramic
having a lower thermal conductivity than the container and/or
heating element, so as to thermally isolate the container and/or
heating element from the atomizer housing. For example, in one
embodiment the bottom insulating element can comprise a thermal
conductivity of less than 4 W/mk, less than 3.5 W/mk and/or less
than 3 W/mk, whereas the container and/or heating element may
comprise a thermal conductivity of at least 10 W/mk, at least 15
w/mk and/or at least 20 W/mk.
[0082] According to another embodiment, the atomizer 3 comprise a
top insulating element 311 that thermally insulates a top end 313
of the container 7 from the atomizer housing 10. In one embodiment,
the top insulating element 311 is configured to receive a carb cap
17 thereon. For example in one embodiment, the device 1 is
configured to operate with a carb cap 17 positioned upstream of the
atomizer 3, the carb cap comprising a stopper having a conduit 314
formed therein to provide a flow of ambient air into the atomizer
3. In one embodiment, the container 7 is thermally insulated from
the atomizer housing 10 by both the bottom insulating element 9
that positions the container within the housing at a bottom end of
the container, and the top insulating element 311 that positions a
top end of the container in the housing. In one embodiment,
referring to FIG. 6C, the top insulating element 311 comprises
inner and outer annular insulating rings 5, 6. In one embodiment,
an inner circumference of the inner annular insulating 5 ring
defines the atomizer inlet 301, and is in communication with the
first inlet 305 of the container 7. In the embodiment as shown in
FIG. 16A, the atomizer inlet 301 is directly above the first inlet
305, and/or the atomizer inlet 301 and first container inlet may
comprise the same inlet. That is, in one embodiment, the atomizer
inlet may be aligned with and lead to a container inlet positioned
below the inner annular ring 5 of the top insulating element
311.
[0083] In one embodiment, the atomizer 3 comprises an outer annular
ring 6 that forms an annular jacket that is flush with the outer
surface of the inner annular ring 5, and extends in an axial
direction beyond the inner annular ring such that a portion of the
interior surface of the outer annular ring is in contact with an
outer surface of the atomizer housing 10. In one embodiment, the
outer annular ring 6 may secure the inner annular ring 5 to the
atomizer housing 10 via frictional forces and/or via a snap
mechanism or other fastening mechanism between a portion of the
interior surface of the outer annular ring and the outer surface of
the atomizer housing. In one embodiment, the outer annular ring
comprises an annular jacket that forms an airtight seal with the
atomizer housing.
[0084] In one embodiment, one or more of the inner and outer
annular rings 5, 6 are capable of thermally isolating the container
7 from the atomizer housing 10, by having a lower thermal
conductivity. For example, one or more of the inner and outer
annular insulating rings can comprise a thermal conductivity of
less than 4 W/mk, less than 3.5 W/mk and/or less than 3 W/mk,
whereas the container may comprise a thermal conductivity of at
least 10 W/mk, at least 15 w/mk and/or at least 20 W/mk. IN one
embodiment, a bottom surface 315 of the inner annular insulating
ring 5 is in contact with an upper surface 316 of the container
7.
[0085] In one embodiment, one or more of the container 7 and/or
thermally insulating element 311, such as the inner annular ring 5,
comprise one or more apertures 318 therein that correspond to the
one or more container second outlets 306. For example, in one
embodiment the inner annular ring 5 comprises one or more
indentations 320 formed in the bottom surface 315 thereof, such as
about a circumference thereof, which form one or more apertures 318
between the bottom surface 315 of the inner annular ring 5 and the
top surface 316 of the container 7. In yet another embodiment, the
inner annular ring 5 comprises one or more apertures formed in the
body thereof, such as about a circumference thereof, to provide the
one or more container outlets. In yet another embodiment, the
container itself comprises one or more apertures 318 formed in one
or more walls thereof, wherein the one or more apertures comprise
the one or more second container outlets 306. According to certain
embodiments, first container inlet 305 introduces a gas flow
received through the inner insulating annular ring 5 into the
container 7, and the one or more second container outlets 306 flow
gas out of the container through the one or more apertures 318. The
second container outlets 306 may thus be a separate aperture and/or
opening than the first container inlet 305, such that air comes
through the inlet and passes through a separate outlet when exiting
the container 7.
[0086] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the top insulating element
311 is removable from the atomizer housing 10 to allow access to
the container 7. For example, the insulating element 311 may be
removable by simply lifting or twisting the top insulating element
form the atomizer housing 10. According to yet another embodiment,
the atomizer housing 10 comprises a lower portion 322 that is
threaded, and that may be complementary to a threaded socket in the
first recessed region 203a of the base 2, so the atomizer can be
screwed into the threaded socket of the base. In yet another
embodiment a lower portion of the atomizer housing may connects to
the base via a magnet, span mechanism or other fastening
feature.
[0087] According to one embodiment, atomizer housing at least
partially directs gas from the one or more second container gas
outlets 306 along the internal atomizer gas flow path 308 (shown as
a dashed line in FIG. 16B), in a passage 324 formed between walls
of the container 7 and the atomizer housing 10. The atomizer
housing 10 can comprises one or more apertures/outlets 309 formed
therein to flow gas from the internal atomizer gas flow path 308 to
the airtight passage 207 that is external to the atomizer housing
in the first recessed region 203a of the base 2. In one embodiment,
the atomizer housing apertures/outlets 309 are located at a lower
end of the atomizer housing, and the atomizer housing 10 redirects
flow of the gas from the one or more second container gas outlets
306 in a downward direction along a passage 324 formed between the
housing walls and container walls, to the atomizer housing
apertures/outlets 309. As shown in FIG. 16B, in one embodiment a
flow of gas through the atomizer 8 comprises a flow through the
first container inlet into a top of the container, flow out of the
container through second container outlets that are separate from
the inlet, and that are towards a top 313 of the container, flow
downward between the atomizer housing and container wall towards a
bottom of the atomizer and through apertures of the atomizer
towards the bottom of the atomizer housing.
[0088] In one embodiment, the one or more second container outlets
306 are located radially externally to the first container inlet
305, and/or are positioned in an arrangement circumferentially
surrounding the first container inlet 305. The second container
outlets 306 may also be located towards a top end of the atomizer
and/or container. In a further embodiment, the apertures and/or
outlets 309 for exhausting gas from the atomizer are located below
the first container inlet and/or second container outlet, towards a
lower end of the atomizer.
[0089] Further embodiments of the atomizer are described herein.
For example, in one embodiment, inside the atomizer housing 10, a
container comprising a bowl 7 is positioned on top of the heating
element 8, and may be made of a highly thermally conductive
material, which can include ceramic, quartz, or metals, allowing
efficient heat transfer. The heating element 8 and the bowl 7 are
secured and insulated by the bottom insulating element 9 and top
insulating element 311 respectively, these two elements firmly
locating the heating element 8 and bowl 7 within the atomizer.
These two elements are made with low thermally conductive, yet high
heat withstanding, material so that minimal heat is lost from the
heating element and bowl. The top insulating element comprises an
outer annular ring comprising sleeve 6, made of an insulating
material, like silicone or plastic. The sleeve 6 fastens to the
housing 10 and makes an airtight seal while the inner annular ring
5 insulates and positions the bowl 7. The sleeve 6 may also protect
the user from heat and serves as a grip for screwing and unscrewing
the atomizer.
[0090] After extended use the bowl 7 may become dirty. Because the
top insulating element comprising in inner annular ring 5 and
sleeve (6) are removable, the bowl can be taken out and easily
cleaned. When the sleeve and top insulating element are assembled
on the atomizer housing the bowl is held in place and a sealed
airpath is formed. Air may enter the top of the bowl through a carb
cap 17. The carb cap 17 may be capable of directing high velocity
air to the bottom of the bowl, where the material is vaporized. Air
then exits the top of the bowl as vapor through the second outlets
which are apertures in the inner annular ring (5) above the bowl.
These slots/apertures could also be cut into the top of the bowl.
The vapor travels through the slots in the inner annular ring and
down a gap formed between the bowl and the atomizer housing. The
vapor can leaves the bottom of the atomizer and travels through an
airpath into the mouthpiece. FIG. 16B shows a cross sectional view
of the assembled atomizer with the carb cap and illustrates the
airflow through the atomizer, entering through the carb cap and
exiting out of the bottom of the atomizer.
[0091] In certain embodiments, material that leaks out of the bowl
7 can seep down into the bottom of the atomizer near the connection
point. Accordingly, it may be important for this area to be sealed
so that the leaking material does not inhibit the passing of the
current from power source to heating element. This seal is provided
by the electrode insulator 11 which holds the electrode 12. The
electrode insulator secures and holds separately the electrode from
the housing. One lead wire of heating element 8 can be held between
the insulator and the housing 10, the other lead wire can be held
between the insulator and the electrode, therefore a current path
in and out of the heating element can be created. There can be also
grooves cut into the atomizer housing to position these lead wires.
The electrode insulator can press the wires into these grooves and
make a water and airtight seal against the housing and electrode
which may prevents leaking. In certain embodiments, material may
also leak out of the bottom of the atomizer through the air cuts in
the housing 10. Accordingly, it may be important that this material
does not reach the connection point on the atomizer or the power
source. When the atomizer is connected to the base, a rib 14
running around the bottom of the atomizer housing 10 can create a
seal. This seal can create a separation between the air holes and
connection point and may prevent any material from reaching the
electrical connection points on the atomizer or base.
[0092] Furthermore, because the bowl 7, heating element 8 and inner
annular ring 5 may interact with sticky material during use, there
is a chance for them to become stuck together. In certain
embodiments, if the bowl is twisted during use, for example while
the user is tightening or untightening the atomizer by gripping the
sleeve, the heating element could be twisted and could lead to
subsequent breaking of its lead wires. Accordingly, features may be
included in the atomizer housing 10 and inner annular ring 5. For
example, slots in the atomizer housing 10 may line up with embossed
features 16 in the inner annular ring 5, so that the two lock
together and cannot be twisted independently. This protects the
heating element from damage when tightening or loosening the
atomizer from the base.
[0093] In one embodiment, the bowl itself can include a rib 15
around its bottom face, which is the face that interacts with the
heating element. This rib may have three functions, it can
positions the bowl, cover the heating element, and/or minimize heat
loss, and it can shroud the heating element from debris. The debris
could be water or liquid material that leaks down into the heating
elements environment. Since the heating element may operate at a
high temperature, a substance of room temperature contacting the
heating element can result in significant thermal shock which could
damage or permanently break the heating element. The rib on the
bottom of the bowl blocks debris by creating a protective wall
around the heating element.
[0094] Referring to FIGS. 11-13, 15 and 17, aspects of embodiments
of the mouthpiece 4 are further described, including aspects that
may be incorporated into the embodiments as depicted in FIGS.
1-10B, where suitable. In one embodiment, the mouthpiece 4 is
removably attachable to the base 2. The mouthpiece can generally
comprise a mouthpiece housing 408, comprising one or more
mouthpiece walls 410 at least partly defining a mouthpiece internal
flow path 412 through the mouthpiece housing (e.g., as shown in
FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 13). The mouthpiece can further comprises the
inhalation outlet 406 formed in a region of the one or more
mouthpiece walls 410, such as towards a top end 405 of the
mouthpiece 4. The mouthpiece can further comprise at least one
mouthpiece inlet 402 capable of being placed in communication with
the conduit outlet 201b of the base 2 upon attachment of the
mouthpiece 4 to the base 2, to receive a flow of gas into the
mouthpiece 4 from the base 2. In some embodiments a gas flowed
through the mouthpiece from the mouthpiece inlet 402 to the
inhalation outlet 406, may take a convoluted path through the
interior volume of the mouthpiece and along the internal flow path,
such as for example when a water filtering region is provided as
part of the mouthpiece.
[0095] In one embodiment, the mouthpiece comprises a snap region
401 that is configured to removably attach the mouthpiece to the
base. For example, in one embodiment, the base can comprises the
second recessed receiving region 203b for receiving the mouthpiece
therein via the snap region 401, which may be shaped and sized to
fit within the second recesses receiving region. The snap region
401 may be located at the bottom end 404 of the mouthpiece, and in
certain embodiments the mouthpiece inlet 402 may located in the
snap region 401, of the mouthpiece. In one embodiment, the second
receiving region 403b may be at least partially lined with a
rubber, silicone, and/or elastomeric sleeve to conformally mate the
second recessed region with the snap region of the mouthpiece. In
yet another embodiment, at least a portion of the snap region of
the mouthpiece may be lined with a rubber, silicone, and/or
elastomeric sleeve to conformally mate the second recessed region
with the snap region of the mouthpiece. As yet another example, in
one embodiment, the sleeve 208 comprises an annular sealing region
204b that protrudes inwardly from sidewalls of the second recessed
region to contact and form an airtight seal with the
mouthpiece.
[0096] In yet another embodiment, the mouthpiece comprises one or
more a water filtering regions 414a, 414b, capable of holding a
volume of water therein, the water filtering region being located
along the mouthpiece internal flow path, such that the vapor passes
through the water in the water filtering region. In the embodiment
as shown in FIG. 13, a volume of water can be provided to partly
fill in internal volume of the mouthpiece volume along a lower
region of the internal mouthpiece volume. In the embodiment as
shown in FIGS. 1-10B, the water filtering regions 414a, 414b may be
disposed at the bottom portion of the main chamber 814 and the
bottom portion of the second chamber 806 (e.g., the external
chamber of the internal gas flow structure 800) with the second
aperture 816 placing the water filtering regions 414a, 414b in
communication with one another.
[0097] In one embodiment, the mouthpiece 4 comprises a snap region
401 with one or more fastening features 202 on an external surface
426 thereof to fasten the snap region to the recessed region 203b
of the base 2. In one embodiment, the fastening feature 202 may
provide a sealing fit between the snap region and the recessed
region when the snap region is inserted into the recessed region.
In one embodiment, the fastening features may be able to removably
fasten the mouthpiece to the base such that mouthpiece can
withstand at least 2 lbs, at least 3 lbs and/or at least 5 lbs of
vertical force before the snap region of the mouthpiece releases
from the recessed region of the base.
[0098] In yet another embodiment, the at least one mouthpiece inlet
402 may direct gas into the mouthpiece in a direction that is not
co-linear with and/or that is other than a direction that gas exits
the mouthpiece via the inhalation outlet 406. For example, the at
least one mouthpiece inlet may direct gas into the mouthpiece in a
direction that is substantially perpendicular to a direction that
gas exits the mouthpiece via the inhalation outlet.
[0099] In one embodiment, the at least a portion of the mouthpiece
housing, and even the entire mouthpiece housing, may be formed of
glass. In one embodiment, the snap region 401 of the mouthpiece may
also be formed of glass. Internal structures such as internal walls
between compartments, and tubes for introduction of gas, may also
be formed of glass. In one embodiment, the snap region 401 of the
mouthpiece comprise a greatest diameter D.sub.1 (the largest
diameter along the height of the snap region, see e.g. FIG. 12)
that is at least 20 mm, at least 30 mm, and/or at least 50. In some
embodiments, the snap region 401 may be considered to be that
portion of the mouthpiece that is received by the recessed region
of the base. As shown in FIG. 17, a body region 428 that is clear
of the recessed region when the mouthpiece is connected to the
base, may in some embodiments have a diameter that exceeds that of
the snap region 401 that fits within the base. Furthermore, in one
embodiment an internal volume of the mouthpiece 4 is configured to
accept at least 1 fluid ounces of water therein during operation a
device comprising the mouthpiece.
[0100] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 17, the snap region 401
of the mouthpiece can comprises a fastening feature 202 comprising
a circumferentially bulging protrusion 430 along a height of the
snap region, where a diameter D of the protrusion 430 exceeds a
minimum diameter D2 of the recessed region of the base at some
point along the height of the region (e.g., at a point where a
sealing member 204b protrudes into the recessed region, see FIG.
14A). In certain embodiments, passing the bulging protrusion 430
past the minimum diameter D2 of the recessed region causes the snap
region to be removably retained in the recessed region. In one
embodiment, the mouthpiece further comprises a fastening feature
202 comprising an annular indentation 432 formed about a
circumference of the snap region portion of the mouthpiece. For
example, the annular indentation may be configured to conformally
mate with the circumferential sealing member 204b extending from a
sidewall of the recessed region of the base, so as to form a seal
therebetween. In one embodiment, the annular indentation can
comprise an annular groove and/or annular channel formed in the
mouthpiece housing at the snap region. In one embodiment, the
annular indention may be located above the at least one mouthpiece
gas inlet in the snap region, and/or the circumferentially bulging
protrusion may have the at least one mouthpiece inlet formed
therein. According to yet another embodiment, the fastening feature
comprises a tapering snap region profile, the snap region having a
first region adjacent the bottom of the mouthpiece housing (e.g.,
at the bulging protrusion) having a first diameter D.sub.1, and a
second region that is spaced apart from the first region (e.g. at
the annular indentation) having a second diameter D.sub.3, and
wherein the diameter of the snap region decreases from the first
region to the second region (e.g., D3 is less than D1).
[0101] In one embodiment, a method of using a portable electronic
vaporizer as described according to any of the embodiments herein,
can comprise loading vaporizable product into the container,
optionally at least partially filling the mouthpiece with water in
water filter regions thereof, activating the heating element to at
least partially vaporize the product in the container, and inhaling
gas exiting the mouthpiece inlet, the gas comprising ambient air
having vaporize product and water vapor entrained therein.
* * * * *