Cartridge for a vaporizer device

Abstract

Vaporizer cartridges for vaporizer devices are disclosed herein. In one exemplary implementation, the cartridge (100) can include a reservoir (105) configured to hold a vaporizable material and one or more films substantially aligned with the reservoir (105). A wicking element in communication with the reservoir (105) and with the heater is configured to draw the vaporizable material through an opening in the one or more films toward the heater for vaporization. Vaporizer devices are also disclosed herein.

Description

CARTRIDGE FOR A VAPORIZER DEVICE

[0001] The current application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 717,687 filed November 7, 2024, entitled “CARTRIDGE FOR A VAPORIZER DEVICE” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The disclosed subject matter generally relates to features of a cartridge for a vaporizer device, and in some examples, to leak management of a liquid vaporizable material within the cartridge, control of airflow within the cartridge, heating of vaporizable material to form an aerosol, and / or other assembly features of the cartridge and the vaporizer device to which it may be separably connected.BACKGROUND

[0003] Vaporizer devices, which can also be referred to as vaporizers, electronic vaporizer devices, or e-vaporizer devices, can be used for delivery of an aerosol (for example, a vapor-phase and / or condensed-phase material suspended in a stationary or moving mass of air or some other gas carrier) containing one or more active ingredients by inhalation of the aerosol by a user of the vaporizing device. For example, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) include a class of vaporizer devices that are battery powered and that can be used to simulate the experience of smoking, but without burning of tobacco or other substances. Vaporizer devices are gaining increasing popularity both for prescriptive medical use, in delivering medicaments, and for consumption of tobacco, nicotine, and other plant-based materials. Vaporizer devices can be portable, self-contained, and / or convenient for use.

[0004] In use of a vaporizer device, the user inhales an aerosol, colloquially referred to as “vapor,” which can be generated by a heating element that vaporizes (e.g., causes a liquid or solid to at least partially transition to the gas phase) a vaporizable material, which can be liquid, a solution, a solid, a paste, a wax, and / or any other form compatible for use with a specific vaporizer device. The vaporizable material used with a vaporizer device can be provided within a vaporizer cartridge (for example, a separable part of the vaporizer device that contains vaporizable material) that includes an outlet (for example, a mouthpiece) for inhalation of the aerosol by a user.

[0005] In some implementations, the vaporizable material can be stored in a reservoir and drawn out by a wicking element to the heating element where it is turned into the aerosol. Once an aerosol, the material is delivered to the user through an air passage. To achieve an ideal vapor, the vaporizable material must have a controlled flow from the reservoir to the heating element. Too much vaporizable material at the heating element could result in leaking, inhalation of the liquid material by the user, or poor-quality aerosol. Conversely, if not enough vaporizable material is fed consistently to the heating element, the user may experience a weak aerosol or no aerosol at all. Constructing a cartridge capable of this balance can be intricate, time consuming, expensive, and difficult to manufacture.

[0006] Additionally, once the vaporizable material in the reservoir is exhausted, the cartridge is replaced with a full cartridge and the empty cartridge needs to be discarded. In many vapor devices and cartridges, plastics and metals are primarily used to achieve a consistent and reliable product. However, the plastics and metals used can often require special processing to ensure they are broken down and recycled or discarded appropriately. In areas where the smoking or vaping population is dense and there is high volume manufacturing, options for proper disposal of such components may be limited causing a build-up of cartridges in undesirable places.

[0007] Accordingly, vaporizer devices and / or vaporizer cartridges that address one or more of these issues are desired.SUMMARY

[0008] For purposes of summarizing, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features have been described herein. It is to be understood that not all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment. Thus, the disclosed subject matter may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages without achieving all advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The various features and items described herein may be incorporated together or separable, except as would not be feasible based on the current disclosure and what a skilled artisan would understand from it.

[0009] In one implementation, a cartridge for use with a vaporizer device for generating an inhalable aerosol may include a reservoir configured to hold a vaporizable material, one or more film substantially aligned with the reservoir, a wicking element in fluid communication with the reservoir through an opening in the one or more films and in fluid communication with a heaterwhere the wicking element can draw the vaporizable material from the reservoir through the opening in the one or more films toward the heater to cause vaporization of the vaporizable material into the inhalable aerosol, , and an airflow passageway that can deliver the inhalable aerosol from the wicking element through the cartridge to a user. The heater of the cartridge can include a heater film having a first opening and a plurality of tabs, a foil coupled to the heater film including a trace formed thereon where the wicking element is disposed between the foil and the one or more films. The first opening of the heater film of the cartridge can be aligned with the trace of the foil and can be in fluid communication with the airflow passageway. The first opening can be configured to provide the inhalable aerosol from the foil to the airflow passageway. The trace of the foil can be disposed at least partially within the first opening of the heater film. The wicking element can be at least partially in contact with the trace of the heater film.

[0010] The airflow passageway can be formed from a set of sloping walls and each of the sloping walls of the set can include a first cutout and a second cutout, and the first opening of the heater film can be positioned between the first cutout and the second cutout and is in fluid communication with the airflow passageway. A portion of the foil can be exposed between the plurality of tabs of the heater film. The portion of foil can wrap around the one or more films and the reservoir such that the portion of foil is exposed on the exterior of the cartridge. The reservoir, the one or more films, the wicking element, the heating element, and the airflow passageway can be in a stacked configuration. The airflow passageway and the reservoir can extend from opposing ends of a longitudinal axis extending through the cartridge. The foil can include aluminum. The one or more films of the cartridge can include a top film with a controlled vent therethrough, a bottom film with an air exchange vent formed therethrough, and a middle sheet sealed between the top film and the bottom film and the middle sheet includes a channel connecting the controlled vent to the air exchange vent. The cartridge can include a plurality of middle sheets sealed between the bottom film and the top film. The cartridge can include at least one biodegradable material.

[0011] In some variations, a vaporizer device can include a cartridge and a vaporizer body that can include a first end with an extension protruding therefrom and a mouthpiece slidably connected to the extension. The cartridge can include a reservoir configured to hold a vaporizable material, a wicking element in fluid communication with the reservoir via the collector and in fluid communication with a heater where the wicking element can draw the vaporizable material from the reservoir through a collector toward the heater to cause vaporization of the vaporizable materialinto the inhalable aerosol, a collector in fluid communication with the reservoir where the collector includes a top fdm with a controlled vent therethrough, a bottom film with an air exchange vent formed therethrough, and middle sheet sealed between the top film and the bottom film and the middle sheet includes a channel connecting the controlled vent to the air exchange vent, and an airflow passageway that can deliver the inhalable aerosol from the wicking element through the cartridge to a user. The vaporizer device can include a cavity formed in the extension that is configured to insertably receive the cartridge. The vaporizer device can include at least one device contact configured to provide electrical connection between the cartridge and the vaporizer body when the cartridge is inserted into the vaporizer body. The vaporizer device can include at least one cartridge contact disposed on a portion of an exterior of the cartridge and the at least one cartridge contact can be configured to connect with the at least one device contact when the cartridge is received within the cavity. The vaporizer body can include a heater to heat the vaporizable material received from the wicking element to cause vaporization of the vaporizable material into the inhalable aerosol. The mouthpiece can be configured to slide on the extension and cover the cavity. The vaporizer body can include an air channel formed through the cavity to the mouthpiece configured to draw ambient air through the vaporizer body. The mouthpiece can be in fluid communication with the airflow passageway of the cartridge to deliver the inhalable aerosol to the user.

[0012] In some variations, a cartridge for use with a vaporizer device for generating an inhalable aerosol can include a reservoir configured to hold a vaporizable material with a varied cross-sectional area, a collector in fluid communication with the reservoir having a top film, a bottom film, and a middle sheet between the top film and the bottom film, and a wicking element in fluid communication with the reservoir via the collector configured to withdraw the vaporizable material from the reservoir through the collector. The reservoir can include a plurality of comer menisci in fluid communication with the wicking element. The cross-sectional area of the reservoir can decrease toward a substantial middle portion of the reservoir. The reservoir can have a dome shape when filled with the vaporizable material. The reservoir can include a thermoformed film. The cartridge can include at least one biodegradable material.

[0013] In some variations, a cartridge for use with a vaporizer device for generating an inhalable aerosol can include a reservoir configured to hold a vaporizable material and a collector. The collector can include a top film forming a bottom surface of the reservoir and a controlled ventformed therethrough and the controlled vent can be in communication with the reservoir, a bottom film having an air exchange vent formed therethrough, and a middle sheet sealed between the top film and the bottom film, the middle sheet having a channel connecting the controlled vent to the air exchange vent. The channel can include a first channel end at the air exchange vent and a second channel end at the controlled vent, where the channel can have a width that is non-uniform between the first channel end and the second channel end. The channel can be configured to draw ambient air from the first channel end through the air exchange vent and deliver air to the second channel end through the controlled vent. The channel can be formed around a perimeter of the middle sheet in a non-linear manner. The channel can be formed around the perimeter of the middle sheet in a serpentine shape. The air exchange vent can be disposed adjacent to the perimeter of the middle sheet.

[0014] In some variations, the cartridge can include comprising a collector opening through a center portion of the collector, and the collector opening can extend through the top film, the bottom film, and the middle sheet and wherein the collector opening can be configured to receive at least a portion of a wi eking element therethrough. The controlled vent can be disposed adjacent to the center portion of the collector.

[0015] In some variations, the controlled vent can include a hole disposed through the top film that at least partially overlaps the channel of the middle sheet. The controlled vent can be configured to prevent leaking from the reservoir by exerting a vacuum on the reservoir through the controlled vent. The controlled vent can be spaced apart from the air exchange vent. The cartridge can include at least one biodegradable material. The cartridge can include a second middle sheet sealed between the top film and the middle sheet. The vaporizable material can be contained between the reservoir and the bottom surface created by the top film.

[0016] The details of one or more variations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the subject matter described herein will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. The disclosed subject matter is not, however, limited to any particular embodiment disclosed.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification, show certain aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and, together with the description, help explain some of the principles associated with the disclosed implementations. In the drawings:

[0018] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an example cartridge for use in a vaporizer body, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0019] FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of an example cartridge with various components, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0020] FIG. 3 A shows a perspective view of collector components for use in the cartridge of FIG. 2, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0021] FIG. 3B shows a top view of collector components, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0022] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a reservoir for use with the collector components of FIG. 3A-3B, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0023] FIG. 5 shows an exploded perspective view of an example heater for use in the cartridge of FIG. 2, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0024] FIG. 6A illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an example cartridge, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0025] FIG. 6B illustrates a perspective view of the example cartridge of FIG. 6A, in accordance with one or more implementations; and

[0026] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an example vaporizer body for use with an example cartridge, in accordance with one or more implementations.

[0027] Where practical, the same or similar reference numbers denote the same, similar, or equivalent structures, features, aspects, or elements.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Implementations of the current subject matter include methods, apparatuses, articles of manufacture, and systems relating to vaporization of one or more materials for inhalation by a user. Example implementations include vaporizer devices and systems including vaporizer devices. The term “vaporizer device” as used in the following description and claims refers to any of a self-contained apparatus, an apparatus that includes two or more separable parts (for example, a vaporizer body that includes a battery and other hardware, and a cartridge that includes a vaporizable material), and / or the like. A “vaporizer system,” as used herein, can include one or more components, such as a vaporizer device. Examples of vaporizer devices consistent with implementations of the current subject matter include electronic vaporizers, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), and / or the like. In general, such vaporizer devices are hand-held devices that heat (such as by convection, conduction, radiation, and / or some combination thereof) a vaporizable material to provide an inhalable dose of the material.

[0029] The vaporizable material used with a vaporizer device can be provided within a cartridge (for example, a part of the vaporizer that contains the vaporizable material in a reservoir or other container) which can be refillable when empty, or disposable such that a new cartridge containing additional vaporizable material of a same or different type can be used). A vaporizer device can be a cartridge-using vaporizer device, a cartridge-less vaporizer device, or a multi-use vaporizer device capable of use with or without a cartridge. For example, a vaporizer device can include a heating chamber (for example, an oven or other region in which material is heated by a heating element) configured to receive a vaporizable material directly into the heating chamber, and / or a reservoir or the like for containing the vaporizable material.

[0030] In some implementations, a vaporizer device can be configured for use with a liquid vaporizable material. For example, the liquid vaporizable material may include a carrier solution in which an active and / or inactive ingredient(s) are suspended or held in solution. Alternatively, the liquid vaporizable material may be a liquid form of the vaporizable material itself. The liquid vaporizable material can be capable of being completely vaporized. Alternatively, at least a portion of the liquid vaporizable material can remain after all of the material suitable for inhalation has been vaporized.

[0031] A vaporizer device can store the liquid vaporizable material within a reservoir in the cartridge. Vaporizable material can be drawn from the reservoir in a controlled manner by way of a wicking element (which may be referred to simply as a wick, but which generally refers to an element or combination of elements that exerts a capillary force to draw the liquid vaporizable material from the reservoir to where it is heated by action of the heating element). The wicking element can be in fluid communication with the reservoir to transfer the vaporizable material to a heating element for vaporization. An airflow passageway may connect the heating element to the user such that the aerosol is removed from the cartridge and / or the vaporizer device for inhalation.

[0032] In some embodiments, a collector may be in fluid communication with the reservoir and the wicking element to achieve a controlled and consistent flow of vaporizable material from the reservoir. The collector can have a variety of configurations, for example, a channel running through the collector may connect a controlled vent into the reservoir to an air exchange vent. When the channel is filled with vaporizable material, pressure is naturally exerted on the vent and within the reservoir to prevent uncontrollable flow of vaporizable material out of the cartridge. The collector may have a number of features implemented to optimize the pressure at certain points within the cartridge such as a single channel running therethrough, a variable channel width, a serpentine channel shape, etc.

[0033] Once the vaporizable material is withdrawn from the reservoir, the material can be heated before it vaporizes into an inhalable aerosol for inhalation by the user. As such, different configurations of a heater can be implemented to perform the vaporization. In some implementations, a heating element can be disposed in the cartridge in communication with the wicking element. Additionally, or alternatively, a heater can be located in the vaporizer body such that vaporizable material is heated at the interface between the cartridge and the vaporizable body. In one embodiment, a laminated film heater, as further described with respect to FIG. 2, may be placed in the cartridge so that the generation of aerosol is completed within the cartridge.

[0034] The cartridges disclosed herein can have a variety of configurations and can include additional elements, such as an airflow passageway to guide the vaporized material out of the cartridge. The airflow passageway may be coupled to the other cartridge components and constructed of a material to provide support to the overall structure. Although the airflowpassageway can take on a variety of configurations, the airflow passageway can form a base of the cartridge opposite the reservoir.

[0035] To further illustrate, FIGS. 1-7 depict various examples of vaporizer bodies and cartridges that may be used together consistent with implementations of the current subject matter.

[0036] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an example cartridge 100 for use in a vaporizer body. More specifically, the cartridge 100 illustrates a reservoir 105, a collector 107, and an airflow passageway 110. Each of the components can be formed as a layer so that they all can be stacked together and sealed to form the cartridge 100. A heater 212, not pictured in FIG. 1, is also part of the cartridge and later described with respect to FIG. 2 and FIG. 5. When the components are stacked, a lip 102 can form around a perimeter of the cartridge which serves as a point of contact for the components to seal. The cartridge may be substantially rectangular in shape, as shown, although other embodiments are possible. The components may also pinch in toward each other creating an hourglass or bowtie shape, as further described with respect to FIG. 4. Overall dimensions and shape of the cartridge may affect how the cartridge is used in combination with a vaporizer body.

[0037] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the reservoir 105 is configured to selectively hold a vaporizable material (e.g., vaporizable material in liquid form). The cartridge 100 can have a reservoir side 103 and an opposing airflow passageway side 104. The cartridge may have a longitudinal axis AL from the reservoir 105 to the airflow passageway 110. The reservoir 105 and the airflow passageway 110 can protrude in opposing directions on the longitudinal axis AL. The cartridge 100 can have an overall thickness T which is defined between the reservoir 105, made of a formed, thermoformed, and / or vacuum formed component, and the airflow passageway 110, also made of a formed, thermoformed, and / or vacuum formed component. As aerosol is formed within the cartridge 100, it can travel through the airflow passageway 110 and out of the cartridge 100. The shape of the airflow passageway 110 causes aerosol formed at the heater to exit the cartridge 100 at an opening such that aerosol is delivered from the device to a user. For example, as depicted in FIG. 1, the airflow passageway 110 may be a tapered protrusion along the length of the cartridge with an airflow opening 117 on a short side 152 of the cartridge. As illustrated and described herein below with respect to FIG. 7, the airflow passageway 110 is positioned so that when the cartridge100 is loaded into the vaporizer body, the aerosol can mix with ambient air before being inhaled by the user.

[0038] Many different configurations of a cartridge for use in a vaporizer device exist, however, many of the components as described in FIGS. 2-6B are optimized for efficient manufacturing and complete reservoir emptying such that a minimal amount, if any, of vaporizable material remains in the reservoir unable to be vaporized.

[0039] FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of an example cartridge 200 with various components such as the reservoir 205, collector 207, heater 212 (foil 214, film 215, and wicking element 213), and airflow passageway 210. As shown, the cartridge 200 can have a reservoir 205 for holding a vaporizable material. The reservoir 205 can be in communication with a collector 207, where the collector 207 includes a top film 208 with a controlled vent 227, a middle sheet 209 with a channel 221, and a bottom film 211 with an air exchange vent 220. A wicking element 213 may be in fluid communication with the reservoir 205 and the collector 207 so that vaporizable material is drawn from the reservoir 205 to the wicking element 213 via the collector 207. When a user draws on the device, the wicking element 213 draws the vaporizable material from the reservoir 205 where it is heated and turned into vapor at a heater 212. As the user continues to draw, the vapor exits the cartridge 200 through the airflow passageway 210, mixes with ambient air to form aerosol, then the aerosol enters the mouth of the user.

[0040] The functional components may be sized and shaped such that they stack and fit together to form a cartridge 200, which is further described with respect to FIGS. 6A and 6B. Stated differently, the reservoir 205, top film, 208, middle sheet 209, bottom film 211, and airflow passageway 210, align with one another when stacked such that the cartridge 1200 functions properly. As previously described, the reservoir 205 is configured to selectively hold a vaporizable material. The reservoir 205 may be constructed in a variety of sizes and shapes. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the reservoir 105 and 205 is substantially rectangular in shape with two sets of opposing walls 206 with a first set of opposing walls spaced apart and substantially parallel from each other connected by a second set of opposing walls that are each perpendicular to the first set (see 106a, 106b, 106c, and 106d in FIG. 1). In some implementations, the walls 206 are rigid and can be enclosed on top and bottom with the same material that the walls 206 are made from. Insome embodiments, the material may not be rigid and may be more soft (deformable), or there may be a combination of rigid and not-rigid components throughout. Collectively, the enclosed walls 206 (206a-206d) define an internal volume for holding the vaporizable material. Although substantially rectangular, the walls 206 of the reservoir 205 can be shaped and aligned to achieve complete or near-complete emptying of the reservoir, as further described with respect to FIG. 4.

[0041] The bottom of the reservoir 205 can be formed by a collector 207 configured to control the flow of the vaporizable material out of the reservoir 205. In some implementations, the collector 207 can be formed from one or more layers stacked in alignment with each other and the reservoir 205. In embodiments with more than one layer, each layer can contain features that communicate with the features in the other layers. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the collector 207 can have a top film 208, a middle sheet 209, and a bottom film 211. The top film 208 may have a controlled vent 227 formed therethrough, the middle sheet 209 may have a channel 221 formed therethrough, and the bottom film 211 may have an air exchange vent 220 formed therethrough. When each of the top film 208, middle sheet 209, and bottom film 211 are stacked to form the collector 207, the air exchange vent 220 is in fluid communication with the controlled vent 227 via the channel 221 of the middle sheet 209.

[0042] In some implementations, the collector 207 is in fluid communication with a wicking element 213. The wicking element 213 is generally configured to direct the liquid vaporizable material such that the vaporizable material may be vaporized by heat generated by a heater 212. The wicking element 213 may also optionally allow air to enter the reservoir 205 to replace the volume of liquid removed. In other words, capillary action may pull liquid vaporizable material into the wicking element 213 for vaporization by the heater 212, and air may, in some implementations of the current subject matter, return to the reservoir 205 through the wicking element 213 to at least partially equalize pressure in the reservoir 205. Other approaches to allowing air back into the reservoir 205 to equalize pressure are also within the scope of the current subject matter. The wicking element 213 can have a variety of configurations, but as illustrated, it is a rectangular porous substrate. The substrate can include any component (e.g., a fibrous wick, a sintered material, a structure having a narrow gap or channel between surfaces wettable by a liquid vaporizable material) capable of drawing liquid from the reservoir 205 under capillary pressure.

[0043] Once the vaporizable material is drawn from the reservoir 205, the wicking element 213 delivers it to the heater 212 for vaporization. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the heater 212 is located within the cartridge 200 adjacent the airflow passageway 210. The heater 212 can be one or more of a conductive heater, a radiative heater, and a convective heater. One type of heater 212 is a resistive heating element, which can be constructed of or at least include a material (e.g., a metal or alloy, for example aluminum, a nickel-chromium alloy, or a non-metallic resistor) configured to dissipate electrical power in the form of heat when electrical current is passed through one or more resistive segments of the heating element. In some implementations of the current subject matter, the heater 212 is arranged to deliver heat to the wicking element 213 to cause the vaporizable material drawn by the wicking element 213 from the reservoir 205 to be vaporized for subsequent inhalation by a user in a gas and / or a condensed (e.g., aerosol particles or droplets) phase.

[0044] In accordance with one or more example implementations, the heater 212 may be a laminated film heater which can be made from a framing element (e.g., a plastic film), a heating element (e.g., an aluminum film), and a wicking element (e g., cotton). Laminated film heaters and the like can reduce manufacturing costs compared to more traditional vaporizer heaters. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the heater 212 is a laminated film heater formed from a heater film 215, a foil 214, and a wicking element 213. The foil 214 can use resistive heating to heat and be made of a piece of material, such as aluminum or some other type of metal described previously herein, configured to dissipate electrical power in the form as heat, as previously discussed above. In some implementations, the foil 214 can have a trace etched thereon. A trace can be formed by removing a portion of the foil 214, that is, forming a slit through a portion of the foil 214. Such a slit may be a linear slit in the configuration that the foil 214 is a planar shape. The heater film 215 may have an aperture or first opening 260 centrally located and a plurality of tabs 261 extending therefrom. For example, as pictured in FIG. 2, the first opening 260 is centered in the heater film 215 and four tabs 261 extend away from the first opening. When paired, the foil 214 and the heater film 215 create a heater with electrical contacts for connecting with a power source (such as a battery which may be a rechargeable battery) within the vaporizer body, further described with respect to FIG. 5 and 6. As the foil 214 heats, the vaporizable material that has been drawn into the wicking element 213 is in direct contact with the heater 212. In some implementations, the wicking element 213 is disposed between the foil 214 and the bottom film 211 of the collector207, although different arrangements are possible. The vaporizable material increases in temperature and turns to vapor passing through the first opening 260 in the heater film 215 (increases to a temperature sufficient to form a vapor).

[0045] In some implementations, an airflow passageway 210 can provide structural support at the bottom of the cartridge 200. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the airflow passageway 210 is formed with a trough shape through a central area 218. The trough is formed between a set of sloping walls 228. When the user draws on the device, vapor is pulled through the first opening 260 of the heater film 215 then exits the cartridge 200 through the airflow passageway 210. The trough shape of the airflow passageway may create at least one airflow opening 217 extending from the edge of the cartridge. Once the vapor mixes with ambient air, aerosol can flow out of the airflow opening 217 of the airflow passageway 210 for inhalation by the user. The airflow passageway 210 may be formed such that each of the sloping walls 228 has a cutout 216a, 216b formed therein. The cutouts 216a, 216b provide a space through which the foil 214 is exposed. As further described with respect to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6A and 6B, the exposed foil 214 can be used as an electrical contact for connecting with the vaporizer device.

[0046] In some implementations, the collector 207 is implemented to control the extraction of vaporizable material from the reservoir 205 by the wi eking element 213. Controlling the flow of vaporizable material prevents leakage and over- and under-delivery of material to the heater, which improves the quality of aerosol and smoking experience of the user.

[0047] The collector 207 can form the bottom layer of the reservoir 205 to control the exchange of air and vaporizable material (e.g., vaporizable material in liquid form) into and out of the reservoir 205. Inclusion of a collector 207 may improve volumetric efficiency of the cartridge 200, defined as a volume of liquid vaporizable material that is eventually converted to an inhalable aerosol relative to a total volume of the liquid vaporizable material included in the cartridge 200. As liquid vaporizable material is removed from the reservoir 205, the overall volume held within the interior volume is reduced. Absent a mechanism for allowing air or some other substance into the void space (e.g., a part of the reservoir volume not occupied by liquid vaporizable material) created within the reservoir 205 when the volume of the liquid vaporizable material therein is reduced by conversion to the gas- / aerosol phase, a reduced pressure state (e.g., at least partialvacuum) results within the reservoir 205. This reduced pressure state may adversely affect the efficacy of the wi eking element 213 for drawing the vaporizable material from the storage compartment or reservoir 205 into proximity of the heater 212 for being vaporized into the gas phase as the partial vacuum pressure acts contrary to the capillary pressure created within the wi eking element 213.

[0048] More particularly, a reduced pressure state in the reservoir 205 can result in insufficient saturation of the wi eking element 213 and ultimately the lack of sufficient vaporizable material being delivered to the heater 212 for dependable operation of the vaporizer. To counteract the reduced pressure state, ambient air may be allowed to enter the reservoir to equalize the pressure between the interior of the reservoir 205 and ambient pressure. Allowing air to back-fill the void space in the reservoir 205 that is created by vaporized liquid vaporizable material may occur in some vaporizers by air passing into the reservoir 205 through the wi eking element 213. However, this process may generally require that the wi eking element 213 be at least partially dry. As a dry wicking element 213 may not be readily achievable and / or may not be desirable for dependable operation of the vaporizer, another typical approach is to provide a vent to allow equalization of pressure between ambient conditions and within the reservoir 205.

[0049] As such, in some implementations, a collector 207 can be integrated into the cartridge 200 to provide a controlled ambient air exchange vent into the reservoir. FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of a collector 307 that may be used in a cartridge. The collector 307 can be formed from one or more layers of fdm, for example, a top film 308, a middle sheet 309, and a bottom film 311, that can be stacked and heat sealed (or otherwise adhered) together. Although the collector 307 may take on a variety of shapes and sizes, the one shown is substantially rectangular with a pair of short sides opposite a pair of long sides, and the collector is flat or sheet-like. When the cartridge is assembled, the top film 308 can form the bottom surface of the reservoir such that liquid vaporizable material is contained by the top surface 326 of the top film 308. A controlled vent 327 may pass through the top film 308 to provide a controlled headspace pressure within the reservoir (not pictured in FIG. 3A). While in some examples the controlled vent 327 may be a hole through the top film 308, the controlled vent 327 provides a point of contact between the reservoir and the middle sheet 309. The top film 308 may have an opposing bottom surface (not visible) to which the middle sheet 309 is sealed or adhered. When the headspace expands or, in embodimentswhere the reservoir is made out of a non-rigid material, the reservoir is squeezed, vaporizable material is forced through the controlled vent 327 into the channel 321. Alternatively, when the headspace contracts, the vaporizable material returns to the reservoir. This dynamic is critical to prevent leaking from the controlled vent 327 or the wicking element. The reservoir is described further with respect to FIG. 4.

[0050] The collector 307 may also have a bottom fdm 311 having an air exchange vent 320 therethrough. When the bottom fdm 311 is sealed to the middle sheet 309, the air exchange vent 320 aligns with the first point 324 of the channel 321. The air exchange vent 320 allows ambient air to enter the channel 321 of the middle sheet 309 and ultimately through the controlled vent 327.

[0051] Each of the layers of the collector 307 are a certain thickness to optimize air and / or fluid movement throughout. For example, in some implementations, the middle sheet 309 is thicker than the top film 308, the bottom film 311, and / or both. The top film 308 and the bottom film 311 can each be approximately 0.05 mm and the middle sheet 309 can be approximately 0.5 mm. The middle sheet 309 can be thicker and more rigid than the other layers to support the 3- dimensional shape of the collector 307. Assembled, the collector 307 can have a total thickness of approximately 0.6 mm.

[0052] In some implementations, the middle sheet 309 can have a channel 321 formed within it. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the channel cuts entirely through the middle sheet 309 such that when the middle sheet 309 is between the top film 308 and the bottom film 311, the channel 321 is enclosed, like a tunnel. In some implementations, not pictured, the channel may only be etched or partially formed within the middle sheet. As pictured, the channel 321 can be non-linear (e.g., serpentine or s-shaped) between a first channel end 324 and a second channel end 323. The first channel end 324 of the channel 321 can align with the air exchange vent 320 of the bottom film 311 and the second channel end 323 of the channel 321 can align with the controlled vent 327 of the top film 308. As such, the channel 321 provides a conduit between the air exchange vent 320 to the controlled vent 327 and into the reservoir. This is further described with respect to FIG. 3B.

[0053] Additionally, or alternatively, the channel 321 can have a width W that varies or is non- uniform as it progresses from the first point 324 to the second point 323. For example, the width of the channel 321 at the first point 324 may be smaller than the width of the channel 321 as itnears the perimeter 325, or vice versa. Varying the width of the channel 321 minimizes dynamic pressure drop while maintaining the back pressure required for static stability. High or low drive can be controlled by channel width at select locations within the channel 321. For example, the channel 321 may have the smallest width closer to a perimeter 325 of the middle sheet 309 to create a higher drive. When the channel 321 nears the wicking element, the width may be wider to promote a lower drive. It should be noted that other sizes, shapes, and orientations of channel are possible, and the collector 307 should not be restricted to this particular design.

[0054] Through each of the films, an opening 322a, 322b, 322c may be centrally positioned. The opening 322a, 322b, 322c can provide the wicking element with a point of fluid communication with the vaporizable material within the reservoir. Each of the top film 308, middle sheet 309, and bottom film 311 may have a similarly sized and positioned opening 322a, 322b, 322c such that when the films are stacked, the openings 322a, 322b, 322c align. The openings 322a, 322b, 322c may be positioned such that each does not interfere with the air exchange vent 320, channel 321, and / or controlled vent 327.

[0055] In some embodiments, alternate configurations of a collector 307 can be implemented. For example, the collector 307 may have a second, third, or any plurality of middle sheets having a similar channel 321. In implementations with multiple layers of middle sheet, additional top film or bottom film layers may also be implemented to separate each of the middle sheets. For example, a second middle sheet can be sealed between the top film 308 and the middle sheet 309 such that the interior volume of the channel 321 is increased. Increasing the volume of the channel 321 may be necessary in implementations where the reservoir is larger to achieve an ideal back pressure and prevent leakage. It can be appreciated that any combination of top film, bottom film, and middle sheet, and any plurality of each, can be combined and implemented as a collector.

[0056] One advantage of the cartridge as discussed previously herein and as pictured in FIG. 4, is that the reservoir is particularly designed to empty without leaking. Combining the reservoir with a collector as described in previous embodiments provides a secure fluid storage space connected to an air source to equalize pressure as it empties. In optimizing the reservoir shape, meniscus drive is a significant force in consistent and controlled flow of vaporizable material out of the reservoir. For example, drive from the meniscus is important for both feeding the liquidthrough the cartridge and covering the controlled vent. To ensure that the reservoir fully empties without interrupting the flow of vaporizable material, both the reservoir shape and positioning of the controlled vent must be considered. FIG. 3B depicts a top view of a collector 307 that can be used for improved vaporizable material flow. As depicted, the edge 341 of the reservoir walls is outlined with respect to the internal collector 307 components. The controlled vent 327 can be positioned in proximity to the edge 341 of the reservoir walls which allows the natural meniscus around the wall of the reservoir to bridge over the controlled vent 327. The controlled vent 327 can also be positioned near the center of the collector 307. When the controlled vent 327 is covered with vaporizable material, optimal back pressure within the reservoir is achieved. The controlled vent 327 may be a hole formed through the top film of the collector 307, and the controlled vent 327 can have a diameter approximately the same as the width of the channel at the second point. To minimize manufacturing errors when aligning the layers and features of the collector, in some implementations the controlled vent 327 can be shaped as a slot, for example, in a long rectangular shape. As such, the slot shape of the controlled vent 327 crosses over the channel 321 and any mispositioning that occurs during assembly or manufacturing does not change the size of the controlled vent 327.

[0057] To optimize emptying of the reservoir 405, various reservoir 405 shapes and sizes are considered. FIG. 4 illustrates a reservoir 405 that may be used in combination with the collector 407 described herein. The reservoir 405 can be a generally rectangular prism shaped with a plurality of walls configured to hold the vaporizable material. As previously described and as shown in FIG. 2, the reservoir may have a first set of walls opposing and parallel to one another. Connecting the first set of walls may be a second set that is perpendicular to the first set. More specifically, there may be two long sides 451 that pinch toward each other at a central location 457 that can create a “bowtie” shape. The long sides 451 may be connected by two short sides 452 that are generally parallel to each other. As a result of this bowtie shape, the cross-sectional area of the reservoir 405 may decrease towards a substantial central location 457 of the reservoir 405. Said differently, the reservoir 405 may have a first region 453 having a first cross-sectional area disposed near one of the short sides 452. The reservoir may have a second region 454 with a second cross-sectional area disposed near the opposing short side 452. The reservoir may have a middle portion 459 with a middle portion 459 cross-sectional area. In some implementations, the middle portion 459 cross-sectional area is less than the first region 453 cross-sectional area and the secondregion 454 cross-sectional area. When the layers are assembled, space can be left around the perimeter to ease with sealing the components of the cartridge together. In some implementations, the area around the perimeter of the layers can be approximately 2 mm.

[0058] When the reservoir 405 is full of vaporizable material, the reservoir 405 may have a domed, rounded, or bulging shape. Because the reservoir 405 can be constructed of a thin, thermoformed material, the reservoir 405 can be soft or bubble-like when full of vaporizable material. The soft top of the reservoir 405 can increase the amount of vaporizable material held by the cartridge without increasing the overall dimensions or footprint of the cartridge. It should be appreciated that the reservoir 405 can be many different configurations and shapes and should not be limited to the description and figures presented herein.

[0059] In some implementations, the collector 407, reservoir 405, and airflow passageway 210 can be manufactured from a sheet of material (e.g., plastic, polymer, etc.) by a thermoform process. Alternatively, or additionally, the material is biodegradable such that the components can be easily discarded and broken down. In some implementations, the components can be made from the same type of recyclable plastic so that the entire cartridge can be discarded and processed together instead of disassembling and processing each layer separately. The embodiments described herein advantageously allow for each of the layers to be made from the same type of material. Additionally, thermoforming can expedite manufacturing, making cartridge production more efficient and cheaper. In some implementations, the components can be made from different materials and are not limited to the same material.

[0060] As noted above, in some implementations the vaporizer device can include a heater 512. One such example, as shown in FIG. 5, includes a heater film 515, a foil 514, and a wicking element 513. When assembled, this bandage-type heater may be contained within any of the cartridges as previously described herein. The heater film 515 can be a sheet of supportive material having a first opening 560 centrally located therethrough. The area surrounding the first opening 560 of the heater film can form a plurality of tabs 261 (depicted in FIG. 2) extending away from the first opening 560. In some implementations, the heater film 515 may be in direct contact with a foil 514, where the foil 514 can have a trace 563 thereon. The foil 514 and the heater film 515 can be aligned, and additionally, or alternatively, bonded or sealed together. When aligned, thetrace 563 may be at least partially, if not entirely, within the area of the first opening 560 of the heater film 515. The edges of the foil 514 without the trace 563 can extend between the plurality of tabs 261 of the foil 514 (again, depicted in FIG. 2 and later in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B) when aligned together. In some embodiments, the wi eking element 513 can stack with the heater film 515 and the foil 514 such that the wicking element 513 is at least partially disposed on the area with the trace 563. When fully assembled, the foil 514 can be layered between the heater film 515 and the wicking element 513.

[0061] Other embodiments of heaters 512 can be used, and the bandage-type heater described herein is one example of an inexpensive and easy to manufacture option. In some implementations, a heater may not be within the cartridge but instead in the vaporizer body.

[0062] When assembled, the components previously described herein (reservoir, collector, heater, airflow passageway, etc.) can stack to form a cartridge suitable for use in a vaporizer device. FIGS. 6 A and 6B depict a front and a perspective view, respectively, of an assembled cartridge 600.

[0063] In some implementations, manufacturing of the cartridge 600 can be achieved through roll-to-roll manufacturing processes utilizing sheet material as an input. Utilizing thermoformed and / or cut films and foils can be efficiently assembled in roll-to-roll manufacturing. High volume manufacturing can be achieved with a lower cost compared to injection molding or similar complicated or intricate manufacturing processes. In some implementations, the material used to manufacture the pods is biodegradable or equally benign to the environment.

[0064] In some implementations, the cartridge components described herein can be manufactured as individual components then assembled into a cartridge 600. As previously described herein, the reservoir 605 and the airflow passageway 610 can be on a longitudinal axis, such as illustrated in FIG. 1 of the cartridge. In one such implementation, the collector 607 can form the bottom of the reservoir 605. Under the collector 607, the wicking element 613 can becentrally positioned against the collector 607 around the opening 622. The foil 614 can contact the other side of the wicking element 613 and the heater film 615 can be stacked thereon. At the bottom of the cartridge 600, the airflow passageway 610 contacts the heater film 615. Althoughthis order is pictured in FIG. 6A, it can be appreciated that other configurations of a cartridge 600 are possible.

[0065] As illustrated in FIG. 6A, in some implementations the foil 614 can wrap around the lip 602 of the assembled cartridge 600. The exposed pieces of foil 614 act as cartridge contacts 683 so that when the cartridge is placed inside a vaporizer body, the cartridge contacts contact vaporizer body contacts. As previously described, the airflow passageway 610 may have a plurality of protrusions extending therefrom (see also FIG. 2 at 216a, 216b). The protrusions provide an area for the tabs of the heater film 615 (see also FIG. 2 at 261) to contact and seal. The foil 214 can extend in the space between protrusions 216a, 216b of the airflow passageway 210 and the plurality of tabs 261 of the heater film 215. The foil 214 may fill the empty space and wrap up around the edges of the collector 207 and the reservoir 205. Referring back to FIG. 6A, exposed material from the foil 614 provides a spot for electrical connection to the vaporizer body, creating cartridge contacts 683. These cartridge contacts 683 serve as a connection point between the foil 614 and the device contacts to operatively couple for providing power.

[0066] As further depicted in FIG. 6B, the assembled cartridge 600 can have one or more cartridge contacts 683 from the heater foil 614 wrapped around at least a portion of the lip 602 of the cartridge 600. In this implementation, the components are sealed together, and the cartridge 600 can be used in a vaporizer body.

[0067] When configured with the heater, the cartridge 700 may couple mechanically and electrically to a vaporizer body 792 to create a vaporizer device 701, such as depicted in FIG. 7. The vaporizer body 792 may include a processor, a power source, and / or one or more device contacts 780 for connecting to corresponding cartridge contacts 783 to complete a circuit with the heater included in the cartridge. The vaporizer body 792 may include electrical connection features for completing a circuit that includes a power source, controller, and heater within the cartridge 700 and / or vaporizer body 792. In implementations where the heater is within the vaporizer body, there is no heater within the cartridge.

[0068] The connection features may, in some implementations of the current subject matter, include at least two cartridge contacts 783 extending around an exterior of the cartridge 700 and at least one device contact 780 disposed within a cavity 782 of the vaporizer body 792. When thecartridge 700 is inserted into the cavity 782 of the vaporizer body 792, the cartridge contacts 783 and the device contacts 780 can make electrical connections.

[0069] One implementation of a vaporizer body 792 for use with the cartridges described herein, is illustrated in FIG. 7. The vaporizer body 792 can have a first end 781 and a second end785 with an extension 786 protruding from the first end 781. Within the extension 786, a cavity 782 can be formed which can be configured to insertably receive a cartridge 700. A mouthpiece 784 can be slidably connected to the extension 786 such that when the mouthpiece 784 is slid toward the first end 781 of the vaporizer body 792, the mouthpiece 784 covers the cavity 782. When the mouthpiece 784 is slid away from the first end 781 of the vaporizer body 792, the cavity 782 is exposed and open. The mouthpiece 784 may be permanently coupled to the extension 786 of the vaporizer body 792. Alternatively, the mouthpiece 784 may slide off and onto the extension786 of the vaporizer body 792.

[0070] When the cartridge 700 is placed into the cavity 782 and the mouthpiece 784 is slid to cover the cavity 782, the cartridge contacts 783 and the device contacts 780 can operatively couple. Once coupled, the vaporizer device 701 can be ready for use. Power from the power source, which can be a battery and / or a rechargeable battery, (not pictured) within the vaporizer body 792 can then supply electrical power to heat the cartridge 700. In some implementations, the sliding motion of the mouthpiece 784 can be used to slice and / or pierce the foil contacts for better electrical connection between the cartridge 700 and the device.

[0071] The cartridge may couple to the vaporizer body through various methods. For example, as pictured in FIG. 7, the cavity may receive the cartridge in a particular way such that the contacts connect when the cavity in the vaporizer device is closed. Alternatively, or additionally, the cartridge can contain one or more detents or protrusions that couple with the vaporizer body to hold the cartridge in position. In another implementation, a mechanism like a moveable arm may secure the cartridge into place in the vaporizer body.

[0072] In some embodiments, the vaporizer body 792 can have one or more air channels to draw ambient air into the vaporizer body 792, cavity 782, and / or cartridge 700. For example, one or more holes can extend from the first end 781, the sides of the vaporizer body 792, or the second end 785 of the vaporizer body 792. As the user draws on the mouthpiece 784, ambient air can enterfrom the holes and mix with the aerosol created within the cartridge 700 before entering the user’s mouth.

[0073] Terminology

[0074] When a feature or element is herein referred to as being “on” another feature or element, it may be directly on the other feature or element or intervening features and / or elements may also be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly on” another feature or element, there may be no intervening features or elements present. It will also be understood that, when a feature or element is referred to as being “connected”, “attached” or “coupled” to another feature or element, it may be directly connected, attached or coupled to the other feature or element or intervening features or elements may be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly connected”, “directly attached” or “directly coupled” to another feature or element, there may be no intervening features or elements present.

[0075] Although described or shown with respect to one embodiment, the features and elements so described or shown may apply to other embodiments. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature that is disposed “adjacent” another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.

[0076] Terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and implementations only and is not intended to be limiting. For example, as used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items and may be abbreviated as “ / ”.

[0077] In the descriptions above and in the claims, phrases such as “at least one of’ or “one or more of’ may occur followed by a conjunctive list of elements or features. The term “and / or” may also occur in a list of two or more elements or features. Unless otherwise implicitly or explicitlycontradicted by the context in which it used, such a phrase is intended to mean any of the listed elements or features individually or any of the recited elements or features in combination with any of the other recited elements or features. For example, the phrases “at least one of A and B;” “one or more of A and B;” and “A and / or B” are each intended to mean “A alone, B alone, or A and B together.” A similar interpretation is also intended for lists including three or more items. For example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C;” “one or more of A, B, and C;” and “A, B, and / or C” are each intended to mean “A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A and B and C together.” Use of the term “based on,” above and in the claims is intended to mean, “based at least in part on,” such that an unrecited feature or element is also permissible.

[0078] Spatially relative terms, such as “forward”, “rearward”, “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature’s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures is inverted, elements described as “under” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “under” may encompass both an orientation of over and under. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms “upwardly”, “downwardly”, “vertical”, “horizontal” and the like may be used herein for the purpose of explanation only unless specifically indicated otherwise.

[0079] Although the terms “first” and “second” may be used herein to describe various features / elements (including steps), these features / elements should not be limited by these terms, unless the context indicates otherwise. These terms may be used to distinguish one feature / element from another feature / element. Thus, a first feature / element discussed below could be termed a second feature / element, and similarly, a second feature / element discussed below could be termed a first feature / element without departing from the teachings provided herein.

[0080] As used herein in the specification and claims, including as used in the examples and unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers may be read as if prefaced by the word “about” or “approximately,” even if the term does not expressly appear. The phrase “about” or “approximately” may be used when describing magnitude and / or position to indicate that the value and / or position described is within a reasonable expected range of values and / or positions. For example, a numeric value may have a value that is + / - 0.1% of the stated value (or range of values), + / - 1% of the stated value (or range of values), + / - 2% of the stated value (or range of values), + / - 5% of the stated value (or range of values), + / - 10% of the stated value (or range of values), etc. Any numerical values given herein should also be understood to include about or approximately that value, unless the context indicates otherwise.

[0081] For example, if the value “10” is disclosed, then “about 10” is also disclosed. Any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein. It is also understood that when a value is disclosed that “less than or equal to” the value, “greater than or equal to the value” and possible ranges between values are also disclosed, as appropriately understood by the skilled artisan. For example, if the value “X” is disclosed the “less than or equal to X” as well as “greater than or equal to X” (e.g., where X is a numerical value) is also disclosed. It is also understood that throughout the application, data is provided in a number of different formats, and that this data, represents endpoints and starting points, and ranges for any combination of the data points. For example, if a particular data point “10” and a particular data point “15” may be disclosed, it is understood that greater than, greater than or equal to, less than, less than or equal to, and equal to 10 and 15 may be considered disclosed as well as between 10 and 15. It is also understood that each unit between two particular units may be also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 may be disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 may be also disclosed.

[0082] Although various illustrative embodiments are described above, any of a number of changes may be made to various embodiments without departing from the teachings herein. For example, the order in which various described method steps are performed may often be changed in alternative embodiments, and in other alternative embodiments, one or more method steps may be skipped altogether. Optional features of various device and system embodiments may be included in some embodiments and not in others. Therefore, the foregoing description is provided primarily for exemplary purposes and should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the claims.

[0083] One or more aspects or features of the subject matter described herein may be realized in digital electronic circuitry, integrated circuitry, specially designed application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various aspects or features may include implementation in one or more computer programs that may be executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor, which may be special or general purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device. The programmable system or computing system may include clients and servers. A client and server may be remote from each other and may interact through a communication network. The relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship to each other.

[0084] These computer programs, which may also be referred to programs, software, software applications, applications, components, or code, include machine instructions for a programmable processor, and may be implemented in a high-level procedural language, an object-oriented programming language, a functional programming language, a logical programming language, and / or in assembly / machine language.

[0085] As used herein, the term “machine-readable medium” refers to any computer program product, apparatus and / or device, such as for example magnetic discs, optical disks, memory, and Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, including a machine-readable medium that receives machine instructions as a machine-readable signal.

[0086] The term “machine-readable signal” refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor. The machine-readable medium may store such machine instructions non-transitorily, such as for example as would a non-transient solid- state memory or a magnetic hard drive or any equivalent storage medium. The machine-readable medium may alternatively or additionally store such machine instructions in a transient manner, such as for example, as would a processor cache or other random access memory associated with one or more physical processor cores.

[0087] The examples and illustrations included herein show, by way of illustration and not of limitation, specific embodiments in which the disclosed subject matter may be practiced. As mentioned, other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Such embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may be referred to herein individually or collectively by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept, if more than one is, in fact, disclosed.

[0088] Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.

[0089] The disclosed subject matter has been provided here with reference to one or more features or embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize and appreciate that, despite of the detailed nature of the exemplary embodiments provided here, changes and modifications may be applied to said embodiments without limiting or departing from the generally intended scope. These and various other adaptations and combinations of the embodiments provided here are within the scope of the disclosed subject matter as defined by the disclosed elements and features and their full set of equivalents.

[0090] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document may contain material, which is subject to copyright protection. The owner has no objection to facsimile reproduction by any one of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but reserves all copyrights whatsoever. Certain marks referenced herein may be common law or registered trademarks of the applicant, the assignee or third parties affiliated or unaffiliated with the applicant or the assignee. Use of these marks is for providing an enabling disclosure by way of example and shall not be construed to exclusively limit the scope of the disclosed subject matter to material associated with such marks.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A cartridge for use with a vaporizer device for generating an inhalable aerosol, the cartridge comprising: a reservoir configured to hold a vaporizable material; one or more films substantially aligned with the reservoir; a wicking element in fluid communication with the reservoir through an opening in the one or more films and in fluid communication with a heater, the wicking element configured to draw the vaporizable material from the reservoir through the opening in the one or more films toward the heater to cause vaporization of the vaporizable material into the inhalable aerosol; and an airflow passageway configured to deliver the inhalable aerosol from the wicking element through the cartridge to a user.

2. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the heater comprises: a heater film comprising a first opening and a plurality of tabs; and a foil coupled to the heater film, the foil having a trace formed thereon; wherein the wicking element is disposed proximate the foil and the one or more films.

3. The cartridge of claim 2, wherein the first opening of the heater film is aligned with the trace of the foil and is in fluid communication with the airflow passageway, wherein the first opening is configured to provide the inhalable aerosol from the foil to the airflow passageway.

4. The cartridge of claim 2 or 3, wherein the trace of the foil is disposed at least partially within the first opening of the heater film.

5. The cartridge of any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the wicking element is at least partially in contact with the trace of the heater film.

6. The cartridge of any of claims 2 to 5, wherein the airflow passageway is formed from a set of sloping walls, wherein each of the sloping walls has a first cutout and a second cutout, and wherein the first opening of the heater film is positioned between the first cutout and the second cutout and is in fluid communication with the airflow passageway.

7. The cartridge of any of claims 2 to 6, wherein a portion of the foil is exposed between the plurality of tabs of the heater film.

8. The cartridge of claim 7, wherein the portion of foil wraps around the one or more films and the reservoir such that the portion of foil is exposed on the exterior of the cartridge.

9. The cartridge of any of the preceding claims, wherein the reservoir, the one or more films, the wicking element, and the airflow passageway are in a stacked configuration.

10. The cartridge of any of claims 2 to 9, wherein the reservoir, the one or more films, the wicking element, the heater, and the airflow passageway are in a stacked configuration.

11. The cartridge of any of the preceding claims, wherein the airflow passageway and the reservoir extend from opposing ends of a longitudinal axis extending through the cartridge.

12. The cartridge of any of claims 2 to 11, wherein the foil is comprised of aluminum.

13. The cartridge of any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more fdms further comprises: a top film having a controlled vent formed therethrough; a bottom film having an air exchange vent formed therethrough; and a middle film sealed between the top film and the bottom film, the middle film having a channel connecting the controlled vent to the air exchange vent.

14. The cartridge of claim 13, further comprising a plurality of middle sheets, wherein the plurality of middle sheets is sealed between the bottom film and the top film.

15. The cartridge of any of the preceding claims, wherein the cartridge is comprised of at least one biodegradable material.

16. The cartridge of any of the preceding claims, wherein the reservoir and the airflow passageway are comprised of a thermoform film.

17. A vaporizer device comprising: a cartridge comprising: a reservoir configured to hold a vaporizable material; a collector in fluid communication with the reservoir, the collector comprising: a top film having a controlled vent therethrough; a bottom film having an air exchange vent therethrough; and a middle sheet sealed between the top film and the bottom film, the middle sheet having a channel connecting the controlled vent to the air exchange vent;a wicking element in fluid communication with the reservoir via the collector, the wicking element configured to draw the vaporizable material from the reservoir; and an airflow passageway configured to deliver an inhalable aerosol from the wicking element through the cartridge to a user; and a vaporizer body having a first end opposite a second end, wherein the first end has an extension protruding therefrom and a mouthpiece slidably connected to the extension.

18. The vaporizer device of claim 17, further comprising a cavity formed in the extension, wherein the cavity is configured to insertably receive the cartridge.

19. The vaporizer device of claim 18, wherein the cavity further comprises at least one device contact configured to provide electrical connection between the cartridge and the vaporizer body when the cartridge is inserted into the vaporizer body.

20. The vaporizer device of claim 19, wherein the cartridge further comprises at least one cartridge contact disposed on a portion of an exterior of the cartridge, wherein the at least one cartridge contact is configured to connect with the at least one device contact when the cartridge is received within the cavity.

21. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the vaporizer body further comprises a heater, wherein the heater heats the vaporizable material received from the wicking element to cause vaporization of the vaporizable material into the inhalable aerosol.

22. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein the mouthpiece is configured to slide on the extension and cover the cavity.

23. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein the vaporizer body further comprises an air channel formed through the cavity to the mouthpiece, wherein ambient air travels through the air channel.

24. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 17 to 23, wherein the mouthpiece is in fluid communication with the airflow passageway of the cartridge to deliver the inhalable aerosol to the user.

25. A cartridge for use with a vaporizer device for generating an inhalable aerosol, the cartridge comprising: a reservoir configured to hold a vaporizable material, wherein the reservoir has a varied cross-sectional area; a collector in fluid communication with the reservoir; a wicking element in fluid communication with the reservoir via the collector, wherein the wicking element is configured to withdraw the vaporizable material from the reservoir through the collector.

26. The cartridge of claim 25, wherein the reservoir further comprises a plurality of comer menisci in fluid communication with the wicking element.

27. The cartridge of claim 25 or 26, wherein the cross-sectional area of the reservoir decreases toward a substantial middle portion thereof.

28. The cartridge of any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the reservoir has a dome shape when filled with the vaporizable material.

29. The cartridge of any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein the reservoir is comprised of a thermoformed film.

30. The cartridge of any one of claims 25 to 29, wherein the cartridge is comprised of at least one biodegradable material.

31. A cartridge for use with a vaporizer device for generating an inhalable aerosol, the cartridge comprising: a reservoir configured to hold a vaporizable material; and a collector, the collector comprising: a top film forming a bottom surface of the reservoir, the top film comprising a controlled vent formed therethrough, wherein the controlled vent is in communication with the reservoir; a bottom film having an air exchange vent formed therethrough; and a middle sheet sealed between the top film and the bottom film, the middle sheet having a channel connecting the controlled vent to the air exchange vent.

32. The cartridge of claim 31, wherein the channel comprises a first channel end at the air exchange vent and a second channel end at the controlled vent, wherein the channel has a width that is non-uniform between the first channel end and the second channel end.

33. The cartridge of claim 31 or 32, wherein the channel is configured to draw ambient air from the first channel end through the air exchange vent and deliver air to the second channel end through the controlled vent.

34. The cartridge of any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein the channel is formed around a perimeter of the middle sheet in a non-linear manner.

35. The cartridge of claim 34, wherein the channel is formed around the perimeter of the middle sheet in a serpentine shape.

36. The cartridge of claim 34, wherein the air exchange vent is disposed adjacent to the perimeter of the middle sheet.

37. The cartridge of any one of claims 31 to 36, further comprising a collector opening through a center portion of the collector, wherein the collector opening extends through the top fdm, the bottom film, and the middle sheet and wherein the collector opening is configured to receive at least a portion of a wicking element therethrough.

38. The cartridge of claim 37, wherein the controlled vent is disposed adjacent to the center portion of the collector.

39. The cartridge of any one of claims 31 to 38, wherein the controlled vent comprises a hole disposed through the top film that at least partially overlaps the channel of the middle sheet.

40. The cartridge of any one of claims 31 to 39, wherein the controlled vent is configured to prevent leaking from the reservoir by exerting a vacuum on the reservoir through the controlled vent.

41. The cartridge of any one of claims 31 to 40, wherein the controlled vent is spaced apart from the air exchange vent.

42. The cartridge of any one of claims 31 to 41, wherein the cartridge is comprised of at least one biodegradable material.

43. The cartridge of any one of claims 31 to 42, further comprising a second middle sheet sealed between the top fdm and the middle sheet.

44. The cartridge of any one of claims 31 to 43, wherein the vaporizable material is contained between the reservoir and the bottom surface created by the top fdm.

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