Vaporizer device and cartridge for vaporizer device

Abstract

A cartridge for a vaporizer device includes a housing, a vaporizable material within the housing, and a heating element configured to heat the vaporizable material, etc. The cartridge is a first cartridge, and the at least one connector is operable to connect the first cartridge to one of the second cartridge and the battery module. A vaporizer device and a method of using a vaporizer device are also disclosed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present utility model relates generally to a vaporizer device, and more particularly to a cartridge for a vaporizer device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Vaporizer devices vaporize material to produce a vapor having a desired scent or flavor. Typically, a vaporizer device includes a battery, a cartridge containing vaporizable material, and a heating element powered by the battery and operable to heat and vaporize the material. A typical vaporizer includes or is configured to receive a single cartridge. If a user prefers a different scent or flavor, the cartridge must be removed and replaced with a different cartridge. Moreover, a user cannot combine scents or flavors with a typical single-cartridge vaporizer device. SUMMARY

[0003] In one particular example according to the present disclosure, a cartridge for a vaporizer device includes, among other possibilities, a housing, a vaporizable material within the housing, and a heating element configured to heat the vaporizable material. The cartridge is a first cartridge, and at least one connector is operable to connect the first cartridge to one of a second cartridge and a battery module.

[0004] In one particular example according to the present disclosure, a vaporizer device includes, among other possibilities, a first cartridge containing a first vaporizable material, a second cartridge connected to the first cartridge, the second cartridge containing a second vaporizable material, and a battery module configured to provide thermal energy to the first cartridge and the second cartridge to vaporize the first vaporizable material and the second vaporizable material.

[0005] In one particular example according to the present disclosure, a cartridge for a vaporizer device includes, among other possibilities, connecting a first cartridge to a battery module, the first cartridge containing a first vaporizable material, connecting a second cartridge to the first cartridge, the second cartridge containing a second vaporizable material, and providing thermal energy from the battery module to the first cartridge and the second cartridge such that the first vaporizable material and the second vaporizable material are vaporized into a first vapor and a second vapor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0006] Figures 1A-1B An example vaporizer device is shown. Figure 1A is a perspective view of the device, Figure 1B is a side view of the device.

[0007] Figures 2A-2E An example battery module for a vaporizer device is shown. Figures 1A-1B is a bottom view of the battery module. Figure 2A is a top view of the battery module. Figure 2B is a top view of the battery module. Figure 2CA side view of the battery module is shown. Figure 2D A 3D view of the battery module is shown. Figure 2E An exploded view of the battery module is shown.

[0008] Figure 2F Another example battery module is shown.

[0009] Figures 3A-3F It shows the use of Figures 1A-1B An exemplary feed box for a vaporizer device. Figure 3A A top view of the material box 300 is shown. Figure 3B A bottom view of the material box is shown. Figure 3C A side view of the container is shown. Figures 3D-3E A three-dimensional view of the material box is shown. Figure 3F An exploded view of the material box is shown.

[0010] Figure 3G Another exemplary container is shown.

[0011] Figure 4A It shows the use of Figures 1A-1B An exemplary optional nozzle for a carburetor device. Figure 4B An exploded view of the mouthpiece is shown.

[0012] Figure 4C Another exemplary mouthpiece is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0013] Figures 1A-1B An exemplary carburetor device 100 is shown. The carburetor device includes a battery module 200 and one or more fuel cartridges 300. In some examples, the battery module and / or fuel cartridges 300 may be received in a common housing. Figures 1A-1B In the example, there are three cartridges 300a / 300b / 300c; however, more or fewer cartridges may be used. The vaporizer device 100 can be used to vaporize materials to produce flavor or aroma. In the latter case, the vaporizer device 100 may also include an optional nozzle 400. In the former case, the vaporizer device may include means for releasing / dispersing the vaporized flavor material, such as a fan and nozzles (not shown). Vaporizable materials are known in the art and, by way of example only, include oil-based compositions as well as organic solids and liquids.

[0014] The cartridge 300 can hold vaporizable material with different scents / flavors / active ingredients. This allows a user to customize the scent / flavor / effect of the vapor produced by the vaporizer device. For example, a user can select a first cartridge 300a with a strawberry scent, a second cartridge 300b with a kiwi scent, and a third cartridge 300c with a pineapple scent, which when used together, provide a strawberry / kiwi / pineapple scented vapor. As another example, a user can select a first cartridge 300a with a rose scent and a second cartridge 300b with a lavender scent to provide a rose / lavender scented vapor. A user can also interchange one of the first and second cartridges 300a / 300b with a third cartridge 300c with a lemon scent to provide a rose / lemon or lavender / lemon scented vapor. A user can also select to use the flavor / scent / active ingredient of a single cartridge 300a or multiple cartridges 300a / 300b / 300c.

[0015] Figures 2A-2E An example battery module 200 is shown. Figure 2A A bottom view of the battery module 200 is shown. Figure 2B A top view of the battery module 200 is shown. Figure 2C A side view of the battery module 200 is shown. Figure 2D A perspective view of the battery module 200 is shown. Figure 2E An exploded view of the battery module 200 is shown. The battery module 200 includes a housing 202, and the housing 202 in turn includes a side wall 204 and a bottom wall 206. In one example, the side wall 202 includes an opening 203, and the bottom wall 204 includes a tab 207 configured to be received in the opening 203, as Figure 2E best shown in FIG. 6, to connect the side wall 204 and the bottom wall 206. In one particular example, the side wall 204 is aluminum, and the bottom wall 206 is plastic.

[0016] A support structure 208 is located in the side wall 202 and is engaged with the bottom wall 206. In one example, the support structure 208 can be plastic. The support structure 208 helps to protect other aspects of the battery module 200 where the side wall 202 includes a relatively soft material. In one example, as Figure 2D shown in FIG. 6, the side wall 204 overhangs the support structure 208 to form a pocket P that is configured to receive a stepped portion S of the cartridge 300, which is discussed in more detail below.

[0017] The battery cell 210 is located in the support structure 208. Any known battery cell 210 can be used. In one particular example, the battery cell 210 is a 1100 mAh battery. In one example, the battery cell 210 is a rechargeable battery such as a polymer lithium battery, and the bottom wall 206 includes a charging port 212 operable to receive a charger (not shown) and charge the battery cell 210 as is known. Any known charging port 212 can be used, such as a USB Type-C port. The bottom wall 206 can also include an on / off switch 213 operable to engage with the battery cell 210 and / or the PBC 214 (discussed below) to turn the vaporizer device 100 on / off.

[0018] In some examples, the battery module 200 includes a printed circuit board (PCB) 214 having a display 216 (best seen in Figure 2B FIG. 4). The PCB 214 interacts with the battery cell 210 and the display 216 to display information such as the amount of charge remaining in the battery cell 210. Such a system including the battery cell 210, the on / off switch 213, the PCB 214, and the display 216 is known in the art and will not be further described herein. In some examples, the PBC 214 is received in a set of rails 215 within the support structure 208.

[0019] The battery module 200 also includes two electrodes 218 to transmit energy from the battery cell 210 to the cartridge 300 as will be discussed in greater detail below. The electrodes 218 interact with terminals on the battery cell 210 as is known in the art. In one example, the electrodes 218 are copper electrodes.

[0020] The battery module 200 also includes one or more connectors 220 configured to engage with the cartridge 300. In one example, the connectors 220 include tabs extending from the housing side wall 204 or the support structure 208. In Figures 2A-2E the example of FIG. 4 (as best seen in Figure 2E FIG. 5), the support structure 208 includes one or more tabs 220a configured to engage with the cartridge 300. The connectors 220 can also include one or more magnets 220b, such as neodymium-based magnets, configured to engage with magnets in the cartridge 300.

[0021] In one example, the battery module 200 includes one or more seals to limit airflow through the battery module 200, thereby directing air through the cartridge 300. The one or more seals can be rigid or semi-rigid plastic or a compliant plastic such as silicone. In Figures 2A-2E the particular example of FIG. 4 (as best seen in Figures 2D-2EAs best shown, the battery module 200 includes a seal 222a between the battery cells 210 and the base wall 206 of the housing, and additional seals 222b / 222c within the housing 202.

[0022] In one example, the battery module 200 also includes a microphone 224. The microphone can be configured to play a sound indicating that the battery is low, for example, as indicated by the PBC 214. The use of a microphone in conjunction with the PBC 214 in this manner is well known and will not be discussed further herein.

[0023] Figure 2F Another example battery module 200' is shown. Figure 2F The example battery module 200' can be used in place of the battery module 200 described above with any other components for the vaporizer device 100 described herein. The example battery module 200' is similar to the battery module 200, but certain features will be described in detail below. It should be understood that any features of the battery module 200 can be used with the battery module 200', and vice versa.

[0024] In this example, the battery module 200' includes a housing 202' which in turn includes a base 204' and a sidewall 206'. In this example, the base 204' includes a bottom wall. The base 204' also includes an angled step 204a that interfaces with a bottom edge 206a of the sidewall 206'. A support structure 208' is located in the sidewall 206'. In this example, the support structure 208' is a generally planar structure having a geometry that generally tracks the footprint of the base 204'. In certain examples, the support structure 208' includes a tab 209a that is configured to be received in an opening 209b in the base 204' to connect the support structure 208' to the base 204'.

[0025] The battery module 200' also includes battery cells 210.

[0026] The PCB 214' is received in the base 204'. In this example, the PCB 214' has a perimeter that tracks the footprint of the base 204'. The battery module 210 is located between the PCB 214' and the support structure 208'. The PCB 214' can include a display 216.

[0027] In some examples, one or more seals 222a' / 222b' are located between the PCB 214' and the base 204'. Likewise, one or more seals 222c' / 222d' are located between the support structure 208' and the battery cells 210 / sidewall 206', respectively. An optional air regulation valve 223 can also be located between the PCB 214' and the base 204'. The air regulation valve 223 controls airflow through the vaporizer device 100.

[0028] The battery module 200' also includes a connector 220, such as a magnet, for connecting the battery module 200' to a cartridge 300 / 300' as discussed herein.

[0029] The battery module 200' also includes electrodes 218' to transfer energy from the battery cells 210 to one or more cartridges 300 / 300' as will be discussed in more detail below. The electrodes 218' interact with the terminals on the battery cells 210 as is well known in the art. Figure 2F Three electrodes 218' are included in the example of FIG. 18, but more or fewer electrodes 218' can be used. In this example, the electrodes 218' are spring electrodes, however it should be appreciated that copper electrodes can also be used.

[0030] Turning now to Figures 3A-3F The cartridge 300 will now be described. Figure 3A A top view of the cartridge 300 is shown. Figure 3B A bottom view of the cartridge is shown. Figure 3C A side view of the cartridge is shown. Figures 3D-3E A perspective view of the cartridge is shown. Figure 3F An exploded view of the cartridge is shown. The cartridge 300 includes a housing 302 having a side wall 304, a bottom wall 306, and a top wall 308. In a particular example, the side wall 304 and the bottom wall 306 are rigid or semi-rigid plastic, while the top wall 308 is a compliant silicone. In this example, the top wall 308 provides a seal to facilitate airflow through the vaporizable material within the cartridge 300, as will be described in more detail below.

[0031] In one example, the cartridge 300 includes a step S between the bottom wall 306 and the side wall 304 such that the bottom of the cartridge 300 has a smaller diameter than the rest of the cartridge 300. As discussed above, the smaller diameter bottom is configured to be received in the pocket P of the battery module 200. At the same time, the side wall 304 overhangs the top wall 308 to form a pocket P similar to the pocket P of the battery module 200 (best seen in Figure 3E As such, a first cartridge 300a can receive a smaller diameter portion of a second cartridge 300b, such that multiple cartridges can be used in series as shown in Figures 1A-1B

[0032] ​The cartridge 300 also houses a vaporizable material in the housing 302. In one example, the vaporizable material is dispersed in a liquid that is drawn into the wick 310. The wick 310 includes an opening 312 that is configured to house a heating element, which will be discussed in more detail below. In other examples, the vaporizable material can be provided in other forms. The wick 310 can be composed of a cotton-like absorbent material, such as polypropylene or polyethylene or a combination thereof.

[0033] The cartridge 300 includes a first set of electrodes 314a that are configured to interact with the electrodes 218 in the battery module 200 to transfer energy from the battery module 200 to the vaporizable material in the cartridge 300 in the form of heat energy. The interaction can include direct contact. A heating element 316, such as a coil, is configured to receive heat from the electrodes 314a. In one example, the heating element 316 is a nichrome coil.

[0034] The cartridge 300 also includes a second set of electrodes 314b that are configured to transfer heat energy received at the first set of electrodes 314a in a first cartridge 300a / 300b / 300c to another cartridge 300a / 300b / 300c connected to the first cartridge 300a / 300b / 300c, as shown. In this way, multiple cartridges 300a / 300b / 300c can be connected in series to a common battery module 200, allowing for customization of flavors / fragrances / active ingredients as described above. The electrodes 314a / 314b can be the same or different. In one example, the electrodes 314a / 314b are copper electrodes. One or both of the first and second sets of electrodes 314a / 314b can be copper coil electrodes. Figures 1A-1B

[0035] In the case of using a wick 310, the heating element 316 is configured to be at least partially housed in the opening 312 of the wick 310. Otherwise, the heating element 316 is arranged adjacent to the vaporizable material in the cartridge 300 so as to heat it. In one embodiment, the heating element 316 is at least partially located in a protective tube 318, such as a fiberglass tube, that protects the wick 310 from direct contact with the heating element 316 and minimizes the possibility of the wick 310 overheating and scorching or burning.

[0036] In one example, the cartridge 300 includes a seal 318 between the bottom wall 306 and the wick 310. The seal 318 facilitates airflow through the wick 310 and the vaporizable material therein.

[0037] ​In one example, the pod 300 includes a connector 320 configured to interface with another pod 300 and / or the battery module 200. For example, the connector 320 can include one or more magnets 320a, such as neodymium-based magnets, operable to interact with the magnets 220b in the battery module 200 to connect the battery module 200 to the pod 300. The magnets 320a can also be configured to interact with the magnets 320a in other pods 300. In some examples, the connector 320 also includes an opening 320b configured to receive the tab 220a in the battery module 200, as described above. In some examples, the connector 320 includes a tab 320c. The tab 320c can be configured to interface with the mouthpiece 400, which will be discussed below. The tab 320c can also be received in the opening 320b of another pod 300 to connect multiple pods 300a / 300b / 300c to each other.

[0038] In some examples, the pod 300 includes a PCB 322 having a display 324 (best seen in Figure 3A FIG. 6) configured to display information such as the amount of vaporizable material remaining in the pod 300. The PCB 322 can be received in a set of tracks 305 in the housing sidewall 304.

[0039] In some examples, the pod 300 includes a cotton pad 326 on the top wall 308 to absorb any vaporizable material that can escape the pod 300 during use.

[0040] In some examples, the pod 300 can include a button 328. The button 328 is operable to affect the power / voltage received by the heating element 316 via the first set of electrodes 314a, as described above. Accordingly, since the amount of power / voltage received by the heating element 316 is directly related to the amount of flavor / aroma / active ingredient provided to the user, the button 328 is operable to increase the amount of flavor / aroma / active ingredient provided to the user by the pod 300. That is, the more power / voltage provided to the heating element 316, the more flavor / aroma / active ingredient is vaporized by the heating element 316 and provided to the user. In this way, a user can select one of a plurality of pods 300 to emphasize by pressing the button 328 while using the vaporizer device 100.

[0041] Figure 3G Another example pod 300' is shown. Figure 3GAn example cartridge 300' can be used with any other components for the vaporizer device 100 described herein in place of the cartridge 300 described above. The example cartridge 300' is similar to the cartridge 300, but certain features will be described in detail below. It should be understood that any features of the cartridge 300 can be used with the cartridge 300', and vice versa.

[0042] The cartridge 300' includes a housing 302' that includes a bottom wall 306' and side walls 304'. The side walls 304' include a top wall 308'. An absorbent wick 310 is located in a wick housing 311 that is in turn located in the housing 302'. In this example, a seal 318' is located between the absorbent wick 310 / wick housing 311 and the bottom wall 306' and between the absorbent wick 310 / wick housing 311 and the side walls 304', respectively. In some examples, the seal 318' can be a silicone seal.

[0043] The cartridge 300' also includes a PCB 314. In this example, the PCB 314 is supported in an opening 306a' in the bottom wall 306'.

[0044] The cartridge 300' also includes a set of electrodes 314a' that are configured to interact with the electrodes 218 / 218' in the battery module 200 / 200' to transfer energy in the form of heat energy from the battery module 200 / 200' to the vaporizable material in the cartridge 300 / 300'. In this example, there are three electrodes in the set 314a', however more or fewer electrodes can be used. In this example, the electrodes are spring electrodes, however copper electrodes / copper coil electrodes can also be used. In this example, the electrodes are supported in openings 306b' in the bottom wall 306'. The electrodes 314a' are operable to also transfer energy to other cartridges similar to the second set of electrodes 314b in the cartridge 300 as described above, however, in other examples, the other set of electrodes can be used in the cartridge 300' as in the cartridge 300 as described above.

[0045] The cartridge 300 also includes a heating element 316'. In one example, the heating element 316' is at least partially housed in the wick housing 311 and can extend through an opening in one or both of the seals 318'.

[0046] The cartridge 300' also contains a connector 320', such as a magnet for connecting to another cartridge 300 / 300' and / or the battery module 200 / 200'.

[0047] In some examples, the cartridge 300' can include a button 328.

[0048] In some examples, the cartridge 300' includes one or more LED lights 330 associated with the PCB 314, the button 328, and / or the battery module 200 / 200', as is known in the art. Pressing the button 328 can activate one or both LED lights 330 via the PCB 314 to give an indication to the user. In other examples, more or fewer LED lights 300 can be used.

[0049] The LED lights 330 can give other indications to the user. For example, one or both LED lights 300 can emit a color such as green to indicate that the vaporizer device 100 is on. As another example, one or both LED lights 330 can emit light in a first color to indicate that the battery cell 210 is charging and in another color to indicate that the battery cell 210 is fully charged. However, another color, such as red, can be used to indicate that the battery cell 210 needs to be charged. In one example, indications can also be made with flashing. For example, a flashing red light can indicate a fault within the vaporizer device 100.

[0050] In another example using more LED lights 330, such as four lights, the lights can flash in succession in order to also make certain indications. For example, the lights can flash in a particular order (e.g., 1-2-3-4, where each LED light 300 corresponds to a number) to make a first indication and in another order (e.g., 4-3-2-1) to make a second indication. The lights can also be used together to indicate battery power. For example, two of the four lights emitting light can indicate that the battery cell 210 is charged to half.

[0051] Turning now to Figures 4A-4B An optional mouthpiece 400 will now be described. The optional mouthpiece 400 includes a top portion 402 and an outlet 404 extending from the top portion 402. The mouthpiece 400 can also include a filter 406 including a paper-based material, such as polypropylene or polyethylene based material, for filtering the output from the cartridge 300. The mouthpiece 400 can also include a silicone plug 408 at the outlet 404, which improves the comfort of the user using the mouthpiece 400. The mouthpiece also includes a connector 410 configured to connect the mouthpiece to the cartridge 300. For example, the connector 410 can include a magnet 410a, such as a neodymium magnet, configured to interact with the magnet 320a in the cartridge 300. The connector 410 can also include an opening 410b configured to receive the tab 320c of the cartridge 300 described above.

[0052] In operation, a user applies suction to the mouthpiece 400 via the outlet 404, causing air to be drawn through the cartridge 300a / 300b / 300c. The battery module 200 causes the heating element 316 to heat and vaporize the vaporizable material. The vaporized material, along with the air, enters the person's mouth. In cases where multiple cartridges 300a / 300b / 300c are used, the air includes a mixture of vaporized material from each cartridge 300a / 300b / 300c. In other examples where the mouthpiece 400 is not used, other means of drawing air through the cartridge can be used, such as the fan and nozzle discussed above.

[0053] Figure 4C Another example mouthpiece 400' is shown. The mouthpiece 400' is similar to the mouthpiece 400, except that in the mouthpiece 400 the outlet 404 is centered relative to the rest of the mouthpiece 400, while in the mouthpiece 400' the outlet 404 is off-center.

[0054] Having described at least one embodiment of the present application in full detail, other equivalent or alternative designs according to the present application will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Although the form of the present application herein disclosed constitutes a preferred embodiment of the application, many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The applications described herein are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and variations falling within the scope of the present application. The terms used herein are merely descriptive, rather than limiting, and various changes within the spirit of the application can be made.

Claims

1. A cartridge for use in a vaporizer device, characterized in that, It comprises: a housing; a vaporizable material located within the housing; and a heating element configured to heat the vaporizable material; wherein the cartridge is a first cartridge, and at least one connector is operable to connect the first cartridge to one of a second cartridge and a battery module.

2. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein, The vaporizable material is in a liquid absorbed by a wick located in the housing.

3. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein, The at least one connector includes a magnet.

4. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein, The at least one connector includes an opening configured to receive a tab.

5. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein, The at least one connector includes a tab configured to be received in an opening.

6. The cartridge of claim 1, further comprising a printed circuit board having a display configured to display an amount of vaporizable material remaining in the cartridge.

7. A vaporizer device, characterized by It comprises: a first cartridge containing a first vaporizable material; a second cartridge connected to the first cartridge, the second cartridge containing a second vaporizable material; and a battery module configured to provide thermal energy to the first cartridge and the second cartridge to vaporize the first vaporizable material and the second vaporizable material.

8. The vaporizer device of claim 7, wherein, The first vaporizable material and the second vaporizable material are different from each other.

9. The vaporizer device of claim 8, wherein, The first vaporizable material and the second vaporizable material have different scents.

10. The vaporizer device of claim 8, wherein, The first vaporizable material and the second vaporizable material have different flavors.

11. The vaporizer device of claim 8, wherein, The first vaporizable material and the second vaporizable material include different active ingredients.

12. The vaporizer device of claim 7, wherein, The first cartridge is connected to the battery by at least one magnet.

13. The vaporizer device of claim 12, wherein, The second cartridge is connected to the first cartridge by at least one magnet.

14. The vaporizer device of claim 13, wherein, Further comprising a mouthpiece configured to receive a puff from a user, whereby the user puffs air through the first cartridge and the second cartridge.

15. The vaporizer device of claim 14, wherein, The mouthpiece is connected to one of the first cartridge and the second cartridge by at least one magnet.

Images