Vape device and system

Abstract

A vape device (10) is provided comprising a main body (12) having a plurality of cartridge receiver regions (32) in-use receiving an e-liquid cartridge (34) therein. A battery is housed in the main body (12) and is configured to power a heating element of at least one e-liquid cartridge (34) inserted into the or each cartridge receiver regions (32). A mouthpiece (22) is provided, and a moveable member (24) which is moveable relative to the mouthpiece (22) and / or main body (12) to selectably open an airflow path between the mouthpiece (22) and a desired one of the plurality of cartridge receiver regions (32).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a vape device and system suitable for use as an electronic cigarette.

[0002] A vape system comprises a vape device, which is a type of electronic cigarette, or e-cigarette, and a plurality of cartridges containing e-liquid. The vape device heats the e-liquid which is typically flavoured and contains nicotine for inhalation. The vape devices are typically battery operated using a small, handheld device which performs the heating necessary to create a vapour.

[0003] E-liquids come in many different combinations of flavours and represent a growing marketplace in alternative cigarette products. Current vape devices in the prior art are either one flavour that is locked to a device and unchangeable, or where devices do offer replaceable flavours, only one can be selected at any time. Furthermore, these flavours need to be manually swapped out and selected, which is inconvenient to the user.

[0004] The current invention described herein comprises a vape system and related vape device designed to reduce or substantially obviate the aforementioned problems.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a vape device comprising: a main body having a plurality of cartridge receiver regions, each of the plurality of cartridge receiver regions in-use receiving an e-liquid cartridge therein; a battery housed in the main body and configured to power a heating element of at least one e-liquid cartridge inserted into the or each cartridge receiver regions; a mouthpiece; and a moveable member being moveable relative to the mouthpiece and / or main body to selectably open an airflow path between the mouthpiece and a desired one of the plurality of cartridge receiver regions.

[0006] The provision of a mechanism of easily selecting an airflow path through a vape apparatus allows for choice of e-liquid flavours without needing to replace or dismantle the device. This gives users greater choice over the flavours available to them.

[0007] Optionally, each of the plurality of cartridge receiver regions has a dedicated airflow channel associated therewith which is separate from the other of the plurality of cartridge receiver regions, and the moveable member comprises a body portion having an airflow aperture therethrough moveably alignable to a dedicated airflow channel associated with a selected one of the plurality of cartridge receiver regions.

[0008] The selection of the e-liquid cartridge within a specific cartridge receiver region can be achieved by providing separate channels associated with each e-liquid cartridge in the head of the device, for instance, in a mouthpiece module thereof.

[0009] Preferably, the body portion may comprise only one airflow aperture therethrough, the body portion acting as a block to the dedicated airflow channels of the plurality of cartridge receiver regions other than the said selected one of the plurality of cartridge receiver regions.

[0010] A moveable aperture, repositionable relative to the mouthpiece, provides a simple mechanism for opening and closing specific airflow pathways through the vape device, making ease of use for the user the prime concern.

[0011] The vape device may further comprise a seal member associated with each of the dedicated airflow channels.

[0012] Providing sealing between the airflow channels and the e-liquid cartridges ensures that there is no accidental activation of heating elements within other cartridge receiver regions that may cause flavour overlap, and reduce the lifespan of the cartridges themselves.

[0013] Preferably, the moveable member and mouthpiece may be formed as part of a mouthpiece module engagable with the main body.

[0014] The provision of a mouthpiece module, which can be removed or disengaged from the main body, provides an easy means of access to the internals of the main body to permit replacement of the e-liquid cartridges.

[0015] Furthermore, the body portion of the moveable member may be formed as a rotary element on the mouthpiece module which is rotatable relative to the mouthpiece.

[0016] A rotary element, such as a disc, provides a simple mechanism for adjustment of the airflow path through the vape device.

[0017] Optionally, the dedicated airflow channels may be formed as part of the mouthpiece module.

[0018] By forming the airflow channels as part of the mouthpiece module, a better seal between the airflow channels and the moveable member may be achieved, so that the blocking function of the body portion of the moveable member is more effective.

[0019] In one embodiment, the mouthpiece module may comprise a main-body connector engagable with the main body, and wherein the body portion of the moveable member is formed as a rotary element having the mouthpiece mounted thereon, the moveable member being rotatable relative to the main-body connector. Preferably, the dedicated airflow channels may be formed as part of the main-body connector.

[0020] An alternative means of changing the engagement between the mouthpiece and the e-liquid cartridges is to completely move the mouthpiece relative to the main body, so that the mouthpiece aligns to the correct e-liquid cartridge. This arrangement may form a better seal with the e-liquid cartridges, since the main-body connector is not moved relative to the main body.

[0021] Optionally, the mouthpiece module may comprise a magnetic securing means for magnetic engagement of the mouthpiece module with the main body.

[0022] A magnetic securing means may provide improved engagement between the main body and the mouthpiece module which inhibits disengagement which might break a seal between the plurality of cartridge receiver regions.

[0023] The mouthpiece module may comprise a locator element and the main body has a counterpart locator element, the locator element and counterpart locator element being receivably engagable to ensure a correct relative alignment of the mouthpiece module to the main body. Preferably, the locator element and counterpart locator element may be formed as a tongue and groove connector.

[0024] A locator element may ensure that the mouthpiece module is always installed correctly onto the main body, so that there can be no mistake over the relative orientation and positioning of the e-liquid cartridges therein. A tongue and groove connector is one straightforward means of achieving this.

[0025] Additionally, or alternatively, the locator element and counterpart locator element may be formed as shape-mating components.

[0026] Shape mating may be an alternative means of ensuring a correct fit and therefore seal between the main body and the mouthpiece module.

[0027] In one alternative embodiment, the dedicated airflow channels may be formed as part of the main body.

[0028] It may be possible to form the airflow channels on the main body directly, which means that only a single seal would be required between the mouthpiece module and the main body.

[0029] Preferably, the main body may include at least one partition member to divide the plurality of cartridge receiver regions from one another.

[0030] Partition of the plurality of cartridge receiver regions ensures that the e-liquid cartridges cannot be inserted into the main body in an incorrect orientation.

[0031] Optionally, each of the plurality of cartridge receiver regions may have an electrical contact in electrical communication with the battery positioned to engage with an in-use e-liquid cartridge.

[0032] E-liquid cartridges typically have an inbuilt heating element, and a contact in the plurality of cartridge receiver regions provides a means for activating this.

[0033] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a vape system comprising: a vape device in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; and a plurality of e-liquid cartridges releasably engageable with plurality of cartridge receiver regions of the vape device, an airflow path between the mouthpiece of the vape device and a desired one of the plurality of cartridge receiver regions being selectable using the moveable member.

[0034] Selectable activation of the e-liquid cartridges allows for a more usable vape device to be provided, which has significant advantages to the end user in terms of the number of devices they must carry with hem to experience different flavours.

[0035] Preferably, each of the plurality of e-liquid cartridges may comprise a cartridge seal or cartridge seal-engagement member.

[0036] Optionally, each of the plurality of e-liquid cartridges may be dimensioned to shape-matingly-engage with a specific one of the plurality of cartridge receiver regions.

[0037] It may be desirable to ensure that e-liquid cartridges can only engage with specific cartridge receivers, for instance, to ensure that specific flavours go into the correct positions.

[0038] In an alternative embodiment, each of the plurality of e-liquid cartridges is dimensioned to shape-matingly-engage with any one of the plurality of cartridge receiver regions.

[0039] For greater utility, it may be preferred that any e-liquid cartridge of the right type can be inserted into any of the plurality of cartridge receiver regions. This allows for greater customisation of the vape device by the user.

[0040] The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a front perspective representation of a first embodiment of a vape device in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; Figure 2 shows a lower perspective representation of the vape device of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a front perspective representation of the vape device of Figure 1 with the mouthpiece module removed from the main body; Figure 4 shows a plan representation from below of the mouthpiece module of Figure 3; Figure 5 shows a plan representation of the main body of Figure 3; Figure 6 shows a top perspective representation of the main body of Figure 3 with an e-liquid cartridge removed; Figure 7 shows a top perspective representation of the said removed e-liquid cartridge of Figure 6; Figure 8 shows a top perspective representation of a second embodiment of a vape device in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; Figure 9 shows a front perspective representation of the vape device of Figure 8 with the mouthpiece module removed from the main body; Figure 10 shows a top perspective representation of the main body of Figure 9 with an e-liquid cartridge removed, showing the said removed e-liquid cartridge; Figure 11 shows a plan representation of the mouthpiece module of Figure 9; Figure 12 shows a plan representation of the mouthpiece module of Figure 11 in an intermediate movement condition; and Figure 13 shows a plan representation from below of the mouthpiece module of Figure 11.

[0041] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, there is indicated a vape device, referenced globally at 10, and which is suitable for use as an electronic cigarette.

[0042] The vape device 10 has a main body 12 and a mouthpiece module 14 which here forms a cap of the main body 12, as indicated in Figure 3. The main body 12 has a rounded cuboidal shape designed to fit into the palm of a user's hand during use.

[0043] A display screen 16 is positioned on the front of the main body 12, which displays information regarding the vape device 10 to the user, in particular, a charge level of a battery of the vape device 10. The battery is located in the main body 12, and may be designed to be non-removable, and also may be non-rechargeable.

[0044] The mouthpiece module 14 includes a main-body connector 18, capable of engaging with an upper portion 20 of the main body 12, and a mouthpiece 22 which is fixed relative thereto. There is also a moveable member 24 positioned on the mouthpiece module 14, here formed as a rotary disc. An indicator 26 is provided on the moveable member 24 which indicates a rotational position of the moveable member 24.

[0045] The mouthpiece 22 has an airflow channel 28 therethrough, via which air can be drawn through the vape device 10 through air inlets 30 on the main body 12 during use. Air passing through the vape device 10 can be permitted or prevented, depending on an activation status of the vape device 10.

[0046] Inside the main body 12 is provided a plurality of cartridge receiver regions 32, which each receive an e-liquid cartridge 34. Figure 3 shows four such e-liquid cartridges 34 in situ. Each e-liquid cartridge 34 is here shape-matched to a respective cartridge receiver region 32. A magnet 36, formed as part of a magnetic securing means with counterpart magnets 38 on the mouthpiece module 14, shown in Figure 4, can be seen on the main body 12. This helps to retain the mouthpiece module 14 on the main body 12.

[0047] To permit vaping, a user sucks on the mouthpiece 22, and an airflow path will be provided from the air inlets 30, through the main body 12, via one of the plurality of cartridge receiver regions 32 which is currently active, as detailed below, and through the mouthpiece 22. The battery will power the active e-liquid cartridge 34 via one or more contacts in the cartridge receiver region 32, activating a heating element in the e-liquid cartridge 34, and vaporising e-liquid therein for inhalation.

[0048] In the present invention, only one airflow path is available at any given time, through one of the plurality of cartridge receiver regions 32. The mechanism by which this is achieved is indicated in Figure 4.

[0049] The mouthpiece module 14 has an internal structure having dedicated airflow channels 40 associated with each of the plurality of cartridge receiver regions 32. The position of the moveable member 24 is seen through the airflow channels 40, and is indicated using the shading. Sealing members 42 for engaging with e-liquid cartridges 34 in use can also be seen, positioned around the circumference of the airflow channels 40.

[0050] A body portion 44 of the moveable member 24 is positioned so as to simultaneously block three of the four airflow channels 40 present, by physically covering the airflow channels 40. Air cannot pass through the airflow channels 40 in this condition, and therefore air cannot flow through the respective plurality of cartridge receiver regions 32.

[0051] An aperture 46 is formed in the body portion 44 of the moveable member 24, however, which, when the moveable member 24 is correctly aligned, opens an airflow path between one of the plurality of cartridge receiver regions 32 and the mouthpiece 22. The indicator 26 provides a visual means for the user to identify which of the plurality of cartridge receiver regions 32 is active, and there may be markings on the exterior of the vape device 10 which illustrate what e-liquid cartridge 34 is or should be inside said cartridge receiver region 32.

[0052] The user can alter which of the plurality of cartridge receiver regions 32 is active at any given moment by rotation of the moveable member 24 to change the position of the aperture 46. Furthermore, the vape device 10 may be effectively deactivated by misaligning the moveable member 24 so that the aperture 46 aligns with none of the airflow channels 40, thereby using the body portion 44 to block all of the airflow channels 40 at once.

[0053] The counterpart positions of the e-liquid cartridges 34 is shown in Figure 5. There are four e-liquid cartridges 34, respectively seated in the four cartridge receiver regions 32 in a symmetric configuration within the main body 12. Cartridge ports 48 of the e-liquid cartridges 34 are dimensioned to shape-mate with the airflow channels 40 to ensure sealing therewith, and the cartridge ports 48 may have their own dedicated sealing members 50 to improve a sealing arrangement with the mouthpiece module 14.

[0054] A locator 60 is shown on the main body 12 on one side only, which mates with a complementary locator (not shown) in the mouthpiece module 14. This forms a tongue and groove connector to prevent incorrect orientation of the mouthpiece module 14 on the main body 12. Shape mating of the mouthpiece module 14 onto the main body 12 may achieve a similar result.

[0055] The plurality of cartridge receiver regions 32 may, as in the depicted embodiment, be formed as a void space within the main body 12 within which the e-liquid cartridges 34 are locatable, and this may be assisted by either dimensioning the plurality of cartridge receiver regions 32 to shape-mate with the e-liquid cartridges 34 or vice versa, and / or may include the provision of one or more partition members 52 located in the void space which delimit the individual cartridge receiver regions 32. The partition members 52 may be integrally formed with the main body 12, or may be provided as an insert into the void space, for instance, to allow for reconfiguration of the vape device 10 to accommodate different types of e-liquid cartridge 34.

[0056] Figure 6 illustrates the engagement of the e-liquid cartridges 34 with the plurality of cartridge receiver regions 32. The e-liquid cartridges 34 are axially inserted into the corresponding cartridge receiver region 32.

[0057] Figure 7 shows an e-liquid cartridge 34 removed from the vape device 10, and illustrating the shape thereof for the shape-mating with the cartridge receiver region 32.

[0058] The e-liquid cartridge 34 has a substantially rectangular cross-section in a horizontal plane, having rounded corners 54a, 54b. The radius of curvature of the rounded corners 54a, 54b is different at opposite ends 54c, 54d of the e-liquid cartridge 34, to ensure that the e-liquid cartridge 34 may be inserted only in the correct orientation within the cartridge receiver region 32, so that the cartridge port 48 aligns with an airflow channel 40 of the mouthpiece member 14.

[0059] Collectively, the vape device 10 and one or more e-liquid cartridges form a vape system, which may be customisable by a user depending on their requirements.

[0060] A second embodiment of vape device is shown in Figure 8, and is referenced globally at 110. Identical or similar features to those described in the first embodiment will be referenced using identical or similar reference numerals, and further detailed description is omitted for brevity.

[0061] The vape device 110 comprises the main body 112 and the mouthpiece module 114, as per the previous embodiment, and the mouthpiece module 114 is receivably engagable with a top part of the main body 112, as shown in Figures 9 and 10.

[0062] The main body 112 is more discretely divided into upper and lower portions 120, 156, respectively being the e-liquid cartridge portion and the battery portion thereof. The upper portion 120 here is transparent or translucent to allow the user to observe the e-liquid cartridges 134 therein, and labelling may help the user identify the contents of the e-liquid cartridges 134 in the plurality of cartridge receiver regions 132 more easily than in the first embodiment.

[0063] The e-liquid cartridges 134 are substantially cuboidal in shape, having one chamfered edge 154 to assist with correct orientation. The partition member 152 has a central component 156 which enforces shape-mating compliance for the e-liquid cartridges 134, in the form of a diamond shape. This is a more natural shaping for the more cuboidal vape device 110.

[0064] The mouthpiece module 114 is shown in detail in Figures 11 to 13, and works in a slightly different manner to that of the first embodiment.

[0065] The mouthpiece module 114 comprises a main-body connector 118 which engages with the main body 112 in use, with the moveable member 124 then forming the entire body portion 144 of the mouthpiece module 114, inclusive of the mouthpiece 122. The mouthpiece 122 has an airflow channel 128 therethrough, and is aligned to a diagonal of the mouthpiece module 114 to assist with positioning relative to the plurality of cartridge receiver regions 132.

[0066] As seen in Figure 13, the moveable member 124 is connected to the main-body connector 118 by a rotary joint 158. The moveable member 124 is rotatable relative to the main-body connector 118 about the rotary joint to align, as shown in Figure 11, or misalign, as shown in Figure 12, the airflow channel 128 of the mouthpiece 122 with one of the airflow channels 140 within the main-body connector 118. Said airflow channels 140 are aligned to the cartridge ports 148 of e-liquid cartridges 134 in the plurality of cartridge receivers 132.

[0067] In both of the embodiments shown, it has been assumed that, to permit replacement of the e-liquid cartridges via the top of the main body, that the airflow channels are provided as part of a mouthpiece module. However, the airflow channels could be formed directly on the main body, with either non-replaceable e-liquid cartridges therein, or an alternative means of access to the plurality of cartridge receivers than outlined above.

[0068] Furthermore, whilst a mouthpiece module is disclosed, it will be apparent that a vape device could be provided with the moveable member where there is no separability of the main body and mouthpiece member, either where the main body and mouthpiece member are unitary formed, or where the mouthpiece member is, for instance, hingeably engaged with the main body.

[0069] It is therefore possible to provide a means of permitting a user to select a chosen e-liquid for use within a vape device from a plurality of different e-liquids, with a moveable member being provided to permit alteration of the airflow pathway through the device through different e-liquid cartridges. This allows for greater customisability of the vape device, as well as reducing the amount of electronic waste generated due to the reusability of the vape device itself.

[0070] The words 'comprises / comprising' and the words `having / including' when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof.

[0071] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0072] The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.

Claims

1. A vape device (10; 110) comprising: a main body (12; 112) having a plurality of cartridge receiver regions (32; 132), each of the plurality of cartridge receiver regions (32; 132) in-use receiving an e-liquid cartridge (34; 134) therein; a battery housed in the main body (12; 112) and configured to power a heating element of at least one e-liquid cartridge (34; 134) inserted into the or each cartridge receiver regions (32; 132); a mouthpiece (22; 122); and a moveable member (24; 124) being moveable relative to the mouthpiece (22; 122) and / or main body (12; 112) to selectably open an airflow path between the mouthpiece (22; 122) and a desired one of the plurality of cartridge receiver regions (32; 132).

2. A vape device (10; 110) as claimed in claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of cartridge receiver regions (32; 132) has a dedicated airflow channel associated therewith which is separate from the other of the plurality of cartridge receiver regions (32; 132), and the moveable member (24; 124) comprises a body portion (44; 144) having an airflow aperture (46; 146) therethrough moveably alignable to a dedicated airflow channel (40; 140) associated with a selected one of the plurality of cartridge receiver regions (32; 132).

3. A vape device (10; 110) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the body portion comprises only one airflow aperture (46; 146) therethrough, the body portion (44; 144) acting as a block to the dedicated airflow channels of the plurality of cartridge receiver regions (32; 132) other than the said selected one of the plurality of cartridge receiver regions (32; 132).

4. A vape device (10; 110) as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, further comprising a seal member associated with each of the dedicated airflow channels (40; 140).

5. A vape device (10; 110) as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the moveable member (24; 124) and mouthpiece (22; 122) are formed as part of a mouthpiece module (14; 114) engagable with the main body (12; 112).

6. A vape device (10) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the body portion (44) of the moveable member (24) is formed as a rotary element on the mouthpiece module (14) which is rotatable relative to the mouthpiece (22).

7. A vape device (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the dedicated airflow channels (40) are formed as part of the mouthpiece module (14).

8. A vape device (110) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the mouthpiece module (114) comprises a main-body connector (118) engagable with the main body (112), and wherein the body portion (44) of the moveable member (124) is formed as a rotary element having the mouthpiece (122) mounted thereon, the moveable member (124) being rotatable relative to the main-body connector (118).

9. A vape device (110) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the dedicated airflow channels (140) are formed as part of the main-body connector (118).

10. A vape device (10; 110) as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the mouthpiece module (14; 114) comprises a magnetic securing means for magnetic engagement of the mouthpiece module (14; 114) with the main body (12; 112).

11. A vape device (10; 110) as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein the mouthpiece module (14; 114) comprises a locator element (60) and the main body (12; 112) has a counterpart locator element, the locator element (60) and counterpart locator element being receivably engagable to ensure a correct relative alignment of the mouthpiece module (14; 114) to the main body (12; 112).

12. A vape device (10; 110) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the locator element (60) and counterpart locator element are formed as a tongue and groove connector and / or wherein the locator element (60) and counterpart locator element are formed as shape-mating components.

13. A vape device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the dedicated airflow channels are formed as part of the main body.

14. A vape system comprising: a vape device (10; 110) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims; and a plurality of e-liquid cartridges (34; 134) releasably engageable with plurality of cartridge receiver regions (32; 132) of the vape device (10; 110), an airflow path between the mouthpiece (22; 122) of the vape device (10; 110) and a desired one of the plurality of cartridge receiver regions (32; 132) being selectable using the moveable member (24; 124).

15. A vape system as claimed in claim 14, wherein each of the plurality of e-liquid cartridges (34; 134) is dimensioned to shape-matingly-engage with a specific one of the plurality of cartridge receiver regions (32; 132) or wherein each of the plurality of e-liquid cartridges (34; 134) is dimensioned to shape-matingly-engage with any one of the plurality of cartridge receiver regions (32; 132).

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