Insert for use with vaporizer device

Abstract

To provide a system for generating an inhalable aerosol.SOLUTION: A system for generating an inhalable aerosol includes an insert 650 configured to be inserted into a compartment of a vaporizer device. The insert includes a jacket 660 defining an inner chamber configured to contain a vaporizable material, and a heating element may be configured to heat the vaporizable material, thereby generating the inhalable aerosol. In some embodiments, the insert may include a filter at least partly saturated with a second vaporizable material and configured to generate a vapor when heated by the heating element, thereby forming a mixture of inhalable aerosol. Related systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are also described.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6B

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 844,001, entitled "TOBACCO INSERT," filed May 6, 2019; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 863,227, entitled "TOBACCO INSERT," filed June 18, 2019; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 876,575, entitled "TOBACCO INSERT," filed July 19, 2019, and also claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(a) to Greek Nonprovisional Patent Application No. 20190100302, entitled "TOBACCO INSERT," filed July 12, 2019, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0002] Technical Field The subject matter described herein relates to various embodiments of vaporizer devices and various embodiments of vaporizable material inserts for use with vaporizer devices.

[0003] Background technology Vaporizer devices, which may also be referred to as vaporizers, electronic vaporizer devices, or e-vaporizer devices, can be used to deliver an aerosol (e.g., a substance in the vapor phase and / or condensed phase suspended in a stationary or moving mass of air or some other gaseous carrier) containing one or more active ingredients, via inhalation of the aerosol by a user of the vaporization device. For example, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) include a type of vaporizer device that is battery-powered and can be used to simulate the experience of smoking. Vaporizers have become increasingly popular in both prescribed medical uses in the delivery of medications and in the consumption of tobacco, nicotine, and other plant-based materials. Vaporizer devices can be portable, self-contained, and / or convenient to use.

[0004] In using a vaporizer device, a user inhales an aerosol, colloquially referred to as "vapor," which may be generated, for example, by a heating element that vaporizes the vaporizable material by at least partially transitioning the vaporizable material to a gas phase. The vaporizable material may be a liquid, solution, solid, paste, wax, and / or any other form compatible for use with a particular vaporizer device. Furthermore, the vaporizable material used with a vaporizer may be a separable portion of the vaporizer device that contains the vaporizable material and may be provided in a vaporizer cartridge having an outlet (e.g., a mouthpiece) for delivering the aerosol generated by vaporization of the vaporizable material to the user.

[0005] To receive the inhalable aerosol generated by the vaporizer device, a user may, in certain examples, activate the vaporizer device by puffing, pressing a button, and / or by some other approach. As used herein, the term puff may refer to an inhalation by a user that draws a volume of air into the vaporizer device, which, when combined with the vaporized vaporizable material, generates an inhalable aerosol.

[0006] An approach by which a vaporizer device generates an inhalable aerosol from a vaporizable material involves heating the vaporizable material in a vaporization chamber (e.g., a heater chamber) to convert the vaporizable material to a gas (or vapor) phase. The vaporization chamber can refer to the region or volume within a vaporizer device within which a heat source (e.g., a conductive, convective, and / or radiative heat source) heats the vaporizable material to generate a mixture of air and vaporized material, forming a vapor for inhalation of the vaporizable material by a user of the vaporization device.

[0007] If the vaporizable material is a liquid, the wicking element can draw the vaporizable material out of a reservoir holding the vaporizable material and into the vaporization chamber. The suction of the vaporizable material into the vaporization chamber can be due, at least in part, to capillary action provided by the wick element as it draws the vaporizable material along the wick element toward the vaporization chamber.

[0008] The vaporizer device can be controlled by one or more on-board controllers, electronic circuitry (e.g., sensors, heating elements), and / or the like. The vaporizer device can also communicate wirelessly with an external controller (e.g., a computing device such as a smartphone).

[0009] The quality of the tobacco or vaporizable material may deteriorate over time when exposed to the atmosphere, and some vaporizer devices do not provide airtight containment for the tobacco or vaporizable material, which may deteriorate the quality of the tobacco and may prevent the tobacco from heating evenly.

[0010] Some problems with current vaporizer devices include the inability to uniformly heat vaporizable materials such as tobacco, and attempts to overcome these difficulties can, for example, result in undesirably high manufacturing costs.

[0011] overview In certain aspects of the present subject matter, problems related to efficiently and effectively forming inhalable aerosols from various vaporizable materials, including non-liquid vaporizable materials, can be addressed by one or more features described herein or comparable / equivalent approaches understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Aspects of the present subject matter relate to methods and systems relating to vaporizable material inserts for insertion into vaporizer devices to form inhalable aerosols.

[0012] In one embodiment, a system for generating an inhalable aerosol is described. The system can include an insert having a jacket defining an inner chamber and a vaporizable material contained within the inner chamber. The system can include a vaporizer device including a compartment configured to accommodate the insert and a heating element configured to heat the insert located within the compartment to generate the inhalable aerosol.

[0013] In some variations, one or more of the following features may be optionally included in any workable combination: The jacket may be formed from a vaporizable material. The jacket may include perforations configured to allow air to flow into and / or out of the insert. The jacket may be configured to prevent air from flowing through the insert until the jacket is heated or degraded by heating. The vaporizable material may include plant material and / or plant material-based products. The vaporizable material may include tobacco leaves and / or reconstituted tobacco. The vaporizable material may include a gel material. The vaporizable material may include a sponge at least partially saturated with liquid vaporizable material.

[0014] In some variations, the heating element can include an insert capture and heating mechanism, the insert capture and heating mechanism including a first foil heater coupled to a second foil heater via a spring mechanism. The spring mechanism can be configured to allow the first and second foil heaters to transition between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The open configuration can allow the insert to be disposed between the first and second foil heaters, and the closed configuration can at least partially conform the first and second foil heaters to opposing surfaces of the insert for heating the insert to generate an inhalable aerosol. In some variations, the heating element can include an insert heater, the insert heater including a flexible heating element extending between pivotal supports. The pivotal supports can allow the insert heater to transition between the open configuration and the closed configuration. The open configuration can allow the flexible heating element to receive the insert, and the closed configuration can allow the flexible heating element to wrap around at least a portion of the insert for heating the insert to generate an inhalable aerosol. In some variations, the heating element can be coupled to a piercing member that extends into the compartment of the vaporizer device. The piercing member can be configured to pierce the insert when the insert is inserted into the compartment, thereby disposing the heating element within the interior chamber of the insert. In some variations, the heating element comprises a coil spring configured to extend around a periphery of the insert.

[0015] In another aspect, an insert configured to be inserted into a compartment of a vaporizer device is described. The insert can include a jacket forming an inner chamber. The insert can include a vaporizable material contained within the inner chamber, and each of the jacket and the vaporizable material can include a tobacco material.

[0016] In some variations, one or more of the following features may be optionally included in any operable combination: The insert may include a heating element configured to heat the vaporizable material, thereby generating an inhalable aerosol. The heating element may include a flat plate of conductive material, and at least a portion of the heating element may be located within the interior chamber of the insert. The jacket may include perforations configured to allow air to flow into and / or out of the insert. The jacket may be configured to prevent air from flowing through the insert until the jacket is heated or degraded by heating.

[0017] In another aspect, an insert for use with a vaporizer device is described. The insert can include a jacket forming an inner chamber, and the jacket can include a first vaporizable material. The insert can include a second vaporizable material contained within the inner chamber and a heating element in contact with one or both of the first and second vaporizable materials. The heating element can be configured to heat the first and second vaporizable materials to form an inhalable aerosol.

[0018] In some variations, one or more of the following features may be optionally included in any workable combination: The first and second vaporizable materials may each include a non-liquid vaporizable material and / or loose-leaf tobacco. The first and second vaporizable materials may include a sponge in which the liquid vaporizable material is at least partially immersed. In some variations, the heating element may include a flat plate of conductive material, and at least a portion of the heating element may be located within the inner chamber of the insert.

[0019] In yet another aspect, an insert for use with a vaporizer device is described, the insert including a jacket forming an inner chamber and a first vaporizable material contained within the inner chamber. The insert can include a second vaporizable material contained within the inner chamber and a heating element coupled to the jacket. The heating element is configured to contact and heat the first and second vaporizable materials, such that heating of the first vaporizable material can form a first inhalable aerosol. The insert can further include an airflow passage extending through the inner chamber to allow the first inhalable aerosol to infuse with a portion of the second vaporizable material and form a second inhalable aerosol for inhalation by a user.

[0020] In some variations, one or more of the following features may be optionally included in any operable combination: The insert may further include a filter located upstream of the first region containing the first vaporizable material, the filter configured to contain a second vaporizable material. The filter may be formed from a cotton material. The second vaporizable material may include one or more of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin-based liquids. The jacket may be formed from a third vaporizable material. The heating element may extend around a periphery of the jacket. The second vaporizable material may include a liquid vaporizable material. The first vaporizable material may include a non-liquid vaporizable material. The first vaporizable material may include a sponge at least partially saturated with a liquid vaporizable material. The heating element may be in direct contact with the first vaporizable material or the second vaporizable material.

[0021] In another related aspect of the present subject matter, a method for generating an inhalable aerosol for inhalation by a user includes housing an insert within a compartment of a vaporizer device. The insert can include a jacket forming an inner chamber configured to contain a vaporizable material. The method can further include activating a heating element configured to heat the vaporizable material and forming an inhalable aerosol as a result of the activating and heating of the vaporizable material.

[0022] In some variations, one or more of the following features may be optionally included in any operable combination: The insert may include a heating element. The vaporizer device may include a heating element. The insert may include a biodegradable material. The vaporizable material may include a non-liquid vaporizable material. The vaporizable material may include tobacco.

[0023] 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 claims following this disclosure are intended to define the scope of protected subject matter.

[0024] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate certain aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and, together with the description, serve to explain certain principles related to the disclosed embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a vaporizer consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 1B] 1B is a top view of the vaporizer embodiment of FIG. 1A showing the cartridge separated from the vaporizer device body. [Figure 2A]10 is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of an insert inserted into a compartment of a carburetor body. FIG. [Figure 2B] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of an insert inserted into a compartment of a vaporizer device. FIG. [Figure 3] 10A-10C show another embodiment of an insert inserted into a compartment of a vaporizer device. [Figure 4A] 1A-1C illustrate a vaporizer device including an insert capture and heating mechanism configured to capture and secure an insert within the vaporizer device. [Figure 4B] 1A-1C illustrate a vaporizer device including an insert capture and heating mechanism configured to capture and secure an insert within the vaporizer device. [Figure 4C] 1A-1C illustrate a vaporizer device including an insert capture and heating mechanism configured to capture and secure an insert within the vaporizer device. [Figure 4D] 1A-1C illustrate a vaporizer device including an insert capture and heating mechanism configured to capture and secure an insert within the vaporizer device. [Figure 5A] FIG. 10 is a plan view of another embodiment of an insert having an oval outer profile. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a perspective end view of the insert of FIG. 5A. [Figure 6A] FIG. 10 is a plan view of another embodiment of an insert having a rectangular outer profile. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a perspective end view of the insert of FIG. 6A. [Figure 7A] 10A-10C illustrate a method of manufacturing one embodiment of an insert. [Figure 7B] 10A-10C illustrate a method of manufacturing one embodiment of an insert. [Figure 7C] 10A-10C illustrate a method of manufacturing one embodiment of an insert. [Figure 7D] 10A-10C illustrate a method of manufacturing one embodiment of an insert. [Figure 8A]FIG. 10 is a perspective end view of an embodiment of a combined insert and heater structure. [Figure 8B] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing another embodiment of a combined insert and heater structure. [Figure 9A] 10A and 10B show another embodiment of an insert. [Figure 9B] 10A and 10B show another embodiment of an insert. [Figure 9C] 10A-10C illustrate a method of manufacturing another embodiment of an insert. [Figure 9D] 10A-10C illustrate a method of manufacturing another embodiment of an insert. [Figure 9E] 10A-10C illustrate a method of manufacturing another embodiment of an insert. [Figure 9F] 10A-10C illustrate a method of manufacturing another embodiment of an insert. [Figure 9G] 10A-10C illustrate a method of manufacturing another embodiment of an insert. [Figure 9H] 9A-9G show an example of a vaporizer device having a piercing member that can be configured to pierce an insert such as the insert described with reference to FIGS. 9A-9G. [Figure 9I] 9A-9G show an example of a vaporizer device having a piercing member that can be configured to pierce an insert such as the insert described with reference to FIGS. 9A-9G. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view illustrating an embodiment of an insert heater configured to heat an insert. [Figure 10B] 10B illustrates the insertion of an insert into the insert heater of FIG. 10A incorporated into a vaporizer device. [Figure 10C] 10B is a perspective end view of the insert heater of FIG. 10A with the insert positioned within the housing of the insert heater. [Figure 10D] FIG. 10B is an end view showing the insert heater of FIG. 10A in an open configuration. [Figure 10E] FIG. 10B is an end view showing the insert heater of FIG. 10A in a closed configuration. [Figure 11]FIG. 10 illustrates another example of an insert heater that may be included in a vaporizer device. [Figure 12] 10 shows another embodiment of an insert with a filter containing a vaporizable material in liquid form.

[0026] In the embodiments, like reference numerals indicate like structures, functions, or elements.

[0027] Detailed Description Embodiments of the present subject matter include methods, apparatus, articles of manufacture, and systems related to vaporizing one or more vaporizable materials for inhalation by a user. Exemplary implementations include vaporizer devices and systems including vaporizer devices. As used in the following description and claims, the term "vaporizer device" refers to any self-contained device, a device including two or more separable parts (e.g., a vaporizer body including a battery and other hardware, and a cartridge including a vaporizable material), and / or the like. As used herein, a "vaporizer system" can include one or more components, such as a vaporizer device. Examples of vaporizer devices consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter include electronic vaporizers, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), and / or the like. Generally, such vaporizer devices are handheld devices that heat a vaporizable material (e.g., by convection, conduction, radiation, and / or some combination thereof) to provide an inhalable dose of the material.

[0028] The vaporizable material used with the vaporizer device may be provided in a cartridge (e.g., a portion of the vaporizer that contains the vaporizable material). The cartridge may be refilled when empty, or may be disposable so that a new cartridge containing the same or a different type of additional vaporizable material may be used. The vaporizer device may be a vaporizer device that uses a cartridge, a vaporizer device without a cartridge, or a multi-use vaporizer device that can be used with or without a cartridge. For example, the vaporizer device may include a heated chamber or compartment configured to contain the vaporizable material (e.g., a chamber within which the vaporizable material is heated by a heating element).

[0029] In some embodiments, the vaporizer device can be configured for use with liquid vaporizable material (e.g., a carrier solution in which active and / or inactive ingredients are suspended or held in solution, or a liquid form of the vaporizable material itself) and / or non-liquid vaporizable material (e.g., a paste, wax, solid, botanical material, and / or the like). Non-liquid vaporizable material can include plant material that releases a portion of the plant material as vaporizable material (e.g., a portion of the plant material remains as waste after being vaporized for inhalation by the user), or optionally, can be a solid form of the vaporizable material itself, such that all solid material can ultimately be vaporized for inhalation. Liquid vaporizable material can be fully vaporizable as well, or can include a portion of the liquid material that remains after all of the inhalable material has been vaporized.

[0030] FIG. 1A shows a block diagram illustrating one example of a vaporizer device 100 consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter. Referring to FIG. 1A, the vaporizer device 100 can include a power source 112 (e.g., a battery, which may be a rechargeable battery) and a controller 104 (e.g., a processor capable of executing logic, circuitry, etc.) that controls the supply of heat from a heating element 150 to convert the vaporizable material 102 from an condensed form (e.g., a solid, liquid, solution, suspension, at least a portion of unprocessed plant material, etc.) to a gas phase. The controller 104 can be part of one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) consistent with certain embodiments of the present subject matter. After conversion of the vaporizable material 102 to the gas phase, at least a portion of the vaporizable material 102 in the gas phase can condense to form particulate matter that is at least partially in local equilibrium with the gas phase as part of an aerosol. This can form some or all of the inhalable dose provided by the vaporizer device 100 while a user puffs or inhales on the vaporizer device 100. It should be understood that the interactions between the gas and condensed phases in the aerosol produced by the vaporizer device 100 can be complex and dynamic due to factors that can affect one or more physical parameters of the aerosol, such as ambient temperature, relative humidity, chemistry, flow conditions in the airflow path (both within the vaporizer and within the respiratory tract of a human or other animal), and / or mixing of the gas or aerosol phase vaporizable material 102 with other airflows. In some vaporizer devices, particularly those configured for delivery of volatile vaporizable materials, the inhalable amount may exist primarily in the gas phase (e.g., formation of condensed phase particles may be very limited).

[0031] Heating element 150 may include one or more of a conductive heater, a radiative heater, and / or a convective heater. One type of heating element is a resistive heating element, which may include a material (e.g., a metal or alloy, such as a nickel-chromium alloy, or a non-metallic resistor) configured to dissipate electrical power in the form of heat when an electrical current is passed through one or more resistive segments of the heating element. In some embodiments of the present subject matter, heating element 150 (e.g., a resistive heating element and / or the like) is configured to generate heat to vaporize vaporizable material 102 to produce an inhalable amount of vaporizable material 102. Additionally, vaporizable material 102 may be liquid or non-liquid (or a combination of both liquid and non-liquid). For example, the heating element 150 may be wrapped around, disposed within, integrated into the bulk shape of, pressed into, or otherwise positioned in thermal contact with the vaporizable material 102 to provide heat to the vaporizable material 102, thereby vaporizing it in a gas and / or condensed phase (e.g., aerosol particles or droplets) that can subsequently be inhaled by the user.

[0032] In some examples, vaporizable material 102 may be a non-liquid vaporizable material, including, for example, a solid material (e.g., wax) or a plant material (e.g., tobacco leaf and / or tobacco leaf portions). If vaporizable material 102 is a non-liquid vaporizable material, heating element 150 may be part of or otherwise integrated into or in thermal contact with a wall of a heating chamber or compartment (e.g., cartridge receptacle 118) in which vaporizable material 102 is placed. Alternatively, heating element 150 may be used to heat air passing through or around vaporizable material 102, causing convective heating of vaporizable material 102. In yet another example, heating element 150 may be positioned in intimate contact with vaporizable material 102 such that direct conductive heating of vaporizable material 102 occurs from within the mass of vaporizable material 102, rather than solely by conduction inward from the walls of the heating chamber (e.g., oven and / or the like). 1A, the heating element 150 may be part of the vaporizer cartridge 120. In some embodiments, the heating element 150 may be part of the vaporizer body 110 (e.g., a durable or reusable portion of the vaporizer 100).

[0033] The heating element 150 may be activated in conjunction with a user puffing (e.g., inhaling, sucking, etc.) on the mouthpiece 130 of the vaporizer device 100, causing air to flow from the air inlet along an air flow path to assist in the formation of an inhalable aerosol. The aerosol may be delivered to the exterior through the air outlet of the mouthpiece 130. Incoming air flowing along the air flow path passes through or through the heating element 150 and / or the vaporizable material 102, causing the vaporized material 102 in its gas phase to become entrained in the air in the air flow path. The heating element 150 may be activated via a controller 104. The controller 104, which may optionally be part of the vaporizer body 110 as described herein, directs electrical current from a power source 112 through a circuit including the heating element 150, which is optionally part of the vaporizer cartridge 120. As described herein, the mixed gas-phase vaporizable material 102 may condense as it passes through the remainder of the air flow path, thereby allowing an inhalable amount of vaporizable material 102 in aerosol form to be delivered from the air outlet (e.g., mouthpiece 130) for inhalation by the user.

[0034] Activation of heating element 150 can be accomplished by automatic detection of a puff based on one or more signals generated by one or more sensors 113. These sensors 113, and the signals generated by sensors 113, can include one or more pressure sensors positioned to detect pressure along the airflow path relative to ambient pressure (or, optionally, measure changes in absolute pressure), one or more motion sensors (e.g., accelerometers) in vaporizer device 100, one or more flow sensors in vaporizer device 100, a capacitive lip sensor in vaporizer device 100, detection of user interaction with vaporizer device 100 via one or more input devices 116 (e.g., buttons on vaporizer device 100 or other tactile control devices), receiving a signal from a computing device in communication with vaporizer device 100, and / or receiving a signal via other approaches to determine that a puff is occurring or that a puff is imminent.

[0035] As described herein, a vaporizer device 100 consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter may be configured to connect (e.g., via a wireless or wired connection) to one computing device (or optionally two or more devices) that communicate with the vaporizer device 100. To this end, the controller 104 may include communications hardware 105. The controller 104 may also include memory 108. The communications hardware 105 may include firmware and / or may be controlled by software to implement one or more encryption protocols for communications.

[0036] The computing device may be a component of a vaporizer system that also includes the vaporizer device 100 and may include dedicated communications hardware capable of establishing a wireless communication channel with the communications hardware 105 of the vaporizer device 100. For example, a computing device used as part of a vaporizer system may include a general-purpose computing device (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, or other portable device, such as a smartwatch, etc.) running software that provides a user interface for allowing a user to interact with the vaporizer device 100. In other embodiments of the present subject matter, such a device used as part of a vaporizer system may be a dedicated piece of hardware, such as a remote control or other wireless or wired device with one or more physical or soft interface controls (e.g., configurable on a screen or other display device and selectable via user interaction with a touch panel or other input device, such as a mouse, pointer, trackball, cursor buttons, etc.). The vaporizer device 100 may further have one or more outputs 117 or devices for providing information to a user. For example, the output 117 may include one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) configured to provide feedback to a user based on the status and / or operational mode of the vaporizer device 100.

[0037] In examples where a computing device provides signals related to activation of a heating element, or in other examples where a computing device interfaces with vaporizer device 100 for performing various control or other functions, the computing device executes one or more sets of computer instructions to provide a user interface and underlying data processing. In one example, upon detection by the computing device of user interaction with one or more user interface elements, the computing device may send a signal to vaporizer device 100 to activate a heating element to reach an operating temperature for producing an inhalable dose of vapor / aerosol. Other functions of vaporizer device 100 may be controlled by user interaction with a user interface on a computing device in communication with vaporizer device 100.

[0038] The temperature of the heating element 150 of the vaporizer device 100 may depend on several factors, including the amount of power supplied to the heating element 150 and / or the duty cycle at which the power is supplied, conductive heat transfer to other parts of the vaporizer device 100 and / or the environment, latent heat loss due to vaporization of the vaporizable material 102, and convective heat loss due to airflow (e.g., air moving across the heating element 150 when a user inhales on the vaporizer device 100). As described herein, to ensure activation of the heating element 150 or to heat the heating element 150 to a desired temperature, the vaporizer device 100, in some embodiments of the present subject matter, may utilize a signal from a sensor 113 (e.g., a pressure sensor) to determine when a user is inhaling. The sensor 113 can be positioned in the air flow path and / or connected (e.g., by a passageway or other flow path) to an air flow path that includes an inlet for air entering the vaporizer device 100 and an outlet for a user to inhale the resulting vapor and / or aerosol, such that the sensor 113 experiences a change (e.g., a pressure change) as the air passes through the vaporizer device 100 from the air inlet to the air outlet. In some embodiments of the present subject matter, the heating element 150 can be activated in connection with a user's puff, for example, by automatic detection of a puff or by the sensor 113 detecting a change (e.g., a pressure change) in the air flow path.

[0039] The sensor 113 can be located on the controller 104 (e.g., a printed circuit board assembly or other type of circuit board) or can be coupled to the controller 104 (e.g., electrically or electronically connected via a physical or wireless connection). To accurately perform measurements and maintain the durability of the vaporizer device 100, it may be beneficial to provide a seal 127 that is sufficiently resilient to isolate the air flow path from other portions of the vaporizer device 100. The seal 127, which may be a gasket, can be configured to at least partially surround the sensor 113, thereby isolating the connection of the sensor 113 to the circuitry internal to the vaporizer device 100 from the portion of the sensor 113 exposed to the air flow path. Such placement of the seal 127 within the vaporizer device 100 can help to mitigate potentially destructive effects on vaporizer components due to interaction with environmental factors, such as water in the vapor or liquid phase, and / or to reduce air leakage from certain air flow paths within the vaporizer device 100. The passage of and / or contact of unwanted air, liquid, or other fluids with the circuitry of the vaporizer device 100 can cause various undesirable effects, such as changes in pressure readings, and / or can lead to the deposition of unwanted materials, such as moisture, inaccuracies in the vaporizable material 102, in portions of the vaporizer device 100. These can result in poor pressure signals, degradation of the sensor 113 or other components, and / or a reduced lifespan of the vaporizer device 100. A leak in the seal 127 can result in a user inhaling air that has passed through portions of the vaporizer device 100 containing or consisting of materials that are undesirable for inhalation.

[0040] In some embodiments, the vaporizer body 110 includes the controller 104, the power source 112 (e.g., a battery), one or more sensors 113, charging contacts (e.g., for charging the power source 112), a seal 127, and a cartridge receptacle 118 configured to receive a vaporizer cartridge 120 for coupling with the vaporizer body 110 via one or more various attachment structures. In some examples, the vaporizer cartridge 120 includes a jacket (e.g., made of a biodegradable material) for containing the vaporizable material 102, and the mouthpiece 130 has an aerosol outlet for delivering an inhalable dose to a user. In some examples, the mouthpiece 130 is part of the vaporizer body 110.

[0041] In an embodiment of the vaporizer device 100 in which the power supply 112 is part of the vaporizer body 110 and the heating element 150 is disposed within the vaporizer cartridge 120 and configured to be coupled to the vaporizer body 110, the vaporizer device 100 can include electrical connection features (e.g., means for completing a circuit) to complete a circuit including the controller 104 (e.g., a printed circuit board, a microcontroller, etc.), the power supply 112, and the heating element 150. These electrical connection features can include one or more contacts (e.g., cartridge contacts 124a and 124b) on the underside of the vaporizer cartridge 120 and at least two contacts (e.g., receptacle contacts 125a and 125b) located near the base of one compartment or receptacle (e.g., cartridge receptacle 118) of the vaporizer device 100. Cartridge contacts 124a and 124b and receptacle contacts 125a and 125b electrically connect when, for example, vaporizer cartridge 120 is inserted and coupled to cartridge receptacle 118. The circuit completed by these electrical connections allows current to be supplied to heating element 150 and can be utilized for additional functions, such as measuring the resistance of heating element 150 for use in determining and / or controlling the temperature of heating element 150 based on the thermal coefficient of resistivity of the heating element. In some embodiments, vaporizer body 110 includes heating element 150, such that cartridge receptacle 118 and vaporizer cartridge 120 do not include one or more contacts. For example, in some examples, cartridge receptacle 118 includes heating element 150 coupled to power source 112.

[0042] In some embodiments of the present subject matter, the cartridge contacts 124a and 124b and the receptacle contacts 125a and 125b can be configured to be electrically connected in one of at least two orientations. In other words, one or more circuits required for operation of the vaporizer device 100 can be completed by inserting the vaporizer cartridge 120 into the cartridge receptacle 118 in a first rotational orientation (about an axis along which the vaporizer cartridge 120 is inserted into the cartridge receptacle 118 of the vaporizer body 110), whereby the cartridge contacts 124a are electrically connected to the receptacle contacts 125a and the cartridge contacts 124b are electrically connected to the receptacle contacts 125b. Furthermore, one or more circuits required for operation of the vaporizer device 100 can be completed by inserting the vaporizer cartridge 120 into the cartridge receptacle 118 in a second rotational orientation, whereby the cartridge contacts 124a are electrically connected to the receptacle contacts 125b and the cartridge contacts 124b are electrically connected to the receptacle contacts 125a.

[0043] In some embodiments, the vaporizer cartridge 120 or at least one insertable end 122 of the vaporizer cartridge 120 configured for insertion into the cartridge receptacle 118 can have a non-circular cross-section transverse to the axis of insertion of the vaporizer cartridge 120 into the cartridge receptacle 118. For example, the non-circular cross-section can be an approximately rectangular, an approximately elliptical (e.g., an approximately oval), a non-rectangular shape having two sets of parallel or nearly parallel opposing sides but that is not rectangular (e.g., shaped like a parallelogram), or other shape with at least two-fold symmetry. In this context, approximately shaped indicates that the basic similarity to the described shape is clear, but the sides of the shape in question need not be perfectly straight and the vertices need not be perfectly sharp. Rounding of the edges and / or vertices of the cross-sectional shape is described as any non-circular cross-section referred to herein.

[0044] The cartridge contacts 124a and 124b and the receptacle contacts 125a and 125b can take a variety of forms. For example, one or both sets of contacts can include conductive pins, tabs, terminals, receiving holes for pins or terminals, or the like. Some types of contacts can include springs or other features to facilitate better physical and electrical connections between the contacts on the vaporizer cartridge 120 and the contacts on the vaporizer body 110. The electrical contacts can optionally be gold plated and / or include other materials.

[0045] 1B illustrates an embodiment of a vaporizer body 110 having a cartridge receptacle 118 into which a vaporizer cartridge 120 can be removably inserted. FIG. 1B illustrates a top view of the vaporizer 100 showing the vaporizer cartridge 120 positioned for insertion into the vaporizer body 110. When a user puffs on the vaporizer 100, air can pass between the exterior surface of the vaporizer cartridge 120 and the interior surface of the cartridge receptacle 118 on the vaporizer body 110. Air can then be drawn into at least a portion of the vaporizer cartridge and out an outlet in the mouthpiece 130 to provide an inhalable aerosol to the user.

[0046] In some embodiments, the vaporizer device 100 may be configured to heat non-liquid vaporizable materials, including, for example, plant material (e.g., tobacco leaves), plant material-based products (e.g., reconstituted tobacco), and / or the like. For example, some embodiments of the vaporizer body 110 of the vaporizer device 100 may be configured to receive embodiments of the vaporizer cartridge 120 that are at least partially composed of and / or include a non-liquid vaporizable material. Embodiments of the vaporizer cartridge 120 that are at least partially composed of and / or include a non-liquid vaporizable material may be referred to herein as “inserts.” Accordingly, all insert embodiments described herein may include any one or more of the features described herein with respect to the vaporizer cartridge (e.g., with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B). Similarly, all vaporizer cartridge embodiments described herein may include any one or more of the features described herein with respect to the insert.

[0047] In some embodiments, the insert can include a jacket (e.g., made of a biodegradable material) defining an interior chamber configured to accommodate a non-liquid vaporizable material. Accordingly, some embodiments of the cartridge receptacle 118 can be configured to receive and heat various embodiments of an insert, e.g., to form an inhalable aerosol. For example, one embodiment of the cartridge receptacle 118 can include a compartment configured to receive and heat various inserts, as described below. Accordingly, this compartment can include any one or more of the features described herein with respect to the cartridge receptacle 118 (e.g., with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B ) and can also have one or more features configured to receive and / or heat embodiments of an insert or vaporizer cartridge formed from and / or including a non-liquid vaporizable material.

[0048] In some embodiments, the compartment can include all or a portion of a heating element 150 (e.g., a heating coil, etc.), which is configured to heat an insert housed in the compartment, e.g., to form an inhalable aerosol. In some embodiments, the insert can include a portion of the heating element 150, such as a portion including a thermally conductive material. Some insert embodiments that include a portion of the heating element 150 can also include one or more insert contacts (e.g., cartridge contacts 124). The insert contacts can couple to one or more receptacle contacts 125 when the insert is inserted into the compartment, thereby activating a portion of the insert's heating element 150, e.g., to heat the insert, e.g., to form an inhalable aerosol. Various insert embodiments are described herein for use with various vaporizer devices 100. Various heating element 150 and compartment embodiments are also described herein for heating and housing various insert embodiments, e.g., to form an inhalable aerosol.

[0049] 2A and 2B show examples of inserts 250a and 250b, respectively, positioned within a compartment 252 of the vaporizer body 110 of the vaporizer device 100. The compartment 252 can include a heating element 255, allowing the heating element 255 to be included in a durable / reusable vaporizer body 110. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the heating element 255 can be positioned adjacent to and / or along one or more sides of the compartment 252. Thus, when the insert 250 is positioned within the compartment 252, the heating element 255 can be adjacent to and / or in contact with the inserts 250a, 250b, allowing the heating element 255 to efficiently and effectively heat the inserts 250a, 250b to form an inhalable aerosol. Heating element 255 may extend substantially around the periphery of inserts 250a, 250b and / or along the length of inserts 250a, 250b. Compartment 252 containing heating element 255 may include various features and shapes for containing and heating inserts 250a, 250b, as described herein. Various embodiments of heating element 255 that enable efficient and effective heating of inserts 250a, 250b are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B , inserts 250 a, 250 b can include a jacket 260 that forms an inner chamber 262 configured to contain vaporizable material 265. Vaporizable material 265 can be a non-liquid vaporizable material, including, for example, plant material (e.g., tobacco leaves), plant material-based products (e.g., reconstituted tobacco), and / or the like. In some embodiments, vaporizable material can include a sponge that is at least partially saturated with liquid vaporizable material. In some embodiments, jacket 260 can completely or substantially contain vaporizable material 265. In some embodiments, jacket 260 can be formed from a material that prevents the passage of air (e.g., until heated or degraded by heating), thereby preventing air from affecting the quality of vaporizable material 265 contained within jacket 260. For example, some embodiments of jacket 260 can be completely sealed and prevent the flow of air into inner chamber 262 until jacket 260 is heated or degraded by heating.

[0051] In some embodiments, the jacket 260 can include one or more air passages or through-holes 267 that allow air to flow into and / or out of the inserts 250a, 250b. For example, the inserts 250a, 250b can be completely sealed except for one through-hole 267 that extends through the wall of the jacket 260. As shown in FIG. 2A, the insert 250a can include one through-hole 267 that extends through the jacket 260 at a first end, allowing aerosol to be directed out of the insert 250a, for example, for inhalation by a user. As shown in FIG. 2B, the insert 250b can include two through-holes 267 that extend through the jacket 260 (e.g., at opposite ends of the insert 250b), which form an airflow passage 268 between the ends of the insert. The airflow passage 268 allows airflow along the passage, allowing aerosol formed within the insert 250b to be directed out of the insert 250b, for example, for inhalation by a user. The one or more through-holes 267 and / or airflow passage 268 may be formed prior to or simultaneously with insert 250a, 250b insertion into compartment 252 of vaporizer body 110. For example, the one or more through-holes 267 may be formed simultaneously with insert 250a, 250b insertion into the compartment. This may improve and maintain the freshness and quality of the vaporizable material 265 within insert 250a, 250b.

[0052] In some embodiments, jacket 260 of inserts 250a, 250b may be formed from a non-liquid vaporizable material. The vaporizable material may include, for example, plant material (e.g., tobacco leaves), plant material-based products (e.g., reconstituted tobacco), and / or the like. Thus, jacket 260 may be included as part of a consumable product that generates an aerosol, for example, for inhalation by a user. In some embodiments, at least a portion of jacket 260 may be formed from a thermally conductive material, such as metal or aluminum foil. Thus, heating element 255 may contact and / or heat the thermally conductive jacket (e.g., via one or more electrical contacts). The heated thermally conductive jacket may then substantially uniformly heat vaporizable material 265 contained within jacket 260. This may result in favorable heating of vaporizable material 265 to achieve efficient and effective formation of an inhalable aerosol. Such uniform heating can provide effectively repeatable heating and cooling of vaporizable material 265 within jacket 260 .

[0053] In some embodiments, jacket 260 is formed from an impermeable membrane. In some embodiments, at least a portion of heating element 255 can be included in the insert. Other materials and embodiments of the insert and jacket are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0054] 2A, the insert 250a can be inserted into the compartment 252 of the vaporizer body 110. The open end 280 of the compartment 252 can include at least one vent 282. The vent 282 allows air to flow through, for example, from outside the vaporizer device 100 into an airflow passageway extending along the vaporizer device 100 (e.g., through the open end 280). Thus, when a user puffs from the vaporizer device 100, air can be drawn through the vent 282, which can further pull the inhalable aerosol up from the insert (e.g., via the through-holes 267 along the insert 250a) so that, for example, the user can inhale the inhalable aerosol.

[0055] 2B, the airflow passage 268 of the insert 250b may be generally aligned with the inlet 284 of an example of the compartment 252. Thus, when a user puffs from the vaporizer device 100, air may be drawn into the compartment 252 from the inlet 284 and flow along the airflow passage 268 of the insert 250b, forming an inhalable aerosol and exiting the vaporizer body 110 for inhalation by the user, for example.

[0056] Compartment 252 can have a variety of shapes and sizes to effectively receive an insert for heating and forming an inhalable aerosol. For example, compartment 252 can provide a slip or friction fit along at least one side of the insert to ensure efficient and effective heating of the insert and to secure the position of the insert within compartment 252.

[0057] 3 shows another embodiment of an insert 350 inserted into a compartment 352 of a vaporizer device 100. For example, the insert 350 can include a jacket 360 formed from loose-leaf plant material or a plant material-based product that is wrapped in a packaging medium, such as aluminum foil, paper, plant fiber, plant material (e.g., tobacco), Kapton tape, or other form of insulating and protective layer.

[0058] 3, compartment 352 may be at least partially surrounded by an insulating layer 330 comprising an insulating material (e.g., Nomex insulation). Insulating layer 330 helps contain heat from heating element 355 relative to compartment 352. As a result, the heat is subsequently used to heat an insert located within compartment 352. Additionally, at least one compression plate 335 may be disposed along an outer side of insulating layer 330 to receive and secure insulating layer 330 to compartment 352.

[0059] 3, the vaporizer device 100 may include a heating element 355. The heating element 355 extends along at least a portion of the length of the compartment 352 and is configured to contact an outer surface of a jacket 360 of the insert 350. In some embodiments, the jacket 360 may include a thermally conductive material (e.g., aluminum foil). Contact between the heating element 355 and the jacket 360, including the thermally conductive material, may provide efficient and effective heating of the vaporizable material 365 of the insert 350 for formation of an inhalable aerosol.

[0060] In embodiments where jacket 360 is formed from a thermally conductive material, heat transfer along the vaporizable material contained within the jacket can be improved, thereby ensuring more uniform heating of the vaporizable material. The vaporizable material can be a non-liquid vaporizable material, including, for example, plant material (e.g., tobacco leaves), plant material-based products (e.g., reconstituted tobacco), and / or the like. In some embodiments, the vaporizable material can include a sponge in which the liquid vaporizable material is at least partially immersed.

[0061] In some embodiments, the heating element may be integral with the jacket formed from an aluminum foil material. In some embodiments, an insert may include at least a portion of the heating element, such that the heating element is integrated into the consumable. In embodiments where the jacket is formed at least in part from a non-vaporizable and / or another biodegradable material (and the heater is part of the durable vaporizer body), the insert may be biodegradable and considered part of the consumable.

[0062] 4A-4D illustrate a vaporizer device 100 including an embodiment of a heating element that includes an insert capturing and heating mechanism 470 configured to capture and secure an insert 450 within the vaporizer 100, e.g., for heating and forming an inhalable aerosol. Once captured and secured, the capturing and heating mechanism 470 can be activated to heat and / or vaporize the insert 450 captured within the capturing and heating mechanism 470, e.g., for forming an inhalable aerosol.

[0063] 4A and 4B, the insert capture and heating mechanism 470 can include a first foil heater 472 coupled to a second foil heater 474 via a spring mechanism 473. For example, the spring mechanism 473 can include a pair of arms 477 extending from a spring coil 478. As shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D, each of the first and second foil heaters 472, 474 can be secured to and extend between a pair of arms 477 extending from the spring coil 478. Each pair of arms 477 of the spring mechanism 473 can provide structural support for the first foil heater 472 and the second foil heater 474. Additionally, as described in more detail below, each pair of arms 477 can provide sufficient structural support for the first and second foil heaters 472, 474 to capture the insert 450 between them and for subsequent heating and / or vaporization of the insert 450.

[0064] 4A shows the insert capture and heating mechanism 470 in an open configuration. In the open configuration, the insert capture and heating mechanism 470 can be located at a distal position along the vaporizer body 110, allowing the first and second foil heaters 472, 474 to pivot or spring open to the open configuration. For example, in the distal position, the insert capture and heating mechanism 470 can extend at least partially from the distal end of the vaporizer body 110, allowing the first and second foil heaters 472, 474 to assume the open configuration without being restricted from springing or pivoting. Additionally, the spring mechanism 473 of the insert capture and heating mechanism 470 can bias the first and second foil heaters 472, 474 in the open configuration.

[0065] In the open configuration, the insert 450 can be inserted between the first foil heater 472 and the second foil heater 474. Once the insert is positioned between the first foil heater 472 and the second foil heater 474, the insert capture and heating mechanism 470 can be moved to a more proximal position along the vaporizer body 110, which moves the first and second foil heaters 472, 474 to a closed configuration with the insert 450 captured between them, as shown in FIGURE 4B. For example, in the more proximal position, as shown in FIGURE 4B, the spring mechanism 473 can be blocked within a space within the vaporizer body 110, which urges the spring mechanism 473 into the closed configuration.

[0066] The first and second foil heaters 472, 474 may be flexible such that each can at least partially conform to opposing surfaces of the insert 450 captured therebetween. For example, as shown in FIG. 4C , when the spring mechanism 473 is in an open configuration, the first and second foil heaters 472, 474 may extend substantially parallel to one another and may be separated by a distance that allows the insert 450 to be inserted therebetween. As shown in FIG. 4D , when the spring mechanism 473 is in a closed configuration, one or both of the first and second foil heaters 472, 474 may conform to a portion of the insert 450, thereby assisting in securing and heating (e.g., conductive heating) the insert 450. Such additional contact may enable efficient and effective heating of the insert 450 by the first and second foil heaters 472, 474. Although the insert capture and heating mechanism 470 is described as including first and second foil heaters 472, 474, the heating components of the insert capture and heating mechanism 470 can include a variety of alternative heating components without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0067] 5A and 5B illustrate another embodiment of an insert 550, which includes a jacket 560 formed from a first jacket component 561 and a second jacket component 562. For example, the first and second jacket components 561, 562 may each have a cylindrical shape and may be the same or similar in size. Both the first and second jacket components 561, 562 may include a circumferential surface 575 that may be sealed. For example, a circumferential surface region 577 of the first jacket component 561 may be sealed to a circumferential surface region 577 of the second jacket component 562, thereby forming an elongated or cylindrical interior chamber within the jacket 560. The interior chamber may be filled or substantially filled with a non-liquid vaporizable material. Vaporizable material 565 may be a non-liquid vaporizable material including, for example, plant material (e.g., tobacco leaves), plant material-based products (e.g., reconstituted tobacco), and / or the like, such as loose-leaf tobacco. In some embodiments, vaporizable material 565 may include a sponge at least partially saturated with liquid vaporizable material. In some embodiments, jacket 560 may be formed from a vaporizable material including, for example, tobacco material. Jacket 560 may be formed from a variety of materials and filled with a variety of materials without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0068] As mentioned above, some embodiments of the insert 550 may include one or more through-holes 567 extending through the jacket 560. The through-holes 567 may be sized and shaped to control or restrict the amount of air flowing into or out of the insert 550. For example, the through-holes 567 may be formed along the insert 550 by puncturing the insert 550, such as during insertion of the insert 550 into a compartment of the vaporizer body 110.

[0069] In some embodiments, the pressure buildup in the enclosed volume formed within the insert can be used to expel the aerosol formed within the inner chamber of the jacket from the insert (e.g., via the through-holes 567 extending through the jacket 560) without relying on airflow through the insert 550. This can reduce the risk of the aerosol being sucked back into the vaporizer device 100, for example, at the end of a puff, and causing contamination issues.

[0070] 6A and 6B illustrate another embodiment of an insert 650, which includes a jacket 660 formed from a first jacket component 661 and a second jacket component 662. For example, the first and second jacket components 661, 662 may have a square or rectangular shape and may be the same or similar in size. Both the first and second jacket components 661, 662 may include a sealable perimeter 675. For example, a perimeter region 677 of the first jacket component 661 may be sealed to a perimeter region 677 of the second jacket component 662, thereby forming an elongated or cylindrical interior chamber within the jacket 660. The interior chamber may be filled or substantially filled with a non-liquid vaporizable material. The non-liquid vaporizable material may include, for example, plant material (e.g., tobacco leaf), plant material-based products (e.g., reconstituted tobacco), and / or the like. In some embodiments, the vaporizable material may include a sponge that is at least partially saturated with a liquid vaporizable material. In some embodiments, jacket 660 may be formed from a non-liquid vaporizable material, such as any of the non-liquid vaporizable materials described herein. Jacket 660 may be formed from a variety of materials and filled with a variety of materials without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0071] 6A and 6B, the insert 650 can include one or more through-holes 667 extending through the jacket 660. The through-holes 667 can be sized and shaped to control or restrict the amount of air that can flow into or out of the insert 650. For example, the through-holes 667 can be formed along the insert 650 by puncturing the insert 650, such as during insertion of the insert 650 into a compartment of the vaporizer body 110.

[0072] 7A-7D illustrate a method of manufacturing one embodiment of an insert. As shown in FIG. 7A, the jacket 760 of the insert can be formed from one or more materials. In some embodiments, the jacket 760 can be formed from a square or rectangular piece of material that can be folded in half and sealed together along opposing sides to form a cylindrical passageway 740 and a first sealed side 742 (see also FIG. 7C). In some embodiments, the jacket 760 can be formed from two pieces of material that are substantially aligned and sealed (e.g., heat sealed) together along opposing sides to form a first sealed side 742 and a second sealed side 743, as shown in FIG. 7D. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 7B, one or both ends of the jacket 760 can be sealed, for example, after forming the first sealed side 742.

[0073] For example, the first end of the jacket can be sealed, thereby forming first sealed end 744. After forming first sealed end 744, vaporizable material can be deposited within the jacket component, for example, from the unsealed second end into cylindrical passageway 740. The vaporizable material can be a non-liquid vaporizable material, including, for example, plant material (e.g., tobacco leaves), plant material-based products (e.g., reconstituted tobacco), and / or the like. In some embodiments, the vaporizable material can include a sponge at least partially saturated with liquid vaporizable material. After a desired amount of material (e.g., tobacco) has been deposited within the jacket component, the second end can be sealed to form second sealed end 746. Such sealing of the second end can form a sealed or substantially sealed interior chamber within jacket 760, thereby containing the deposited material within the interior chamber. Although the method for forming and filling one embodiment of the jacket is described as including a single jacket component, similar methods can be used to form and fill jacket embodiments including two or more jacket components without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0074] 8A and 8B illustrate an embodiment of an insert heater 890, which includes an insert 850 (e.g., any insert described herein) and a heater component 892 (e.g., any heater component described herein). For example, FIG. 8A illustrates an embodiment of an insert heater 890 including an insert 850 having a jacket 860 made of at least one of an insulating and protective layer (e.g., a Kapton material), a thermally conductive material (e.g., a metallic material). The jacket 860 can include an inner chamber filled or substantially filled with a vaporizable material. The vaporizable material can be a non-liquid vaporizable material, including, for example, plant material (e.g., tobacco leaves), plant material-based products (e.g., reconstituted tobacco), and / or the like. In some embodiments, the vaporizable material can include a sponge at least partially saturated with a liquid vaporizable material. Additionally, the insert heater 890 can include a heater component 892, which can include at least one thermally conductive element. For example, heater component 892 may be formed from a flat plate of conductive material having various structures and a resistor that increases the temperature of heater component 892 when a current is passed along the conductive material. Heater component 892 may be coupled to a power source (e.g., to power source 112 via receptacle contacts 125) and may include at least one conductive extension 894 that allows current to pass along heater component 892. As shown in FIG. 8A , heater component 892 may extend at least partially between the insulating and protective layer and the thermally conductive material comprising jacket 860. As the temperature of heater component 892 increases, the temperature of the thermally conductive material may increase, thereby heating the vaporizable material contained within inner chamber 862.

[0075] FIG. 8B illustrates another embodiment of an insert heater 990 including an insert 950 having a jacket 960 made of a biodegradable material (e.g., tobacco material). The jacket 960 can include an inner chamber filled or substantially filled with a vaporizable material. The vaporizable material can be a non-liquid vaporizable material, including, for example, plant material (e.g., tobacco leaves), plant material-based products (e.g., reconstituted tobacco), and / or the like. In some embodiments, the vaporizable material can include a sponge at least partially saturated with the liquid vaporizable material. Additionally, the insert heater 990 can include a heater component 992, which can include at least one thermally conductive element. For example, the heater component 992 can be formed from a flat plate made of a conductive material having various structures and a resistor that increases the temperature of the heater component 992 when an electric current is passed along the conductive material. Heater component 992 may be coupled to a power source (e.g., coupled to power source 112 via receptacle contacts 125) and may include at least one conductive extension 994 that may allow electrical current to flow along heater component 992. As shown in FIG. 8B , heater component 992 may extend at least partially within jacket 960, for example, within or along an inner chamber of jacket 960. Thus, heater component 992 may be in direct contact with vaporizable material contained within jacket 960, and an increase in the temperature of heater component 992 may increase the temperature of the vaporizable material.

[0076] 9A-9G illustrate another embodiment of an insert 1050 and a method of manufacturing the insert 1050. As shown in FIG. 9A, the insert 1050 may include a jacket 1060 and first and second end caps 1066 coupled to opposite ends of the jacket 1060. An inner chamber 1062 may be located within the jacket 1060 between the first and second end caps 1066. The inner chamber 1062 may be filled or substantially filled with a vaporizable material 1065. The vaporizable material 1065 may be a non-liquid vaporizable material including, for example, plant material (e.g., tobacco leaves), plant material-based products (e.g., reconstituted tobacco), and / or the like. In some embodiments, the vaporizable material may include a sponge at least partially saturated with a liquid vaporizable material. At least a portion of the inner chamber 1062 can be lined with a thermally conductive material 1071, such that heating of the thermally conductive material 1071 can heat the vaporizable material 1065, for example, to form an inhalable aerosol. As shown in FIG. 9B , at least one of the first and second end caps 1066 can include through-holes 1067 through which an airflow containing the aerosol can flow. In some embodiments, at least one through-hole 1067 can include a puncturable material 1072, which can provide an airtight seal within the inner chamber 1062 until the puncturable material 1072 is broken or punctured. For example, the puncturable material 1072 can be broken or punctured before or while the insert 1050 is inserted into the vaporizer device 100.

[0077] 9H and 91 illustrate an example of a vaporizer device 100 having a puncturing member 1099 that can be configured to puncture the insert 1050, for example, as described above with respect to FIGS. 9A-9G. For example, the puncturing member 1099 can extend along a central axis of a chamber or compartment 1052 configured to house the insert 1050. Thus, the puncturing member 1099 can puncture the puncturable material 1072 of the insert 1050 when the insert 1050 is inserted into the compartment 1052. The puncturing member 1099 can include a heater component 1092 that can include a thermally and / or electrically conductive material. As shown in FIG. 91, the heater component 1092 can be configured to heat the vaporizable material 1065 within the insert 1050, which can be in direct contact with the heater component 1092.

[0078] 9C and 9D, the jacket 1060 can be formed by forming a first sealed side 1042 of a jacket component (e.g., a piece of material used to form the jacket 1060), for example, as described above with respect to FIG. 7A. Further, as shown in FIG. 9E, after the first sealed side 1042 is formed, a first end cap 1066 can be fixedly coupled to a first end of the jacket 1060. Vaporizable material 1065 can then be added into the inner chamber through a second end of the jacket 1060, after which a second cap 1066 can be fixedly coupled to the second end. Such fastening of the first and second end caps 1066 can be achieved by any number of fastening features and methods, including the use of adhesives.

[0079] 10A-10E show examples of heating elements, including an insert heater 1155, that may be included in the vaporizer device 100. FIG. 10A shows the insert heater 1155, which may include a flexible heating element 1156 secured to and extending between first and second pivotal supports 1157. As shown in FIGS. 10C-10E, the flexible heating element 1156 may form an open configuration (FIG. 10D) when the first and second pivotal supports 1157 are in a first position, such that the insert 1150 may be positioned to contact the flexible heating element 1156. When the first and second pivotal supports 1157 form a closed configuration, the flexible heating element 1156 may wrap around or substantially around the insert 1150, as shown in FIG. 10E. This may result in efficient and effective heat transfer between the flexible heating element 1156 and the insert 1150. Such efficient and effective heat transfer allows the vaporizable material of insert 1150 to be heated as desired, for example, into an inhalable aerosol. The vaporizable material may be a non-liquid vaporizable material including, for example, plant material (e.g., tobacco leaves), plant material-based products (e.g., reconstituted tobacco), and / or the like. In some embodiments, the vaporizable material may include a sponge at least partially saturated with liquid vaporizable material. In some embodiments, the vaporizable material may include a gel-based consumable.

[0080] 10B , the flexible heating element 1156 may be disposed within a chamber or compartment 1152 of the vaporizer device 100, which may be configured to receive the insert 1150. When the insert 1150 is not inserted into the compartment 1152, the insert heater 1155 may be in an open configuration. When the insert 1150 is inserted into the compartment 1152, the insert 1150 may press against the flexible heating element 1156, causing the first and second pivot supports 1157 to pivot and the insert heater 1155 to form a closed configuration. When the closed configuration is formed, the insert heater 1155 may be activated to heat the insert 1150.

[0081] FIG. 11 illustrates another example of an insert heater 1255 that can be included in the vaporizer device 100. As shown in FIG. 11 , the insert heater 1255 can include one or more coil springs 1288 formed from a thermally and / or electrically conductive material. The coil springs 1288 can increase in temperature to heat the adjacent insert. The coil springs 1288 can be shaped to allow the insert 1250 to be removably inserted into the coil springs 1288, such that the coil springs 1288 extend around the periphery and along the length of the insert 1250 when the insert 1250 is coupled to the insert heater 1255. This allows the insert heater 1255 to efficiently and effectively heat the vaporizable material contained within the insert 1250, for example, to form an inhalable aerosol.

[0082] In some embodiments, the insert may be configured to heat a liquid vaporizable material in addition to heating a non-liquid vaporizable material, thereby forming an inhalable aerosol for inhalation by a user. The aerosol includes a vapor mixture of both the non-liquid and liquid vaporizable materials. The vaporizable material may be a non-liquid vaporizable material, including, for example, plant material (e.g., tobacco leaf), plant material-based products (e.g., reconstituted tobacco), and / or the like. Examples of inserts including components that enable such formation of an inhalable aerosol including vapors of both non-liquid and liquid vaporizable materials are described herein.

[0083] FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of an insert 1350, which includes a jacket 1360. The jacket 1360 forms an inner chamber 1362 having a first region 1390 and a second region 1392. The jacket 1360 may be cylindrical or any of a variety of shapes. For example, the first region 1390 may be configured to contain a non-liquid vaporizable material 1365, and the second region 1392 may be configured to contain a filter 1366. The non-liquid vaporizable material 1365 may include, for example, plant material (e.g., tobacco leaves), plant material-based products (e.g., reconstituted tobacco), and / or the like. In some embodiments, the filter 1366 may be fabricated from cotton and / or at least partially soaked with a liquid vaporizable material (e.g., a propylene glycol (PG) and / or vegetable glycerin (VG)-based liquid).

[0084] 12, second region 1392 can be located upstream of first region 1390 in airflow passage 1395. Thus, air passing through insert 1350 can entrain vapor of the liquid vaporizable material into the airflow before passing through second region 1392 containing the non-liquid vaporizable material, thereby absorbing / infusing both the flavor and nicotine from the non-liquid vaporizable material into the inhalable aerosol. Other configurations, including locating a non-liquid vaporizable material upstream of a filter containing a liquid vaporizable material, are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0085] In some examples, the heating element may extend around the periphery of jacket 1360 of insert 1350 and / or along the length of jacket 1360 of insert 1350. Such a configuration may allow the heating element to efficiently and effectively heat the liquid vaporizable material (contained in filter 1366) in second region 1392 and the non-liquid vaporizable material in first region 1390, for example. In some examples, filter 1366 may be in direct contact with heating element 1355.

[0086] For example, heating element 1355 can heat the liquid vaporizable material in filter 1366, causing the liquid vaporizable material to vaporize and be released into airflow passage 1395. Heating element 1355 can also heat the non-liquid vaporizable material in the first region, causing the non-liquid vaporizable material to vaporize and be released into airflow passage 1395. Vapor formed from the non-liquid vaporizable material combines with vapor generated from the liquid vaporizable material and is drawn along airflow passage 1395 and out of insert 1350 for inhalation by the user.

[0087] Such insert embodiments including first and second regions containing non-liquid and liquid vaporizable material, respectively, can provide various advantages, such as reduced manufacturing costs (e.g., by requiring only one heater) and improved performance and efficiency of the vaporizer device.

[0088] In some examples, heating element 1355 may be controlled (e.g., by a processor) or configured to heat first region 1390 at a different temperature than second region 1392. Various temperatures and temperature differentials provided by heating element 1355 along insert 1350 are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0089] In some embodiments, the airflow passage 1395 may extend through the center of the insert 1350 or along the longitudinal axis of the insert.

[0090] In another example, the second region 1392 of the insert 1350 may include a reservoir configured to contain a liquid vaporizable material. An airflow passage may pass through or adjacent to the first and / or second regions. A first inhalable vapor produced by heating and / or vaporizing the liquid vaporizable material in the reservoir may pass through a non-liquid vaporizable material contained in the first region 1390, thereby infusing nicotine and flavor from the non-liquid vaporizable material into the first inhalable vapor (forming a second inhalable vapor containing the infused first inhalable vapor).

[0091] 12, in some embodiments, the insert 1350 may include a cooled filter 1393 (e.g., a cotton filter) located downstream of the airflow passage 1395 from the first region 1390 and the second region 1392. The cooled filter 1393 may be configured to cool the inhalable aerosol before inhalation by the user.

[0092] term When a feature or element is referred to herein as being "on" another feature or element, the feature or element can be directly on top of the other feature or element, or there may be intervening features and / or elements. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being "directly on" another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements. Also, when a feature or element is referred to as being "connected," "attached," or "coupled" to another feature or element, it will be understood that the feature or element can be directly connected, attached, or coupled to the other feature or element, or there may be intervening features or elements. 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 are no intervening features or elements.

[0093] Although described or illustrated with respect to one embodiment, the features and elements so described or illustrated may be applicable to other embodiments. Also, those skilled in the art will understand that references to structures or features being located "adjacent" to another feature may have overlapping or underlying portions with the adjacent feature.

[0094] The terms used herein are used for the purpose of describing particular examples and embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting. For example, the singular indefinite and definite articles used herein are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It should be further understood that, as used herein, the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude 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 can be abbreviated as " / ".

[0095] In the above description and in the claims, phrases such as "at least one of" or "one or more of" may appear following a conjunctive list of elements or features. The term "and / or" may also appear in a list of two or more elements or features. Unless otherwise implicitly or explicitly contradicted by the context of use, such phrases are intended to mean any of the listed elements or features individually, or any of the listed elements or features in combination with any of the other listed 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 intended to mean "A only, B only, or both A and B," respectively. A similar interpretation is intended for lists containing more than two 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 intended to mean "A only, B only, C only, both A and B, both A and C, both B and C, or both A, B, and C," respectively. Use of the term "based on" in the description above and in the claims is intended to mean "based at least in part on," allowing for unrecited features or elements.

[0096] Spatially relative terms such as "front," "back," "below," "belowside," "bottom," "upper," "above," and the like may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature to other elements or features, as shown in the figures. It will be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to encompass various 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 were inverted, then an element described as "below" or "directly beneath" another element or feature would be oriented "above" that other element or feature. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both an upward and downward orientation. A device may be oriented otherwise (rotated 90 degrees or at another orientation), and the spatially relative descriptions used herein may be interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms "upward," "downward," "vertically," "horizontally," and the like are used herein for descriptive purposes only, unless specifically indicated otherwise.

[0097] Although the terms "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various features / elements (including steps), these features / elements are not intended to be limited by these terms unless the context dictates otherwise. These terms may be used to distinguish one feature / element from another. Thus, a first feature / element described below could be referred to as a second feature / element, and similarly, a second feature / element described below could be referred to as a first feature / element, without departing from the teachings provided herein.

[0098] Unless otherwise specified, including when used in the examples, all numbers used in this specification and claims can be read as if preceded by the words "about" or "approximately," even if these terms do not explicitly appear. When describing a size and / or location, these terms "about" or "approximately" may be used to indicate that the stated value and / or location is within a reasonable expected range of that value and / or location. For example, a numerical value may include values ​​such as + / - 0.1% of the given value (or range of values), + / - 1% of the given value (or range of values), + / - 2% of the given value (or range of values), + / - 5% of the given value (or range of values), and + / - 10% of the given value (or range of values). Any numerical value given herein should be understood to include values ​​near or approximately the same value, unless the context dictates otherwise. For example, if the value "10" is disclosed, then "about 10" is also disclosed. Any numerical ranges recited herein are intended to include all subranges subsumed therein. It is also understood that where a value is disclosed, "less than or equal to" that value, "greater than or equal to" that value, and possible ranges therebetween, as would be appropriately understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, are also disclosed. For example, if a value "X" is disclosed, "less than or equal to X" and "greater than or equal to X" (e.g., X is a number) are also disclosed. It is also understood that throughout this application, data is provided in many different formats, and that this data represents endpoints and starting points, and ranges for any combination of these data points. For example, if a specific data point "10" and a specific data point "15" are disclosed, it is understood that greater than 10 and 15, greater than or equal to 10 and 15, less than 10 and 15, less than or equal to 10 and 15, and equal to 10 and 15 are also considered disclosed, as is the range between 10 and 15. It is also understood that each unit between two specified units is disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.

[0099] While various illustrative embodiments have been described above, any of numerous modifications can be made to the various embodiments without departing from the teachings herein. For example, the order in which the 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 entirely. Optional features of various device and system embodiments may be included in some embodiments and not in others. Accordingly, the foregoing description has been provided primarily for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0100] One or more aspects or features of the subject matter described herein may be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, integrated circuits, 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 executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor, which may be specialized or general-purpose, coupled to receive and transmit data and instructions from 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. Clients and servers are generally remote from each other and typically interact through a communications network. The relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer programs running on respective computers and having a client-server relationship to each other.

[0101] These computer programs, which may also be referred to as programs, software, software applications, applications, components, or code, contain 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 logic programming language, and / or an assembly / machine language. As used herein, the term “machine-readable medium” refers to any computer program product, apparatus, and / or device 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, such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a memory, and a programmable logic device (PLD). 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-transitoryly, such as a non-transitory solid-state memory or a magnetic hard drive or any equivalent storage medium. Alternatively or additionally, the machine-readable medium may store such machine instructions temporarily, such as a processor cache or other random access memory associated with one or more physical processor cores.

[0102] The examples and drawings included herein illustrate, by way of illustration, not limitation, specific embodiments in which the present subject matter may be practiced. As noted above, 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 the present disclosure. Such embodiments of the present subject matter may be referred to herein individually or collectively by the term "invention" for convenience only, if more than one is actually disclosed, and are not intended to spontaneously limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept. Thus, while specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments illustrated. The present disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of the various embodiments. Combinations of the above-described embodiments with other embodiments not specifically described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the above description.

Claims

1. 1. A system for generating an inhalable aerosol, said system comprising: An insert, a jacket defining an inner chamber; a vaporizable material contained within the inner chamber; and 1. A vaporizer device comprising: a compartment configured to receive the insert; a heating element configured to heat the insert located within the compartment to generate an inhalable aerosol; and A system comprising:

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the jacket is formed from a vaporizable material.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the jacket includes perforations configured to allow air to flow into and / or out of the insert.

4. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the jacket is configured to prevent air from flowing through the insert until the jacket is heated or degraded by heating.

5. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the heating element has an insert capturing and heating mechanism, the insert capturing and heating mechanism including a first foil heater coupled to a second foil heater via a spring mechanism configured to allow the first and second foil heaters to transition between an open configuration and a closed configuration, the open configuration allowing the insert to be positioned between the first and second foil heaters, and the closed configuration at least partially conforming the first and second foil heaters to opposing surfaces of the insert for heating the insert to generate the inhalable aerosol.

6. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the heating element comprises an insert heater, the insert heater including a flexible heating element extending between pivotal supports, the pivotal supports allowing the insert heater to transition between an open configuration and a closed configuration, the open configuration allowing the flexible heating element to receive the insert, and the closed configuration allowing the flexible heating element to wrap around at least a portion of the insert to heat the insert and generate the inhalable aerosol.

7. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the heating element is coupled to a piercing member that extends into the compartment of the vaporizer device, the piercing member configured to pierce the insert when the insert is inserted into the compartment, thereby disposing the heating element within the inner chamber of the insert.

8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the heating element comprises a coil spring configured to extend around a periphery of the insert.

9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the vaporizable material comprises plant material and / or plant material-based products.

10. 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the vaporizable material comprises tobacco leaf and / or reconstituted tobacco.

11. The system of claim 1 , wherein the vaporizable material comprises a gel material.

12. 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the vaporizable material comprises a sponge at least partially saturated with liquid vaporizable material.

13. An insert configured to be inserted into a compartment of a vaporizer device, the insert comprising: a jacket forming an inner chamber; a vaporizable material contained within the inner chamber, wherein each of the jacket and the vaporizable material comprises a tobacco material. insert.

14. 14. The insert of claim 13, further comprising a heating element configured to heat the vaporizable material, thereby generating an inhalable aerosol.

15. 15. The insert of claim 14, wherein the heating element comprises a flat plate of conductive material, at least a portion of the heating element being located within the interior chamber of the insert.

16. 16. An insert according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the jacket includes through holes configured to allow air to flow into and / or out of the insert.

17. 16. An insert according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the jacket is configured to prevent air from flowing through the insert until the jacket is heated or degraded by heating.

18. 1. An insert for use with a vaporizer device, said insert comprising: a jacket defining an inner chamber and having a first vaporizable material; a second vaporizable material contained within the inner chamber; and a heating element in contact with one or both of the first vaporizable material and the second vaporizable material, the heating element configured to heat the first vaporizable material and the second vaporizable material to form an inhalable aerosol. insert.

19. 20. The insert of claim 18, wherein the first vaporizable material and the second vaporizable material each comprise a non-liquid vaporizable material.

20. 20. The insert of claim 18 or 19, wherein the first vaporizable material and the second vaporizable material each comprise loose-leaf tobacco.

21. 20. The insert of claim 18, wherein the first vaporizable material and the second vaporizable material each comprise a sponge at least partially saturated with a liquid vaporizable material.

22. 22. An insert according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the heating element comprises a flat plate of electrically conductive material, at least a portion of the heating element being located within the inner chamber of the insert.

23. 1. A method for generating an inhalable aerosol for inhalation by a user, the method comprising: receiving an insert within a compartment of the vaporizer device, the insert having a jacket forming an inner chamber configured to contain a vaporizable material; activating a heating element configured to heat the vaporizable material; forming the inhalable aerosol as a result of the actuating step and heating the vaporizable material; The method has the following features.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the insert comprises the heating element.

25. The method of claim 23 , wherein the vaporizer device comprises the heating element.

26. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the insert comprises a biodegradable material.

27. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the vaporizable material comprises a non-liquid vaporizable material.

28. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the vaporizable material comprises tobacco.

29. 1. An insert for use with a vaporizer device, said insert comprising: a jacket forming an inner chamber; a first vaporizable material contained within the inner chamber; a second vaporizable material contained within the inner chamber; and a heating element coupled to the jacket, the heating element configured to contact and heat the first vaporizable material and the second vaporizable material, wherein heating of the first vaporizable material forms a first inhalable aerosol; and an airflow passageway extending through the inner chamber to allow the first inhalable aerosol to be injected into a portion of the second vaporizable material to form a second inhalable aerosol for inhalation by a user; The insert has:

30. 30. The insert of claim 29, further comprising a filter positioned upstream of the first region containing the first vaporizable material, the filter configured to contain the second vaporizable material.

31. 31. The insert of claim 30, wherein the filter is formed from a cotton material.

32. 32. The insert of any one of claims 29 to 31, wherein the second vaporizable material comprises one or more of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin-based liquids.

33. 33. An insert according to any one of claims 29 to 32, wherein the jacket is formed from a third vaporizable material.

34. 34. An insert according to any one of claims 29 to 33, wherein the heating element extends around the periphery of the jacket.

35. 35. The insert of any one of claims 29 to 34, wherein the second vaporizable material comprises a liquid vaporizable material.

36. 36. The insert of any one of claims 29 to 35, wherein the first vaporizable material comprises a non-liquid vaporizable material.

37. 36. An insert according to any one of claims 29 to 35, wherein the first vaporizable material comprises a sponge at least partially saturated with liquid vaporizable material.

38. 38. The insert of any one of claims 29 to 37, wherein the heating element directly contacts the first vaporizable material or the second vaporizable material.

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