Disposable Tank E-Cigarette

Abstract

A disposable tank for a vaping device includes a liquid chamber, an outer wall including an air inlet and a mouthpiece, and an atomizer for vaporizing the liquid in the chamber. The seal assembly includes multiple seal members surrounding the lower end of the chamber and is disposed within the lower edge of the outer wall. An upper end of a vapor tube can be attached to the mouthpiece, and the lower end of the vapor tube can be coupled to at least one of the multiple seal members of the seal assembly, with a central portion of the vapor tube extending through the liquid chamber. The air inlet can be above the atomizer, and an airflow path from the air inlet to the mouthpiece can extend below the atomizer before extending upward to the mouthpiece, such that a portion of the airflow path extends below the atomizer.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 373,928, entitled "DISPOSABLE TANK ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE," filed August 30, 2022. The entire contents of the above-referenced application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] (Technical field) The present disclosure relates generally to electronic cigarettes with disposable reservoirs. [Background technology]

[0003] In recent years, electronic cigarettes have become increasingly popular because they offer an alternative to smoking cigarettes and cigars. An electronic cigarette is a device that contains a nicotine-containing liquid, which is then vaporized by the electronic cigarette, allowing users to experience the sensation of smoking and satisfy their nicotine cravings without the other harmful side effects of smoking combustible cigarettes or cigars.

[0004] Most electronic cigarettes sold today have a tank that allows users to manually refill the tank with liquid. The liquid for electronic cigarettes is commonly known as eLiquid, i.e., nicotine-containing liquid, and contains nicotine and may also contain other ingredients, including flavorings or other components. Manually filling the tank with liquid is messy and puts users in contact with the messy / sticky nicotine-containing eLiquid. While eLiquid is not toxic at normal levels of exposure, users must frequently endure this manual refilling process due to the use of what is known as an "open-tank" system. This manual refilling process invariably leaves residue on the user's fingers and in the various tanks and battery systems that are part of the open-tank system.

[0005] For these open tank systems, replacing the atomizers (wicks and coils) when they run out (approximately once per week) is complicated and requires skilled or professional assistance. Additionally, for open tank systems with a tubular device design, the tubular device designs are cumbersome, tend to roll off surfaces on which they are placed, and do not easily fit in a pocket.

[0006] Most of these open-tank systems use an industry standard 510 connection to connect the liquid-containing tank to the mouthpiece. The standard 510 connection is a weak point for attaching the tank to the battery unit. Furthermore, attaching the tank by threadedly engaging the tank with the rest of the device is not the most efficient attachment method; for example, the connection is easily broken if a user has the device in their pocket and sits on it. Additionally, this connection can leak liquid, which can cause significant inconvenience when the e-cigarette is stored in a bag during air travel or when the e-cigarette is carried by the user.

[0007] Additionally, swapping out eLiquid flavors for open tank systems is difficult. Specifically, a tank can hold only one flavored liquid at a time, so a user must either have several expensive tanks to swap out flavors, or the user must remove and discard the old liquid, clean and sanitize the tank, and then refill it. This means that being able to use different flavored eLiquids in an open tank system is either expensive or tedious and time-consuming.

[0008] Some systems use a custom bottle that attaches to the bottom of the battery unit and prevents the user from exposing themselves to the eLiquid. However, while this design makes it easier to swap flavors, these systems still require the user to manually change the atomizer. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] Various examples are depicted in the accompanying drawings for illustrative purposes, but should not be construed as limiting the scope of the examples in any way. Various features of different disclosed examples can be combined to form additional examples that are part of this disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a first perspective view of an embodiment of a disposable tank electronic cigarette.

[0011] [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a first perspective view of an embodiment of a disposable tank electronic cigarette.

[0012] [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a first side view of an embodiment of an electronic cigarette.

[0013] [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a second side view of an embodiment of the electronic cigarette.

[0014] [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C is a third side view of an embodiment of the electronic cigarette.

[0015] [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a top view of an embodiment of an electronic cigarette.

[0016] [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a bottom view of an embodiment of the electronic cigarette.

[0017] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a first exploded view of an embodiment of an electronic cigarette.

[0018] [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a second exploded view of an embodiment of the electronic cigarette.

[0019] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a third exploded view of an embodiment of the electronic cigarette.

[0020] [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the bottom seal member of the electronic cigarette.

[0021] [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a top view of the bottom seal member of the electronic cigarette.

[0022] [Figure 7C] FIG. 7C is a first side view of the bottom sealing member of the electronic cigarette.

[0023] [Figure 7D] FIG. 7D is a second side view of the bottom sealing member of the electronic cigarette.

[0024] [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A is an exploded view of the seal assembly of the electronic cigarette.

[0025] [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a perspective view of a seal assembly of an electronic cigarette.

[0026] [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A is a first side view of a disposable reservoir of an electronic cigarette.

[0027] [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of a disposable reservoir.

[0028] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 9B with the air flow path through the disposable tank.

[0029] [Figure 11A] FIG. 11A is a top view of an electronic cigarette.

[0030] [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of a disposable reservoir.

[0031] [Figure 11C] FIG. 11C is a detailed cross-sectional view of the disposable reservoir.

[0032] [Figure 12A] FIG. 12A is a perspective view of an electronic cigarette with a cross-sectional cutout.

[0033] [Figure 12B] FIG. 12B is a detailed view of FIG. 12A.

[0034] [Figure 13A] FIG. 13A shows a clip assembly of an electronic cigarette.

[0035] [Figure 13B] FIG. 13B shows the assembly of the disposable tank into the cavity of the electronic cigarette.

[0036] [Figure 13C] FIG. 13C shows a disposable reservoir positioned within the cavity of an electronic cigarette.

[0037] [Figure 14A] FIG. 14A shows a cross section of a disposable reservoir inserted into a cavity of an electronic cigarette.

[0038] [Figure 14B] FIG. 14B shows a detail of FIG. 14A.

[0039] [Figure 15A]FIG. 15A shows the assembly of the disposable reservoir within the cavity of the electronic cigarette in cross section.

[0040] [Figure 15B] FIG. 15B shows a detail of FIG. 15A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] Various features and advantages of the systems, devices, and methods of the technology described herein will become more fully apparent from the following description of examples illustrated in the figures. These examples are intended to illustrate the principles of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure should not be limited to only the illustrated examples. Features of the illustrated examples can be modified, combined, removed, and / or replaced, as would be apparent to one skilled in the art after consideration of the principles disclosed herein.

[0042] The present disclosure is particularly applicable to electronic cigarette devices 100 having a disposable tank 104 with the design described below, and it is in this context that the present disclosure will be described. However, it should be understood that the device may have other configurations, other methods of operation, and equivalents that are within the scope of the present disclosure, whereby the device, methods of manufacture, and methods of use may have greater utility as the embodiments described below merely illustrate the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0043] The electronic cigarette device 100 may have one or more atomizers (e.g., wicks and heating elements) in which the eLiquid is contained within a disposable reservoir 104 that is completely sealed from the user's reach. The device 100 may have a housing 102 made from a suitable material, such as plastic or metal. The housing may house the various components of the device 100. The housing 102 may be, for example, smaller than 4 inches by 3 inches by 1 inch in size.

[0044] The disposable tank 104 may be removably attached to the housing. The disposable tank 104 may be made from the same material as the housing. The disposable tank 104 may store eLiquid to be vaporized by the device 100 as described below. The disposable tank 104 may be disposable and replaceable (e.g., when the eLiquid in the tank 104 is used up or when a user desires to change the type of eLiquid being vaporized). The tank 104 may include an atomization element built into it. Furthermore, the tank 104 may have various shapes and configurations. For the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, the tank may have a hollow rectangular shape so that it can fit into a cavity in the housing 102 and hold eLiquid.

[0045] The disposable tank 104 may be a closed (fully sealed) tank system in which the eLiquid is stored in a compartment separate from the housing 102 until the disposable tank 104 is connected to the housing 102 containing the other components of the device 100. A closed tank system means that the eLiquid remains separate from the heating element of the device 100 during shipping. Furthermore, when the disposable tank 104 is removed from the housing 102, the disposable tank 104 reseals itself to prevent liquid leakage. The tank 104 may have a mouthpiece portion 106 that may be located in various locations on the tank. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1B , the mouthpiece is located on the top of the tank 104. The tank 104 may include an air inlet 108. Ambient air can be drawn in through the air inlet 108, travel along an airflow path through the tank 104, and exit through the mouthpiece 106. The air inlet 108 may be located in a sidewall of the tank 104. Additional air inlets may also be included, such as on the bottom surface of the tank 104.

[0046] The housing 102 may have a user interface, such as a button, that allows a user to turn the device 100 on or off. Additionally, the user interface may be depressed / activated to cause the atomizer element to be activated, vaporizing a portion of the eLiquid, thereby allowing the user to inhale / aspirate the vaporized eLiquid through the mouthpiece 106. The user interface may be located along the housing 102. Alternatively, the device 100 may not include a user interface (e.g., a button) but instead include one or more pressure sensors that detect when a user draws on the mouthpiece 106 and activates the housing 102 to provide power to the atomizer element. Power may be provided in a preset and / or adjustable amount. Alternatively, power may be provided on demand when a pressure sensor is triggered.

[0047] The device 100 may also have one or more indicator lights 109 or a display screen that may display various data about the device 100. For example, in one embodiment, the indicator light 109 may display the battery's current power supply (e.g., voltage). In another example, in one embodiment, the display may display the current wattage of power being applied to the atomizer to vaporize the eLiquid and the remaining battery power for the device 100. The display may be located on the side of the housing 102, although the display 110 may also be located in other portions of the housing. The housing may also have a set of controls, such as buttons, that allow the user to adjust the power level of the device. When activated, the set of controls sends a signal to the device's software that adjusts the amount of power flowing to the reservoir's coil when a draw is detected by the pressure sensor.

[0048] 4-5 , the disposable tank 104 of the electronic cigarette can include an outer wall 210. The outer wall 210 can include a first end including the mouthpiece 106 and a second end including a lower edge 212. The outer wall 210 can enclose a liquid chamber for containing eLiquid. An air inlet 108 can provide an airflow path through the outer wall 210. The disposable tank 104 can include one or more removable stops (e.g., 106 a, 108 a) for closing the air inlet 108 and / or the mouthpiece 106. The stops can prevent unwanted foreign objects from entering the air inlet or mouthpiece when not in use, such as during shipping or storage.

[0049] The disposable tank 104 can include an atomizer assembly 220. The atomizer assembly 220 can include one or more seal members surrounding a lower edge 212 and preventing leakage of liquid from the liquid chamber. The seal members can include a first seal member 230, a second seal member 240, a third seal member 250, a fourth seal member 260, and / or a fifth seal member 270. Each of the seal members can include a gasket, such as gaskets 231, 241, 251, 261, and / or 271, disposed around their peripheries. The gaskets can seal with the outer wall 210 and / or another seal member. The seal members can include recesses or concave areas therein for receiving other seal members in a nested configuration. As described further below, the seal members can define an airflow path from the air inlet 108 to the mouthpiece 106. As further described below, the seal member can define one or more wells for the passage of liquid from the liquid chamber to the atomizer element 280. The atomizer element 280 can comprise a ceramic material, such as a μKERA ceramic material manufactured by JWEI Group. TMThe atomizer element 280 can be microporous, such as a ceramic atomization core product used within the product. The atomizer element 280 can be heated by an electric current to vaporize the liquid contained therein. The vaporized liquid can seep through the material of the atomizer element 280, such as through the side and / or bottom surfaces. The vaporized liquid can escape through the tank 104 into the airflow path and be released into the mouthpiece 106. Alternatively, the atomizer element 280 can comprise an ultrasonic atomizer or other type of atomizer.

[0050] The disposable tank 104 can include a pair of electrodes 291, 292. The upper ends of the electrodes 291, 292 can contact the atomizer 280 and serve as positive and negative electrical conduits. The electrodes 291, 292 can contact a lower surface of the atomizer 280, which includes an electrical contact point. The lower ends of the electrodes 291, 292 can extend through one or more of the seal members and be accessible from outside the disposable tank 104.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 6 , the housing 102 can include a frame assembly, which includes an outer frame 601, a first inner frame 602, a battery unit 603, a second inner frame 604, a cover 605, and / or an electrical control board 606. The frame assembly can be assembled using conventional techniques, such as mechanical fasteners and / or adhesives. The housing 102 can further include a pressure sensor 620. The pressure sensor 620 can detect lower pressure generated by a user drawing air through the mouthpiece 106. The housing 102 can further include a cavity assembly 610. The cavity assembly 610 can include a spring clip 611. The cavity assembly 610 can include an intermediate member 612. The cavity assembly 610 can be disposed within a receiving cavity for the tank 104 found on the housing 102. The cavity assembly 610 can further include power conduits 613, 614. The power conduits 613, 614 can be positioned to contact the respective electrodes 291, 292 when assembled with the housing 102.

[0052] 7A-D , the fourth seal member 260 can include a lower wall 303 and an upper wall 305. The lower wall 303 can include a flange extending around the periphery of the upper wall 305. The upper wall 305 can be inset through the flange. The gasket 261 can be on an outer surface of the upper wall 305. The lower wall 303 can include openings 325, 327 that receive the electrodes 291, 292 therethrough. The upper wall 305 can include opposing connection tabs 322 extending outward from opposite sides of the upper wall 305. The upper wall 305 can include opposing openings 321 on opposite sides of the upper wall 305. The upper wall 305 can include one or more notches 306 near its upper edge.

[0053] 8A-B, the second seal member 240 may include a gasket 241 extending around the upper wall 350. The upper surface of the second seal member 240 may include one or more wells 358, 359 for the passage of liquid therethrough. The wells 358, 359 may terminate in the atomizer 280. The upper surface of the second seal member 240 may include an air passage opening 360. The opening 360 may be located between the wells 358, 359. The opening 360 may be in fluid communication with the atomizer 280. The upper wall 350 may include one or more cutout portions 357 that define a portion of the airflow path. The upper wall 350 may include one or more wedge members 355 on either side of the cutout portion 357. The upper wall 350 may include opposing tabs 361. The second seal member 240 may include an interior space or recess for receiving the atomizer 280 and / or the fifth seal member 270 .

[0054] The fifth seal member 270 may include a gasket 271 extending around an upper wall 334 that extends from a base 333 with a flanged portion. The upper surface of the fifth seal member 270 may include one or more wells 336, 337 therethrough. The wells 336, 337 may terminate in an atomizer 280. The upper wall 334 may include one or more cutouts 338 extending from the base 333. The cutouts 338 may be aligned with the atomizers 280, as described further below.

[0055] The fifth seal member can be received within the cavity of the second seal member. The gasket 271 can seal against the inner surface of the cavity. The cutout 338 can be aligned with the cutout portion 357. The wells 336, 337 can be aligned with the wells 358, 359 for the passage of liquid therethrough. The base of the fifth seal member 270 can be received within the concave space of the upper wall 305 of the second seal member 240. The lower portion of the upper wall 350 of the second seal member 240 can be received within the upper wall 305 of the fourth seal member 260. The tab 361 can engage the opening 321 to secure the second and fourth seal members together. The wedge member 355 can be received within the notch in the upper wall 305 of the fourth seal member 260.

[0056] 9A-B , the tank 104 may include an inner wall 213. The inner wall 213 may be aligned with the air inlet 108. The inner wall 213 may define an upper portion of the air passage between the outer wall 210 and the inner wall 213. The inner wall 213 may at least partially define a liquid chamber 214. The tank 104 may include a vapor conduit 215. An upper end of the vapor conduit 215 may be connected to the mouthpiece 106. The upper end of the vapor conduit 215 may be integrally formed with the material of the outer wall 210. The vapor conduit 215 may extend through the liquid chamber 214. Liquid in the liquid chamber may extend around all sides of the vapor conduit 215, at least for a portion of the sides. An air flow path may extend through the vapor conduit 215. A lower end 215a of the vapor conduit may be connected to a first seal member 230. The lower end 215a can be tapered to be received within the air passage opening 460 of the first seal member 230. The air inlet 108 can be located above the lower end of the vapor tube and below the mouthpiece 106. The upper end can be the proximal end. The lower end can be the distal end.

[0057] The first seal member 230 may include a gasket 231 extending around the upper wall 405. The upper wall 405 may be received within the lower edge 212. The gasket 231 may seal against the inner surface of the outer wall 210 and / or the inner wall 213. The upper wall 405 may extend from the base 403. The upper surface of the first seal member 230 may include one or more wells 458, 459 for the passage of liquid therethrough. The wells 458, 459 may be in fluid communication with the liquid chamber 214. The wells 458, 459 may align with the wells 358, 359 and 336, 337 and terminate in the atomizer 280. The upper surface of the first seal member 230 may include an air passage opening 460. Aperture 460 can include an inner circumferential wall that is received within aperture 360. Aperture 460 can be located between wells 458, 459. Aperture 460 can be in fluid communication with atomizer 280 and aperture 360. A portion of base 403 can be aligned with an airflow path formed between inner wall 213 and outer wall 210. A portion of base 403 can include an opening 413 through base 403 for the passage of air along the airflow path.

[0058] The upper wall 350 of the second seal member 240 can be received within the upper wall 405 of the first seal member 230. A gasket 241 extending around the upper wall 350 can engage and seal with the inner surface of the first seal member 230 to prevent the escape of liquid and / or air. The fifth seal member 270 can be adjacent to a lateral wall 370. The lateral wall 370 can optionally include one or more openings aligned with the steam conduits 215 for the passage of steam into the airflow path. The lateral wall can be aligned with the axis of the steam conduits 215.

[0059] The third seal member 250 can be disposed within the fourth seal member 260. The third seal member 250 can include a bottom surface with electrode openings 491, 492 for receiving the electrodes 291, 292. An air opening 490 can extend through the third seal member 250. The air opening 290 can provide a portion of an air flow path, as shown in FIG.

[0060] The fourth seal member 260 can be disposed within the outer wall 210. The base 303 can be adjacent to the lower edge 212. The upper wall 305 can be received within the outer wall 210 with the gasket 261 engaged with the inner surface of the outer wall 210. The tabs 322 can engage within corresponding cavities in the outer wall 210 to secure the fourth seal member 260 in place. The base 303 can include an opening 264. The opening 264 can provide limited entry of ambient air into a flow path through the opening in the base 303. The opening 264 can be a secondary air inlet (with the air inlet 108 as the primary air inlet, in terms of volume). The pressure sensor 620 can be aligned with or in fluid communication with the opening 264. The fourth seal member 260 can include a plug 262. The plug 262 can partially fill the opening in the base 303.

[0061] The atomizer 280 may include a lower wall 281 and an outer wall 282. Together, the outer wall 282 and the lower wall 281 may define a concave space within which liquid may collect. Heating the atomizer 280 may vaporize the liquid contained within the concave space. The upper surface 283 of the atomizer 280 may include wells 284, 285. The wells 284, 285 may be aligned with the respective wells of the first, second, and fifth seal members 230, 240, and 270. Once the liquid within the atomizer 280 is vaporized, vapor may enter the airflow path by seeping through the pores of the porous ceramic material. Alternatively, vapor may pass between the atomizer 280 and the fifth seal member 270. In one implementation, the vapor can pass between the inner surface of the upper wall 334 and the outer wall 282 of the atomizer.

[0062] The airflow path can begin at the air inlet 108. The airflow path can extend from the air inlet 108 to the mouthpiece 106. The airflow path can extend between the inner wall 213 and the outer wall 210. The airflow path can then pass through a series of passages and openings in one or more seal members. The airflow path can extend through the opening 413 in the first seal member 230. The airflow path can extend around the exterior side of the second seal member 240. The airflow path can extend into the fourth seal member 260 through the interface of the second seal member 240 with the fourth seal member 260. Alternatively, the second flow path can include one or more openings for passage of the airflow path. The airflow path can extend through an interior region of the fourth seal member 260. The airflow path can extend below the third seal member 250. The airflow path can extend through the opening 490 in the third seal member. Between the opening 490 and the vapor conduit 215, the airflow path can split into two branches, as shown in FIG. 11C . The two branches can pass along both sides of the atomizer 280. The airflow path can travel along the exposed lower surface of the atomizer 280. As the atomizer vaporizes the liquid, escaping vapor can pass through the exposed sides and bottom of the atomizer and proceed into the airflow path. Advantageously, the airflow path can come from below the atomizer, which has a large surface area on its bottom surface. The branches of the airflow path can recombine to enter the vapor conduit 215. The airflow path can extend through the air passage openings 360 and 460 into the vapor conduit 215 and to the mouthpiece 206. At least some air can enter the airflow path from the opening 264.

[0063] 13A-15B, the disposable tank 104 can be installed in the housing 102 by being inserted into the cavity 610 at an oblique angle. The intermediate member 612 of the cavity assembly 610 can include a shoulder region 612a. When inserted into the cavity 610, the shoulder region 612a can interconnect with a lip 263 on the bottom of the fourth seal member 260 of the disposable tank 104. When the lip 263 engages the shoulder region 612a, the tank 104 can be rotated into contact with the bottom of the cavity (e.g., the intermediate member 612). A spring clip 611 can engage a shoulder 211 on the tank 104. The shoulder 211 can be on the opposite side of the tank 104 from the lip 263. A biased elbow of the spring clip 611 may create a friction fit to hold the disposable tank 104 within the cavity 630 of the housing 102 at the shoulder 211. However, the friction fit can be overcome by a user applying force to remove the disposable tank 104 in a reverse motion. One method for inserting a disposable tank onto an e-cigarette may involve a user obtaining the disposable tank and removing any packaging. The user may then place the disposable tank into the tank receptacle 630 of the housing. For example, the user may hook the lip 263 of the tank 104 onto the shoulder region 612a and snap the disposable tank into place. Alternatively, the user may drop the disposable tank in a straight line onto the tank connector (one or more metal posts, a base, and strips mounted within the housing 102) and snap the disposable tank into place. In each case, the disposable tank 104 can be held in place by an appropriate level of force from the spring clip 611 and shoulder 211. A user exerting a lateral force on the disposable tank away from the housing can overcome the force from the spring clip 611 and shoulder 211. Thus, the disposable tank can be released. (specific terminology)

[0064] Orientation terms used herein, such as "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "proximal," "distal," "longitudinal," "lateral," and "end," are used in connection with the illustrated examples. However, the present disclosure should not be limited to the orientations shown. Indeed, other orientations are possible and within the scope of the present disclosure. Terms related to circular shapes as used herein, such as diameter or radius, should not be understood to require a true circular structure, but rather should apply to any suitable structure with a cross-sectional area that can be measured side-to-side. In general, shape-related terms, such as "circular," "cylindrical," "semi-circular," or "semi-cylindrical," or any related or similar term, are not required to strictly conform to the mathematical definition of a circle or cylinder or other structure, but can encompass structures that are reasonably close approximations.

[0065] Conditional language such as "can," "could," "might," or "may" is generally intended to convey that an example includes or excludes certain features, elements, and / or steps, unless specifically stated otherwise or understood otherwise within the context in which it is used. Thus, such conditional language is generally not intended to imply that features, elements, and / or steps are required in any way for one or more examples.

[0066] Transitional language such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y, and Z," unless specifically stated otherwise, is understood differently in the context as commonly used to convey that an item, term, etc., can be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such transitional language is not generally intended to imply that an instance requires the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

[0067] The terms "approximately," "about," and "substantially," as used herein, refer to an amount close to a stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, in some instances, as the context may dictate, the terms "approximately," "about," and "substantially" may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of or equal to a stated amount. The term "generally," as used herein, refers primarily to a value, amount, or characteristic that includes or tends toward a particular value, amount, or characteristic. For example, in some instances, as the context may dictate, the term "generally parallel" may refer to something that deviates from strict parallelism by an angle less than or equal to 20 degrees. All ranges include the endpoints. (summary)

[0068] Several illustrative examples of e-cigarettes are disclosed. Although the present disclosure has been described in terms of certain illustrative examples and uses, other examples and uses, including examples and uses that do not provide all of the features and advantages described herein, are within the scope of the present disclosure. Components, elements, features, acts, or steps may be arranged or implemented differently than described, and components, elements, features, acts, or steps may be combined, merged, added, or omitted in various examples. All possible combinations and subcombinations of the elements and components described herein are intended to be included within the present disclosure. No feature or group of features is necessary or essential.

[0069] Certain features described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Also, while features may be described above as acting in a combination, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excluded from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a subcombination or a variation of the subcombination.

[0070] Any portion of any of the steps, processes, structures, and / or devices disclosed or illustrated in an example in this disclosure can be combined with or used in conjunction with (or instead of) any other portion of any of the steps, processes, structures, and / or devices disclosed or illustrated in a different example or flowchart. The examples described herein are not intended to be separate or distinct from one another. Combinations, variations, and implementations of the disclosed features are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0071] Although operations may be depicted in the figures or described herein in a particular order, such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown, or in sequential order, to achieve desirable results, or even all of the operations need not be performed. Other operations not depicted or described may also be incorporated into the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations may be performed before, after, simultaneously with, or between any of the described operations. Additionally, operations may be rearranged or reordered in some implementations. Also, the separation of various components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems may generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged in multiple products. Additionally, some implementations are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0072] Additionally, although illustrative examples have been described, any examples having equivalent elements, modifications, omissions, and / or combinations are also within the scope of this disclosure. Moreover, although certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein, not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular example. For example, some examples within the scope of this disclosure may achieve one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages taught or suggested herein. Furthermore, some examples may achieve advantages different from those taught or suggested herein.

[0073] Several examples are described in connection with the accompanying drawings. While the figures are drawn and / or shown to scale, such scale should not be considered limiting, as dimensions and proportions other than those shown are contemplated and within the scope of the disclosed invention. Distances, angles, etc. are illustrative only and do not necessarily bear a strict relationship to the actual dimensions and layout of the devices shown. Components can be added, removed, and / or rearranged. Furthermore, the disclosure herein of any particular features, aspects, methods, properties, characteristics, qualities, attributes, elements, or equivalents associated with various examples can be used in all other examples described herein. Additionally, any method described herein can be practiced using any device suitable for performing the recited steps.

[0074] For purposes of summarizing the disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and features of the invention have been described herein. Not all or any such advantages will necessarily be achieved in accordance with any particular example of the invention disclosed herein. No aspect of the present disclosure is required or essential. In many examples, devices, systems, and methods may be configured differently than illustrated in the figures or descriptions herein. For example, various functionality provided by the illustrated modules may be combined, rearranged, added, or deleted. In some implementations, additional or different processors or modules may perform some or all of the functionality described in the figures and with reference to the illustrated examples. Many implementation variations are possible. Any of the features, structures, steps, or processes disclosed herein may be included in any example.

[0075] In summary, various examples of e-cigarettes and related methods have been disclosed. The disclosure extends to other alternatives and / or other uses of the examples, as well as certain modifications and equivalents thereof, beyond the examples specifically disclosed. The disclosure also expressly contemplates that various features and aspects of the disclosed examples may be combined with or substituted for one another. Therefore, the scope of the disclosure should not be limited by the particular disclosed examples described above, but should be determined solely by a fair reading of the claims.

Claims

1. 1. A disposable tank for a vaping device, the disposable tank comprising: a liquid chamber; an outer wall including an air inlet and a mouthpiece; an atomizer configured to vaporize a liquid contained in the liquid chamber; a seal assembly including a plurality of seal members surrounding a lower end of the liquid chamber; Equipped with the seal assembly is disposed within a lower edge of the outer wall; A disposable tank, wherein an upper end of a vapor conduit is attached with the mouthpiece, a lower end of the vapor conduit is coupled with at least one of a plurality of seal members of the seal assembly, and a central portion of the vapor conduit extends through the liquid chamber.

2. 10. The disposable tank of claim 1, wherein an air flow path extends from the air inlet through the seal assembly, through the vapor conduit, and to the mouthpiece.

3. 10. The disposable tank of claim 1, wherein the atomizer is positioned along the airflow path such that vapor emitted from the atomizer can enter the airflow path.

4. 10. The disposable tank of claim 1, wherein the atomizer is disposed within the seal assembly.

5. 10. The disposable tank of claim 1, wherein the seal assembly includes at least one liquid well that provides fluid communication between the liquid chamber and the atomizer.

6. 10. The disposable tank of claim 1, wherein a central portion of the vapor conduit between the first and second ends is surrounded by liquid in the liquid chamber.

7. 10. A disposable tank according to any preceding claim, wherein the air inlet is above the lower end of the steam pipe and below the mouthpiece.

8. 10. A disposable tank according to any preceding claim, wherein the air inlet is above the atomiser and the air flow path extends below the atomiser before extending upward to the mouthpiece.

9. 10. A disposable tank according to any preceding claim, wherein a portion of the air flow path extends below the atomizer.

10. 10. The disposable tank of claim 1, further comprising a secondary air inlet aligned with a pressure sensor in the reusable housing, the pressure sensor configured to initiate delivery of power to the atomizer.

11. 10. A disposable tank according to any preceding claim, further comprising an inner wall separating the air flow path adjacent the air inlet from the liquid chamber.

12. 10. The disposable tank of claim 1, wherein a first seal member of the plurality of seal members includes a first opening for receiving a lower end of the steam pipe, a first opening for the air flow path, and two liquid wells in communication with the liquid chamber on either side of the first opening.

13. 10. The disposable tank of claim 9, wherein the second seal member includes a second opening aligned with the first opening, two liquid wells communicating with the liquid chamber on either side of the second opening, and an internal chamber for receiving the atomizer.

14. 10. The disposable tank of claim 1, wherein a third seal member includes a third opening along the airflow path and first and second electrode openings, and wherein first and second electrodes are disposed in the first and second electrode openings, and the electrodes are in contact with the atomizer.

15. 10. The disposable tank of claim 1, wherein a fourth seal member includes a shoulder for clipping within a reusable base of the vaping device, a secondary air inlet in fluid communication with the air flow path, and first and second electrical post openings, the first and second electrodes being disposed within the first and second electrical post openings and accessible from the reusable base.

16. 10. The disposable tank of claim 9, wherein a fifth seal member includes two liquid wells in fluid communication with the liquid chamber, and the atomizer is disposed within an internal cavity of the fifth seal member with a bottom surface and a portion of a side surface of the atomizer exposed to the air flow path.

17. 10. The disposable tank of claim 9, wherein an axis of the vapor pipe is aligned with a side wall of the second seal member that forms the interior chamber, and the air flow path passes through the third opening, splits into two branches that extend over two opposite surfaces of the atomizer, recombine at a lower end of the vapor pipe, and enter the air flow path.

18. 10. The disposable tank of claim 1, wherein the axis of the vapor conduit is aligned with a side wall of the second seal member that defines the interior chamber.

19. 10. A disposable tank according to any preceding claim, wherein the second seal member is nested within the first seal member, the fifth seal member is nested within the second seal member, the second and third seal members are nested within the fourth seal member, and the fourth seal member is nested within a lower edge of the outer wall.

20. 10. The disposable tank of claim 9, wherein one or more pairs of corresponding openings and tabs on the second and fourth seal members are engaged, and one or more pairs of corresponding openings and tabs on the fourth seal member and the outer wall are engaged.

21. 1. A disposable tank for a vaping device, the disposable tank comprising: a liquid chamber; an outer wall including an air inlet and a mouthpiece; an atomizer configured to vaporize a liquid contained in the liquid chamber, the atomizer being located below the liquid chamber; a seal assembly including a plurality of seal members surrounding a lower end of the liquid chamber; Equipped with the seal assembly is disposed within a lower edge of the outer wall; The disposable tank, wherein the air inlet is above the atomizer and an air flow path from the air inlet to the mouthpiece extends below the atomizer before extending upward to the mouthpiece such that a portion of the air flow path extends below the atomizer.

22. 22. The disposable tank of claim 21, wherein the atomizer is positioned along the airflow path such that vapor emitted from the atomizer can enter the airflow path.

23. 23. The disposable tank of claim 21 or 22, wherein the atomizer is disposed within the seal assembly.

24. 24. The disposable tank of claim 21, 22, or 23, wherein the seal assembly includes at least one liquid well that provides fluid communication between the liquid chamber and the atomizer.

25. 25. The disposable tank of any one of claims 21-24, wherein a central portion of the vapor conduit between the first and second ends is surrounded by liquid in the liquid chamber.

26. 26. A disposable tank according to any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein a lower end of a steam line is coupled with the seal assembly and an upper end of the steam line is attached together with the mouthpiece.

27. A disposable tank according to any one of claims 21 to 26, wherein the air inlet is above the lower end of the steam conduit and below the mouthpiece.

28. 28. The disposable tank of any of claims 21-27, further comprising a secondary air inlet aligned with a pressure sensor within the reusable housing, the pressure sensor configured to initiate delivery of power to the atomizer.

29. 29. The disposable tank of any of claims 21-28, further comprising an inner wall separating the air flow path adjacent the air inlet from the liquid chamber.

30. 30. A disposable tank as described in any one of claims 21-29, wherein a first seal member of the plurality of seal members includes a first opening for receiving a lower end of the steam pipe, a first opening for the air flow path, and two liquid wells communicating with the liquid chamber on either side of the first opening.

31. 31. The disposable tank of any one of claims 21-30, wherein the second seal member includes a second opening aligned with the first opening, two liquid wells communicating with the liquid chamber on either side of the second opening, and an internal chamber for receiving the atomizer.

32. 32. The disposable tank of claim 21, wherein a third seal member includes a third opening along the airflow path and first and second electrode openings, and wherein first and second electrodes are disposed in the first and second electrode openings, and the electrodes are in contact with the atomizer.

33. 33. The disposable tank of any of claims 21-32, wherein the fourth seal member includes a shoulder for clipping within a reusable base of the vaping device, a secondary air inlet in fluid communication with the air flow path, and first and second electrical post openings, the first and second electrodes being disposed within the first and second electrical post openings and accessible from the reusable base.

34. 34. The disposable tank of claim 21, wherein a fifth seal member includes two liquid wells in fluid communication with the liquid chamber, and the atomizer is disposed within the internal cavity of the fifth seal member with a bottom surface and a portion of a side surface of the atomizer exposed to the air flow path.

35. 35. The disposable tank of any one of claims 21-34, wherein the axis of the vapor conduit is aligned with a side wall of the second seal member that forms the interior chamber, and the air flow path passes through the third opening, splits into two branches that extend over two opposite surfaces of the atomizer, and recombine at a lower end of the vapor conduit and enter the air flow path.

36. 36. The disposable tank of any of claims 21-35, wherein the axis of the vapor conduit is aligned with a side wall of the second seal member that defines the interior chamber.

37. 37. A disposable tank as described in any one of claims 21-36, wherein the second seal member is nested within the first seal member, the fifth seal member is nested within the second seal member, the second and third seal members are nested within the fourth seal member, and the fourth seal member is nested within the lower edge of the outer wall.

38. 38. A disposable tank as described in any one of claims 21-37, wherein one or more pairs of corresponding openings and tabs on the second seal member and the fourth seal member are engaged, and one or more pairs of corresponding openings and tabs on the fourth seal member and the outer wall are engaged.

39. A vaping device, comprising: a reusable housing containing a tank receptacle with a pressure sensor, the tank receptacle containing a battery; A disposable tank according to any one of claims 3 to 39. A vaping device that is equipped with

40. A vaping device comprising a disposable tank according to any one of claims 3 to 39, wherein the vaping device comprises: a battery with electrical contacts configured to contact electrodes of the disposable tank and deliver power to the atomizer of the disposable tank; a pressure sensor configured to sense a pressure drop from a passage of air along the airflow path and trigger delivery of power from the battery to the atomizer; A vaping device that is equipped with

41. A vaping device, comprising: a reusable housing containing a tank receptacle with a pressure sensor, the tank receptacle containing a battery; Disposable tanks and Equipped with The disposable tank comprises: an outer wall with a first end including a mouthpiece and a second end including a lower edge; a liquid chamber; an air inlet through the outer wall; an inner wall separating the liquid chamber from an air flow path in fluid communication with the air inlet; a vapor conduit extending through the liquid chamber, the vapor conduit including a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end coupled to the mouthpiece and in fluid communication with the airflow path; an atomizer assembly disposed within the lower edge; Equipped with The atomizer assembly includes: a first seal member disposed within the outer wall and surrounding a bottom of the liquid chamber, the first seal member comprising: a first gasket disposed around the outer periphery and sealing with the inner surface of the outer wall and the inner wall; a first air passageway through a first upper surface, the distal end of the vapor conduit being received within the first air passageway, the first air passageway being in fluid communication with the airflow path; a first well through the upper surface, the first well in fluid communication with the liquid chamber; a first seal member comprising: a second seal member disposed at least partially within the first seal member, the second seal member comprising: a second gasket disposed around the outer periphery and sealing with the inner surface of the first seal member; a second air passageway through the second upper surface, the second air passageway in fluid communication with the air flow path; a second well through the upper surface, the second well in fluid communication with the liquid chamber; a second seal member comprising: A third seal member, the third seal member comprising: first and second electrode openings; a third air passage in fluid communication with the air flow path; a third seal member comprising: A fourth seal member, the fourth seal member comprising: a fourth gasket disposed around the outer periphery and sealing with the inner surface of the outer wall; a lower wall including first and second electrode openings and a secondary air inlet in fluid communication with the air flow path and the pressure sensor; a fourth seal member comprising: a fifth seal member disposed within the well receptacle of the second seal member, the fifth seal member comprising: a fifth gasket disposed around the outer periphery and sealing with the inner surface of the well receptacle of the second sealing member; a fifth well in fluid communication with the fluid chamber; a fifth seal member comprising: an atomizer disposed within the fifth seal member, the atomizer comprising: a concave region in fluid communication with the liquid chamber; a base with first and second electrical contacts; an upper wall disposed around the concave region; an atomizer comprising: first and second electrical contacts disposed within the first and second electrode openings of both the third and fourth seal members, respectively, and in electrical contact with the atomizer; Equipped with drawing air along the airflow path through the air inlet and the secondary air inlet at the mouthpiece triggers the pressure sensor, which can cause the reusable housing to deliver power from the battery to the atomizer; the atomizer is configured to vaporize liquid from the liquid chamber to form vapor, the vapor escaping into the airflow path and being drawn into the mouthpiece; A vaping device, wherein a central portion of the vapor tube between the first and second ends is surrounded by the liquid chamber, the air inlet is above the lower end of the vapor tube and below the mouthpiece, and the air flow path passes below the atomizer.

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