Biodegradable packaging for cartridges

Abstract

To provide an improved cartridge, a device and a method for containing an inhalable substance, where the inhalable substance is vaporized without burning of the wrapping or exterior material and contamination by the wrapping or exterior material.SOLUTION: There is provided an improved cartridge for containing an inhalable substance. The cartridge may comprise a wrapping or exterior material having the same or similar combustion properties as the inhalable substance contained within the cartridge. The cartridge may be placed into a vaporizer or similar device, where the inhalable substrate is vaporized to generate a gaseous version of the inhalable substance, such as tobacco vapor, marijuana vapor, or atomized medicine in the vaporizer or similar device without burning of the wrapping or exterior material and contamination by the wrapping or exterior material.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 497,296, filed July 24, 2017, and entitled "Biodegradable Packaging for Cartridges." U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 497,296 is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to packaging materials for vaporizers and inhalers. [Background technology]

[0003] Inhalers and vaporizers are traditionally used for medical and recreational purposes to deliver inhalable substances in gas form to users. Vaporizers have been used recreationally with tobacco, hookah, and recreational substance use such as cannabis, while rescue inhalers have been used by people with asthma or other medical conditions. Additionally, some medications can be delivered by inhalers for some respiratory conditions.

[0004] Typically, users of vaporizers, hookahs, e-hookahs, and so-called "e-cigarettes" insert inhalable substances in loose form into the chambers of the corresponding devices. However, loose packaging of inhalable substances divides the inhalable substance, and sometimes requires grinding or packaging the inhalable substance before inserting it into the corresponding device. These actions can be frustrating for users who are trying to enjoy or benefit from the inhalable substance. Alternatively, some existing solutions package the inhalable substance in traditional packaging. However, traditional packaging can release toxic or unpleasant chemicals that alter the experience of consuming the inhalable substance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1]1 illustrates a pre-packaged cartridge of inhalable substance according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates an internal view of a pre-packaged cartridge of inhalable substance according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 illustrates a package of pre-packaged cartridges for inhalable substances according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates a compressed and unpackaged amount of a respirable substance for a pre-packaged cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 illustrates a pre-packaged cartridge of inhalable substance being inserted into a vaporizer chamber according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates a pre-packaged cartridge of inhalable substance being inserted into a vaporizer chamber according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates a pre-packaged cartridge for a suctionable substance according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 illustrates a user-fillable cartridge for a suctionable substance according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 illustrates a pre-packaged cartridge of inhalable substance being inserted into a vaporizer chamber according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 10] 1 illustrates a pre-packaged cartridge of inhalable substance being inserted into a vaporizer chamber according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 11] 1 illustrates an exemplary vaporizer device for vaporizing a respirationable substance according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 12] 1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary vaporizer device for vaporizing a respirationable substance according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 13A] 1 illustrates a pre-packaged cartridge of a respirable substance in a strip according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 13B]1 illustrates a pre-packaged cartridge of a respirable substance in a strip according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] While the invention may be embodied in many different forms, specific embodiments of the invention have been shown in the drawings and are described in detail herein, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention, and it is not intended to limit the invention to the specific illustrated embodiments.

[0007] Embodiments disclosed herein include an improved package for packaging inhalable substances for use in vaporizers or similar devices. The package may have the same or similar burn characteristics as the inhalable substance, allowing the entire packaged cartridge to be placed into the vaporizer chamber where the inhalable substance and packaging are vaporized to generate a gaseous version of the inhalable substance, such as tobacco vapor, marijuana vapor, atomized medicine, or other substance that can be vaporized, without burning or contamination by the package. In some embodiments, the inhalable substance may include a mixture of herbal materials (e.g., a mixture of tobacco materials, a mixture of marijuana materials, or a mixture of tobacco and marijuana materials).

[0008] 1-4, a preferred embodiment of a pre-packaged cartridge 20 of an inhalable substance is shown. As shown in FIG. 2, the pre-packaged cartridge 20 may include a wrapper 22 and a compressed form 24 of the inhalable substance. The wrapper 22 may enclose the compressed form 24 so as to maintain a compact shape and allow the cartridge 20 to be easily placed into the chamber of a vaporizer or similar device. In one embodiment, the wrapper 22 may include a biodegradable material (e.g., hemp paper, linen cloth, hemp paper, hemp cloth, leaf paper, leaf cloth, wax paper, or other material) that has the same or similar combustion characteristics (e.g., temperature) as the inhalable substance 24. In some embodiments, the wax paper may be applicable for filling pipes or other devices that do not require heat transfer. The package 22 can have the same or similar combustion characteristics as the inhalable substance, so that the entire cartridge 20 can be placed in a vaporizer to vaporize the inhalable substance without risking burning the package 22, which, if burned, could be toxic or distort the taste of the inhalable substance. In some embodiments, the pre-packaged cartridge 20 may not be sized to easily fit into a small or oddly shaped chamber. The package 22 may be configured to maintain the enclosed compact form 24 while a user compresses or otherwise manipulates the pre-packaged cartridge 20 to fit the pre-packaged cartridge 20 into a small or oddly shaped chamber.

[0009] According to an exemplary embodiment, the pre-packaged cartridge 20 may contain medicinal measurements ranging in size from 0.05 grams, 0.10 grams, 0.2 grams, 0.25 grams, 0.3 grams, 0.4 grams, 0.5 grams, 0.6 grams, 1 / 4 ounce, 1 / 2 ounce, 1 pound, and 1 kilogram.

[0010] In one embodiment, the compressed form 24 may be packed into a three-dimensional form (e.g., preferably a rectangular parallelepiped), as shown in Figure 4. The inhalable substance may be packed such that sufficient airflow is achieved when vaporizing the inhalable substance into a gaseous version.

[0011] 5 and 6, exemplary embodiments of vaporizer devices 26A and 26B for receiving pre-packaged cartridges 20 are shown. Vaporizer devices 26A and 26B may include respective chambers 28A and 28B for receiving pre-packaged cartridges 20. In one embodiment, compact form 24 (see FIG. 4) may be specially sized to fit within cavity 28A or 28B. Once pre-packaged cartridge 20 is inserted into chamber 28A or 28B, chamber 28A or 28B may be sealed. After the inhalable substance is depleted, chamber 28A or 28B may be unsealed and waste or residue from pre-packaged cartridge 20 may be removed. In one embodiment, the waste may be approximately 50% less in mass than an un-vaporized pre-packaged cartridge 20.

[0012] Vaporizer devices 26A and 26B may also include a heating element (not shown) that vaporizes the inhalable substance in pre-packaged cartridge 20. The heating element may be any type of heating element, including a coil, convection heater, conduction heater, laser, or flame. The heat generated by the heating element may vaporize the inhalable substance through package 22.

[0013] In some embodiments, the pre-packaged cartridge 20 may be placed in devices such as hookahs, e-hookahs, and e-cigarettes. In other embodiments, the pre-packaged cartridge 20 may be placed in a combustion device that combusts the inhalable substance along with the wrapper 22 to simulate the experience of smoking the inhalable substance. In this embodiment, the wrapper 22 may comprise a paper material or a paper-like alternative material.

[0014] Referring now to FIG. 7 , an exemplary embodiment of a pre-packaged cartridge 30 of inhalable substance is shown. The pre-packaged cartridge 30 may include a bag 32, a first tab 34, and a second tab 36. The bag 32 contains the inhalable substance and may be sealed by the first tab 34 and the second tab 36. In the exemplary embodiment, the inhalable substance may be packed such that sufficient airflow is achieved when evaporating the inhalable substance into a gaseous version. The first tab 34 and the second tab 36 may be joined to the bag 32 by a seam 62 that seals the inhalable substance within the bag 32. In some embodiments, different combinations of tabs or structures (e.g., one tab, two or more tabs, a sewn bag, etc.) may be used to seal the bag 32.

[0015] In one embodiment, the bag 32 may be made of a biodegradable material (e.g., hemp paper, linen, hemp paper, hemp cloth, leaf paper, leaf cloth, etc.) that has the same or similar burn characteristics (e.g., temperature) as the inhalable substance within the bag 32. Because the bag 32 can have the same or similar burn characteristics as the inhalable substance, the entire cartridge 30 can be placed in a vaporizer to vaporize the inhalable substance without risking burning the bag 32, which, if burned, may be toxic or distort the taste of the inhalable substance. In some embodiments, the bag 32 may not be sized to easily fit within a small or oddly shaped chamber. The bag 32 may be configured to contain the inhalable substance while a user compresses or manipulates the pre-packaged cartridge 30 to fit the pre-packaged cartridge 30 into a small or oddly shaped chamber.

[0016] Referring now to FIG. 8 , an exemplary embodiment of a user-fillable cartridge 40 of an inhalable substance is shown. The user-fillable cartridge 40 may include an opening 42, a closure mechanism 44, and a fastener 46. The user-fillable cartridge 40 may be filled with the inhalable substance through the opening 42 and may be sealed by the closure mechanism 44 and the fastener 46. The closure mechanism 44 may be configured to tighten and close the opening 42 and may be configured to be held closed by the fastener 46. In one embodiment, the tightening opening 42 may be a string or thread onto the closure mechanism 44. The user-fillable cartridge 40 may be configured to allow a user to pre-divide a bulk amount of the inhalable product into single-use doses for placement in a vaporizer or similar device.

[0017] In one embodiment, the user-fillable cartridge 40 may be made of a biodegradable material (e.g., hemp paper, linen cloth, cannabis paper, hemp cloth, leaf paper, leaf cloth, etc.) that has the same or similar burn characteristics (e.g., temperature) as the inhalable substance contained in the user-fillable cartridge 40. A user-fillable cartridge 40 that has the same or similar burn characteristics as the inhalable substance allows the entire user-fillable cartridge 40 to be placed in a vaporizer for vaporizing the inhalable substance, and allows for the vaporization of any inhalable substance placed therein, without the risk of burning the user-fillable cartridge 40, which may be toxic if burned or may distort the taste of the inhalable substance. In some embodiments, the user-fillable cartridge 40 may not be sized to easily fit into small or oddly shaped chambers. The user-fillable cartridge 40 may be configured to contain the inhalable substance while the user compresses or otherwise manipulates the user-fillable cartridge 40 to fit the user-fillable cartridge into a small or oddly shaped chamber.

[0018] 9 and 10, exemplary embodiments of vaporizer devices 26A and 26B that accept pre-packaged cartridges 30 are shown. In one embodiment, the pre-packaged cartridges 30 may be specially sized to fit within chambers 28A or 28B. Once the pre-packaged cartridges 30 are inserted into chambers 28A or 28B, the chambers 28A or 28B may be sealed. After the inhalable substance is depleted, the chambers 28A or 28B may be unsealed and the waste or residue of the pre-packaged cartridges 30 may be removed. In one embodiment, the waste may be approximately 50% less in mass than the un-vaporized pre-packaged cartridges 30.

[0019] In some embodiments, the pre-packaged cartridge 30 may be placed in devices such as hookahs, e-hookahs, and e-cigarettes. In other embodiments, the pre-packaged cartridge 30 may be placed in a combustion device that combusts an inhalable substance along with the pre-packaged cartridge 30 to simulate the experience of smoking the inhalable substance. In this combustion embodiment, the pre-packaged cartridge 30 may comprise a paper material.

[0020] Some embodiments may be directed to a method for packaging an inhalable substance into a single-dose cartridge for use in a vaporizer or other device. In some embodiments, such a method may include compressing a selected amount of the inhalable substance into a three-dimensional shape (e.g., a rectangular parallelepiped). The three-dimensional shape may be placed on a packaging material having the same or similar combustion characteristics as the inhalable substance. In one embodiment, the packaging material may be pre-cut to size to package a single three-dimensional shape. In another embodiment, multiple three-dimensional shapes are placed on a large sheet of packaging material, and the packaging material is then cut to size to package each single three-dimensional shape. The packaging material may be folded around the three-dimensional shape to enclose and seal the inhalable substance. The cartridge containing the packaging material and the three-dimensional shapes may be placed in a vaporizer or similar device for consuming the inhalable substance.

[0021] Vaporizers such as 26A and 26B (see FIGS. 5, 6, 9, 10, and 11) may include an external control device for setting and changing programs that dictate the heat applied to any of the prepackaged cartridges 20, prepackaged cartridges 30, or user-fillable cartridges 64.

[0022] 13A, a replaceable strip 320 may include a plurality of cartridges 322, each containing a respirable substance. The replaceable strip 320 may include a support on which either the cartridges 322 or a continuous band 324 (FIG. 13B) are disposed.

[0023] According to an exemplary embodiment, the replaceable strip 320 may include any number of cartridges 322, although FIG. 13A shows eight cartridges. Each cartridge 322 may hold a vacuum-packed dose of inhalable substance, such as tobacco or cannabis. According to an exemplary embodiment, the replaceable strip 320 may be covered by a wrapper 22, which may have the same or similar burn characteristics as the inhalable substance within each cartridge 322. The inhalable substance may be centered and held in place by its packaging material (e.g., hemp wrapper) or may be held in place within the replaceable strip 320 by one or more prongs or tabs. The cartridges 322 may hold inhalable substance in ground, leaf, or gel form, although the cartridges 322 are not limited to these forms. In some embodiments, the cartridges 322 may be similar in structure to the cartridges 20 described above. FIG. 13B shows that multiple replaceable strips 320 can be contained within a container 950 and sold in packs.

[0024] 11 and 12, an exemplary embodiment of a vaporizer device 48 is shown. According to the exemplary embodiment, the vaporizer device 48 includes a main body 50, a computer-readable memory device, a processor 52 housed within the main body 50, a mouthpiece 54 (e.g., a hole) formed on the main body 50, a battery 56, a sealable chamber 60 housed within the main body 50, a visual indicator 62, a heating unit, a tactile indicator 64 housed within the main body 50, and a switch or slide 66. The chamber 60 may be configured to open and receive an inhalable substance either in loose form or in a cartridge (e.g., prepackaged cartridge 20, prepackaged cartridge 30, user-fillable cartridge 64, etc.). In one embodiment, the chamber 60 may include a microswitch 68 that is activated when the chamber 60 is opened. The microswitch 68 may, in some embodiments, act as a reset signal.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the processor 52 of the vaporizer device 48 is configured to change certain settings of the vaporizer device 48 and communicate information through a visual indicator 62 and an audible indicator 64 in response to user input received through the mouthpiece 54. The processor 52 also communicates the current status of various components through the visual indicator 62 and / or the audible indicator 64. In one embodiment, the user input may be air intake through the mouthpiece 54 measured as a function of airflow through the body 50. In some embodiments, the user input in the form of air intake may activate a heating unit.

[0026] In one embodiment, the processor 52 may be configured to determine the number of airflow "pull"s, which is the rate of inhalation or pull through the mouthpiece, and to change the settings of the vaporizer 80 based on a signal from an airflow sensor or airflow switch.

[0027] The processor 52 may be configured to indicate the status of the battery for the vaporizer device 48 in response to receiving a predetermined signal, such as a predetermined number of breaths (e.g., three) over a preprogrammed (e.g., rapid succession) period of time through the mouthpiece 54. In response, the processor 52 may display a particular color on the visual indicator 62 representing the current state of charge of the battery 56. For example, multiple individual states of charge may be full, medium, and low, with a different color displayed on the visual indicator 62 representing each state. In an exemplary embodiment, the full state may indicate a battery charge between full and 60%, the medium state may indicate a battery charge between 60% and 20%, and the low state may indicate a battery charge below 20%. In an exemplary embodiment, the respective colors for the full, medium, and low states may be white, green, and red, respectively.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, the processor 52 can activate the vaporizer device 48 from a cold / off state or a standby state in response to identifying a predetermined activation signal through the mouthpiece 54, such as a single sharp inhale or any type of inhale. The processor 52 can determine a sharp inhale by receiving a high airflow velocity measurement from the airflow sensor. In response, the processor 52 can flash a first color (e.g., blue) on the visual indicator 62 at periodic time intervals (e.g., once per second) and engage a heating portion or heating unit of the vaporizer 80 to heat the chamber 60 to a first temperature threshold. In an exemplary embodiment, the first temperature threshold may be 180° C. In an exemplary embodiment, the chamber 60 can reach the first temperature threshold in 22 seconds starting from a cold state. When chamber 60 reaches a first temperature threshold, processor 52 may change visual indicator 62 to display a stable second color (e.g., cyan) and send a first warning signal (e.g., two vibrations) using auditory indicator 64. The first warning signal may indicate that the vaporizer is ready to vaporize the inhalable substance.

[0029] After initial activation of the evaporator 80, the processor 52 can increase the temperature of the chamber 60 by an increment (e.g., 3°C or less) each time an activation signal is detected (e.g., by a user detecting airflow) and change the visual indicator 62 to a lighter shade of a third color (purple). For example, a second "pull" can occur at 181.5°C, a third "pull" can occur at 183°C, and a fourth "pull" can occur at 184.5°C. When the chamber 60 reaches the new temperature, the processor 52 can send a second warning signal (e.g., X vibrations) using the auditory indicator 64. In one embodiment, the second warning signal can be the same as the first warning signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the processor 52 can continue to increase the temperature by an increment each time an activation signal is detected until a maximum temperature (e.g., 215°C) is reached. When chamber 60 reaches a maximum temperature, processor 52 can change visual indicator 62 to a fourth color (e.g., red) and send a third warning signal using auditory indicator 64. The transition from the second color to the fourth color can be gradual along the color spectrum. In one embodiment, the third warning signal may include five rapid vibrations, followed by a 15-second pause, followed by five more vibrations.

[0030] In one embodiment, the processor 52 can transition the vaporizer 80 to a standby mode if no activation signal is received within a first predetermined time (e.g., 30 seconds). Transitioning the vaporizer 80 to standby mode can cause the processor 52 to reduce the temperature of the chamber 60 to a lower standby temperature (e.g., 130°C), and the heating unit can simply keep the chamber 60 warm. If no activation signal is received within a second predetermined time (e.g., 30 seconds) while the vaporizer 80 is in standby mode, the processor 52 will transition the vaporizer 80 to an off state. In one embodiment, if an activation signal is received after the vaporizer 80 transitions to the standby or off state, the processor 52 can increase the temperature of the chamber 60 to the same temperature level it was at before the chamber 60 transitioned to standby mode. The computer-readable medium can store the temperature of the chamber 60, and the processor 52, when reactivated, will vaporize the inhalable substance at the stored temperature. For example, if the user last inhaled a breathable substance at 183° C., processor 52 will store a temperature of 184.5° C. Processor 52 will cause chamber 60 to rise to the stored temperature (184.5° C.) whenever the user activates the vaporizer by again inhaling through the vaporizer for a third draw, regardless of the amount of time between draws.

[0031] The processor 52 can reset the temperature setting back to the initial temperature when the microswitch 68 associated with the chamber 60 is activated (the door is opened), indicating the opening of the chamber 60 for replacing the inhalable substance.

[0032] Although a few embodiments have been described in detail above, other embodiments are possible. For example, the logic flow described above does not require the particular order described, nor a sequential order, to achieve the desired results. Other steps may be provided or omitted from the flow described, and other components may be added to or removed from the system described. Other embodiments may be within the scope of the present invention.

[0033] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that many variations and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is to be understood that no limitations with respect to the specific systems or methods described herein are intended or should be inferred. Of course, all such modifications are intended to be covered as falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0034] 20 pre-packaged cartridges 22 Wrapping device 24 Inhalable substances 26A Evaporator device 26B Evaporator device 28A Chamber 28B Chamber 30 pre-packaged cartridges 32 Bags 34 First Tab 34 Second Tab 40 user-fillable cartridges 42 Opening 44 Closing mechanism 46 Fastener 48 Evaporator device 50 main unit 52 processors 54 Mouthpiece 56 Battery 60 Chambers 62 Visual Indicators 64 Auditory Indicator 68 Microswitch 80 Evaporator 320 interchangeable strips 322 cartridge 324 continuous band 950 container

Claims

1. A packaging device; a respirable substance contained within said package, the package has the same combustion characteristics as the inhalable substance so that heat from an evaporator heat source can evaporate the inhalable substance and the package without burning the package; the combustion characteristics include a combustion temperature and an evaporation temperature; The cartridge, wherein heat from the evaporator heat source is applied at a temperature below the combustion temperature of the package such that heat from the heat source is transferred through the package at a substantially similar temperature without burning the package.

2. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the inhalable substance comprises tobacco, marijuana, or an atomized medicine.

3. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the package comprises a biodegradable material.

4. The cartridge of claim 3 , wherein the biodegradable material comprises hemp paper, hemp cloth, hemp paper, hemp cloth, leaf paper, or leaf cloth.

5. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the inhalable substance is inserted into the package by a user.

6. an evaporator including a chamber and a heating element; a package and a cartridge containing a respirable substance, the package has the same combustion characteristics as the inhalable substance; the combustion characteristics include a combustion temperature and an evaporation temperature; the chamber receives the cartridge; the heating element applies heat to the inhalable substance through the package to vaporize the inhalable substance and the package without burning the package; wherein heat from the heating element is applied at a temperature below the combustion temperature of the package such that heat from the heating element transfers through the package at a substantially similar temperature without burning the package.

7. The device of claim 6 , wherein the inhalable substance comprises tobacco, marijuana, or atomized medicine.

8. The device of claim 6 , wherein the package comprises a biodegradable material.

9. 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the biodegradable material comprises hemp paper, hemp cloth, hemp paper, hemp cloth, leaf paper, or leaf cloth.

10. The device of claim 6 , wherein the inhalable substance is inserted into the package by a user.

11. Packing the inhalable substance such that sufficient airflow is achieved when evaporating the inhalable substance into a gaseous version; wrapping a package around a inhalable substance to create a cartridge, the package having the same combustion characteristics as the inhalable substance, the combustion characteristics including a combustion temperature and a vaporization temperature; Inserting the cartridge into an evaporator; and applying heat to the package and the inhalable substance of the cartridge at a temperature below the combustion temperature of the package to vaporize the inhalable substance and the package without burning the package.

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