Pod

Abstract

To provide a zero cleaning system dispensing with a necessity of cleaning a bowl of a vaporizer by positioning an air inlet to a vaporizer pod, outside the vaporizer bowl.SOLUTION: A pod 10 includes a solid vaporizable material, a closed bottom 20 configured to store the vaporizable material, an air inlet in fluid communication with the closed bottom, an air outlet in fluid communication with the closed bottom, and an inner tube 120 extending in the closed bottom. The inner tube and the closed bottom delimit a first space 130 therebetween, the first space allowing air to flow in a first direction from the air inlet into the closed bottom. The inner tube 120 delimits a second space 170 in the inner tube 120, the second space allowing gas generated from the solid vaporizable material and entrained in the air to flow in a second direction from the closed bottom to the air outlet.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to systems and devices containing vaporizable materials, and more particularly to closed-bottom vaporizer packets or pods or cartridges containing vaporizable materials therein. [Background technology]

[0002] Vaporization involves converting a liquid or solid into a gas or vapor without combustion and usually through heating to a threshold temperature below the combustion temperature of the vaporizable material. When a solid is converted into a gas or vapor, the phenomenon is called sublimation. When a liquid is converted into a gas or vapor, the phenomenon is called evaporation or boiling. Evaporation is a surface phenomenon, while boiling is a bulk phenomenon. Collectively, sublimation, evaporation, and boiling are referred to interchangeably as vaporizing, vaporization, and the like throughout this disclosure.

[0003] In the related art, a vaporizer is a device used to vaporize an active ingredient of a vaporizable material for inhalation by a user. The vaporizable material may include medicated waxes, e-liquids (such as the glycol-based vaporizable liquids commonly used in "e-cigarette" or "vaping" devices), medicated oils and herbs containing botanical material (usually dried plant material) such as tobacco, eucalyptus, shisha, blends of botanical material, and other vaporizable materials.

[0004] Vaporizers, such as personal vaporizers, which may typically be handheld, may be portable and typically rely on a portable heat source, such as a heating element, to heat a vaporizable material until the active ingredient of the vaporizable material is released or vaporized, typically by reaching the boiling point of the active ingredient within the vaporizable material. The released vapor of the active ingredient is typically inhaled by the user.

[0005] Related art vaporizers may offer advantages over conventional techniques for consuming substances, such as smoking or burning. It is commonly known that smoking substances can cause damage to a user's respiratory system and can deliver carcinogens and other harmful substances associated with the combustion or partial combustion of the vaporizable material into the user's body. Vaporizers that typically operate at temperatures below the combustion point of the vaporizable material may desirably reduce the amount of carcinogens and other harmful substances released and consumed by the user.

[0006] As known in the art, a personal vaporizer generally includes a heat source, such as a power source or a heating element, an oven or bowl for temporarily containing the vaporizable material, and a mouthpiece for allowing a user to inhale the vaporized material. In use, a user loads or packs the vaporizable material into the bowl of the vaporizer and then uses the heating element to raise the temperature of the vaporizable material stored or contained in the bowl above its boiling point, vaporizing the beneficial agent within the vaporizable material. The vaporized material or vapor is then consumed or inhaled by the user through the mouthpiece. This is similar to the technique of using a pipe to smoke tobacco, except that the vaporizable material is vaporized rather than burned.

[0007] Similarly, similar to using a pipe to smoke tobacco, after vaporizing the active ingredient, the bowl of the vaporizer must usually be cleaned to remove any residue left in the bowl. The process of cleaning the residue is tedious and time-consuming, and inadequate cleaning can lead to reduced performance of the vaporizer. Furthermore, inadequate cleaning of the bowl can contaminate the bowl, which can affect enjoyment of subsequent use. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] In embodiments of the present invention, systems and devices for using vaporizer pods (also known as packets or cartridges and used interchangeably herein) may eliminate the need to purge the bowl of the vaporizer and provide a zero-purge system by positioning the air inlet to the vaporizer pod outside the vaporizer bowl. Locating the air inlet outside the heat source ensures that vaporizable material, residue, and / or other contaminants will not collect within the heat source if they fall or otherwise exit the vaporizer pod through any openings, such as the air inlet or air outlet. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In embodiments of the present invention, a closed-bottom vaporizer pod includes a body having an open top end and an opposing open bottom end. At the bottom end of the body, a capsule containing a vaporizable material can be sealingly attached to the body to create the closed-bottom vaporizer pod. A mouthpiece can be disposed or secured to the open top end to facilitate a user drawing air from the closed-bottom vaporizer pod. In embodiments, the closed-bottom vaporizer pod can be installed within a vaporizer and positioned within the vaporizer's heat source, where the vaporizable material is heated to its boiling temperature by the heat source. Heating the active ingredient present in the vaporizable material to its boiling point produces a vapor that can be inhaled through an outlet.

[0010] In a broad aspect of the present invention, a closed-bottom vaporizer pod comprises a closed-bottom capsule adapted to store a vaporizable material within the closed-bottom capsule, at least one air inlet for drawing air into the capsule, and at least one air outlet for drawing air out of the capsule, the at least one air inlet being positioned in close proximity to or adjacent to the at least one air outlet, and an air flow path being created from the at least one air inlet, the capsule, and the at least one air outlet.

[0011] In a broad aspect of the present invention, a system for vaporizing a vaporizable material comprises a vaporizer having a heat source and a capsule adapted to store the vaporizable material therein and having at least one air inlet for drawing air into the capsule and at least one air outlet for drawing air out of the capsule, the capsule being held within the vaporizer, the at least one air inlet being positioned external to the heat source.

[0012] In another broad aspect of the present invention, a vaporizer for receiving a vaporizer pod and enabling an end user to vaporize an active ingredient of a vaporizable material stored in the vaporizer pod includes a housing having a chamber, the housing having an aperture aligned with the chamber, for receiving the vaporizer pod within the chamber; a heat source disposed within the housing for providing sufficient heat to the vaporizer pod to vaporize the vaporizable material stored in the vaporizer pod; a vacuum insulator disposed within the housing for containing the closed-bottom vaporizer pod and directing heat in the heat source to the closed-bottom vaporizer pod; a spacer for spacing the heat source from the vacuum insulator; and a power source for providing power to the heat source. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention showing a vaporizer pod comprising a capsule, an air inlet, and an air outlet, the air outlet extending outward from the capsule from the bottom of the capsule and positioned opposite the air inlet. [Figure 1B] 1B is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the embodiment according to FIG. 1A disposed within a heat source. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention, showing a vaporizer pod comprising a capsule, an air inlet, and an air outlet extending outward from the capsule opposite the air inlet and positioned adjacent to the air inlet. [Figure 2B] 2B is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the embodiment according to FIG. 2A disposed within a heat source. [Figure 3A]FIG. 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention showing a vaporizer pod comprising a capsule, an air inlet, and an air outlet extending outward from the capsule from a side of the capsule and positioned adjacent to the air inlet. [Figure 3B] 3B is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the embodiment according to FIG. 3A disposed within a heat source. [Figure 4A] FIG. 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention showing a vaporizer pod comprising a capsule, an air inlet, and an air outlet, the air outlet extending outward from the capsule from a top of the capsule and positioned proximate to the air inlet. [Figure 4B] 4B is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the embodiment according to FIG. 4A disposed within a heat source. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of the present invention showing a mouthpiece, a body having at least one inlet, and a capsule for storing vaporizable material. [Figure 6] 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the present invention according to FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is an enlarged side view of the capsule according to FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view of one embodiment of the present invention showing a capsule with radially extending fins. [Figure 9] FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece and body according to FIG. 5. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of the present invention showing a mouthpiece and a body having an outer tube and an inner tube. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece and body according to FIG. 10. [Figure 12] 1 is a side view of one embodiment of the present invention showing a vaporizer adapted to receive a vaporizer pod. [Figure 13] 13 is a plan view of the vaporizer according to FIG. 12 showing an aperture for receiving a vaporizer pod therethrough. [Figure 14]FIG. 13 is a top view of the vaporizer according to FIG. 12, showing the heat source, power source, and three-prong cage with vaporizer pod stop. [Figure 15] 1 is a side cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention showing a heat source, cage, and vaporizer pod stop. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention showing the retaining means. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of one embodiment of the present invention showing the closure mechanism. [Figure 18A] FIG. 1 is a top view of one embodiment of the present invention showing the aperture door in its closed position. [Figure 18B] FIG. 18B is a side view of the aperture door according to FIG. 18A. [Figure 19] 18B is a plan view of the aperture door according to FIG. 18A in its open position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Applicant notes that there are various ways to reduce fouling or contamination of the vaporizer bowl from residue left behind after the vaporizable material has been consumed or inhaled by the user.

[0015] One common method known in the industry is to clean the heating chamber or bowl after each use. However, as discussed above, insufficient cleaning of the heating chamber can lead to poor performance of the heating chamber and a poor performance of the vaporizer and user experience. Another method known in the prior art for reducing fouling or contamination is to use a replaceable cartridge containing a vaporizable material therein. However, using a replaceable cartridge does not completely eliminate the need for contamination or cleaning by opening the air inlet and outlet to the replaceable cartridge. Furthermore, using a replaceable cartridge is expensive and environmentally unfriendly because the cartridge is not recyclable.

[0016] Thus, embodiments of the present invention provide a zero-clean system and apparatus by eliminating fouling and / or contamination of the vaporizer bowl.

[0017] In one embodiment according to the present invention, the bowl of a vaporizer may be lined with a protective sieve or liner to prevent the vaporizer bowl from coming into direct contact with vaporizable material, residue, and / or other contaminants. The liner may be sealed at a lower end to completely contain the vaporizable material within the liner and open at an opposing upper end to allow a user to fill or contain the desired vaporizable material within the liner. The vaporizable material may then be vaporized within the vaporizer by a heat source, and the resulting vapor may be inhaled by the user. In the vaporizer industry, the open end of a vaporizer pod (also known as a vaporizer packet or cartridge, and used interchangeably herein) is typically placed within a user's mouth to inhale or consume any material vaporized from the vaporizer pod. This open end is typically referred to as the top end of the vaporizer pod, and the end distal from the open end is therefore typically referred to as the bottom end.

[0018] Insulating the exterior surface of the bowl from the vaporizable material eliminates the need for the user to clean the bowl of any residue created during vaporization of the vaporizable material, increasing the overall lifespan of the bowl and vaporizer, and producing reliable and consistent performance for improved end-user enjoyment.

[0019] The liner should preferably be made of a material with a melting point sufficiently higher than the boiling point of the vaporizable material contained within the liner to prevent the liner from melting when the vaporizable material is vaporized. The liner should also preferably be made of a material with a boiling point sufficiently higher than the boiling point of the vaporizable material to ensure that the liner does not vaporize and be consumed or inhaled by the user. For example, the liner may be made of metal or glass.

[0020] Yet, while a liner is used to prevent direct contact of the exterior surface of the bowl with the vaporizable material, the liner itself must still be thoroughly cleaned after each use to ensure that subsequent uses are not contaminated by residue, and the process of cleaning the liner remains time-consuming and tedious.

[0021] Thus, in one embodiment, the liner is made of a material that is relatively easily disposable, eliminating the need to clean the liner after each use, hi another embodiment, the liner may also be made of a biodegradable material that can be composted to reduce the overall environmental footprint.

[0022] In embodiments, the liner may be a closed-bottom capsule adapted to be sealingly attached to the body or tubular extension to form a closed-bottom vaporizer pod. The tubular extension may be long enough to position the capsule and vaporizable material stored therein within the heat source of the vaporizer and provide sufficient space to allow a user to place their lips around the tubular extension to inhale the vaporized material.

[0023] In embodiments, the closed-bottom capsule may be made from any rigid or flexible material, such as paper, plant cellulose, foil, glass, metal, plastic, or any other suitable material discussed above. In embodiments, the vaporizer pod, capsule, or cartridge may be reusable, disposable, recyclable, compostable, and / or biodegradable. Closed-bottom vaporizer pod embodiments simplify loading / unloading of vaporizable material into / from the vaporizer, reduce the need to clean the vaporizer bowl, and provide convenience for users with pre-filled pods.

[0024] In some embodiments, the closed-bottom vaporizer pod, packet, or cartridge may include a mouthpiece to help control the flow of air drawn into the capsule and exiting the capsule when the vaporized active ingredient is inhaled by the user. Increased control of airflow enhances vapor efficacy, and the user need not inhale the same amount of ambient air to inhale the vaporized active ingredient. The mouthpiece may be adapted to be in fluid communication with the capsule to increase the amount of vapor-laden air drawn from within the capsule and simultaneously reduce the amount of air drawn from the air surrounding the vaporizer pod when the user inhales. In one embodiment, the mouthpiece may be an integral part of the vaporizer pod or may be a separate component that may be permanently or removably affixed to the vaporizer pod.

[0025] A mouthpiece fluidly connected to the capsule can be used by a user to inhale directly through the mouthpiece, or can be used to draw air into an existing mouthpiece or additional components of the vaporizer to temporarily store, analyze, process, heat, cool, concentrate, flavor-dilute, transport, or otherwise modify the air before it is inhaled by the user.

[0026] Those skilled in the art will understand that in some embodiments, the mouthpiece may be adjustable in length and may include mechanisms or components for regulating airflow into and / or out of the mouthpiece and / or capsule. In other embodiments, the mouthpiece, using known methods, may be capable of sealing the capsule and / or mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may also include screens, filters, valves, or other similar devices intended to prevent tar, particulates, or other material from entering the mouthpiece from the packet and / or exiting the mouthpiece into the capsule and / or exiting the mouthpiece to the user.

[0027] 1A and 1B, in one embodiment, the vaporizer pod 10 comprises a capsule 20 for containing a vaporizable material within the capsule 20, at least one air inlet 30 in fluid communication with the capsule 20 for drawing air into the capsule 20, and at least one air outlet 40 in fluid communication with the capsule 20 for drawing air containing vapor generated from the vaporizable material within the capsule 20 out of the capsule 20.

[0028] 1B, the vaporizer pod 10 can be positioned within the heat source 50 such that the capsule 20 is held within the vaporizer and heat source 50, but the air inlet 30 is positioned outside or external to the heat source 50. Locating the air inlet 30 on the outside of the heat source 50 ensures that the vaporizer pod 10, and in particular any vaporizable material from the capsule 20, does not exit or fall out of the capsule 20 to collect within the heat source 50.

[0029] 2A and 2B, in another embodiment, at least one air inlet 30 of the vaporizer pod 10 extends outward from the bottom of the capsule 20 and is positioned adjacent to at least one air outlet 40, thereby creating a closed-bottom capsule.

[0030] 3A and 3B show another embodiment in which at least one air inlet 30 extends outward from the closed-bottom capsule 20 from a side of the closed-bottom capsule 20 and can be positioned adjacent to at least one air outlet 40.

[0031] 4A and 4B show another embodiment in which at least one air inlet 30 extends outward from the closed-bottom capsule 20 from the top of the closed-bottom capsule 20 and can be positioned adjacent to at least one air outlet 40.

[0032] 5 and 6, in one embodiment, the closed-bottom vaporizer pod 10 comprises a body 60 having an open top end 70 and an open bottom end 80. As shown, a mouthpiece 90 can be attached to the open top end 70, and a closed-bottom capsule 20 containing a vaporizable material is sealingly attached to the bottom end 80.

[0033] As shown in more detail in FIG. 6 , the body 60 further comprises an outer tube 100 having an outer annular portion 110 and an inner tube 120 disposed within the outer annular portion 110, creating an annular space 130 between the outer tube 100 and the inner tube 120. In one embodiment, the inner tube 120 may have an upper portion 140 that is concentrically disposed within the outer annular portion 110 of the outer tube 100 and extends beyond an upper edge 150 of the outer tube 100 (see FIG. 1 ). The upper portion 140 defines an upper shoulder 160 of the inner tube 120.

[0034] In some embodiments, the vaporizer pod 10 is adapted to incorporate at least one air intake 30 at the top end 70 of the body 60 to ensure that the closed-bottom capsule 20 containing the vaporizable material therein is within the interior region of the capsule 20. Positioning the at least one air intake 30 adjacent the top end 70 of the body 60 allows multiple air intakes to be positioned outside, external to, or spaced apart from and above the heat source within the vaporizer, ensuring complete thermal insulation of the contents of the closed-bottom capsule 20 and preventing the capsule contents (residue and / or vaporizable material) from directly contacting the exterior surface of the heat source. This complete insulation not only reduces the possibility of contamination, but also eliminates the need for cleaning the vaporizer after use.

[0035] 5 , at least one air inlet 30 is positioned near or adjacent to the open top end 70 of the body 60 and is in fluid communication with an annular space 130 created between the outer tube 100 and the inner tube 120. As shown, the annular space 130 extends the length of the body 60 and is in fluid communication with the closed-bottom capsule 20.

[0036] As shown, the at least one air inlet 30 may be positioned near or adjacent to the top end 70 of the vaporizer pod 10. In one embodiment, the at least one air inlet may be two or more air inlets through which air is drawn into the pod 10 and travels through the pod 10 to the closed-bottom capsule 20. As shown in FIG. 6 , and in multiple embodiments, air is drawn through the at least one air inlet 30 and travels through at least one inlet passage to the closed-bottom capsule 20. To allow air to be drawn out of the closed-bottom capsule 20, the pod 10 may further include an outlet passage, such as an inner annulus 170, insulated from the at least one intake passage extending outward from the closed-bottom capsule 20. As shown, and in one embodiment, the outlet passage may be in fluid communication with the mouthpiece 90. The outlet passage may be permanently or removably attached to the closed-bottom capsule 20.

[0037] Embodiments incorporating at least one air inlet 30 on the closed-bottom capsule 20 allow the vaporizer pod 10 to be closed at the bottom and completely self-contained, with the air flow path originating outside the heat source and exiting out the mouthpiece 90, all the while being completely insulated from any part of the heat source's exterior surface. This allows for a completely zero-fouling system.

[0038] 7, closed-bottom capsule 20 may include an outer shell 180 that fits over inner shell 190 to create a storage cavity 200 for storing vaporizable material therein. In one embodiment, inner shell 190 may be concentrically positioned within and connected to outer shell 180.

[0039] As shown, in one embodiment, the inner shell 190 includes a tubular nipple 210 at an upper end of the inner shell 190 and a tubular extension 220 extending axially outward from the nipple 210. Adjacent the lower end of the tubular extension 220 is an aperture 230 for fluidly connecting the storage cavity 200 to the tubular extension 220 and the tubular nipple 210.

[0040] In some embodiments, and as shown in Figure 8, the tubular extension 220 can further include at least one radially extending fin 240 for forming at least one groove 250. In the particular embodiment shown in Figure 8, the at least one radially extending fin 240 further includes four radially extending fins 240, 240, 240, 240 defining a cross-shaped annular cross-sectional profile. An outer edge 260 of each of the radially extending fins 240 engages an interior surface 270 of the outer shell 180 and combines with the groove 250 to create at least one air channel 280 that is fluidly connected to the annular space 130 of the body 60 and the storage cavity 200 of the closed-bottom capsule 20.

[0041] 6 , the at least one air inlet 30, the annular space 130, the air channel 280, the tubular extension 220, as well as the annular nipple 210, the inner annular portion 170, and the mouthpiece 90 all combine to form or create an air flow path so that when a user places their mouthpiece on the mouthpiece 90 and inhales, outside air is drawn from outside the vaporizer into the annular space 130. The drawn air travels through the annular space 130 and into the storage cavity 200. In one embodiment, the annular space 130 acts as an inflow passage. As the drawn air enters the storage cavity 200, any vaporized material within the storage cavity 200 may permeate and mix with the drawn air.

[0042] The inhaled air then travels through aperture 230, through tubular extension 220 and nipple 210, and into inner annular portion 170. Finally, the inhaled air exits vaporizer pod 10 through at least one air outlet 40 and into mouthpiece 90 where it can be consumed or inhaled by the user. In one embodiment, inner annular portion 170 acts as an outlet passageway.

[0043] 5 and 6, in one embodiment, mouthpiece 90 may be secured to and in fluid communication with closed-bottom capsule 20 via body 60. As such, when a user inhales, all air drawn out of (or inhaled by) closed-bottom capsule 20 originates from within or inside the interior of closed-bottom capsule 20 and contains a high concentration of vaporized active ingredient.

[0044] 9 , in one embodiment, mouthpiece 90 may include an upper lip portion 290 and a lower tubular wall 300. In embodiments, lower tubular wall 300 may further include a wall shoulder 310 for engaging upper edge 150 of outer tube 100.

[0045] 10 and 11 , mouthpiece 90 may be secured to body 60. As shown, in one embodiment, upper portion 140 may extend into mouthpiece 90, and upper shoulder 160 of inner tube 120 may engage lip shoulder 320 of mouthpiece 90. Outer tube 100 may similarly engage wall shoulder 310 of mouthpiece 90. Upper portion 140 and lower tubular wall 300 create mouthpiece air passage 330 that fluidly connects annular space 130 and annular inlet passage 30 to at least one air inlet 30.

[0046] In embodiments, the mouthpiece may be single or multi-piece and made in any suitable size, shape, form, or design. The mouthpiece may be made from a variety of flexible or soft materials, including paper, plant cellulose, foil, glass, metal, plastic, or any other suitable material. The mouthpiece may be disposable, reusable, recyclable, biodegradable, and / or compostable.

[0047] In other embodiments, the air intake and / or outlet may be designed to fit within an existing vaporizer mouthpiece, may be designed to replace a vaporizer mouthpiece, may be designed to work independently, or may be designed to work with additional components such as a mouthpiece extender, a flavored mouthpiece, a filter, a water-based filtration system, or other accessories.

[0048] Although not shown, in some embodiments, the mouthpiece may include mechanisms, guides, mounts, clips, attachments, or other systems for guiding the mouthpiece into the vaporizer and / or securing the mouthpiece to the vaporizer. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece may include mechanisms, guides, mounts, clips, attachments, or other systems for guiding the packet into the vaporizer and / or securing the packet to the vaporizer. Also, in other embodiments, the mouthpiece may include mechanisms, guides, mounts, clips, attachments, or other systems for removing the mouthpiece and / or packet from the vaporizer.

[0049] 12 , in one embodiment, the vaporizer pod 10 may be used in a vaporizer 340 that heats the vaporizable material by conduction. That is, the vaporizer 340 may include a heat source that may be in direct contact with the closed-bottom capsule 20 of the pod 10 to heat the closed-bottom capsule 20 and the contents therein. As the active ingredient of the vaporizable material vaporizes, vapor may be inhaled by a user by drawing air into the capsule through at least one air inlet 30 to mix with the vapor, which may then be drawn out of the closed-bottom capsule 20 through the mouthpiece 90 and consumed by the user. In embodiments, a conductive vaporizer may be used to cool the air being drawn into the pod 10.

[0050] In one embodiment, the vaporizer pod 10 can be used in a vaporizer 340 that heats the vaporizable material by convection. That is, air is passed through a heat source, and the heated air enters the closed-bottom capsule 20, heating the vaporizable material and thereby producing vapor. Once vapor is produced, the user can inhale it in the same manner as with the conduction vaporizer described above.

[0051] In another embodiment, the vaporizer pod 10 may be used in a vaporizer 340 that heats the vaporizable material by radiant heating. That is, infrared heating from a heat source remote from the closed-bottom capsule 20 may be used to heat the vaporizable material within the closed-bottom capsule 20. As with embodiments that use conduction as a heating method, the air drawn into the closed-bottom capsule 20 may be cool because the cool air is then heated within the capsule to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the active ingredient in the vaporizable material.

[0052] In another embodiment, the vaporizer pod 10 may be used in a vaporizer that heats the vaporizable material by conduction, convection, radiant heating, or any combination of the three.

[0053] 13, the vaporizer 340 includes a vaporizer aperture 350 for receiving the vaporizer pod 10 therethrough. As shown in more detail in FIG. 14, the vaporizer 340 may include a housing 360 defining a chamber 370 in line with the vaporizer aperture 350 positioned at an upper end 380 of the housing 360, a heat source 390 for providing heat to the vaporizer pod, insulation 400, and a power source 410. While not shown in more detail, those skilled in the art will understand that the heat source 390 receives the closed-bottom capsule 20 containing the vaporizable material therein, and that the power source 410 is operably connected to the heat source 390 to provide the necessary electrical power and thereby generate heat.

[0054] 15 , in one embodiment, the heat source 390 and the insulator 400 are shown insulated from the vaporizer 340. As shown, the insulator 400 may be a vacuum-insulated chamber having an outer wall 420 and an inner wall 430. The insulator 400 maintains the heat generated by the heat source 390 within the interior space 440 of the insulated chamber and directs the heat toward the capsule of the vaporizer pod 10. The insulator 400 may increase the efficiency of the vaporizer 340, thereby reducing heat loss. In some embodiments, the insulator 400 may reduce the warm-up time of the vaporizer 340 and increase the lifespan of the power source 410 and the vaporizer 340. In embodiments, the insulation 400 retains and / or maintains heat within the heat source 390 to increase and maximize efficiency, can keep the power source and other components of the vaporizer cool to enable proper function of other components and avoid overheating, and keeps the exterior of the vaporizer cool to the touch so that it is comfortable for a user to hold.

[0055] As shown, and in some embodiments, insulation 400 may be tubular with a conical base. However, applicants note that the shape of insulation 400 need not be conical, but may be any shape that will complement the shape of the vaporizer pod that is secured within insulation 400. In one embodiment, insulation 400 may simply be a cylindrical tube or other shape of insulation.

[0056] As shown, heat source 390 is positioned within interior space 440 of insulation 400 and is sized sufficiently to receive the vaporizer pod. Although shown as a tubular ring, heat source 390 can be of various shapes, including a coil.

[0057] Also as shown, and in multiple embodiments, a spacer 450 such as a cage, prongs, tongues, tubes, or other means can help maintain separation between the heat source 390 and the insulator 400 and can help position the capsule within the heat source 390.

[0058] 15, the cage 450 may be a three-prong cage. In another embodiment, the cage 450 may be a single-prong cage. In another embodiment, the cage 450 may further include a vaporizer pod stop 460 for supporting and / or positioning the closed-bottom capsule within the heat source 390.

[0059] 16 , in some embodiments, the vaporizer 340 may include a retaining means 470 for securing the vaporizer pod 10 therein. In some embodiments, the retaining means 470 may be at least one biasing mechanism that provides a force in a certain direction, such as a leaf spring, evenly and circumferentially distributed around the chamber 370 to ensure that the vaporizer pod 10 is secured within the chamber 370 and the vaporizer 340.

[0060] In one embodiment, the retaining means 470 may serve a second function to enhance the safety of vaporizer use. When the retaining means 470 contacts the vaporizer pod 10, the retaining means 470 is biased radially outward away from the chamber 370. The radially outward bias of the retaining means 470 may provide a signal to a central processing unit or CPU (not shown) indicating that a vaporizer pod has been inserted into the vaporizer and that it is safe to provide power to the heat source 390. This secondary function as a contact point ensures that power is not unnecessarily provided to the heat source 390 when the vaporizer pod 10 is not present in the vaporizer 340, thereby increasing the lifespan of the vaporizer 340. In embodiments, the retaining means 470 may also send a signal to the CPU indicating that the vaporizer pod is not a vaporizer when the retaining means 470 is in its normal rest position, i.e., unbiased.

[0061] In other embodiments, the signal to indicate whether or not a vaporizer pod is positioned within chamber 370 may be achieved by secondary means, such as a secondary leaf spring or a safety switch.

[0062] In some embodiments, a system for storing machine-readable information on each vaporizer pod may be incorporated with a system for reading the machine-readable information. The machine-readable information may include information about the vaporizable material contained within each pod, the date the pod was manufactured, a best-by date, the amount of vaporizable material contained within the pod, the amount of vaporizable material consumed, a serial number, information about the pod or its contents, operating parameters for use with the pod, or other information related or unrelated to the pod. This information may be read-only or read-write and may be stored on the pod using known techniques, such as printed text and / or graphics. In embodiments, the information may be stored and machine-readable using barcodes, RFID, NFC, or other visible, electronic, or magnetic communication means.

[0063] The machine-readable information may also include programming information for automatically controlling the behavior of the vaporizer by setting optimal temperatures, vaporization times for different vaporizable materials, or may provide instructions to increase special sensory feedback features, such as sound, tactile feedback, temperature changes, etc.

[0064] In one embodiment, machine-readable information may be written onto the vaporizer pod.

[0065] 14 , in one embodiment, machine-readable information, such as a barcode, can be disposed on the vaporizer pod 10 and can be read using an optical camera 480. In some embodiments, reading of the machine-readable information can be enhanced with the assistance of a light 490 and / or a lens 500.

[0066] Operating parameters such as optimal temperature, stored as machine-readable information, may be relayed to a central processing unit or CPU (not shown), which may control heat source 390 .

[0067] 17-19, embodiments of the vaporizer of the present invention may further include a closing mechanism 510 that allows the vaporizer to be closed when not in use or when no vaporizer pod is inserted therein. The closing mechanism 510 may primarily include a door 530 and a door housing 520 that includes a motor 540 for assisting in opening and / or closing the door 530. Closing the door 530 ensures that external dirt or foreign objects do not accidentally enter the chamber 370 and cause damage to the interior of the vaporizer 340 and the heat source 390 and insulation 400.

[0068] Although not shown, a predetermined portion of the machine-readable information may be displayed to the user on a screen, such as an LED screen, disposed on the housing 340. In one embodiment, Bluetooth or Wifi or similar technology may be used to transmit or otherwise communicate the machine-readable information to a secondary device for display. In embodiments, the machine-readable information may also be communicated audibly, tactilely, or visually to the end user.

[0069] In another embodiment, also using known technology, the power source 410 may be rechargeable. In a particular embodiment, the power source 410 may be charged using a universal serial bus (USB) port. Yet, in another embodiment, the vaporizer may have a haptic feedback vibrator.

[0070] The information particularly shown and described herein is fully capable of achieving the objectives and presently preferred embodiments of the disclosure and, therefore, represents the subject matter broadly contemplated by the present disclosure. The scope of the disclosure fully encompasses other embodiments that may become apparent to those skilled in the art and are not correspondingly limited except by the appended claims, and references to elements in the singular are intended to mean "one or more" rather than "one and only one," unless expressly so stated. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described preferred embodiments and further embodiments that may occur to those skilled in the art are expressly incorporated by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0071] Furthermore, there is no requirement for a system or method to address each and every problem sought to be solved by the present disclosure, for such a system or method to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, no element, component, or method step of the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public, regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is expressly recited in the claims. However, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, it is equally encompassed by the present disclosure that various changes and modifications in form, materials, workpieces, and details of construction can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, as set forth in the claims.

[0072] The exemplary embodiments described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. The exemplary embodiments are chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the disclosure and its application and practical use so as to enable others skilled in the art to understand its teachings.

[0073] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing disclosure, many alterations and modifications are possible in the practice of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the same.

Claims

1. A pod, a solid vaporizable material; a closed bottom configured to store the vaporizable material; an air inlet in fluid communication with the closed bottom; an air outlet in fluid communication with the closed bottom; an inner tube extending into the closed bottom; the inner tube and the closed bottom define a first space therebetween that allows air to flow in a first direction from the air inlet into the closed bottom; the inner tube defines a second space therein that allows gas generated from the solid vaporizable material and entrained in the air to flow in a second direction from the closed bottom to the air outlet; further comprising an outer tube; The pod, wherein the inner tube is within the outer tube, and the space between the inner tube and the outer tube is part of an air flow path.

2. The pod of claim 1 , wherein the air inlet and the closed bottom are at opposite ends of the pod, and the air inlet and the air outlet are at the same end of the pod.

3. 2. The pod of claim 1, wherein the inner tube includes an aperture that allows the gas generated from the solid vaporizable material and entrained in the air to flow from the closed bottom to the air outlet.

4. The pod of claim 1 , wherein there are two or more air inlets.

5. The pod of claim 1 , wherein the first direction and the second direction are opposite directions.

6. Further provided with a mouthpiece; The pod of claim 1 , wherein the mouthpiece includes the air inlet and the air outlet.

7. The pod of claim 6 , wherein the mouthpiece further comprises a filter.

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