Apparatus for ensuring adequate wicking rate of a vaping apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus for dispensing and conditioning vapor includes an atomizer, a container, a body, a mouth cap, and a wicking material. The atomizer atomizes a fluid. The container stores a fluid. The body includes a leading end portion, a trailing end portion, a second conduit, a plurality of inlet ports, and a plurality of outlet ports. The plurality of inlet ports define an opening between the body and the container. The mouth cap includes a leading end portion, a trailing end portion, and a third conduit. The wicking material supplies fluid to the atomizer and has a calculated wicking rate.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of vaping apparatus, and more particularly, to vaping apparatus and methods for conditioning dispensed vapor.BACKGROUND

[0002] Known vaping apparatus often have problems achieving desired wicking rate because such devices lack structure that sufficiently wets the vaping apparatus during use. As a result, such vaping apparatus dispense overly dry and / or heated vapor that tends to cause discomfort in the throat, and in more severe cases, can engender lung inflammation and bronchitis.SUMMARY

[0003] This disclosure is directed to vaping apparatus including an inlet port structure configured to ensure adequate saturation of an atomizer in order to prevent the atomizer from firing at below adequate saturation level and eliminate degradation of flavor, high net temperatures, and subsequent degradation of oil compounds.

[0004] An aspect of the present disclosure provides an apparatus for dispensing and conditioning vapor. The apparatus includes an atomizer, a container, a body, a mouth cap, and a wicking material. The atomizer atomizes a fluid. The container stores a fluid. The body includes a leading end portion, a trailing end portion, a second conduit, a plurality of inlet ports, and a plurality of outlet ports. The plurality of inlet ports define an opening between the body and the container. The mouth cap includes a leading end portion, a trailing end portion, and a third conduit. The wicking material supplies fluid to the atomizer and has a calculated wicking rate.

[0005] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of inlet ports and outlet ports may be configured to optimize flow of oil to the atomizer to ensure vapor production.

[0006] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the inlet ports and the outlet ports may be configured in various shapes, sizes, and locations.

[0007] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the inlet ports may be configured to enable an ingress of fluid into the body.

[0008] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the outlet ports may be configured to enable release of fluid from the body.

[0009] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of inlet ports may be configured so that a center of the inlet port may be closer in distance to the inlet ports first outer edge and second outer edge.

[0010] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the opening of each inlet port of the plurality of inlet ports may be configured to ensure an adequate wicking rate of the wicking material based on a flow rate of the fluid.

[0011] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the wicking material may be proximate to the atomizer, and may be configured to supply fluid to the atomizer at a wicking rate.

[0012] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the adequate wicking rate may be when the wicking rate is approximately matched to the rate at which the fluid is atomized by the atomizer.

[0013] An aspect of the present disclosure provides an apparatus for ensuring complete saturation of an atomizer. The apparatus includes a plurality of inlet ports, a plurality of openings, and a fluid. The plurality of inlet ports includes several inlet ports, each inlet port has outer edges and a center. The outer edges include a first outer edge and second outer edge. Each inlet port has a first distance, between the first outer edge and the center, and a second distance, between the second outer edge and the center. The first distance is shorter than the second distance. The openings of the plurality of openings, defined between a body and container storing fluid. The fluid is supplied to the atomizer by a wicking material.

[0014] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the wicking material may be proximate to the atomizer and may supply fluid to the atomizer at a wicking rate.

[0015] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the adequate wicking rate may be when the wicking rate is approximately matched to the rate at which the fluid may be atomized by the atomizer.

[0016] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the opening of each inlet port of the plurality of inlet ports may be configured to ensure an adequate wicking rate of the wicking material based on a flow rate of the fluid.

[0017] Further details and aspects of the present disclosure are described in more detail below with reference to the appended drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present disclosure will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative aspects, in which the principles of the present disclosure are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for conditioning and dispensing vapor, including a container, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 2A illustrates an example of the placement and shape of inlet ports on container of FIG. 1, in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 2B illustrates an example of the placement and shape of inlet ports on a container of FIG. 1, in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates an inlet port of FIG. 2B, in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 4A illustrates an example of the placement and shape of outlet ports within the body of FIG. 1, in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 4B illustrates an example of the placement and shape of outlet ports within the body of FIG. 1, in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of an example of the placement and shape of inlet ports on a container of FIG. 1, in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of an example of the placement and shape of inlet ports on a container of FIG. 1, in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of an example of the placement and shape of inlet ports on a container of FIG. 1, in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 8A illustrates a side crossectional view of the airway of the container of FIG. 5, in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 8B is a graph illustrating the mass flow rate for the airway of the container of FIG. 5, in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 9A illustrates a side crossectional view of the airway of the container of FIG. 6, in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 9B is a graph illustrating the mass flow rate for the airway of the container of FIG. 6, in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 10A illustrates a side crossectional view of the airway of the container of FIG. 7, in accordance with the present disclosure; and

[0033] FIG. 10B is a graph illustrating the mass flow rate for the airway of the container of FIG. 7, in accordance with the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of vaping apparatus. More specifically, an aspect of the present disclosure provides systems and methods for conditioning and dispensing vapor.

[0035] Aspects of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the drawings wherein like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements.

[0036] Although the present disclosure will be described in terms of specific aspects and examples, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in this art that various modifications, rearrangements, and substitutions may be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0037] For purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to exemplary aspects illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the novel features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the present disclosure as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the present disclosure. For illustrative purposes, the following detailed description is directed to vaping devices, however, other devices which require the conditioning and / or dispensing of vapor are within the scope of the present disclosure as well.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 1, an apparatus 100 for conditioning and dispensing vapor is shown. The apparatus 100 is configured to regulate the temperature and density of a vapor by causing the vapor to expand and compress before being dispensed. The apparatus 100 generally includes an atomizer 130, a body 120, and a mouth cap 140. The apparatus 100 may further include a power terminal 110 (e.g., a battery). The body 120 includes a leading end portion 120a configured to mate with the mouth cap 140 and a trailing end portion 120b configured to mate with the power terminal 110. The apparatus 100 provides an airpath that carries vapor from the atomizer 130 to the mouth cap 140 (e.g., a mouthpiece) in response to a negative pressure generated in the apparatus (e.g., a user inhalation).

[0039] The atomizer 130 is configured to convert a fluid (e.g., an oil precursor) into vapor, typically by using heat. For example, the atomizer 130 may have embedded or exposed heating elements configured for heating the fluid and converting the fluid to a vapor. The fluid may be stored in a container 127 that is in fluid communication with the atomizer 130. The atomizer 130 may generally be disposed within the body 120, particularly within a second conduit 122 of the body 120, but may be disposed elsewhere as needed. For example, the atomizer 130 may be disposed outside of and abutted to the body 120. The atomizer 130 may be made from ceramic or another suitable material. The atomizer 130 includes a leading end portion 130a and a first conduit 132. The first conduit 132 includes an internal surface 132b that defines a passage 132a therethrough. Energy may be supplied to the atomizer 130 by the power terminal 110 (e.g., connected to a battery). The power terminal 110 may be configured to mate with the body 120 via any suitable method, such as threading, magnetics, snap-fit, fastening, and / or any other suitable technique for joining components. The fluid may enter the atomizer 130, for example, through wicking material 134 from container 127. The wicking material 134 may be constructed from cotton, silica, mesh, hemp, rayon, and / or another suitable material. In aspects, the wicking material 134 may cover all sides of the atomizer 130, with the exception of the first conduit 132, but may generally surround the side walls of the atomizer 130. The atomizer 130 transforms the fluid into vapor by heating the fluid, which then enters the first conduit 132 as a vapor.

[0040] The body 120 includes the leading end portion 120a, the trailing end portion 120b, and a second conduit 122. The body 120 may generally be cylindrical but may include another suitable shape. The second conduit 122 includes an internal surface 122b that defines a passage 122a therethrough. The second conduit 122 has an internal diameter larger than the internal diameter of the first conduit 132. The second conduit 122 is in fluid communication with the first conduit 132. The body 120 may be constructed from glass, steel, alloy, ceramic, polycarbonate, polyamide, engineered thermoplastics, and / or any other suitable material. The mouth cap 140 is configured to mate with the body 120. The mouth cap 140 may be configured to mate with the body 120 via threading, magnetics, snap-fit, fastening, and / or any other suitable technique for joining components. In aspects, the mouth cap 140 may be integral with the body 120. The mouth cap 140 includes a leading end portion 140a, a trailing end portion 140b, and a third conduit 142. The third conduit 142 includes an internal surface 142b that defines a passage 142a therethrough. The third conduit 142 is in fluid communication with the second conduit 122. An internal diameter of the third conduit 142 is configured to transition from the internal diameter of the second conduit 122 to a cross-sectional area approximately equal to a cross-sectional inner diameter area of the first conduit 132. The mouth cap 140 may be made from glass, steel, alloy, ceramic, polycarbonate, polyamide, engineered thermoplastics, stone, and / or any other suitable material.

[0041] In aspects, the body 120 may include inlet port(s) 126 (e.g., oil inlet port) to introduce fluid into the atomizer 130 and / or wicking material 134 from container 127. The inlet port 126 is disposed proximate to the atomizer 130 and distal to mouth cap 140. In other aspects, the body 120 may include an outlet port 124 (e.g., air outlet port). The outlet port 124 is configured to permit vapor and / or air to be externally released from the apparatus 100 when the mouth cap 140 is attached to the body 120. The outlet port 124 is disposed distal to the atomizer 130 and proximate to mouth cap 140.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, a potential arrangement of inlet port(s) 126 is shown. Inlet ports 126a, 126b, 126c, 126d introduce fluid into body 120 from container 127 through opening 141. Although inlet port(s) 126 of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are circular and rectangular respectively, other embodiments may allow for other suitable shapes, size, location, and number of inlet ports 126. For example, the inlet ports 126 may be square with cambered corners. Shape, size, location, and number of inlet ports 126 are configured to ensure a sufficient flow of oil without disrupting the pressure equilibrium of apparatus 100. Inlet ports 126, are configured geometrically to have a first outer edge 200a, a second outer edge 200b, and center 210 (see also FIG. 3). The distance between first outer edge 200a and center 210 defines a first distance. The distance between second outer edge 200b and center 210 defines a second distance. Inlet port(s) 126 may be configured so that the center 210 of inlet port(s) 126 is closer in distance to the outer edges 200 of inlet port(s) 126.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, a potential arrangement of outlet port(s) 124 is shown. Outlet ports 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d are configured to release vapor and / or air from body 120 of apparatus 100. Although outlet port(s) 124 of FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B are circular and rectangular respectively, other embodiments may allow for other suitable shapes, size, location, and number of outlet ports.

[0044] In embodiments, the apparatus 100 receives and atomizes a fluid into a vapor through the atomizer 130 (FIG. 1). For example, a user may atomize the fluid by powering on the power terminal 110 and / or by drawing a breath on the mouth cap 140. The atomizer 130 may be supplied energy to atomize the fluid into vapor by the power terminal 110 (e.g., by a battery). The fluid, which is stored in container 127, may enter the atomizer 130 through an inlet port 126 in the body 120. The fluid may be dispersed into the atomizer 130 through wicking material 134 disposed on an outer surface of the atomizer 130, in container 127. Fluid enters the atomizer 130 through inlet port 126, at a calculated wicking rate, that corresponds with the consumption rate of oil, as oil is converted to vapor.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 5, a side view of an example of the placement and shape of inlet ports 126 on the container 127 of FIG. 1 is illustrated. The inlet ports 126 in this example are circular. FIG. 8A illustrates a side crossectional view of the airway of the container of FIG. 5. The mass flow rate of about 0.0013752 Kg / s for the airway of the container 127 using the circular inlet ports 126 is shown in FIG. 8B.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 6, a side view of an example of the placement and shape of inlet ports 126 on a container of FIG. 1 is illustrated. The inlet ports 126 in this example are square. FIG. 9A illustrates a side crossectional view of the airway of the container of FIG. 6. The mass flow rate of about 0.0015198 Kg / s for the airway of the container 127 using the square inlet ports 126 is shown in FIG. 9B.

[0047] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of an example of the placement and shape of inlet ports on the container 127 of FIG. 1. The inlet ports 126 in this example are rectangular. FIG. 10A illustrates a side crossectional view of the airway of the container of FIG. 7. The mass flow rate of about 0.001393 Kg / s for the airway of the container 127 using the rectangular inlet ports 126 is shown in FIG. 10B.

[0048] The disclosed technology provides the benefit of ensuring the atomizer fires with complete saturation eliminating the undesirable effects of dry hits and burning oil. Thus, the wicking rate and consumption rate are consistent and / or within the range required to ensure a sufficient flow of oil, not disturbing the pressure equilibrium, and a complete saturation of the atomizer.

[0049] Certain aspects of the present disclosure may include some, all, or none of the above advantages and / or one or more other advantages readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the drawings, descriptions, and claims included herein. Moreover, while specific advantages have been enumerated above, the various aspects of the present disclosure may include all, some, or none of the enumerated advantages and / or other advantages not specifically enumerated above.

[0050] The aspects disclosed herein are examples of the disclosure and may be embodied in various forms. For instance, although certain aspects herein are described as separate aspects, each of the aspects herein may be combined with one or more of the other aspects herein. Specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Like reference numerals may refer to similar or identical elements throughout the description of the figures.

[0051] The phrases “in an aspect,”“in aspects,”“in various aspects,”“in some aspects,” or “in other aspects” may each refer to one or more of the same or different example Aspects provided in the present disclosure. A phrase in the form “A or B” means “(A), (B), or (A and B).” A phrase in the form “at least one of A, B, or C” means “(A); (B); (C); (A and B); (A and C); (B and C); or (A, B, and C).”

[0052] It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the present disclosure. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variances. The aspects described with reference to the attached drawing figures are presented only to demonstrate certain examples of the disclosure. Other elements, steps, methods, and techniques that are insubstantially different from those described above and / or in the appended claims are also intended to be within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. An apparatus for dispensing and conditioning vapor, the apparatus comprising:an atomizer configured to atomize a fluid;a container configured to store the fluid;a body including:a leading end portion, a trailing end portion, and a second conduit;a plurality of inlet ports defining an opening between the body and the container; anda plurality of outlet ports;a mouth cap including a leading end portion, a trailing end portion, and a third conduit; anda wicking material, wherein the wicking material is configured to supply fluid to the atomizer and have a calculated wicking rate.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of inlet ports and outlet ports are configured to optimize flow of oil to the atomizer to ensure vapor production.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inlet ports and the outlet ports are configured in a square shape.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inlet ports are configured to enable an ingress of fluid into the body.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the outlet ports are configured to enable release of fluid from the body.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of inlet ports are configured so that a center of the inlet port is closer in distance to the inlet ports first outer edge and second outer edge.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the opening of each inlet port of the plurality of inlet ports is configured to ensure an adequate wicking rate of the wicking material based on a flow rate of the fluid.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising wicking material, wherein the wicking material is proximate to the atomizer, and wherein the wicking material is configured to supply fluid to the atomizer at a wicking rate.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adequate wicking rate is when the wicking rate is approximately matched to the rate at which the fluid is atomized by the atomizer.

10. An apparatus for ensuring complete saturation of an atomizer, comprising:a plurality of inlet ports, wherein each inlet port of the plurality of inlet ports has outer edges and a center, wherein a first distance between first outer edge and the center is shorter than a second distance between a second outer edge and the center;a plurality of openings, each opening of the plurality of openings is defined by each inlet port of a plurality of inlet ports, defined between a body and a container storing fluid; anda fluid supplied to the atomizer by a wicking material.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising wicking material, wherein the wicking material is proximate to the atomizer; andthe wicking material is configured to supply fluid to the atomizer at an adequate wicking rate.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the adequate wicking rate is when the wicking rate is approximately matched to the rate at which the fluid is atomized by the atomizer.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the opening of each inlet port of the plurality of inlet ports is configured to ensure an adequate wicking rate of the wicking material based on a flow rate of the fluid.

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