Cartridge for vaporizer device

Abstract

A cartridge for a vaporizer assembly is provided. The cartridge includes a housing, an atomizer, and a telescoping portion. The housing can include a telescope receiving portion and an outlet port in fluid communication with the telescoping receiving portion. The atomizer is coupled with the housing. The telescoping portion can extend from the atomizer. The telescoping portion can be operable to be received in the telescope receiving portion.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 684,505, filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Aug. 19, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to systems and techniques for cartridges for vaporizer devices.BACKGROUND

[0003] Electronic cigarettes and vaporizers can be used to produce inhalable vapor from various fluids, oils, and liquids. For example, vapor can be produced from fluids that contain nicotine and / or flavoring agents. Users can inhale such vapors produced by an electronic cigarette or vaporizer device as an alternative to smoking burned or combusted matter, which is often organic and can contain various combustion byproducts that may be associated with undesirable health effects.

[0004] As electronic cigarettes and vaporizer devices have grown in popularity, so too has the range of different vaporization fluids, flavors, etc., grown in response. In some cases, vaporization fluid can be provided separately from an electronic cigarette or vaporization device, e.g., in a ‘pod’ or cartridge form that can be detachably coupled to a user's electronic cigarette or vaporization device. In this manner, a single electronic cigarette or vaporization device can be utilized with multiple different vaporization fluids or flavors, based on a user's selection of a pod or cartridge to install on their electronic cigarette or vaporization device.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the disclosure can be obtained, a more particular description of the principles briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understand that these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the disclosure and are not, therefore, to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the principles herein are described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0006] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an example cartridge;

[0007] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 1A;

[0008] FIG. 1C is a front view of a diagram of the cartridge of FIG. 1A;

[0009] FIG. 1D is an exploded view of the cartridge of FIG. 1A;

[0010] FIG. 1E is a front, exploded view of the diagram of the cartridge of FIG. 1A;

[0011] FIG. 2A is a front view of a mouthpiece of the cartridge with a telescoping tube partially received in a reception chute;

[0012] FIG. 2B is a front view of a diagram of the mouthpiece of FIG. 2A;

[0013] FIG. 3A is a cartridge with an atomizer being installed into a mouthpiece with a telescoping tube partially received in a reception chute;

[0014] FIG. 3B is the cartridge of FIG. 3A, with the atomizer partially received in the mouthpiece;

[0015] FIG. 3C is the cartridge of FIG. 3B, with the atomizer received by the telescoping tube such that the atomizer is pushing the telescoping tube into the reception chute; and

[0016] FIG. 3D is the cartridge of FIG. 3C, with the atomizer fully received by the telescoping tube such that the telescoping tube is fully received into the reception chute.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Various embodiments of the disclosure are discussed in detail below. While specific implementations are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be outlined in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or can be learned by practice of the herein disclosed principles. It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among the different figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. The description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0018] FIG. 1A illustrates an example vaporizer assembly 10. The vaporizer assembly 10 can include a cartridge 100 and a power source 12. The cartridge 100 can be in communication with the power source 12 such that the power source 12 is operable to transmit power (e.g., electrical current) to the cartridge 100. In some examples, the cartridge 100 can be coupled with the power source 12. In some examples, the cartridge 100 can be detachably coupled with the power source 12. In some examples, the cartridge 100 can include the power source 12 such that the power source 12 is not detachable.

[0019] In at least one example, the power source 12 can include a battery. In some examples, the power source 12 can include a wired connection to an electrical outlet.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 1A-1E, the cartridge 100 can include a housing 102 and an atomizer 108 coupled with the housing 102. The housing 102 includes a reservoir 102 operable to receive fluid. The cartridge 100 can be operable to vaporize the fluid (e.g., resin) stored in the reservoir 1021 of the cartridge 100. The cartridge 100 can include an atomizer 108 and one or more fluid transfer mechanisms 1082 for delivering the fluid from the reservoir 1021 to the atomizer 108. The atomizer 108 can be electrically coupled with the power source 12 such that the atomizer 108 is operable to receive power from the internal or external power source 12 (or a combination of the two) and generate heat to vaporize the fluid delivered to the atomizer 108. Vaporized fluid produced by the atomizer 108 of cartridge 100 can then be inhaled or otherwise delivered to a user of the cartridge 100, as will be explained in greater depth below.

[0021] As illustrated, the cartridge 100 includes a mouthpiece portion 103, a fluid reservoir portion 1024 that forms the reservoir 1021, and the atomizer 108, which are described in turn below. It is noted that the mouthpiece portion 103 and the reservoir portion 1024 can be detachably connected. For example, in some examples, the mouthpiece portion 103 and the fluid reservoir portion 1024 can be attached via a friction fit or a press fit. In some examples, the mouthpiece portion can be integrally formed to comprise and a vapor outlet channel 1020 and an outlet port 1022. The vapor outlet channel 1020 can have the outlet port 1022 formed at a first distal end of the mouthpiece portion 103. In at least one example, the mouthpiece portion 103 can be provided as a single piece, for example injection-molded plastic and / or metal.

[0022] In some examples, one or more components of the cartridge 100 (e.g., in addition to the mouthpiece portion 103) can be provided as injection-molded plastic and / or formed from other material(s). For example, one or more components or portions of the fluid reservoir portion 1024 can be provided as injection-molded plastic or otherwise formed from material(s). In some examples, at least a portion of the reservoir portion 1024 of the housing 102 can be translucent and / or transparent such that a user can see the amount of fluid contained in the reservoir 1021. In some examples, the mouthpiece portion 103 and / or the fluid reservoir portion 1024 can include one or more components formed from plastic material(s) such that any oils or fluids stored in reservoir 1021 (and later consumed using the cartridge 100) do not come in to contact with any undesirable materials prior to consumption / vaporization by the cartridge 100. For instance, a fluid or oil stored in the reservoir volume 1021 (e.g., a fluid used or consumed via cartridge 100) may be acidic, basic, or otherwise have chemical properties that may cause undesirable reactions (e.g., corrosion, degradation, etc.) with materials the fluid or oil contacts. In one illustrative example, one or more components of cartridge 110 can be provided as plastic material(s) that are non-reactive with one or more types of oils and / or fluids that may be stored in reservoir 1021 and consumed using cartridge 100. In some examples, any oils or fluids stored in reservoir 1021 do not make contact with any non-plastic materials before being provided to atomizer 108 for vaporization (e.g., oils or fluids stored in reservoir 1021 do not contact any non-plastic materials prior to being absorbed by one or more wicking materials or absorbent pads disposed about the outer surface of an atomizer located in the atomizer 108).

[0023] In some examples, the cartridge 100 with the mouthpiece portion 103 can be used in a modular fashion with different housings 102, power sources 12, bases, electronic cigarettes, etc. For example, the atomizer 108 can include a base connector 109 to provide a detachable coupling between the cartridge 100 and the power source 12. In some examples, the base connector 109 can be a threaded connector located at a distal end of the atomizer 108 (e.g., opposite the outlet port 1022). However, it is appreciated that various other connection mechanisms can also be utilized for base connector 109 and / or that base connector 109 can be provided at locations other than the distal end of the cartridge 100.

[0024] In some examples, the base connector 109 can include one or more power distribution elements (e.g., positive and negative battery leads) that receive electrical power and couple the electrical power from the power source 12 to the atomizer 108.

[0025] In some examples, the mouthpiece portion 103 can include a domed outer wall that tapers radially inwards as it extends away from the approximately cylindrical distal end portion of the mouthpiece portion 103 (e.g., tapers radially inwards as it extends towards the proximal end portion of the mouthpiece portion 103). In some examples, the outer wall of the mouthpiece 103 can be used to provide a mouthpiece of cartridge 100, e.g., wherein the outer wall of mouthpiece 103 is placed in a user's mouth or brought into contact with the user's lips to allow the user to inhale the vapor produced by the cartridge 100. In some examples, the mouthpiece portion 103 can taper towards the outlet port 1022.

[0026] The fluid reservoir portion 1024 is operable to form a reservoir 1021 for storing and providing a fluid, oil, or other liquid (collectively referred to herein as a “fluid”) to one or more atomizers 108 of the cartridge 100. For example, as illustrated herein, a reservoir 1021 can be provided as the empty volume between the outer surface of the vapor outlet channel 1020, a telescope receiving portion 104, and an inner surface of the housing 102 of the fluid reservoir portion 1024. In some examples, the fluid reservoir 1021 can comprise the empty volume given by the radial extent between the outer surface of vapor outlet channel 1020, a telescope receiving portion 104, and an inner surface of the housing 102 of the fluid reservoir portion 1024.

[0027] In some examples, the reservoir 1021 can be at least partially open at its lower end, e.g., to permit filling of the reservoir 1021 and / or to convey fluid from the reservoir 1021 to an atomizer 108. In use, the reservoir 1021 can be isolated or otherwise sealed to prevent leaking or undesired discharge of any fluids it may contain. Accordingly, the fluid stored within the reservoir 1021 can surround the vapor outlet channel 1020 and the telescope receiving portion 104 while being prevented from entering the vapor outlet channel 1020 and the telescope receiving portion 104 directly. For example, as will be explained in greater depth below, fluid can flow downward (e.g., out of the reservoir 1021 of the fluid reservoir portion 1024) to an atomizer 108 (e.g., via one or more fluid transfer openings 1082 shown in FIGS. 1D and 1E), where the fluid can then be vaporized and drawn back upward into the vapor outlet channel 1020 and the telescope receiving portion 104.

[0028] For instance, the fluid flow from the reservoir 1021 to atomizer 108 can be driven by gravity when the cartridge 100 is in a substantially upright orientation (e.g., such as that depicted in FIGS. 1A-1E). In at least one illustrative example, gravitational forces can cause fluid to be fed from the reservoir 1021 into the atomizer 108. In some examples, the fluid can be fed into the atomizer 108 via one or more fluid transfer openings 1082. The fluid transfer openings 1082 can be equally distributed about the circumference or perimeter of the atomizer 108. In some examples, the fluid transfer openings 1082 can be substantially circular in shape. In some examples, the fluid transfer openings 1082 can be ovoid, rectangular, triangular, or any other suitable shape without deviating from the scope of the disclosure. In some examples, the fluid can flow to one or more absorbent pads disposed between the reservoir 1021 and the atomizer 108 (e.g., via the fluid transfer openings 1082). Upon the fluid interacting with or otherwise being absorbed by the one or more absorbent pads, capillary and / or wicking forces can convey the absorbed fluid from the one or more absorbent pads to atomizer 108.

[0029] Accordingly, in some examples, the vapor outlet channel 1020 can be operable to receive vaporized fluid from atomizer 108 (e.g., via the telescope receiving portion 104). The vapor outlet channel 1020 can be in communication with the atomizer 108 such that the vaporized fluid flows from the atomizer 108 into the vapor outlet channel 1020 of the mouthpiece 103. The user can then access the vaporized fluid from the vapor outlet channel 1020 via the outlet port 1022.

[0030] In operation, fluid from the reservoir 1021 can be vaporized by atomizer 108. Vapor produced by atomizer 108 can be conveyed to the vapor outlet channel 1020 via the coupling between the atomizer 108 and the fluid reservoir portion 1024. From this coupling point, vapor enters and flows along the longitudinal length of the vapor outlet channel 1020 before ultimately exiting the cartridge 100 via the outlet port 1022. As illustrated, in order for vaporized fluid to exit the vapor outlet channel 1020, the mouthpiece portion 103 of cartridge 100 can include at least one outlet port 1022 for communicating vapor to a user of the cartridge 100.

[0031] For example, FIGS. 1A-1E depict an outlet port 1022 integrally formed with an outer wall of mouthpiece housing 112 of the mouthpiece portion 103. In some examples, outlet port 1022 can comprise an aperture or other opening that extends through the otherwise closed surface of the outer wall of mouthpiece portion 103. As illustrated, outlet port 1022 can be circular in shape and symmetrically aligned with respect to the central longitudinal axis of mouthpiece portion 103 and / or cartridge 100, although other shapes, geometries, and / or alignments can also be utilized without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the outlet port 1022 can have a size and shape that are chosen to match the size and shape of the vapor channel located within the mouthpiece portion 103 (e.g., the outlet port 1022 can have a circular shape corresponding to the cylindrical shape of the vapor outlet channel 1020). In some examples, the outlet port 1022 can comprise an open upper end of the vapor outlet channel 1020.

[0032] When the fluid reservoir portion 1024 is attached to the atomizer 108, the annular open distal end of the reservoir 1021 can be brought into contact with and sealed by the annular upper surface of the atomizer 108 upon which the plurality of fluid transfer openings 128 are disposed. In other words, the open annular distal end of the reservoir 1021 can have a maximum radial width or diameter that is less than a maximum radial width or diameter of the annular upper surface of the atomizer 108 (e.g., the surface upon which the open distal end of the reservoir 1021 is seated). In this manner, the open annular distal end of the reservoir 1021 can be sealed to prevent any fluid leakage or fluid movement out of the reservoir 1021, other than through the plurality of fluid transfer openings 128 defined on the bottom end of the fluid reservoir portion 1024.

[0033] As illustrated, the plurality of fluid transfer openings 128 can include a plurality of circular openings arranged on the atomizer 108 proximate to the lower surface of the fluid reservoir portion 1024, although a greater or lesser number of fluid transfer openings 128 may also be utilized without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in some examples the plurality of fluid transfer openings 128 can comprise six circular openings. In some examples, the plurality of fluid transfer openings 128 can include five or less circular openings. In some cases, the fluid transfer openings 128 can be provided as two or more slots or rectangular openings, etc. It is further noted that the plurality of fluid transfer openings 128 can be arranged symmetrically or asymmetrically on the atomizer 108. Similarly, one or more different shapes, sizes, and / or geometries, etc., can be utilized by one or more of the plurality of fluid transfer openings 128 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In some examples, each of the plurality of fluid transfer openings 128 can have a same diameter. In some cases, the size or diameter of the plurality of fluid transfer openings 128 can be based on characteristics of the fluid or oil that may be used (e.g., viscosity) and / or desired fluid handling and delivery with respect to the atomizer. For example, a larger diameter can be used for one or more of the fluid transfer openings 128 when a relatively high viscosity fluid will be used and / or when a relatively high fluid flow rate through the fluid transfer openings 128 is desired. Similarly, a smaller diameter can be used for one or more of the fluid transfer openings 128 when a relatively low viscosity fluid will be used and / or when a relatively low fluid flow rate through the fluid transfer openings 128 is desired.

[0034] In some examples, the plurality of fluid transfer openings 128 can be configured based on viscosity and / or other material properties of a fluid that will be stored in the reservoir 1021. In some cases, the plurality of fluid transfer openings 128 can be configured based on a type of fluid that may be stored in the reservoir 1021. For example, in some examples, the plurality of fluid transfer openings 128 can include a chamfered or beveled edge on their upper surface (e.g., the upper surface where fluid first passes from the reservoir 1021 and into the fluid transfer openings 128). In some examples, a chamfered edge can be provided on the plurality of fluid transfer openings 128 based at least in part on an expectation that a high-viscosity fluid will be stored in the reservoir 1021, and therefore that the high-viscosity fluid will be conveyed through the fluid transfer openings 128. In some examples, the inclusion of chamfered and / or beveled edges on the plurality of fluid transfer openings 128 can improve the flow characteristics of fluids that are conveyed from the reservoir 1021 and through the plurality of fluid transfer openings 128. For example, high viscosity fluids such as oils may exhibit poor flow characteristics when the fluid transfer openings 128 are provided with a 90-degree edge (e.g., in the absence of a chamfered or beveled edge).

[0035] Fluid can be conveyed from the reservoir 1021 to an atomizer 108 via one or more of the plurality of fluid transfer openings 128. As illustrated, atomizer 108 can be coupled with and positioned below the fluid reservoir portion 1024 along the central longitudinal axis of the fluid reservoir portion 1024 (e.g., opposite the mouthpiece 103 in relation to the fluid reservoir portion 1024). When assembled, the mouthpiece portion 103 can be disposed above the reservoir 1021 and the cartridge 100, along the central longitudinal axis of the fluid reservoir portion 1024. Accordingly, the atomizer 108 can include an underfeeder design, as the atomizer 108 pulls the fluid from the bottom of the reservoir 1021 through the fluid transfer openings 128. For example, with an underfeeder design, the fluid is conveyed from the reservoir 1021 disposed longitudinally above the underfeeder atomizer 108 to an upper surface of the underfeeder atomizer 108. In some examples, the atomizer 108 extracts the fluid (e.g., via absorbent pads) and is not in direct contact with the reservoir 1021.

[0036] In some examples, atomizer 108 can comprise a ceramic material. In some examples, the ceramic material can itself absorb and / or store fluid, such as the fluid(s) that may be contained in the reservoir 1021. Although the ceramic material of atomizer 108 can absorb fluid directly, in some examples absorbent pads can be provided between atomizer 108 and the reservoir 1021 to increase or otherwise enhance the efficacy of fluid absorption / conveyance into the ceramic material of atomizer 108. For example, the ceramic material of atomizer 108 can have a smaller total surface area for fluid absorption in comparison to that of the absorbent pads, in which case the use of absorbent pads 130 allows a greater volume of fluid to be conveyed into the ceramic material of atomizer 108. In some cases, the ceramic material of atomizer 108 may dry out too quickly in the absence of the absorbent pads, either from an evaporative drying and / or as fluid is consumed from the ceramic material of atomizer 108 and vaporized. As such, the fibrous material of the absorbent pads can provide a consistent and reliable conduit for fluid to travel from the reservoir 1021 to the atomizer 108, whereupon the fluid can become embedded in the ceramic material of atomizer 108 until the embedded fluid is subsequently vaporized.

[0037] In some examples, atomizer 108240 can include a ceramic material with a porosity between 60-70%, although other porosity values and / or ceramic materials can also be utilized without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In some examples, the atomizer 108 can comprise a ceramic material with a higher porosity (e.g., 70-80%). A higher porosity ceramic material can be associated with an improved taste or flavor of vapor produced by atomizer 108; however, a higher porosity ceramic material can also be associated with increased fragility and / or decreased manufacturing and assembly yield(s). In some examples, the atomizer 108 can comprise a ceramic material having a porosity between 45-65%, with such porosity values providing a balance between manufacturability and vapor taste, although it is again noted that other porosity values and / or ceramic materials can be utilized without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0038] In some examples, the ceramic material of the atomizer 108 can itself act as a fluid reservoir, e.g., in addition to or separate from the dedicated reservoir 1021. In some examples, the ceramic material of the atomizer 108 can store a volume of fluid sufficient to ‘feed’ or otherwise maintain a steady fluid supply to the atomizer 108 for one or more vaporization cycles. In other words, the ceramic material of the atomizer 108 can be sized to store / absorb a volume of fluid that is sufficient for atomizer 108 to produce vapor for at least one full inhalation by a user of the presently disclosed cartridge. Accordingly, in some examples it is contemplated that the atomizer 108 can be provided in various geometric shapes and configurations other than the multi-diameter stepped cylindrical shape(s) illustrated herein, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In some examples, the atomizer 108 can be provided with a flanged or plug-like cylindrical shape, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0039] In some examples, the atomizer 108 can be provided with a different geometric shape, configuration, etc., having a substantially same or similar total volume (e.g., fluid absorption capacity) as the multi-diameter stepped cylindrical atomizer(s) 108. For example, one or more of the atomizer 108 can be provided with a constant cylindrical diameter, a continuously changing or tapering diameter, a conical shape, etc. In some examples, an internal diameter of atomizer vapor channel (e.g., the channel running along the central longitudinal axis of the atomizer 108) can be variable along its longitudinal length. For instance, the internal diameter of atomizer vapor channel can vary with an outer diameter of the atomizer 108, although it is also possible for the internal diameter of atomizer vapor channel to vary independently from the outer diameter (or any other dimension) of the atomizer 108.

[0040] In some examples, fluid can be initially absorbed into the atomizer 108 and subsequently distributed throughout the interior of the ceramic material of the atomizer 108 (e.g., the absorbent pads can be placed in contact with only the upper surface of the atomizer 108). In examples in which the ceramic material of the atomizer 108 stores enough fluid to produce vapor for multiple full inhalations by a user, the atomizer 108 can be operable to maintain a constant fluid supply to ‘recharge’ or ‘feed’ the ceramic core of the atomizer 108 to produce vapor for a full inhalation.

[0041] The atomizer 108 can generate heat in response to the application of electrical power. In some examples, the atomizer 108 can include electrical leads for coupling electrical power to the atomizer 108. The electrical leads 245 can receive electrical power from one or more internal power sources 12 and / or external power sources 12. For example, an internal power source 12 can be provided by one or more batteries included in the cartridge described herein (e.g., an internal battery included in cartridge 100). In some examples, the electrical leads can receive electrical power from an external power source, such as a battery and / or a wired connection to a power outlet can be attached to for use.

[0042] In some examples, the atomizer 108 can include a base 109. For example, atomizer 108 can be attached to threaded base 109 via a press-fit, an internally threaded engagement, etc. The base 109 can include an externally threaded portion, shown here as being provided at a distal lower end of the base 109. As described previously, a base 109 can be used to removably couple the cartridge 100 described herein to power source 12. Accordingly, in some examples base 109 can include one or more battery leads (not depicted) for electrically coupling the electrical leads of atomizer 108 to a battery or other power source 12. For instance, an interior of base 109 can include one or more battery leads to electrically couple electrical leads of atomizer 108 to the power source 12.

[0043] As illustrated in FIGS. 1A-3D, the housing 102 can include a telescope receiving portion 104 that extends from the mouthpiece portion 103 into the reservoir portion 1024. The telescope receiving portion 104 can be in fluid communication with the outlet port 1022. The telescoping receiving portion 104 can form a receiving channel 1040 which can be in fluid communication with the outlet port 1022. For example, the receiving channel 1040 of the telescoping receiving portion 104 can be in fluid communication with the vapor outlet channel 1020, which is in fluid communication with the outlet port 1022. In other words, the vapor outlet channel 1020 can span between the telescope receiving portion 104 and the outlet port 1022. Accordingly, vapor, can pass from the receiving channel 1040 of the telescoping receiving portion 104 through the vapor outlet channel 1020 and out of the housing 102 via the outlet port 1022.

[0044] The cartridge 100 can include a telescoping portion 106. The telescoping portion 106 is operable to be received in the telescope receiving portion 104. The telescoping portion 106 can extend from the atomizer 108. In some examples, the telescoping portion 106 can be an integral portion of the atomizer 108. In some examples, the telescoping portion 106 can be coupled with the atomizer 108. In some examples, the telescoping portion 106 can be detachably coupled with the atomizer 108. The telescoping portion 106 can include a tip receptor 1060 that forms a tip receiver 1062 operable to receive a tip 1080 of the atomizer 108. Accordingly, when the tip receptor 1060 receives the tip 1080 of the atomizer 108, the telescoping portion 106 can be coupled with the atomizer 108. In some examples, the tip receptor 1060 can be coupled with the tip 1080 via press fit and / or friction fit. In some examples, the tip receptor 1060 can be coupled with the tip 1080 via threaded coupling. In some examples, the tip receptor 1060 can be coupled with the tip 1080 via snap fit.

[0045] The telescoping portion 106 can include an insertion portion 1064 operable to be inserted into the telescope receiving portion 104 (e.g., the receiving channel 1040). The insertion portion 1064 can form an insertion channel 1065 which can be operable to permit fluid to flow therethrough. In at least one example, the insertion portion 1064 can extend from the tip receptor 1060. In some examples, the insertion portion 1064 can extend from the tip 1080 of the atomizer 108.

[0046] In at least one example, the insertion portion 1064 can be substantially cylindrical. In some examples, the insertion portion 1064 can be rectangular, triangular, ovoid, etc. without deviating from the scope of the disclosure. The shape of the insertion portion 1064 matches the shape of the receiving channel 1040 such that the insertion portion 1064 fits within the receiving channel 1040 of the telescope receiving portion 104 snugly to prevent fluid from flowing therebetween.

[0047] In at least one example, the insertion portion 1064 can be in fluid communication with the tip receptor 1060 such that, when the telescoping portion 106 is received in the telescope receiving portion 104, the vapor from the vaporizer 108 passes from the tip 1080 of the atomizer 108 through the tip receptor 1060, through the insertion portion 1064 and the telescoping receiving portion 104, and out of the outlet port 1022.

[0048] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate the insertion portion 1064 of the telescoping portion 106 partially received in the telescope receiving portion 104. As can be seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B, when the insertion portion 1064 is received in the receiving channel 1040 of the telescope receiving portion 104, the insertion channel 1065 is in fluid communication with the vapor outlet channel 1020 and the outlet port 1022.

[0049] FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate atomizer 108 coupling with the telescoping portion 106 which is then fully received in the telescope receiving portion 104.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the atomizer 108 being inserted into the housing 102 while the telescoping portion 106 is partially received in the telescope receiving portion 104. At this stage, the reservoir 1021 can be filled with fluid (e.g., oil, flavors, etc.). As the telescoping portion 106 is only partially received in the telescope receiving portion 104, the telescoping portion 106 (e.g., the tip receptor 1060) can extend above the fluid level in the reservoir 1021 such that fluid does not flow into the telescope receiving portion 104, the vapor outlet channel 1020, or the outlet port 1022.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 3C, the atomizer 108 abuts against and / or is coupled with the telescoping portion 106. For example, the tip 1080 of the atomizer 108 can be received in the tip receptor 1062 of the telescoping portion 106. As the atomizer 108 is further inserted into the housing 102, the telescoping portion 106 can be further pushed into and received in the telescope receiving portion 104. In at least one example, the telescoping portion 106 can be operable to be slidably received in the telescope receiving portion 104. In some examples, the telescoping portion 106 can be press fit into the telescope receiving portion 104. In some examples, the telescoping portion 106 can be received in the telescope receiving portion 104 via friction fit. In some examples, the telescoping portion 106 can be snap fit into the telescope receiving portion 104. In some examples, the telescoping portion 106 can be received in the telescope receiving portion 104 via threaded connection.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 3D, the atomizer 108 is fully received in and / or coupled with the housing 102. In some examples, the atomizer 108 can be coupled with the housing 102 via friction fit, threaded connection, adhesive, etc. Correspondingly, the telescoping portion 106 is fully received in the telescope receiving portion 104. With such an installation mechanism, as the atomizer 108 is received in the housing 102, the reservoir 1021 can appear to be fully filled with the fluid, resolving any gapping issues from conventional cartridges via “cup” based filling. Conventional cartridges never look full and shows a gap with no fluid due to the spacing of the atomizer. With the presently disclosed cartridge 100, the atomizer 108 being pushed down into the fluid (e.g., resin) in the reservoir 1021 can solve the gapping issue and the reservoir 1021 can appear full.

[0053] With the cartridge 100 fully assembled, during operation, the atomizer 108 can receive the fluid (e.g., resin) from the reservoir 1021 and produce vapor from the fluid. The vapor can then pass through the tip 1080 of the atomizer 108 and into the telescoping portion 106 which is received in the telescope receiving portion 104. The vapor passes through the insertion channel 1065 of the insertion portion 1064 of the telescoping portion 106 and into the vapor outlet channel 1020. The vapor finally exits the cartridge 100 via the outlet portion 1022 which is in fluid communication with the vapor outlet channel 1020 for the user the inhale.

[0054] While examples of the present inventive concept have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such examples are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the disclosure. It should be understood that various alternatives to the examples of the disclosure described herein can be employed in practicing the disclosure. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the disclosure and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.

Claims

1. A cartridge for a vaporizer assembly, the cartridge comprising:a housing including a telescope receiving portion and an outlet port in fluid communication with the telescoping receiving portion;an atomizer coupled with the housing; anda telescoping portion extending from the atomizer, the telescoping portion operable to be received in the telescope receiving portion.

2. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the telescoping portion is operable to be slidably received in the telescope receiving portion.

3. The cartridge of claim 2, wherein the telescoping portion is press fit into the telescope receiving portion.

4. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the telescoping portion includes a tip receptor operable to receive a tip of the atomizer.

5. The cartridge of claim 4, wherein the telescoping portion includes an insertion portion operable to be inserted into the telescope receiving portion.

6. The cartridge of claim 5, wherein the insertion portion extends from the tip receptor.

7. The cartridge of claim 6, wherein the insertion portion is substantially cylindrical.

8. The cartridge of claim 5, wherein the insertion portion is in fluid communication with the tip receptor such that vapor from the vaporizer passes from the tip of the atomizer through the tip receptor, through the insertion portion and the telescope receiving portion, and out of the outlet port.

9. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a reservoir operable to receive fluid, wherein the atomizer is operable to receive the fluid from the reservoir and vaporize the fluid.

10. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a vapor outlet channel spanning between the telescope receiving portion and the outlet port.

11. A vaporizer assembly comprising:a power source;a cartridge coupled with the power source, the cartridge including:a housing including a telescope receiving portion and an outlet port in fluid communication with the telescoping receiving portion;an atomizer coupled with the housing; anda telescoping portion extending from the atomizer, the telescoping portion operable to be received in the telescope receiving portion,wherein the atomizer is electrically coupled with the power source.

12. The vaporizer assembly of claim 11, wherein the telescoping portion is operable to be slidably received in the telescope receiving portion.

13. The vaporizer assembly of claim 12, wherein the telescoping portion is press fit into the telescope receiving portion.

14. The vaporizer assembly of claim 11, wherein the telescoping portion includes a tip receptor operable to receive a tip of the atomizer.

15. The vaporizer assembly of claim 14, wherein the telescoping portion includes an insertion portion operable to be inserted into the telescope receiving portion.

16. The vaporizer assembly of claim 15, wherein the insertion portion extends from the tip receptor.

17. The vaporizer assembly of claim 16, wherein the insertion portion is substantially cylindrical.

18. The vaporizer assembly of claim 15, wherein the insertion portion is in fluid communication with the tip receptor such that vapor from the vaporizer passes from the tip of the atomizer through the tip receptor, through the insertion portion and the telescope receiving portion, and out of the outlet port.

19. The vaporizer assembly of claim 11, wherein the housing includes a reservoir operable to receive fluid, wherein the atomizer is operable to receive the fluid from the reservoir and vaporize the fluid.

20. The vaporizer assembly of claim 11, wherein the housing includes a vapor outlet channel spanning between the telescope receiving portion and the outlet port.

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