Heater assembly for a vaporizer

Abstract

A modular, battery-free heater assembly for vaporizers that enables conduction, convection, or hybrid vaporization governed by mechanical interfaces and airflow pathways rather than electronics is disclosed. The system includes an upper assembly with air inlets, a thermal capacitor with airflow channels that condition incoming air, and a vaporization chamber configured to retain particulates. Selective external heating directed to selected regions of the upper assembly tunes convection, conduction, or hybrid modes for repeatable performance. Optional thermal indicators provide cues at threshold temperatures. The assembly is removable, cleanable, and designed for consistent vapor delivery without swapping components or using on-board electronics.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 754,705 filed on Feb. 6, 2025, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of vaporizers, and more particularly to a heater assembly for a vaporizer or e-cigarette that allows for convection vaporization, conduction vaporization, or hybrid vaporization including both convection and conduction vaporization.BACKGROUND

[0003] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

[0004] Various inhalation devices or vaporizers include implements for aerosolizing or vaporizing various substances for introduction into the respiratory system. Inhaled substances can be recreational or therapeutic in nature and can include certain natural, isolated, and / or synthetic substances. Examples of vaporized substances include certain plant materials, such as tobacco, cannabis, or other herbs or blends of essential oils. Vaporized substances can be combined with various vehicles, compounds, flavorings, etc., such as propylene glycol, glycerin, nicotine (e.g., extracted from tobacco), and provided in various liquid solutions. Use of a vaporizer is sometimes colloquially known as the act of “vaping” and the vaporizer device itself can be referred to as a “vape.”

[0005] Vaporizers can be configured with different types of extraction chambers, including those having a straight bore, venturi, or sequential venturi, and can employ various materials, including heat resistant materials, such as metal or glass. Extracted vapor can be collected in various types of chambers or inhaled directly through a conduit. Certain vaporizers can provide extracted vapor at cooler temperatures than obtained by traditional smoking, which can be due at least in part to the absence of combustion as found in a smoking material, such as tobacco, and can result in more efficient extraction of desired compounds from the vaporized material. Hence, certain irritating and undesirable effects attributable to smoking can be reduced or minimized by vaping, including secondhand smoke.

[0006] Various types of vaporizers are increasing in popularity in recent years. As consumers become more aware of health consequences of inhaling smoke produced by combusting tobacco and other substances, vaporizers are seen as a better alternative to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other smoking implements. While some vaporizers are large and bulky, sometimes intended to mimic the aesthetic look of a hookah, most vaporizers are small enough to fit into a user's pocket or purse for convenience. Some vaporizers, better known as e-cigarettes, include a battery and an electronic heating element to simulate smoking by providing some of the behavioral aspects of smoking, including the hand-to-mouth action of smoking, but without combusting tobacco. E-cigarettes can take many forms, can have an appearance like traditional cigarettes, can be reusable by replacement of vapor cartridges and batteries, for example, although certain e-cigarettes can be designed to be disposable. Various types of vaporizers also include a modular configuration wherein certain components forming the vaporizer assembly can be replaced interchangeably due to the common and substantially standard dimensions utilized in forming the coupling features of such components.

[0007] However, known vaporizers, including e-cigarettes, can have certain drawbacks. In particular, known vaporizers may have excess heat within the vapor to be inhaled, for example, when the vapor arises from an external heat source such as an electronic heating element. Additionally, known vaporizers fail to provide the user with various methods of heating the vaporizer without the need for different components to be replaced within the vaporizer to change heating modes. Known vaporizers also fail to take advantage of multiple heating modes, including both convection heating and conduction heating.

[0008] Accordingly, there remains a need for a heater assembly for a modular vaporizer in which vaporization mode and behavior may be variable without a need for on-board batteries or electronics, and without requiring the user to swap components.SUMMARY

[0009] In harmony and accordance with the present invention, a battery-free heater assembly for a modular vaporizer in which vaporization mode and behavior are governed primarily by mechanical assembly, thermal interfaces, and airflow conditioning pathways that are integral to the architecture itself has been surprisingly discovered.

[0010] The heater assembly is a battery-free system that uses a structural thermal system comprising intentional mechanical interfaces and thermal elements that serve dual roles as retention features and heat transfer pathways. This structural thermal system allows heat transfer, airflow conditioning, and thermal equilibrium to be governed by the physical relationships between components of the system, rather than by electronics. As a result, the device can deliver repeatable conduction vaporization, convection vaporization, or a mix of conduction and convection vaporization, referred to as hybrid vaporization, when the heater assembly is heated by an external source.

[0011] This heater assembly allows for the user of the modular vaporizer to enjoy a battery-free vaporizer experience that is free from excessively-heated vapor. The heater assembly also provides a consistent vaping experience that allows the user to select from conduction heating and vaporization, convection heating and vaporization, and hybrid heating and vaporization, which is a mix of conduction and convection heating and vaporization, without the need to remove and replace various components of the modular vaporizer. The heater assembly is also modular and may be disassembled, making it easy to sanitize and clean when necessary. This cures the deficiencies of the prior art.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a heater assembly for a vaporizer, including an upper assembly extending axially from a first end to a second end, the upper assembly including one or more apertures disposed on an outer surface of the upper assembly; a first mechanical engagement portion disposed along an inner surface of the first end of the upper assembly; and a second mechanical engagement portion disposed along an inner surface of the second end of the upper assembly; a thermal capacitor including a body with an outer surface having a third mechanical engagement portion, wherein the outer surface of the body includes at least one airflow pathway; and a vaporization chamber including a first end, an inner surface forming a hollow chamber, and an outer surface having a fourth mechanical engagement portion; wherein a heat transfer occurs between the upper assembly and the thermal capacitor, and wherein a heat transfer occurs between the upper assembly and the vaporization chamber.

[0013] As aspects of some embodiments, the thermal capacitor is removably retained to the upper assembly by an engagement between the first mechanical engagement portion and the third mechanical engagement portion.

[0014] As aspects of some embodiments, the engagement between the first mechanical engagement portion and the third mechanical engagement portion is a threaded engagement.

[0015] As aspects of some embodiments, the engagement between the first mechanical engagement portion and the third mechanical engagement portion is a press-fit engagement.

[0016] As aspects of some embodiments, the vaporization chamber is removably retained to the upper assembly by an engagement between the second mechanical engagement portion and the fourth mechanical engagement portion.

[0017] As aspects of some embodiments, the engagement between the second mechanical engagement portion and the fourth mechanical engagement portion is a threaded engagement.

[0018] As aspects of some embodiments, the engagement between the second mechanical engagement portion and the fourth mechanical engagement portion is a press-fit engagement.

[0019] As aspects of some embodiments, the heater assembly further includes one or more thermal indicators disposed within the upper assembly.

[0020] As aspects of some embodiments, at least one thermal indicator is a low temperature thermal indicator.

[0021] As aspects of some embodiments, at least one thermal indicator is a high temperature thermal indicator.

[0022] As aspects of some embodiments, the at least one airflow pathway of the thermal capacitor exchanges heat with air flowing past the thermal capacitor.

[0023] As aspects of some embodiments, the at least one airflow pathway includes one or more recessed portions formed along the outer surface of the body of the thermal capacitor.

[0024] As aspects of some embodiments, the apertures are disposed on the outer surface of the upper assembly to direct air to the airflow pathway.

[0025] As aspects of some embodiments, the vaporization chamber further includes a screen disposed within the hollow chamber.

[0026] As aspects of some embodiments, the screen includes a plurality of fins extending radially inward from an outer edge of the screen.

[0027] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a heater assembly for a vaporizer, including an upper assembly extending axially from a first end to a second end, the upper assembly including one or more apertures disposed on an outer surface of the upper assembly; a first mechanical engagement portion disposed along an inner surface of the first end of the upper assembly; and a second mechanical engagement portion disposed along an inner surface of the second end of the upper assembly; a thermal capacitor including a body with an outer surface having a third mechanical engagement portion, wherein the outer surface of the body includes at least one airflow pathway; and a vaporization chamber including a first end, an inner surface forming a hollow chamber, a screen disposed within the hollow chamber, and an outer surface having a fourth mechanical engagement portion; wherein the thermal capacitor is removably retained to the upper assembly by a threaded engagement between the first mechanical engagement portion and the third mechanical engagement portion; wherein the vaporization chamber is removably retained to the upper assembly by a threaded engagement between the second mechanical engagement portion and the fourth mechanical engagement portion; and wherein a heat transfer occurs between the upper assembly and the thermal capacitor, and wherein a heat transfer occurs between the upper assembly and the vaporization chamber.

[0028] In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of hybrid vaporization using a heater assembly, the method comprising: providing a heater assembly, the heater assembly including an upper assembly extending axially from a first end to a second end, the upper assembly including one or more apertures disposed on an outer surface of the upper assembly; a first mechanical engagement portion disposed along an inner surface of the first end of the upper assembly; and a second mechanical engagement portion disposed along the inner surface of the second end of the upper assembly; a thermal capacitor including a body with an outer surface having a third mechanical engagement portion, wherein the outer surface of the body includes at least one airflow pathway; and a vaporization chamber including a first end, an inner surface forming a hollow chamber, and an outer surface having a fourth mechanical engagement portion; wherein a heat transfer occurs between the upper assembly and the thermal capacitor, and wherein a heat transfer occurs between the upper assembly and the vaporization chamber; and applying external heat across both the first end and the second end of the upper assembly.

[0029] As aspects of some embodiments, the method further includes directing ambient air through the one or more apertures and into the thermal capacitor, and directing the ambient air along the at least one airflow pathway of the body of the thermal capacitor to convectively exchange heat with the thermal capacitor.

[0030] As aspects of some embodiments, the method further includes directing the convectively heated ambient air from the thermal capacitor and through the vaporization chamber to contact a material while the material is also heated conductively in the hollow chamber to produce a vapor.

[0031] As aspects of some embodiments, the method further includes discharging the produced vapor through an opening at the second end of the vaporization chamber.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The above-mentioned, and other features and objects of the disclosures, and the manner of attaining them will become more apparent and the disclosure itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heater assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the heater assembly of FIG. 1;

[0035] FIG. 3 is an exploded elevational view of the heater assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0036] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the heater assembly of FIGS. 1-3;

[0037] FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the heater assembly of FIGS. 1-4; and

[0038] FIG. 6 is an elevational cross-sectional view of the heater assembly of FIGS. 1-5 taken along section line A-A of FIG. 5.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The following description of technology is merely exemplary in nature of the subject matter, manufacture and use of one or more disclosures, and is not intended to limit the scope, application, or uses of any specific disclosure claimed in this application or in such other applications as may be filed claiming priority to this application, or patents issuing therefrom. Regarding methods disclosed, the order of the steps presented is exemplary in nature, and thus, the order of the steps can be different in various embodiments. “A” and “an” as used herein indicate “at least one” of the item is present; a plurality of such items may be present, when possible. Except where otherwise expressly indicated, all numerical quantities in this description are to be understood as modified by the word “about” and all geometric and spatial descriptors are to be understood as modified by the word “substantially” in describing the broadest scope of the technology. “About” when applied to numerical values indicates that the calculation or the measurement allows some slight imprecision in the value (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If, for some reason, the imprecision provided by “about” and / or “substantially” is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” and / or “substantially” as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring or using such parameters.

[0040] All documents, including patents, patent applications, and scientific literature cited in this detailed description are incorporated herein by reference, unless otherwise expressly indicated. Where any conflict or ambiguity may exist between a document incorporated by reference and this detailed description, the present detailed description controls.

[0041] Although the open-ended term “comprising,” as a synonym of non-restrictive terms such as including, containing, or having, is used herein to describe and claim embodiments of the present technology, embodiments may alternatively be described using more limiting terms such as “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of.” Thus, for any given embodiment reciting materials, components, or process steps, the present technology also specifically includes embodiments consisting of, or consisting essentially of, such materials, components, or process steps excluding additional materials, components or processes (for consisting of) and excluding additional materials, components or processes affecting the significant properties of the embodiment (for consisting essentially of), even though such additional materials, components or processes are not explicitly recited in this application. For example, recitation of a composition or process reciting elements A, B and C specifically envisions embodiments consisting of, and consisting essentially of, A, B and C, excluding an element D that may be recited in the art, even though element D is not explicitly described as being excluded herein.

[0042] As referred to herein, all compositional percentages are by weight of the total composition, unless otherwise specified. Disclosures of ranges are, unless specified otherwise, inclusive of endpoints and include all distinct values and further divided ranges within the entire range. Thus, for example, a range of “from A to B” or “from about A to about B” is inclusive of A and of B. Disclosure of values and ranges of values for specific parameters (such as amounts, weight percentages, etc.) are not exclusive of other values and ranges of values useful herein. It is envisioned that two or more specific exemplified values for a given parameter may define endpoints for a range of values that may be claimed for the parameter. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have value A and also exemplified to have value Z, it is envisioned that Parameter X may have a range of values from about A to about Z. Similarly, it is envisioned that disclosure of two or more ranges of values for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping or distinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges for the value that might be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have values in the range of 1-10, or 2-9, or 3-8, it is also envisioned that Parameter X may have other ranges of values including 1-9, 1-8, 1-3, 1-2, 2-10, 2-8, 2-3,-10, 3-9, and so on.

[0043] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,”“engaged to,”“connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,”“directly engaged to,”“directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,”“adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0044] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,”“second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0045] Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,”“outer,”“beneath,”“below,”“lower,”“above,”“upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0046] FIGS. 1-6 illustrate a heater assembly 10 for a battery-free vaporizer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The heater assembly 10 is a battery-free system that uses a structural thermal system comprising intentional mechanical interfaces and thermal elements that serve dual roles as retention features and heat transfer pathways. This structural thermal system allows heat transfer, airflow conditioning, and thermal equilibrium to be governed by the physical relationships between components of the system, rather than by electronics. As a result, the heater assembly 10 can deliver repeatable conduction vaporization, convection vaporization, or a mix of conduction and convection vaporization, referred to as hybrid vaporization, when the heater assembly 10 is heated by an external source (not illustrated).

[0047] The heater assembly 10 forms a component of battery-free vaporizer device (not illustrated). The heater assembly 10 as disclosed herein is accordingly not provided as a stand-alone product, but is instead configured for coupling to one of a variety of complimentary structures having varying shapes and configurations, for example, various mouthpieces (not illustrated) of vaporizer devices, thereby enhancing the versatility of the heater assembly 10 for a wide variety of different potential vaporizer device configurations.

[0048] Various aspects of the heater assembly 10 as well as the complimentary structure of the vaporizer device are described hereinafter as being tubular in configuration. As used herein, the term “tubular” does not necessarily refer to a cylindrical or other axially symmetric and hollow structure, but instead refers to any structure having a hollow opening elongated in an axial direction of the structure. For example, each of the components described hereinafter as being substantially cylindrical in shape may be replaced with corresponding components having a different closed polygonal cross-sectional shape, such as a square shape, a rectangular shape, a hexagonal shape, or the like, without departing from the scope of the present invention, so long as the resulting heater assembly 10 maintains the same general relationships described hereinafter. More specifically, such alternative cross-sectional shapes may be utilized so long as the heater assembly 10 maintains the same general flow configurations as described herein while also maintaining the ability to couple the heater assembly 10 to a corresponding complimentary structure for forming an exemplary vaporizer device. Further references to such axially symmetric features, such as cylindrical or annular shapes or surfaces, are accordingly not intended to be limiting to the scope of the present invention.

[0049] The heater assembly 10 comprises an upper assembly 100, a thermal capacitor 200, and a vaporization chamber 300. In an exemplary embodiment and as illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the upper assembly 100, the thermal capacitor 200, and the vaporization chamber 300 are each substantially cylindrical in shape.

[0050] The upper assembly 100 extends axially from a first end 102 to a second end 104, and is generally tubular in structure. The upper assembly 100 may be comprised of any material as desired. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper assembly 100 is comprised of a metal, a ceramic, a composite material, or any combination thereof, as non-limiting examples. The first end 102 of the upper assembly 100 may also include a cap 108 which closes the first end 102 of the upper assembly 100 in order to retain components within the upper assembly 100. The second end 104 of the upper assembly 100, in an embodiment, provides an opening 110 which allows for access to an inside of the upper assembly 100 and an inner surface 112 of the upper assembly 100.

[0051] The first end 102 also includes, in an embodiment, one or more apertures 106 that act as air inlets for the heater assembly 10 disposed on the surface of the first end 102 of the upper assembly 100. In an embodiment, the one or more apertures 106 extend circumferentially around the surface of the first end 102 of the upper assembly 100, allowing for air to be drawn into the heater assembly 10 from a multitude of directions. However, it should be appreciated that the one or more apertures 106 may be disposed on the upper assembly 100 in any pattern as desired to facilitate air intake into the heater assembly 10.

[0052] The inner surface 112 of the first end 102 of the upper assembly 100 also includes a mechanical engagement portion 114 to allow for the thermal capacitor 200 to be removably retained within the upper assembly 100. The mechanical engagement portion 114 may have any mechanical engagement structure as desired. In an embodiment, the mechanical engagement portion 114 comprises a press-fit engagement structure as a non-limiting example. In an exemplary embodiment, and as illustrated in FIG. 6, the mechanical engagement portion 114 is a threaded engagement portion with a plurality of threads which retains the thermal capacitor 200 within the first end 102 of the upper assembly 100, as a non-limiting example. Additionally, the inner surface 112 of the second end 104 of the upper assembly 100 also includes a mechanical engagement portion 116 to allow for the vaporization chamber 300 to be removably retained within the upper assembly 100. The mechanical engagement portion 116 may have any mechanical engagement structure as desired. In an embodiment, the mechanical engagement portion 116 comprises a press-fit engagement structure as a non-limiting example. In an exemplary embodiment, and as illustrated in FIG. 6, the mechanical engagement portion 116 is a threaded engagement portion having a plurality of threads which retains the vaporization chamber 300 within the second end 104 of the upper assembly 100, as a non-limiting example.

[0053] The thermal capacitor 200 extends axially from a first end 202 to a second end 204, with a body 206 disposed therebetween. The thermal capacitor 200 may be comprised of any material as desired. In an exemplary embodiment, the thermal capacitor 200 is comprised of a metal, such as stainless steel or titanium, a glass, such as machined borosilicate, a composite material, a ceramic material, or combinations thereof, as non-limiting examples.

[0054] The first end 202 of the thermal capacitor 200 also includes a base 208 and a recess 210. The base 208 may have any shape and size as desired. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the base 208 is cylindrical in structure and has a slightly smaller circumference than a circumference of the upper assembly 100. The recess 210, in an embodiment, is a cut out between the base 208 and the body 206 of the thermal capacitor 200. The recess 210 may be any size and have any shape as desired in order to provide a flow path from the one or more apertures 106 of the upper assembly 100 and through the recess 210. In an embodiment, the recess 210 is cylindrical in structure and has a smaller circumference than a circumference of the base 208 and the body 206 of the thermal capacitor 200.

[0055] The body 206 of the thermal capacitor 200 may be a solid body, a hollow body, or a partially hollow body as desired. In an exemplary embodiment and in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the body 206 of the thermal capacitor 200 is a solid body that extends axially from the first end 202 to the second end 204 of the thermal capacitor 200. The body 206 also includes an outer surface 212. The outer surface 212 may take any form as desired. In an embodiment, the outer surface 212 of the body 206 of the thermal capacitor 200 may be smooth or textured as desired.

[0056] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the outer surface 212 of the body 206 includes one or more raised portions 214 and one or more recessed portions 216. In this embodiment, the raised portions 214 may have a reciprocating mechanical engagement portion 218 to the mechanical engagement portion 114 of the upper assembly 100. The mechanical engagement portion 218 may have any mechanical engagement structure as desired. In an embodiment, the mechanical engagement portion 218 comprises a press-fit engagement structure as a non-limiting example. In an exemplary embodiment, and as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 6, the mechanical engagement portion 218 is a threaded engagement portion having a plurality of threads which interacts with the mechanical engagement portion 114 to retain the thermal capacitor 200 within the first end 102 of the upper assembly 100, as a non-limiting example.

[0057] The one or more recessed portions 216 of the body 206 of the thermal capacitor 200 are formed along the outer surface 212 and within the body 206 of the thermal capacitor 200 to provide a flow path for air to flow along the body 206. In this way, the flow path created within the recessed portion 216 of the body 206 allows air to flow along the outer surface 212 of the body 206 of the thermal capacitor 200, allowing for heat exchange to occur between the thermal capacitor 200 and the air flowing through the recessed portions 216. In particular, air drawn through the one or more apertures 106 is directed into the recess 210 and along the recessed portions 216 where it exchanges heat with the thermal capacitor 200. When the upper assembly 100 and / or the thermal capacitor 200 is heated by an external source, the thermal capacitor 200 conducts thermal energy and acts as a thermal battery such that incoming air is thermally conditioned prior to entering the vaporization chamber 300. As a result, convection heating is an inherent consequence of the assembly architecture and thermal placement, with airflow conditioned by the thermal capacitor 200 before contacting material within the vaporization chamber 300. The mechanical engagement portions 114, 218 also provide increased surface contact in order to facilitate heat transfer between the upper assembly 100 and the thermal capacitor 200, allowing for increased heat exchange.

[0058] The recessed portions 216 may have any geometry as desired. In an exemplary embodiment, the recessed portions 216 are formed vertically along the outer surface 212 of the body 206. In another embodiment, and in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the recessed portions 216 are formed at an angle, such as a 45-degree angle as a non-limiting example, along the outer surface 212 of the body 206. In this embodiment, the angle of the recessed portions 216 may be any angle as desired.

[0059] The second end 204 of the thermal capacitor 200 may, in some embodiments, provide an opening (not illustrated) to facilitate for a flow of air through the thermal capacitor 200. However, in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the second end 204 of the thermal capacitor 200 is a closed end.

[0060] The vaporization chamber 300 extends axially from a first end 302 to a second end 304, with a body 306 disposed therebetween. The vaporization chamber 300 is generally tubular in structure. The vaporization chamber 300 may be comprised of any material as desired. In an exemplary embodiment, the vaporization chamber 300 is comprised of a metal, a ceramic, a composite material, or any combination thereof, as non-limiting examples.

[0061] The first end 302 of the vaporization chamber 300 includes an opening 308, an outer surface 310, and an inner surface 312. The outer surface 310 of the first end 302 of the vaporization chamber 300 includes a reciprocating mechanical engagement portion 314 to the mechanical engagement portion 116 of the upper assembly 100. The mechanical engagement portions 314 may have any mechanical engagement structure as desired. In an embodiment, the mechanical engagement portion 314 comprises a press-fit engagement structure as a non-limiting example. In an exemplary embodiment, and as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 6, the mechanical engagement portion 314 is a threaded engagement portion having a plurality of threads which interacts with the mechanical engagement portion 116 to retain the vaporization chamber 300 within the second end 104 of the upper assembly 100, as a non-limiting example.

[0062] In exemplary embodiments, the mechanical engagement portions 116, 314 are engineered to increase surface contact between the vaporization chamber 300 and the upper assembly 100, and function as deliberate heat exchange pathways so that heat conducted through the walls of the upper assembly 100 is efficiently transferred into the walls of the vaporization chamber 300. In use, this direct heat transfer into the chamber walls defines a conduction mode of heating in which a material within a hollow chamber 316 and along the inner surface 312 is heated conductively from the heated chamber surfaces, vaporizing the material within the hollow chamber 316.

[0063] The inner surface 312 of the first end 302 of the vaporization chamber 300 forms the hollow chamber 316 within the first end 302 of the vaporization chamber 300. The hollow chamber 316 is defined by the opening 308 of the vaporization chamber 300 and a screen 318, which the screen 318 is disposed opposite the opening 308 and within the hollow chamber 316.

[0064] The screen 318 may be any screen or diffuser as desired in order to prevent debris from exiting the hollow chamber 316. In an exemplary embodiment illustrated by FIG. 4, the screen 318 includes a plurality of fins 320 extending radially inward from an outer edge 322 of the screen 318. This structure allows for air to flow through the screen 318 while preventing debris from exiting the hollow chamber 316 through the screen 318.

[0065] The body 306 of the vaporization chamber 300 is tubular in structure and has an outer surface 324 and an inner surface 326. The outer surface 324 may be smooth in an exemplary embodiment. In another embodiment, and in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the outer surface 324 of the body 306 has a plurality of ribs 328 extending from the outer surface 324. The ribs 328 may be ornamental in nature. It should be appreciated, however, that the outer surface 324 may have any structure as desired. The inner surface 326 of the body 306 of the vaporization chamber 300 forms a tubular aperture 330 which fluidly connects the first end 302 of the vaporization chamber 300, and the hollow chamber 316 and the screen 318, with the second end 304 of the vaporization chamber 300.

[0066] The second end 304 of the vaporization chamber 300 includes an outer surface 332, an inner surface 334, and an opening 336. In an embodiment, the inner surface 334 of the second end 304 includes a mechanical engagement portion 338 to a reciprocal mechanical engagement portion of a further component of a vaporizer, such as a mouthpiece structure (not illustrated). The mechanical engagement portion 338 may have any mechanical engagement structure as desired. In an embodiment, the mechanical engagement portion 338 a press-fit engagement structure as a non-limiting example. In another embodiment, the mechanical engagement portion 338 is an O-ring engagement structure as a non-limiting example. In an exemplary embodiment, and as illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the mechanical engagement portion 338 is a threaded engagement portion having a plurality of threads which interacts with a threaded engagement portion of the further component of a vaporizer, as a non-limiting example. In another embodiment, the mechanical engagement portion 338 is disposed on the outer surface 332 of the second end 304 of the vaporization chamber 300.

[0067] In this way, the heater assembly 10 is removably coupled to the further component of a vaporizer, as a non-limiting example. Additionally, removably coupling the heater assembly 10 to the further component of a vaporizer allows for the air to flow through the heater assembly 10, exiting the heater assembly 10 through the opening 336, and to the further component of a vaporizer.

[0068] The heater assembly 10, in some embodiments, may also include one or more thermal indicators 400. The thermal indicators 400 may be any thermal indicators as desired and may be comprised of any material. In an exemplary embodiment, the thermal indicators 400 are bi-metallic thermostat discs that produce an audible response upon reaching a threshold temperature corresponding to a predefined thermal zone of the assembly. For example, the heater assembly 10 may include two thermal indicators 400, including a low temperature thermal indicator 402, and a high temperature thermal indicator 404. Once a temperature within the heater assembly 10 reaches a threshold temperature corresponding to the low temperature thermal indicator 402, the low temperature thermal indicator 402 may produce an audible noise alerting a user that the threshold temperature corresponding to the low temperature thermal indicator 402 has been reached. Additionally, once a temperature within the heater assembly 10 reaches a threshold temperature corresponding to the high temperature thermal indicator 404, the high temperature thermal indicator 404 may produce an audible noise alerting a user that the threshold temperature corresponding to the low temperature thermal indicator 402 has been reached. However, it may be appreciated that thermal indicators 400 may be implemented within the heater assembly 10 using any method as desired. The thermal indicators 400 may also be disposed within the heater assembly 10 in any manner desired. In an exemplary embodiment, and as illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the thermal indicators 400 are disposed within the first end 102 of the upper assembly 100, and are removably secured within the first end 102 though mechanical retention, including press-fit or other mechanical retention, as a non-limiting example.

[0069] The heater assembly 10 in an exemplary embodiment and as illustrated in FIGS. 1-6 may be assembled as follows. The following assembly is not intended to be limiting, and merely represents one embodiment of the current disclosure. Other assemblies may be used for the heater assembly 10 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0070] In an embodiment, the thermal capacitor 200 is placed within the upper assembly 100 of the heater assembly 10. The thermal capacitor 200 is removably coupled within the upper assembly 100 through an interaction between mechanical engagement portions 114, 218. In an exemplary embodiment, the mechanical engagement portions 114, 218 are reciprocal threaded portions which removably couple the thermal capacitor 200 to the inner surface 112 of the upper assembly 100. The thermal capacitor 200 is retained in the upper assembly 100 at a position within the upper assembly 100 so that the one or more apertures 106 are aligned with the recess 210 of the thermal capacitor 200. In some embodiments, one or more thermal indicators 400 are placed within the first end 102 of the upper assembly 100 before the thermal capacitor 200 is placed within the upper assembly 100. In some embodiments, a high temperature thermal indicator 404 is placed within the first end 102 before a low temperature thermal indicator 402 is placed within the first end 102 prior to the thermal capacitor 200 being placed within the first end 102 of the upper assembly 100.

[0071] The vaporization chamber 300 is also removably coupled to the upper assembly 100 through an interaction between mechanical engagement portions 116, 314. In an exemplary embodiment, the mechanical engagement portions 116, 314 are reciprocal threaded portions which removably couples the vaporization chamber 300 to the inner surface 112 of the upper assembly 100. The vaporization chamber 300 is also coupled to a further component of a vaporizer, such as a mouthpiece, through an interaction between the mechanical engagement portion 338 of the vaporization chamber 300 and a mechanical engagement portion of the further component. In an exemplary embodiment, the mechanical engagement portion 338 is a threaded engagement portion having a plurality of threads which interacts with a threaded engagement portion of the further component of a vaporizer, as a non-limiting example. In this way, the heater assembly 10 is removably coupled to the further component of a vaporizer, such as a mouthpiece, allowing the heater assembly 10 to be used in a vaporizer assembly.

[0072] The heater assembly 10 allows the user to choose between convection heating, conduction heating, or hybrid heating. The heater assembly 10 may be externally heated using any desired method or apparatus. In an exemplary embodiment, the heater assembly 10 is heated through use of a butane torch or an induction heating field, as non-limiting examples. When external heat is applied preferentially to the first end 102 of the upper assembly 100 and the thermal capacitor 200, a greater proportion of thermal energy is transferred from the upper assembly 100 to the thermal capacitor 200, directing the thermal energy to the thermal capacitor 200. This forces the air flowing through the heater assembly 10 to be thermally conditioned by the thermal capacitor 200 before entering the vaporization chamber 300, leading to convective heating of a material within the hollow chamber 316 of the vaporization chamber 300. When heat is applied closer to the second end 104 of the upper assembly 100 and the vaporization chamber 300, a chamber-interface region defined by mechanical engagement portions 116, 314 receives the thermal energy and heats the inner surface 312 of the hollow chamber 316. This allows for a greater proportion of the thermal energy to be conducted directly into the hollow chamber to favor conduction heating of the material within the hollow chamber 316. Hybrid heating and vaporization occurs when the application of thermal energy occurs across both the first end 102 and the second end 104 of the upper assembly 100. Hybrid vaporization behavior results when both concurrent airflow-conditioned convection and chamber-wall conduction occurs within the heater assembly 10.

[0073] In operation, user-applied suction or pressure differential draws ambient air into the heater assembly 10 through the apertures 106 at the first end 102. The incoming air is directed into the recess 210 of the thermal capacitor 200 and along the recessed portions 216 of the body 206 where it exchanges heat with the thermal capacitor 200 acting as a thermal battery. Thermally conditioned air then passes toward the first end 302 of the vaporization chamber 300 through the opening 308, and enters the hollow chamber 316 to contact a material for convective and / or conductive heating and production of vapor. The flow subsequently continues through the screen 318 and the tubular aperture 330 defined by the inner surface 326 and exits the heater assembly 10 via the opening 336 at the second end 304 into the further component of the vaporizer, such as a mouthpiece, which then discharges the vapor to the user.

[0074] The heater assembly 10 allows for the user of a modular vaporizer which has the heater assembly 10 attached to enjoy a battery-free vaporizer experience that is free from excessively-heated vapor. The heater assembly 10 also provides a consistent vaping experience that allows the user to select from conduction heating and vaporization, convection heating and vaporization, and hybrid heating and vaporization, which is a mix of conduction and convection heating and vaporization, without the need to remove and replace various components of the modular vaporizer. The heater assembly 10 is also modular and may be disassembled, making it easy to sanitize and clean when necessary.

[0075] From the foregoing description, one ordinarily skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this disclosure and, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications to the disclosure to adapt it to various usages and conditions.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0039]The following description of technology is merely exemplary in nature of the subject matter, manufacture and use of one or more disclosures, and is not intended to limit the scope, application, or uses of any specific disclosure claimed in this application or in such other applications as may be filed claiming priority to this application, or patents issuing therefrom. Regarding methods disclosed, the order of the steps presented is exemplary in nature, and thus, the order of the steps can be different in various embodiments. “A” and “an” as used herein indicate “at least one” of the item is present; a plurality of such items may be present, when possible. Except where otherwise expressly indicated, all numerical quantities in this description are to be understood as modified by the word “about” and all geometric and spatial descriptors are to be understood as modified by the word “substantially” in describing the broadest scope of the technology. “About” when applied to numer...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 754,705 filed on Feb. 6, 2025, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of vaporizers, and more particularly to a heater assembly for a vaporizer or e-cigarette that allows for convection vaporization, conduction vaporization, or hybrid vaporization including both convection and conduction vaporization.BACKGROUND

[0003] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

[0004] Various inhalation devices or vaporizers include implements for aerosolizing or vaporizing various substances for introduction into the respiratory system. Inhaled substances can be recreational or therapeutic in nature and can include certain natural, isolated, and / or synthetic substances. Examples of vaporized substances include certain plant materials, such as tobacco, cannabis, or other herbs or blends of essential oils. Vaporized substances can be combined with various vehicles, compounds, flavorings, etc., such as propylene glycol, glycerin, nicotine (e.g., extracted from tobacco), and provided in various liquid solutions. Use of a vaporizer is sometimes colloquially known as the act of “vaping” and the vaporizer device itself can be referred to as a “vape.”

[0005] Vaporizers can be configured with different types of extraction chambers, including those having a straight bore, venturi, or sequential venturi, and can employ various materials, including heat resistant materials, such as metal or glass. Extracted vapor can be collected in various types of chambers or inhaled directly through a conduit. Certain vaporizers can provide extracted vapor at cooler temperatures than obtained by traditional smoking, which can be due at least in part to the absence of combustion as found in a smoking material, such as tobacco, and can result in more efficient extraction of desired compounds from the vaporized material. Hence, certain irritating and undesirable effects attributable to smoking can be reduced or minimized by vaping, including secondhand smoke.

[0006] Various types of vaporizers are increasing in popularity in recent years. As consumers become more aware of health consequences of inhaling smoke produced by combusting tobacco and other substances, vaporizers are seen as a better alternative to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other smoking implements. While some vaporizers are large and bulky, sometimes intended to mimic the aesthetic look of a hookah, most vaporizers are small enough to fit into a user's pocket or purse for convenience. Some vaporizers, better known as e-cigarettes, include a battery and an electronic heating element to simulate smoking by providing some of the behavioral aspects of smoking, including the hand-to-mouth action of smoking, but without combusting tobacco. E-cigarettes can take many forms, can have an appearance like traditional cigarettes, can be reusable by replacement of vapor cartridges and batteries, for example, although certain e-cigarettes can be designed to be disposable. Various types of vaporizers also include a modular configuration wherein certain components forming the vaporizer assembly can be replaced interchangeably due to the common and substantially standard dimensions utilized in forming the coupling features of such components.

[0007] However, known vaporizers, including e-cigarettes, can have certain drawbacks. In particular, known vaporizers may have excess heat within the vapor to be inhaled, for example, when the vapor arises from an external heat source such as an electronic heating element. Additionally, known vaporizers fail to provide the user with various methods of heating the vaporizer without the need for different components to be replaced within the vaporizer to change heating modes. Known vaporizers also fail to take advantage of multiple heating modes, including both convection heating and conduction heating.

[0008] Accordingly, there remains a need for a heater assembly for a modular vaporizer in which vaporization mode and behavior may be variable without a need for on-board batteries or electronics, and without requiring the user to swap components.SUMMARY

[0009] In harmony and accordance with the present invention, a battery-free heater assembly for a modular vaporizer in which vaporization mode and behavior are governed primarily by mechanical assembly, thermal interfaces, and airflow conditioning pathways that are integral to the architecture itself has been surprisingly discovered.

[0010] The heater assembly is a battery-free system that uses a structural thermal system comprising intentional mechanical interfaces and thermal elements that serve dual roles as retention features and heat transfer pathways. This structural thermal system allows heat transfer, airflow conditioning, and thermal equilibrium to be governed by the physical relationships between components of the system, rather than by electronics. As a result, the device can deliver repeatable conduction vaporization, convection vaporization, or a mix of conduction and convection vaporization, referred to as hybrid vaporization, when the heater assembly is heated by an external source.

[0011] This heater assembly allows for the user of the modular vaporizer to enjoy a battery-free vaporizer experience that is free from excessively-heated vapor. The heater assembly also provides a consistent vaping experience that allows the user to select from conduction heating and vaporization, convection heating and vaporization, and hybrid heating and vaporization, which is a mix of conduction and convection heating and vaporization, without the need to remove and replace various components of the modular vaporizer. The heater assembly is also modular and may be disassembled, making it easy to sanitize and clean when necessary. This cures the deficiencies of the prior art.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a heater assembly for a vaporizer, including an upper assembly extending axially from a first end to a second end, the upper assembly including one or more apertures disposed on an outer surface of the upper assembly; a first mechanical engagement portion disposed along an inner surface of the first end of the upper assembly; and a second mechanical engagement portion disposed along an inner surface of the second end of the upper assembly; a thermal capacitor including a body with an outer surface having a third mechanical engagement portion, wherein the outer surface of the body includes at least one airflow pathway; and a vaporization chamber including a first end, an inner surface forming a hollow chamber, and an outer surface having a fourth mechanical engagement portion; wherein a heat transfer occurs between the upper assembly and the thermal capacitor, and wherein a heat transfer occurs between the upper assembly and the vaporization chamber.

[0013] As aspects of some embodiments, the thermal capacitor is removably retained to the upper assembly by an engagement between the first mechanical engagement portion and the third mechanical engagement portion.

[0014] As aspects of some embodiments, the engagement between the first mechanical engagement portion and the third mechanical engagement portion is a threaded engagement.

[0015] As aspects of some embodiments, the engagement between the first mechanical engagement portion and the third mechanical engagement portion is a press-fit engagement.

[0016] As aspects of some embodiments, the vaporization chamber is removably retained to the upper assembly by an engagement between the second mechanical engagement portion and the fourth mechanical engagement portion.

[0017] As aspects of some embodiments, the engagement between the second mechanical engagement portion and the fourth mechanical engagement portion is a threaded engagement.

[0018] As aspects of some embodiments, the engagement between the second mechanical engagement portion and the fourth mechanical engagement portion is a press-fit engagement.

[0019] As aspects of some embodiments, the heater assembly further includes one or more thermal indicators disposed within the upper assembly.

[0020] As aspects of some embodiments, at least one thermal indicator is a low temperature thermal indicator.

[0021] As aspects of some embodiments, at least one thermal indicator is a high temperature thermal indicator.

[0022] As aspects of some embodiments, the at least one airflow pathway of the thermal capacitor exchanges heat with air flowing past the thermal capacitor.

[0023] As aspects of some embodiments, the at least one airflow pathway includes one or more recessed portions formed along the outer surface of the body of the thermal capacitor.

[0024] As aspects of some embodiments, the apertures are disposed on the outer surface of the upper assembly to direct air to the airflow pathway.

[0025] As aspects of some embodiments, the vaporization chamber further includes a screen disposed within the hollow chamber.

[0026] As aspects of some embodiments, the screen includes a plurality of fins extending radially inward from an outer edge of the screen.

[0027] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a heater assembly for a vaporizer, including an upper assembly extending axially from a first end to a second end, the upper assembly including one or more apertures disposed on an outer surface of the upper assembly; a first mechanical engagement portion disposed along an inner surface of the first end of the upper assembly; and a second mechanical engagement portion disposed along an inner surface of the second end of the upper assembly; a thermal capacitor including a body with an outer surface having a third mechanical engagement portion, wherein the outer surface of the body includes at least one airflow pathway; and a vaporization chamber including a first end, an inner surface forming a hollow chamber, a screen disposed within the hollow chamber, and an outer surface having a fourth mechanical engagement portion; wherein the thermal capacitor is removably retained to the upper assembly by a threaded engagement between the first mechanical engagement portion and the third mechanical engagement portion; wherein the vaporization chamber is removably retained to the upper assembly by a threaded engagement between the second mechanical engagement portion and the fourth mechanical engagement portion; and wherein a heat transfer occurs between the upper assembly and the thermal capacitor, and wherein a heat transfer occurs between the upper assembly and the vaporization chamber.

[0028] In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of hybrid vaporization using a heater assembly, the method comprising: providing a heater assembly, the heater assembly including an upper assembly extending axially from a first end to a second end, the upper assembly including one or more apertures disposed on an outer surface of the upper assembly; a first mechanical engagement portion disposed along an inner surface of the first end of the upper assembly; and a second mechanical engagement portion disposed along the inner surface of the second end of the upper assembly; a thermal capacitor including a body with an outer surface having a third mechanical engagement portion, wherein the outer surface of the body includes at least one airflow pathway; and a vaporization chamber including a first end, an inner surface forming a hollow chamber, and an outer surface having a fourth mechanical engagement portion; wherein a heat transfer occurs between the upper assembly and the thermal capacitor, and wherein a heat transfer occurs between the upper assembly and the vaporization chamber; and applying external heat across both the first end and the second end of the upper assembly.

[0029] As aspects of some embodiments, the method further includes directing ambient air through the one or more apertures and into the thermal capacitor, and directing the ambient air along the at least one airflow pathway of the body of the thermal capacitor to convectively exchange heat with the thermal capacitor.

[0030] As aspects of some embodiments, the method further includes directing the convectively heated ambient air from the thermal capacitor and through the vaporization chamber to contact a material while the material is also heated conductively in the hollow chamber to produce a vapor.

[0031] As aspects of some embodiments, the method further includes discharging the produced vapor through an opening at the second end of the vaporization chamber.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The above-mentioned, and other features and objects of the disclosures, and the manner of attaining them will become more apparent and the disclosure itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heater assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the heater assembly of FIG. 1;

[0035] FIG. 3 is an exploded elevational view of the heater assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0036] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the heater assembly of FIGS. 1-3;

[0037] FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the heater assembly of FIGS. 1-4; and

[0038] FIG. 6 is an elevational cross-sectional view of the heater assembly of FIGS. 1-5 taken along section line A-A of FIG. 5.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The following description of technology is merely exemplary in nature of the subject matter, manufacture and use of one or more disclosures, and is not intended to limit the scope, application, or uses of any specific disclosure claimed in this application or in such other applications as may be filed claiming priority to this application, or patents issuing therefrom. Regarding methods disclosed, the order of the steps presented is exemplary in nature, and thus, the order of the steps can be different in various embodiments. “A” and “an” as used herein indicate “at least one” of the item is present; a plurality of such items may be present, when possible. Except where otherwise expressly indicated, all numerical quantities in this description are to be understood as modified by the word “about” and all geometric and spatial descriptors are to be understood as modified by the word “substantially” in describing the broadest scope of the technology. “About” when applied to numerical values indicates that the calculation or the measurement allows some slight imprecision in the value (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If, for some reason, the imprecision provided by “about” and / or “substantially” is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” and / or “substantially” as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring or using such parameters.

[0040] All documents, including patents, patent applications, and scientific literature cited in this detailed description are incorporated herein by reference, unless otherwise expressly indicated. Where any conflict or ambiguity may exist between a document incorporated by reference and this detailed description, the present detailed description controls.

[0041] Although the open-ended term “comprising,” as a synonym of non-restrictive terms such as including, containing, or having, is used herein to describe and claim embodiments of the present technology, embodiments may alternatively be described using more limiting terms such as “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of.” Thus, for any given embodiment reciting materials, components, or process steps, the present technology also specifically includes embodiments consisting of, or consisting essentially of, such materials, components, or process steps excluding additional materials, components or processes (for consisting of) and excluding additional materials, components or processes affecting the significant properties of the embodiment (for consisting essentially of), even though such additional materials, components or processes are not explicitly recited in this application. For example, recitation of a composition or process reciting elements A, B and C specifically envisions embodiments consisting of, and consisting essentially of, A, B and C, excluding an element D that may be recited in the art, even though element D is not explicitly described as being excluded herein.

[0042] As referred to herein, all compositional percentages are by weight of the total composition, unless otherwise specified. Disclosures of ranges are, unless specified otherwise, inclusive of endpoints and include all distinct values and further divided ranges within the entire range. Thus, for example, a range of “from A to B” or “from about A to about B” is inclusive of A and of B. Disclosure of values and ranges of values for specific parameters (such as amounts, weight percentages, etc.) are not exclusive of other values and ranges of values useful herein. It is envisioned that two or more specific exemplified values for a given parameter may define endpoints for a range of values that may be claimed for the parameter. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have value A and also exemplified to have value Z, it is envisioned that Parameter X may have a range of values from about A to about Z. Similarly, it is envisioned that disclosure of two or more ranges of values for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping or distinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges for the value that might be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have values in the range of 1-10, or 2-9, or 3-8, it is also envisioned that Parameter X may have other ranges of values including 1-9, 1-8, 1-3, 1-2, 2-10, 2-8, 2-3,-10, 3-9, and so on.

[0043] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,”“engaged to,”“connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,”“directly engaged to,”“directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,”“adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0044] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,”“second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0045] Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,”“outer,”“beneath,”“below,”“lower,”“above,”“upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0046] FIGS. 1-6 illustrate a heater assembly 10 for a battery-free vaporizer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The heater assembly 10 is a battery-free system that uses a structural thermal system comprising intentional mechanical interfaces and thermal elements that serve dual roles as retention features and heat transfer pathways. This structural thermal system allows heat transfer, airflow conditioning, and thermal equilibrium to be governed by the physical relationships between components of the system, rather than by electronics. As a result, the heater assembly 10 can deliver repeatable conduction vaporization, convection vaporization, or a mix of conduction and convection vaporization, referred to as hybrid vaporization, when the heater assembly 10 is heated by an external source (not illustrated).

[0047] The heater assembly 10 forms a component of battery-free vaporizer device (not illustrated). The heater assembly 10 as disclosed herein is accordingly not provided as a stand-alone product, but is instead configured for coupling to one of a variety of complimentary structures having varying shapes and configurations, for example, various mouthpieces (not illustrated) of vaporizer devices, thereby enhancing the versatility of the heater assembly 10 for a wide variety of different potential vaporizer device configurations.

[0048] Various aspects of the heater assembly 10 as well as the complimentary structure of the vaporizer device are described hereinafter as being tubular in configuration. As used herein, the term “tubular” does not necessarily refer to a cylindrical or other axially symmetric and hollow structure, but instead refers to any structure having a hollow opening elongated in an axial direction of the structure. For example, each of the components described hereinafter as being substantially cylindrical in shape may be replaced with corresponding components having a different closed polygonal cross-sectional shape, such as a square shape, a rectangular shape, a hexagonal shape, or the like, without departing from the scope of the present invention, so long as the resulting heater assembly 10 maintains the same general relationships described hereinafter. More specifically, such alternative cross-sectional shapes may be utilized so long as the heater assembly 10 maintains the same general flow configurations as described herein while also maintaining the ability to couple the heater assembly 10 to a corresponding complimentary structure for forming an exemplary vaporizer device. Further references to such axially symmetric features, such as cylindrical or annular shapes or surfaces, are accordingly not intended to be limiting to the scope of the present invention.

[0049] The heater assembly 10 comprises an upper assembly 100, a thermal capacitor 200, and a vaporization chamber 300. In an exemplary embodiment and as illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the upper assembly 100, the thermal capacitor 200, and the vaporization chamber 300 are each substantially cylindrical in shape.

[0050] The upper assembly 100 extends axially from a first end 102 to a second end 104, and is generally tubular in structure. The upper assembly 100 may be comprised of any material as desired. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper assembly 100 is comprised of a metal, a ceramic, a composite material, or any combination thereof, as non-limiting examples. The first end 102 of the upper assembly 100 may also include a cap 108 which closes the first end 102 of the upper assembly 100 in order to retain components within the upper assembly 100. The second end 104 of the upper assembly 100, in an embodiment, provides an opening 110 which allows for access to an inside of the upper assembly 100 and an inner surface 112 of the upper assembly 100.

[0051] The first end 102 also includes, in an embodiment, one or more apertures 106 that act as air inlets for the heater assembly 10 disposed on the surface of the first end 102 of the upper assembly 100. In an embodiment, the one or more apertures 106 extend circumferentially around the surface of the first end 102 of the upper assembly 100, allowing for air to be drawn into the heater assembly 10 from a multitude of directions. However, it should be appreciated that the one or more apertures 106 may be disposed on the upper assembly 100 in any pattern as desired to facilitate air intake into the heater assembly 10.

[0052] The inner surface 112 of the first end 102 of the upper assembly 100 also includes a mechanical engagement portion 114 to allow for the thermal capacitor 200 to be removably retained within the upper assembly 100. The mechanical engagement portion 114 may have any mechanical engagement structure as desired. In an embodiment, the mechanical engagement portion 114 comprises a press-fit engagement structure as a non-limiting example. In an exemplary embodiment, and as illustrated in FIG. 6, the mechanical engagement portion 114 is a threaded engagement portion with a plurality of threads which retains the thermal capacitor 200 within the first end 102 of the upper assembly 100, as a non-limiting example. Additionally, the inner surface 112 of the second end 104 of the upper assembly 100 also includes a mechanical engagement portion 116 to allow for the vaporization chamber 300 to be removably retained within the upper assembly 100. The mechanical engagement portion 116 may have any mechanical engagement structure as desired. In an embodiment, the mechanical engagement portion 116 comprises a press-fit engagement structure as a non-limiting example. In an exemplary embodiment, and as illustrated in FIG. 6, the mechanical engagement portion 116 is a threaded engagement portion having a plurality of threads which retains the vaporization chamber 300 within the second end 104 of the upper assembly 100, as a non-limiting example.

[0053] The thermal capacitor 200 extends axially from a first end 202 to a second end 204, with a body 206 disposed therebetween. The thermal capacitor 200 may be comprised of any material as desired. In an exemplary embodiment, the thermal capacitor 200 is comprised of a metal, such as stainless steel or titanium, a glass, such as machined borosilicate, a composite material, a ceramic material, or combinations thereof, as non-limiting examples.

[0054] The first end 202 of the thermal capacitor 200 also includes a base 208 and a recess 210. The base 208 may have any shape and size as desired. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the base 208 is cylindrical in structure and has a slightly smaller circumference than a circumference of the upper assembly 100. The recess 210, in an embodiment, is a cut out between the base 208 and the body 206 of the thermal capacitor 200. The recess 210 may be any size and have any shape as desired in order to provide a flow path from the one or more apertures 106 of the upper assembly 100 and through the recess 210. In an embodiment, the recess 210 is cylindrical in structure and has a smaller circumference than a circumference of the base 208 and the body 206 of the thermal capacitor 200.

[0055] The body 206 of the thermal capacitor 200 may be a solid body, a hollow body, or a partially hollow body as desired. In an exemplary embodiment and in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the body 206 of the thermal capacitor 200 is a solid body that extends axially from the first end 202 to the second end 204 of the thermal capacitor 200. The body 206 also includes an outer surface 212. The outer surface 212 may take any form as desired. In an embodiment, the outer surface 212 of the body 206 of the thermal capacitor 200 may be smooth or textured as desired.

[0056] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the outer surface 212 of the body 206 includes one or more raised portions 214 and one or more recessed portions 216. In this embodiment, the raised portions 214 may have a reciprocating mechanical engagement portion 218 to the mechanical engagement portion 114 of the upper assembly 100. The mechanical engagement portion 218 may have any mechanical engagement structure as desired. In an embodiment, the mechanical engagement portion 218 comprises a press-fit engagement structure as a non-limiting example. In an exemplary embodiment, and as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 6, the mechanical engagement portion 218 is a threaded engagement portion having a plurality of threads which interacts with the mechanical engagement portion 114 to retain the thermal capacitor 200 within the first end 102 of the upper assembly 100, as a non-limiting example.

[0057] The one or more recessed portions 216 of the body 206 of the thermal capacitor 200 are formed along the outer surface 212 and within the body 206 of the thermal capacitor 200 to provide a flow path for air to flow along the body 206. In this way, the flow path created within the recessed portion 216 of the body 206 allows air to flow along the outer surface 212 of the body 206 of the thermal capacitor 200, allowing for heat exchange to occur between the thermal capacitor 200 and the air flowing through the recessed portions 216. In particular, air drawn through the one or more apertures 106 is directed into the recess 210 and along the recessed portions 216 where it exchanges heat with the thermal capacitor 200. When the upper assembly 100 and / or the thermal capacitor 200 is heated by an external source, the thermal capacitor 200 conducts thermal energy and acts as a thermal battery such that incoming air is thermally conditioned prior to entering the vaporization chamber 300. As a result, convection heating is an inherent consequence of the assembly architecture and thermal placement, with airflow conditioned by the thermal capacitor 200 before contacting material within the vaporization chamber 300. The mechanical engagement portions 114, 218 also provide increased surface contact in order to facilitate heat transfer between the upper assembly 100 and the thermal capacitor 200, allowing for increased heat exchange.

[0058] The recessed portions 216 may have any geometry as desired. In an exemplary embodiment, the recessed portions 216 are formed vertically along the outer surface 212 of the body 206. In another embodiment, and in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the recessed portions 216 are formed at an angle, such as a 45-degree angle as a non-limiting example, along the outer surface 212 of the body 206. In this embodiment, the angle of the recessed portions 216 may be any angle as desired.

[0059] The second end 204 of the thermal capacitor 200 may, in some embodiments, provide an opening (not illustrated) to facilitate for a flow of air through the thermal capacitor 200. However, in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the second end 204 of the thermal capacitor 200 is a closed end.

[0060] The vaporization chamber 300 extends axially from a first end 302 to a second end 304, with a body 306 disposed therebetween. The vaporization chamber 300 is generally tubular in structure. The vaporization chamber 300 may be comprised of any material as desired. In an exemplary embodiment, the vaporization chamber 300 is comprised of a metal, a ceramic, a composite material, or any combination thereof, as non-limiting examples.

[0061] The first end 302 of the vaporization chamber 300 includes an opening 308, an outer surface 310, and an inner surface 312. The outer surface 310 of the first end 302 of the vaporization chamber 300 includes a reciprocating mechanical engagement portion 314 to the mechanical engagement portion 116 of the upper assembly 100. The mechanical engagement portions 314 may have any mechanical engagement structure as desired. In an embodiment, the mechanical engagement portion 314 comprises a press-fit engagement structure as a non-limiting example. In an exemplary embodiment, and as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 6, the mechanical engagement portion 314 is a threaded engagement portion having a plurality of threads which interacts with the mechanical engagement portion 116 to retain the vaporization chamber 300 within the second end 104 of the upper assembly 100, as a non-limiting example.

[0062] In exemplary embodiments, the mechanical engagement portions 116, 314 are engineered to increase surface contact between the vaporization chamber 300 and the upper assembly 100, and function as deliberate heat exchange pathways so that heat conducted through the walls of the upper assembly 100 is efficiently transferred into the walls of the vaporization chamber 300. In use, this direct heat transfer into the chamber walls defines a conduction mode of heating in which a material within a hollow chamber 316 and along the inner surface 312 is heated conductively from the heated chamber surfaces, vaporizing the material within the hollow chamber 316.

[0063] The inner surface 312 of the first end 302 of the vaporization chamber 300 forms the hollow chamber 316 within the first end 302 of the vaporization chamber 300. The hollow chamber 316 is defined by the opening 308 of the vaporization chamber 300 and a screen 318, which the screen 318 is disposed opposite the opening 308 and within the hollow chamber 316.

[0064] The screen 318 may be any screen or diffuser as desired in order to prevent debris from exiting the hollow chamber 316. In an exemplary embodiment illustrated by FIG. 4, the screen 318 includes a plurality of fins 320 extending radially inward from an outer edge 322 of the screen 318. This structure allows for air to flow through the screen 318 while preventing debris from exiting the hollow chamber 316 through the screen 318.

[0065] The body 306 of the vaporization chamber 300 is tubular in structure and has an outer surface 324 and an inner surface 326. The outer surface 324 may be smooth in an exemplary embodiment. In another embodiment, and in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the outer surface 324 of the body 306 has a plurality of ribs 328 extending from the outer surface 324. The ribs 328 may be ornamental in nature. It should be appreciated, however, that the outer surface 324 may have any structure as desired. The inner surface 326 of the body 306 of the vaporization chamber 300 forms a tubular aperture 330 which fluidly connects the first end 302 of the vaporization chamber 300, and the hollow chamber 316 and the screen 318, with the second end 304 of the vaporization chamber 300.

[0066] The second end 304 of the vaporization chamber 300 includes an outer surface 332, an inner surface 334, and an opening 336. In an embodiment, the inner surface 334 of the second end 304 includes a mechanical engagement portion 338 to a reciprocal mechanical engagement portion of a further component of a vaporizer, such as a mouthpiece structure (not illustrated). The mechanical engagement portion 338 may have any mechanical engagement structure as desired. In an embodiment, the mechanical engagement portion 338 a press-fit engagement structure as a non-limiting example. In another embodiment, the mechanical engagement portion 338 is an O-ring engagement structure as a non-limiting example. In an exemplary embodiment, and as illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the mechanical engagement portion 338 is a threaded engagement portion having a plurality of threads which interacts with a threaded engagement portion of the further component of a vaporizer, as a non-limiting example. In another embodiment, the mechanical engagement portion 338 is disposed on the outer surface 332 of the second end 304 of the vaporization chamber 300.

[0067] In this way, the heater assembly 10 is removably coupled to the further component of a vaporizer, as a non-limiting example. Additionally, removably coupling the heater assembly 10 to the further component of a vaporizer allows for the air to flow through the heater assembly 10, exiting the heater assembly 10 through the opening 336, and to the further component of a vaporizer.

[0068] The heater assembly 10, in some embodiments, may also include one or more thermal indicators 400. The thermal indicators 400 may be any thermal indicators as desired and may be comprised of any material. In an exemplary embodiment, the thermal indicators 400 are bi-metallic thermostat discs that produce an audible response upon reaching a threshold temperature corresponding to a predefined thermal zone of the assembly. For example, the heater assembly 10 may include two thermal indicators 400, including a low temperature thermal indicator 402, and a high temperature thermal indicator 404. Once a temperature within the heater assembly 10 reaches a threshold temperature corresponding to the low temperature thermal indicator 402, the low temperature thermal indicator 402 may produce an audible noise alerting a user that the threshold temperature corresponding to the low temperature thermal indicator 402 has been reached. Additionally, once a temperature within the heater assembly 10 reaches a threshold temperature corresponding to the high temperature thermal indicator 404, the high temperature thermal indicator 404 may produce an audible noise alerting a user that the threshold temperature corresponding to the low temperature thermal indicator 402 has been reached. However, it may be appreciated that thermal indicators 400 may be implemented within the heater assembly 10 using any method as desired. The thermal indicators 400 may also be disposed within the heater assembly 10 in any manner desired. In an exemplary embodiment, and as illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the thermal indicators 400 are disposed within the first end 102 of the upper assembly 100, and are removably secured within the first end 102 though mechanical retention, including press-fit or other mechanical retention, as a non-limiting example.

[0069] The heater assembly 10 in an exemplary embodiment and as illustrated in FIGS. 1-6 may be assembled as follows. The following assembly is not intended to be limiting, and merely represents one embodiment of the current disclosure. Other assemblies may be used for the heater assembly 10 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0070] In an embodiment, the thermal capacitor 200 is placed within the upper assembly 100 of the heater assembly 10. The thermal capacitor 200 is removably coupled within the upper assembly 100 through an interaction between mechanical engagement portions 114, 218. In an exemplary embodiment, the mechanical engagement portions 114, 218 are reciprocal threaded portions which removably couple the thermal capacitor 200 to the inner surface 112 of the upper assembly 100. The thermal capacitor 200 is retained in the upper assembly 100 at a position within the upper assembly 100 so that the one or more apertures 106 are aligned with the recess 210 of the thermal capacitor 200. In some embodiments, one or more thermal indicators 400 are placed within the first end 102 of the upper assembly 100 before the thermal capacitor 200 is placed within the upper assembly 100. In some embodiments, a high temperature thermal indicator 404 is placed within the first end 102 before a low temperature thermal indicator 402 is placed within the first end 102 prior to the thermal capacitor 200 being placed within the first end 102 of the upper assembly 100.

[0071] The vaporization chamber 300 is also removably coupled to the upper assembly 100 through an interaction between mechanical engagement portions 116, 314. In an exemplary embodiment, the mechanical engagement portions 116, 314 are reciprocal threaded portions which removably couples the vaporization chamber 300 to the inner surface 112 of the upper assembly 100. The vaporization chamber 300 is also coupled to a further component of a vaporizer, such as a mouthpiece, through an interaction between the mechanical engagement portion 338 of the vaporization chamber 300 and a mechanical engagement portion of the further component. In an exemplary embodiment, the mechanical engagement portion 338 is a threaded engagement portion having a plurality of threads which interacts with a threaded engagement portion of the further component of a vaporizer, as a non-limiting example. In this way, the heater assembly 10 is removably coupled to the further component of a vaporizer, such as a mouthpiece, allowing the heater assembly 10 to be used in a vaporizer assembly.

[0072] The heater assembly 10 allows the user to choose between convection heating, conduction heating, or hybrid heating. The heater assembly 10 may be externally heated using any desired method or apparatus. In an exemplary embodiment, the heater assembly 10 is heated through use of a butane torch or an induction heating field, as non-limiting examples. When external heat is applied preferentially to the first end 102 of the upper assembly 100 and the thermal capacitor 200, a greater proportion of thermal energy is transferred from the upper assembly 100 to the thermal capacitor 200, directing the thermal energy to the thermal capacitor 200. This forces the air flowing through the heater assembly 10 to be thermally conditioned by the thermal capacitor 200 before entering the vaporization chamber 300, leading to convective heating of a material within the hollow chamber 316 of the vaporization chamber 300. When heat is applied closer to the second end 104 of the upper assembly 100 and the vaporization chamber 300, a chamber-interface region defined by mechanical engagement portions 116, 314 receives the thermal energy and heats the inner surface 312 of the hollow chamber 316. This allows for a greater proportion of the thermal energy to be conducted directly into the hollow chamber to favor conduction heating of the material within the hollow chamber 316. Hybrid heating and vaporization occurs when the application of thermal energy occurs across both the first end 102 and the second end 104 of the upper assembly 100. Hybrid vaporization behavior results when both concurrent airflow-conditioned convection and chamber-wall conduction occurs within the heater assembly 10.

[0073] In operation, user-applied suction or pressure differential draws ambient air into the heater assembly 10 through the apertures 106 at the first end 102. The incoming air is directed into the recess 210 of the thermal capacitor 200 and along the recessed portions 216 of the body 206 where it exchanges heat with the thermal capacitor 200 acting as a thermal battery. Thermally conditioned air then passes toward the first end 302 of the vaporization chamber 300 through the opening 308, and enters the hollow chamber 316 to contact a material for convective and / or conductive heating and production of vapor. The flow subsequently continues through the screen 318 and the tubular aperture 330 defined by the inner surface 326 and exits the heater assembly 10 via the opening 336 at the second end 304 into the further component of the vaporizer, such as a mouthpiece, which then discharges the vapor to the user.

[0074] The heater assembly 10 allows for the user of a modular vaporizer which has the heater assembly 10 attached to enjoy a battery-free vaporizer experience that is free from excessively-heated vapor. The heater assembly 10 also provides a consistent vaping experience that allows the user to select from conduction heating and vaporization, convection heating and vaporization, and hybrid heating and vaporization, which is a mix of conduction and convection heating and vaporization, without the need to remove and replace various components of the modular vaporizer. The heater assembly 10 is also modular and may be disassembled, making it easy to sanitize and clean when necessary.

[0075] From the foregoing description, one ordinarily skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this disclosure and, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications to the disclosure to adapt it to various usages and conditions.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0039]The following description of technology is merely exemplary in nature of the subject matter, manufacture and use of one or more disclosures, and is not intended to limit the scope, application, or uses of any specific disclosure claimed in this application or in such other applications as may be filed claiming priority to this application, or patents issuing therefrom. Regarding methods disclosed, the order of the steps presented is exemplary in nature, and thus, the order of the steps can be different in various embodiments. “A” and “an” as used herein indicate “at least one” of the item is present; a plurality of such items may be present, when possible. Except where otherwise expressly indicated, all numerical quantities in this description are to be understood as modified by the word “about” and all geometric and spatial descriptors are to be understood as modified by the word “substantially” in describing the broadest scope of the technology. “About” when applied to numer...

Claims

1. A heater assembly for a vaporizer, comprising:an upper assembly extending axially from a first end to a second end, the upper assembly comprising:one or more apertures disposed on an outer surface of the upper assembly;a first mechanical engagement portion disposed along an inner surface of the first end of the upper assembly; anda second mechanical engagement portion disposed along an inner surface of the second end of the upper assembly;a thermal capacitor including a body with an outer surface having a third mechanical engagement portion, wherein the outer surface of the body includes at least one airflow pathway; anda vaporization chamber including a first end, an inner surface forming a hollow chamber, and an outer surface having a fourth mechanical engagement portion;wherein a heat transfer occurs between the upper assembly and the thermal capacitor, and wherein a heat transfer occurs between the upper assembly and the vaporization chamber.

2. The heater assembly of claim 1, wherein the thermal capacitor is removably retained to the upper assembly by an engagement between the first mechanical engagement portion and the third mechanical engagement portion.

3. The heater assembly of claim 2, wherein the engagement between the first mechanical engagement portion and the third mechanical engagement portion is a threaded engagement.

4. The heater assembly of claim 2, wherein the engagement between the first mechanical engagement portion and the third mechanical engagement portion is a press-fit engagement.

5. The heater assembly of claim 1, wherein the vaporization chamber is removably retained to the upper assembly by an engagement between the second mechanical engagement portion and the fourth mechanical engagement portion.

6. The heater assembly of claim 5, wherein the engagement between the second mechanical engagement portion and the fourth mechanical engagement portion is a threaded engagement.

7. The heater assembly of claim 5, wherein the engagement between the second mechanical engagement portion and the fourth mechanical engagement portion is a press-fit engagement.

8. The heater assembly of claim 1, wherein the heater assembly further comprises one or more thermal indicators disposed within the upper assembly.

9. The heater assembly of claim 8, wherein at least one thermal indicator is a low temperature thermal indicator.

10. The heater assembly of claim 8, wherein at least one thermal indicator is a high temperature thermal indicator.

11. The heater assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one airflow pathway of the thermal capacitor exchanges heat with air flowing past the thermal capacitor.

12. The heater assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one airflow pathway comprises one or more recessed portions formed along the outer surface of the body of the thermal capacitor.

13. The heater assembly of claim 1, wherein the apertures are disposed on the outer surface of the upper assembly to direct air to the airflow pathway.

14. The heater assembly of claim 1, wherein the vaporization chamber further includes a screen disposed within the hollow chamber.

15. The heater assembly of claim 14, wherein the screen includes a plurality of fins extending radially inward from an outer edge of the screen.

16. A heater assembly for a vaporizer, comprising:an upper assembly extending axially from a first end to a second end, the upper assembly comprising:one or more apertures disposed on an outer surface of the upper assembly;a first mechanical engagement portion disposed along an inner surface of the first end of the upper assembly; anda second mechanical engagement portion disposed along an inner surface of the second end of the upper assembly;a thermal capacitor including a body with an outer surface having a third mechanical engagement portion, wherein the outer surface of the body includes at least one airflow pathway; anda vaporization chamber including a first end, an inner surface forming a hollow chamber, a screen disposed within the hollow chamber, and an outer surface having a fourth mechanical engagement portion;wherein the thermal capacitor is removably retained to the upper assembly by a threaded engagement between the first mechanical engagement portion and the third mechanical engagement portion;wherein the vaporization chamber is removably retained to the upper assembly by a threaded engagement between the second mechanical engagement portion and the fourth mechanical engagement portion; andwherein a heat transfer occurs between the upper assembly and the thermal capacitor, and wherein a heat transfer occurs between the upper assembly and the vaporization chamber.

17. A method of hybrid vaporization using a heater assembly, the method comprising:providing a heater assembly, the heater assembly comprising:an upper assembly extending axially from a first end to a second end, the upper assembly comprising:one or more apertures disposed on an outer surface of the upper assembly;a first mechanical engagement portion disposed along an inner surface of the first end of the upper assembly; anda second mechanical engagement portion disposed along an inner surface of the second end of the upper assembly;a thermal capacitor including a body with an outer surface having a third mechanical engagement portion, wherein the outer surface of the body includes at least one airflow pathway; anda vaporization chamber including a first end, an inner surface forming a hollow chamber, and an outer surface having a fourth mechanical engagement portion;wherein a heat transfer occurs between the upper assembly and the thermal capacitor, and wherein a heat transfer occurs between the upper assembly and the vaporization chamber; andapplying external heat across both the first end and the second end of the upper assembly.

18. The method of hybrid vaporization of claim 17, the method further comprising directing ambient air through the one or more apertures and into the thermal capacitor, and directing the ambient air along the at least one airflow pathway of the body of the thermal capacitor to convectively exchange heat with the thermal capacitor.

19. The method of hybrid vaporization of claim 18, the method further comprising directing the convectively heated ambient air from the thermal capacitor and through the vaporization chamber to contact a material while the material is also heated conductively in the hollow chamber to produce a vapor.

20. The method of hybrid vaporization of claim 19, the method further comprising discharging the produced vapor through an opening at the second end of the vaporization chamber.

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