Cartridge for a vaporizer device

Abstract

Various implementations and aspects related to a vaporizer are disclosed herein. A vaporizer cartridge can include an overflow volume configured to direct a vaporizable material from a reservoir to an atomizer housing. The overflow volume and the atomizer housing can be integrally formed. The atomizer housing includes a heating element and an atomizer plate having various features that prevent liquid leakage from a wick and / or from the atomizer housing.

Description

CARTRIDGE FOR A VAPORIZER DEVICE

[0001] The current application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 747,569 filed January 21, 2025, entitled “CARTRIDGE FOR A VAPORIZER DEVICE” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The disclosed subject matter generally relates to features of a cartridge for a vaporizer, and in some examples to leak management of liquid vaporizable material, control of airflow within and near a cartridge, heating of vaporizable material to result in formation of an aerosol, and / or other assembly features of the cartridge and a device to which it may be separably connected.BACKGROUND

[0003] Vaporizer devices, which are generally referred to herein as vaporizers, include devices that heat a vaporizable material (e.g., a liquid, a plant material, some other solid, a wax, etc.) to a temperature sufficient to release one or more compounds from the vaporizable material into a form (e.g., a gas, an aerosol, etc.) that may be inhaled by a user of the vaporizer. Some vaporizers, for example those in which at least one of the compounds released from the vaporizable material is nicotine, may be useful as an alternative to smoking of combustible cigarettes.

[0004] A typical approach by which a vaporizer device generates an inhalable aerosol from a vaporizable material involves drawing the vaporizable material from a reservoir and into a vaporization chamber via a wick (a wicking element), and heating the vaporizable material in a vaporization chamber (or an atomizer housing) to cause the vaporizable material to be converted to the gas (or vapor) phase. However, leakage may happen as a pressure increase occurs in the reservoir, relative to the ambient pressure (e.g. pressure inside the reservoir increases, or ambient pressure decreases), or as a result of capillary forces created by small gaps between different components outside of the reservoir or the atomizer housing. In some vaporizer device implementations, complex molded parts that involve multiple assembly steps are required to solvethese issues. As such, improved vaporization devices and / or vaporization cartridges that improve upon or overcome these issues are desired.SUMMARY

[0005] For purposes of summarizing, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features have been described herein. It is to be understood that not all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment. Thus, the disclosed subject matter may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages without achieving all advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The various features and items described herein may be incorporated together or separable, except as would not be feasible based on the current disclosure and what a skilled artisan would understand from it.

[0006] In one aspect, a cartridge for a vaporizer device is disclosed. The cartridge includes a reservoir configured to hold a vaporizable material, an atomizer housing, and an atomizer including an atomizer plate and a heating element coupled to the atomizer plate, wherein the atomizer housing is configured to insertably receive the atomizer. The cartridge fiirther includes an overflow volume configured to retain at least a portion of the vaporizable material and feed the vaporizable material to the atomizer, wherein the atomizer housing is coupled to the overflow volume. The atomizer housing includes a first end formed integrally with the overflow volume and a second end open to insertably receive at least a portion of the atomizer.

[0007] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the heating element includes a heating portion configured to heat the vaporizable material.

[0008] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the atomizer housing is coupled to the atomizer plate.

[0009] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the atomizer housing is coupled to the atomizer plate by welding.

[0010] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the heating element further includes one or more heater legs extending from the heating portion and coupled to the atomizer plate, forming a gap between the heating portion and the atomizer plate.

[0011] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the atomizer further includes a wick configured to draw the vaporizable material from the reservoir, the wick positioned at least partially within the atomizer housing.

[0012] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the heating portion of the heating element including a plurality of tines shaped to receive the wick.

[0013] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the wick is positioned between the overflow volume and the atomizer plate.

[0014] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the wick is compressed between the overflow volume and the heating element.

[0015] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the atomizer further includes one or more compression tabs configured to apply horizontal compression to at least a portion of the wick.

[0016] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the atomizer housing further including one or more compression ridges configured to apply horizontal compression to at least a portion of the wick.

[0017] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the wick includes a first area and a second area.

[0018] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the first area of the wick is at least partially in contact with the heating portion of the heating element; and wherein the second area of the wick is at least partially in liquid communication with the reservoir.

[0019] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the heating element further includes one or more compression tabs and configured to apply horizontal compression to the wick between the first area and the second area of the wick.

[0020] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the atomizer housing further includes one or more compression ribs extending from an interior surface of the atomizer housing and configured to apply horizontal compression to the wick between the first area and the second area of the wick.

[0021] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the one or more heater legs are inserted through one or more openings on the atomizer plate and are folded toward a bottom surface of the atomizer plate to form one or more heater contacts.

[0022] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the one or more heater contacts are aligned along a longitudinal central axis of the bottom surface of the atomizer plate.

[0023] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the atomizer housing further including a reduced cross-sectional area portion.

[0024] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the atomizer plate includes a first plate and a second plate, and one or more air inlets formed through at least one of the first plate and the second plate.

[0025] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the one or more heater legs are positioned between the first plate and the second plate.

[0026] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the atomizer plate further includes a third plate coupled to the first plate and the second plate, wherein the third plate includes one or more air inlets.

[0027] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the third plate is coupled to the first plate and the second plate at a substantial center of the atomizer plate.

[0028] A variation of the aspect above is, the one or more air inlets of the third plate align substantially with the one or more air inlets of the first plate and the second plate.

[0029] A variation of the aspect above is, at least one of the first plate and the second plate includes guide rails configured to receive the third plate.

[0030] In another aspect, a vaporizer device is disclosed. The vaporizer device includes a cartridge. The cartridge includes a reservoir configured to hold a vaporizable material, an atomizer housing, and an atomizer including an atomizer plate and a heating element coupled to the atomizer plate, wherein the atomizer housing is configured to insertably receive the atomizer. The cartridge further includes an overflow volume configured to retain at least a portion of the vaporizable material and feed the vaporizable material to the atomizer, wherein the atomizer housing is coupled to the overflow volume. The atomizer housing includes a first end formed integrally with theoverflow volume and a second end open to insertably receive at least a portion of the atomizer. The vaporizer device also includes a device body including a power source and a cartridge receptacle, the cartridge receptacle positioned on an end of the device body and configured to insertably receive the cartridge.

[0031] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the heating element includes a heating portion configured to heat the vaporizable material.

[0032] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the atomizer housing is coupled to the atomizer plate.

[0033] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the heating element further includes one or more heater legs extending from the heating portion and coupled to the atomizer plate, forming a gap between the heating portion and the atomizer plate.

[0034] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the atomizer further includes a wick configured to draw the vaporizable material from the reservoir, the wick positioned at least partially within the atomizer housing.

[0035] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the heating portion of the heating element including a plurality of tines shaped to receive the wick.

[0036] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the wick is compressed between the overflow volume and the heating element.

[0037] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the atomizer further includes one or more compression tabs configured to apply horizontal compression to at least a portion of the wick.

[0038] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the atomizer housing further including one or more compression ridges configured to apply horizontal compression to at least a portion of the wick.

[0039] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the wick includes a first area and a second area.

[0040] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the first area of the wick is at least partially in contact with the heating portion of the heating element; and wherein the second area of the wick is at least partially in liquid communication with the reservoir.

[0041] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the heating element further includes one or more compression tabs and configured to apply horizontal compression to the wick between the first area and the second area of the wick.

[0042] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the atomizer housing further includes one or more compression ribs extending from an interior surface of the atomizer housing and configured to apply horizontal compression to the wick between the first area and the second area of the wick.

[0043] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the one or more heater legs are inserted through one or more openings on the atomizer plate and are folded toward a bottom surface of the atomizer plate to form one or more heater contacts.

[0044] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the one or more heater contacts are aligned along a longitudinal central axis of the bottom surface of the atomizer plate.

[0045] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the atomizer housing further including a reduced cross-sectional area portion.

[0046] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the atomizer plate includes a first plate and a second plate, and one or more air inlets formed through at least one of the first plate and the second plate.

[0047] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the one or more heater legs are positioned between the first plate and the second plate.

[0048] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the atomizer plate further includes a third plate coupled to the first plate and the second plate, wherein the third plate includes one or more air inlets.

[0049] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the third plate is coupled to the first plate and the second plate at a substantial center of the atomizer plate.

[0050] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the cartridge receptacle comprise an electrical interface configured to electrically connect with the cartridge.

[0051] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the power source of the device body is configured to provide power to the heating element through the electrical interface.

[0052] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the cartridge receptacle is configured to allow a flow of air to enter the cartridge when the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge receptacle.

[0053] In another aspect, a cartridge for a vaporizer device is disclosed. The cartridge includes a reservoir, an atomizer housing, and an atomizer. The reservoir is configured to hold a vaporizable material. The atomizer housing is coupled to the reservoir. The atomizer includes an atomizer plate and a heating element coupled to the atomizer plate, wherein the atomizer housing is configured to insertably receive the atomizer. The atomizer housing includes a first end formed integrally with the reservoir and a second end open to insertably receive at least a portion of the atomizer.

[0054] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the heating element includes a heating portion configured to heat the vaporizable material.

[0055] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the atomizer housing is coupled to the atomizer plate.

[0056] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the atomizer housing is coupled to the atomizer plate by welding.

[0057] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the heating element further includes one or more heater legs extending from the heating portion and coupled to the atomizer plate, forming a gap between the heating portion and the atomizer plate.

[0058] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the atomizer further includes a wick configured to draw the vaporizable material from the reservoir, the wick positioned at least partially within the atomizer housing.

[0059] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the heating portion of the heating element comprising a plurality of tines shaped to receive the wick.

[0060] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the wick is positioned between the reservoir and the atomizer plate.

[0061] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the wick is compressed between the reservoir and the heating element.

[0062] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the atomizer further includes one or more compression tabs configured to apply horizontal compression to at least a portion of the wick.

[0063] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the atomizer housing further comprising one or more compression ridges configured to apply horizontal compression to at least a portion of the wick.

[0064] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the wick includes a first area and a second area.

[0065] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the first area of the wick is at least partially in contact with the heating portion of the heating element; and wherein the second area of the wick is at least partially in liquid communication with the reservoir.

[0066] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the heating element further includes one or more compression tabs and configured to apply horizontal compression to the wick between the first area and the second area of the wick.

[0067] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the atomizer housing further includes one or more compression ribs extending from an interior surface of the atomizer housing and configured to apply horizontal compression to the wick between the first area and the second area of the wick.

[0068] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the one or more heater legs are inserted through one or more openings on the atomizer plate and are folded toward a bottom surface of the atomizer plate to form one or more heater contacts.

[0069] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the one or more heater contacts are aligned along a longitudinal central axis of the bottom surface of the atomizer plate.

[0070] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the atomizer housing further comprising a reduced cross-sectional area portion.

[0071] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the atomizer plate includes a first plate and a second plate, and one or more air inlets formed through at least one of the first plate and the second plate.

[0072] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the one or more heater legs are positioned between the first plate and the second plate.

[0073] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the atomizer plate further includes a third plate coupled to the first plate and the second plate, wherein the third plate includes one or more air inlets.

[0074] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the third plate is coupled to the first plate and the second plate at a substantial center of the atomizer plate.

[0075] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the one or more air inlets of the third plate align substantially with the one or more air inlets of the first plate and the second plate.

[0076] A variation of the aspect further includes at least one of the first plate and the second plate includes guide rails configured to receive the third plate.

[0077] In another aspect, a vaporizer device is disclosed. The vaporizer device includes a cartridge and a device body. The cartridge includes a reservoir, an atomizer housing, and an atomizer. The reservoir is configured to hold a vaporizable material. The atomizer housing is coupled to the reservoir. The atomizer includes an atomizer plate and a heating element coupled to the atomizer plate, wherein the atomizer housing is configured to insertably receive the atomizer. The atomizer housing includes a first end formed integrally with the reservoir and a second end open to insertably receive at least a portion of the atomizer. The device body includes a power source and a cartridge receptacle, the cartridge receptacle positioned on an end of the device body and configured to insertably receive the cartridge.

[0078] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the heating element includes a heating portion configured to heat the vaporizable material.

[0079] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the atomizer housing is coupled to the atomizer plate.

[0080] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the heating element further includes one or more heater legs extending from the heating portion and coupled to the atomizer plate, forming a gap between the heating portion and the atomizer plate.

[0081] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the atomizer further includes a wick configured to draw the vaporizable material from the reservoir, the wick positioned at least partially within the atomizer housing.

[0082] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the heating portion of the heating element comprising a plurality of tines shaped to receive the wick.

[0083] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the wick is compressed between the overflow volume and the heating element.

[0084] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the atomizer further includes one or more compression tabs configured to apply horizontal compression to at least a portion of the wick.

[0085] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the atomizer housing further comprising one or more compression ridges configured to apply horizontal compression to at least a portion of the wick.

[0086] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the wick includes a first area and a second area.

[0087] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the first area of the wick is at least partially in contact with the heating portion of the heating element; and wherein the second area of the wick is at least partially in liquid communication with the reservoir.

[0088] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the heating element further includes one or more compression tabs and configured to apply horizontal compression to the wick between the first area and the second area of the wick.

[0089] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the atomizer housing further includes one or more compression ribs extending from an interior surface of the atomizer housing and configured to apply horizontal compression to the wick between the first area and the second area of the wick.

[0090] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the one or more heater legs are inserted through one or more openings on the atomizer plate and are folded toward a bottom surface of the atomizer plate to form one or more heater contacts.

[0091] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the one or more heater contacts are aligned along a longitudinal central axis of the bottom surface of the atomizer plate.

[0092] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the atomizer housing further comprising a reduced cross-sectional area portion.

[0093] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the atomizer plate includes a first plate and a second plate, and one or more air inlets formed through at least one of the first plate and the second plate.

[0094] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the one or more heater legs are positioned between the first plate and the second plate.

[0095] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the atomizer plate further includes a third plate coupled to the first plate and the second plate, wherein the third plate includes one or more air inlets.

[0096] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the third plate is coupled to the first plate and the second plate at a substantial center of the atomizer plate.

[0097] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the cartridge receptacle comprise an electrical interface configured to electrically connect with the cartridge.

[0098] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the power source of the device body is configured to provide power to the heating element through the electrical interface.

[0099] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the cartridge receptacle is configured to allow a flow of air to enter the cartridge when the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge receptacle.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0100] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, show certain aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and, together with the description, help explain some of the principles associated with the disclosed implementations as provided below.

[0101] FIG. 1 shows a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a vaporizer cartridge coupled to a vaporizer device according to this disclosure, taken along a longitudinal plane.

[0102] FIG. 2A shows a side internal view of an embodiment of a vaporizer cartridge according to this disclosure, taken along a longitudinal plane.

[0103] FIG. 2B shows a top perspective of an overflow volume and an atomizer housing of the vaporizer cartridge of FIG. 2 A.

[0104] FIG. 2C shows a bottom perspective view of an atomizer of the vaporizer cartridge of FIG. 2A without a wick.

[0105] FIG. 2D shows a bottom perspective view of the atomizer of FIG. 2C.

[0106] FIG. 2E shows a side cross-section view of the atomizer of FIG. 2C, taken along a longitudinal plane.

[0107] FIG. 3 A shows a side cross-section view of the overflow volume, the atomizer housing of FIG. 2B, and the atomizer of FIG. 2C inside the atomizer housing, taken along a longitudinal plane.

[0108] FIG. 3B shows a bottom view of the atomizer housing of FIG. 2B.

[0109] FIG. 3C shows a top perspective view of an atomizer of FIG. 2C.

[0110] FIG. 4A shows a top view of the atomizer of FIG. 2C inside the atomizer housing of FIG. 2B.

[0111] FIG.4B shows a top perspective view of the overflow volume and the atomizer housing of FIG. 2B.

[0112] FIG. 5 A shows a bottom view of the atomizer of FIG. 2C.

[0113] FIG. 5B shows a top view of an atomizer plate of the atomizer of FIG. 5 A.

[0114] FIG. 5C shows a top perspective view of the atomizer of FIG. 2C.

[0115] FIG. 5D shows a bottom perspective view of the atomizer of FIG. 2C.

[0116] FIG. 6A illustrates an exploded view of another exemplary vaporizer cartridge consistent with implementations of the current subject matter.

[0117] FIG. 6B illustrates a cross-sectional view of an atomizer housing coupled to a reservoir consistent with implementations of the current subject matter, taken along a longitudinal plane of vaporizer.

[0118] Where practical, the same or similar reference numbers denote the same, similar, or equivalent structures, features, aspects, or elements, in accordance with one or more implementations.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0119] Implementations of the current subject matter include methods, apparatuses, articles of manufacture, and systems relating to vaporization of one or more materials for inhalation by a user. Example implementations include vaporizer devices and systems including vaporizer devices. The term “vaporizer device” as used in the following description and claims refers to any of a self-contained apparatus, an apparatus that includes two or more separable parts (for example, a vaporizer body that includes a battery and other hardware, and a cartridge that includes a vaporizable material), and / or the like. A “vaporizer system,” as used herein, can include one or more components, such as a vaporizer device.

[0120] A vaporizer configured to convert a liquid vaporizable material to the gas-phase and / or aerosol phase (e.g., a suspension of gas-phase and particulate-phase material in air that is in a relative local equilibrium between the phases) may typically include a reservoir or storage chamber containing a volume of the liquid vaporizable material, an atomizer, which can include a heating element (e.g., an electrically resistive element through which electrical current is caused to pass to result in the conversion of the electrical current to heat energy) that heats the liquid vaporizable material to result in the conversion at least some of the liquid vaporizable material to the gas phase, and a wicking element (which may be referred to simply as a wick, but which generally refers to an element or combination of elements that exerts a capillary force to draw the liquid vaporizable material from the reservoir to where it is heated by action of the heating element). The resulting gas-phase liquid vaporizable material may in some cases (dependent on a variety of factors) subsequently (and optionally nearly immediately) begin to, at least partially, condense to form an aerosol in air passing through, over, near, around etc. the atomizer.

[0121] As the liquid vaporizable material in the wick is heated and converted to the gas phase (and subsequently optionally into an aerosol), the volume of the liquid vaporizable material in the reservoir is reduced. Absent a mechanism for allowing air or some other substance into the void space (e.g., a part of the reservoir volume not occupied by liquid vaporizable material) created within the reservoir when the volume of the liquid vaporizable material therein is reduced by conversion to the gas- / aerosol phase, a reduced pressure state (e.g., at least partial vacuum) results within the reservoir. More particularly, a reduced pressure state in the reservoir can result in insufficient saturation of the wick and ultimately the lack of sufficient vaporizable material beingdelivered to the atomizer for dependable operation of the vaporizer. To counteract the reduced pressure state, ambient air may be allowed to enter the reservoir to equalize the pressure between the interior of the reservoir and ambient pressure.

[0122] Presence of air in the void space of a reservoir may create one or more other issues. For example, once the air pressure within the void space of the reservoir is equalized (or at least close to equalized) with ambient pressure, and especially when the void space filled with air increases in volume relative to the total reservoir volume, creation of a negative pressure differential (e.g., the air in the void space being at a higher pressure than ambient) between the air in the void space and ambient conditions may lead to liquid vaporizable material leaking out of the reservoir, for example through the wick, through any gaps between components, etc.

[0123] Leaks of liquid vaporizable material from a reservoir of a vaporizer such as those described above are generally undesirable, as the leaked liquid vaporizable material may create an unwanted mess (e.g., by staining clothes or other items in proximity to the vaporizer), may make its way into an inhalation path of the vaporizer and thereby being ingested by a user, may interfere with functioning of the vaporizer (e.g., by fouling a pressure sensor, affecting operability of electrical circuitry and / or switches, fouling charging ports and / or connections between a cartridge and a vaporizer body, etc.), or the like. Liquid vaporizable material leaks can thus interfere with the functionality and cleanliness of the vaporizer.

[0124] Examples of vaporizers include, without limitation, electronic vaporizers, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), or devices and systems with same, similar, or equivalent structural or functional features or capabilities. A vaporizer device can be a cartridge-using vaporizer device, a cartridge-less vaporizer device, or a multi-use vaporizer device capable of use with or without a cartridge. In general, such vaporizer devices are hand-held devices that heat (such as by convection, conduction, radiation, and / or some combination thereof) a vaporizable material to provide an inhalable dose of the material. As illustrated in FIG. 1, in some implementations, an exemplary vaporizer cartridge 1300 can be configured to couple with a device body 1310. A cartridge receptacle 1312 formed at a first end of the device body 1310 can be configured to insertably receive the vaporizer cartridge 1300. The cartridge receptacle 1312 can be configured to allow a flow of air to enter the vaporizer cartridge 1300 when the vaporizer cartridge 1300 is inserted in the cartridge receptacle 1312. In other words, an air inlet may beformed between the vaporizer cartridge 1300 and the device body 1310 upon coupling. In some implementations, the vaporizer cartridge 1300 can include a cartridge housing 1323 defining a reservoir 1320 containing a vaporizable material 1302. The cartridge housing 1323 can further include an overflow volume 1130 configured to collect and / or retain at least a portion of the vaporizable material 1302, when the vaporizable material 1302 in the reservoir 1320 travels into the overflow volume 1130.

[0125] In some implementations, the vaporizer cartridge 1300 can further include a heating element 1100 and a wick 1362 formed from one or more materials capable of causing fluid motion by capillary pressure. The wick 1362 can be configured to convey a quantity of the liquid vaporizable material 1302 to a part of the heating element 1100. In some implementations, the wick 1362 can be configured to draw the vaporizable material 1302 from the reservoir 1320 such that the vaporizable material 1302 may be vaporized by heat generated by the heating element 1100. The vaporizer cartridge 1300 can further include an atomizer housing 1140. The heating element 1100 can be or include one or more of a conductive heater, a radiative heater, and a convective heater. For example, the heating element 1100 can be a resistive heating element, which can be constructed of or at least include a material (e.g., a metal or alloy, for example a nickel-chromium alloy, or a non-metallic resistor) configured to dissipate electrical power in the form of heat when electrical current is passed through one or more resistive segments of the heating element. In some implementations of the current subject matter, the heating element 1100 can include a resistive heating element or other heating element wrapped around, positioned within, integrated into a bulk shape of, pressed into thermal contact with, or otherwise arranged to deliver heat to the wick 1362.

[0126] In accordance with various implementations, the wick 1362 and the heating element 1100 of the vaporizer cartridge 1300 can be disposed at least partially inside the atomizer housing 1140. In some implementations, a heating portion of the heating element 1100, which may be in contact with the wick 1362, may be disposed at least partially inside the atomizer housing 1140 while a contact portion of the heating element 1100 may extend at least partially outside of the atomizer housing 1140. In some implementations, the cartridge housing 1323 of the vaporizer cartridge 1300 can include one or more air inlets 1322 formed on the cartridge housing 1323 to direct a flow of air through the heating portion of the heating element 1100. The contact portionof the heating element 1100 may be configured to contact one or more electrical contacts of the device body 1310 such that an electrical connection may be formed between the vaporizer cartridge 1300 and the device body 1310. Other wicking element, heating element, and / or atomizer assembly configurations are also possible, as discussed further below. In some implementations, the atomizer housing 1140 can be coupled to the overflow volume 1130 as discussed in further details below.

[0127] FIGs. 2A-2B shows an embodiment of a vaporizer cartridge 100 for a vaporizer device and its components in accordance with various implementations disclosed herein. The vaporizer cartridge 100 can include a reservoir 130 configured to hold a vaporizable material. The vaporizer cartridge 100 can further include an overflow volume 120 configured to retain at least a portion of the vaporizable material, and provide the vaporizable material to an atomizer housing 122 to be vaporized into an aerosol. In some implementations, as shown in FIGs. 2C-2E, the vaporizer cartridge 100 can include an atomizer 110 having an atomizer plate 102 and a heating element 103 coupled to the atomizer plate 102. The atomizer housing 122 can be configured to insertably receive the atomizer 110. The atomizer housing 122, the atomizer 110, and the atomizer plate 102 can together form an atomizer assembly. In some implementations, as shown in FIG. 2B, the atomizer housing 122 can include a first end 124 formed integrally with the overflow volume 120, and a second end 126 that is open. In other implementations, the first end 124 of the atomizer housing 122 can also be attached to a bottom surface of the overflow volume 120 to form a watertight connection between the overflow volume 120 and the atomizer housing 122 by any suitable means, for example, welding, adhesive, tight-fit, fastening mechanisms, and etc. The open second end 126 of the atomizer housing 122 can be configured to insertably receive at least a portion of an atomizer 110. In other implementations, the atomizer housing 122 can be coupled to the overflow volume 120 at the first end. In some implementations, when assembled, the atomizer plate 102 of the atomizer 110 can be coupled to the atomizer housing 122 at the second end 126, with the heating element 103 at least partially inserted inside the atomizer housing 122, and the atomizer plate 102 at least partially exposed. The atomizer plate 102 can be coupled to the atomizer housing 122 by any suitable means, for example, by welding, adhesive, tight-fit, fastening mechanisms, and etc.

[0128] FIGs. 2C-2E shows the atomizer 110 in further detail. The heating element 103 of the atomizer 110 can include a heating portion 104 and a contact portion having one or more heater legs 106. The heating element 103 can be formed from a conductive sheet material and configured to generate heat when connected with a power source. The heating element 103 can be any suitable heater, for example, a resistive heater, an inductive heater, and etc. In some implementations, the heating portion 104 of the heating element 103 can have a serpentine shape configured to generate heat when a current is applied through the heating portion 104. Notably, the heating portion 104 is not limited to a serpentine shape and any shape may be implemented such that the heating portion 104 at least partially contacts the wicking element. The contact portion of the heating element 103 can further include a platform 109, wherein the heating portion 104 can extend from the platform 109 of the heating element 103. In some implementations, the platform 109 can be formed from a strip of sheet material and configured to electrically connect the one or more heater legs 106 with the heating portion 104. Each of the heater legs 106 can include a contact tip 107 configured to make contact and form electrical coupling with electrical contacts of a vaporizer body. In some implementations, the heating element 103 can be formed from one sheet of conductive material. In other implementations, the heating element 103 can be formed by connecting multiple sheets of conductive material. In some implementations, the heating element 103 of the atomizer 110 can be coupled to the atomizer plate 102 via one or more heater legs 106 as further discussed below, with the one or more heater legs 106 extending through one or more slits in the atomizer plate 102. The one or more heater legs 106 can have a length that leave space between the heating portion 104 of the heating element 103 and the atomizer plate 102 for fitting any desirable mold tools to be used during manufacturing.

[0129] In some implementations, the contact tips 107 of the heating element 103 can at least partially extend through and below the atomizer plate 102 to be exposed to and make contact with the electrical contacts of the vaporizer body. In some implementations, the contact tips 107 of the heating element 103 can extend from the atomizer plate 102 and be bent towards a bottom surface of the atomizer plate 102 to form a contact surface for the electrical contacts of the vaporizer body. In some implementations, the contact tips 107 can be bent towards a longitudinal center of the atomizer plate 102 as shown in FIG. 2D such that the contact tips 107 align along the longitudinal center to allow for rotationally symmetrical interface with vaporizer body. That is, the contact tips 107 can form electrical couplings with the vaporizer body in two opposite orientations. As furtherillustrated in FIG. 2E, in an implementation where each of the heater legs 106 are bent along a fold line 164 at substantially 90 degrees, the atomizer plate 102 can be formed with a draft angle, forming a bottom surface 166 tapering upwards towards two opposite sides leaving a gap 162 between the bottom surface 166 and the heater legs 106. The gap 162 can allow for spring-back of the contact tips 107 when folded during manufacturing. For example, the draft angle of the bottom surface 166 can be approximately 5 degrees off perpendicular from the one or more heater legs 106.

[0130] Another aspect of this disclosure includes a wick 132 being compressed by different components of the vaporizer cartridge to at least partially prevent leakage of the vaporizable material into the atomizer housing 122 as shown in FIGs. 3A-3C. As illustrated in FIG. 3 A, the overflow volume 120 can include one or more liquid feed channels 131 providing a fluid communication between the reservoir 130 of the vaporizer cartridge 100 and the atomizer housing 122. The one or more liquid feed channels 131 can be configured to direct the vaporizable material to one or more liquid-fed regions 134 (see FIG. 3B) of the wick 132 inside the atomizer housing 122 via one or more liquid feed ports 133 of the overflow volume 120. In some implementations, the wick 132 can be compressed between the overflow volume 120 and the heating element 103. In some implementations, the wick 132 can be vertically compressed between a bottom surface of the overflow volume 120 and at least one of a top surface of the platform 109 and a top surface of the bottom portion of the heating portion 104. As shown in FIG. 3 A, the atomizer housing 122 can also include one or more protrusions 129 positioned proximate to the one or more liquid feed ports 133 at the first end 124 of the atomizer housing 122. The one or more protrusions 129 can be shaped and configured to apply a substantially vertical compression for a height of H on the wick 132 to reduce a leakage of vaporizable material into the atomizer housing 122.

[0131] In some implementations, the wick 132 can be compressed vertically and / or horizontally between the one or more liquid-fed regions 134 of the wick 132 and a heated region 136 of the wick 132, the heated region 136 of the wick 132 at least partially in contact with the heating portion 104 of the heating element 103. As shown in FIG. 3B, the atomizer housing 122 can include one or more ribs 128 that extend from opposite interior walls of the atomizer housing 122 and are configured to apply horizontal compression to the wick 132. The horizontal compression from the one or more ribs 128 can be applied to the wick 132 between the one ormore liquid-fed regions 134 and the heated region 136 of the wick 132. In some implementations, the atomizer 110 can also include one or more tabs 105 extending from the heating element 103 of the atomizer 110 and in contact with opposing sides of the wick 132. The one or more tabs 105 can be shaped and configured to apply horizontal compression on the wick 132 between the one or more liquid-fed regions 134 and the heated region 136 of the wick 132. As shown in FIG. 3C, the one or more tabs 105 can extend from the platform 109 and be unheated. In some implementations, the one or more tabs 105 can also be formed from the heating portion 104 of the atomizer 110 such that the one or more tabs 105 are heated.

[0132] In accordance with various aspects, the atomizer housing 122 can also include scalloped or curved walls to form a portion with a reduced cross-sectional area. As illustrated in FIGs. 4A-4B, the atomizer housing 122 can include side walls with curved or recessed portions 123 configured to curve inwards towards the wick 132. The curved portions 123 of the side walls of the atomizer housing 122 can induce any liquid that leaks from the wick 132 towards the side walls of the atomizer housing 122 to be re-absorbed and retained by the wick 132 by capillary force, further reducing leakage of vaporizable material from the wick 132. In some implementations, the curved portions 123 can be shaped such that a distance D between the side walls of the atomizer housing 122 and the wick 132 is small enough to retain a fluid in the space between the side walls of the atomizer housing 122 and the wick 132. Depending on the type of vaporizable material used, the distance D between the side walls of the atomizer housing 122 and the wick 132 can be in a range of about 1-2 mm, in a range of about 0.5-3 mm, or about 2 mm. In some implementations, a top surface of the atomizer plate 102 configured to couple to the atomizer housing 122 at the second end 126 may be partially exposed from the curved portions 123 of the side walls of the atomizer housing 122, forming ridges 125. The ridges 125 can act as retention features and configured to engage a vaporizer device when the vaporizer cartridge 100 is coupled to the vaporizer device. In the illustrated implementation, the curved portion 123 is located substantially in a center of the atomizer housing 122. In other implementations, the curved portion with a reduced cross-sectional area can be at any other one or more desirable locations to achieve the same liquid-retaining effect depending on configuration of the atomizer housing, e.g., at the comers of the atomizer housing.

[0133] Optionally, the atomizer plate 102 of the atomizer 110 can be formed of at least a first plate 152 and a second plate 154 as shown in FIGs. 5A-5D. The first plate 152 and / or the second plate 154 can include a plurality of air inlets 108. For example, in some implementations, the first plate 152 can be larger than the second plate 154, and all of the plurality of air inlets 108 can be formed on the first plate 152, or vice versa. In other implementations, each of the first plate 152 and the second plate 154 can include some of the plurality of air inlets 108. In some implementations, the plurality of air inlets 108 can include sharp edges formed on inner perimeters of the plurality of air inlets 108 to create capillary holdup to reduce liquid leaking out from the atomizer housing 122 through the plurality of air inlets 108. In some implementations, the plurality of air inlets 108 can formed of elongated narrow slots to further create capillary holdup to reduce liquid leakage. For example, the plurality of air inlets 108 can have a width in the range of 0.2 -0.4 mm, in the range of 0.25 - 0.35 mm, or of about 0.3 mm.

[0134] In some implementations, the atomizer plate 102 can include a third plate 156 configured to be couple to the first plate 152 and / or the second plate 154. For example, the atomizer plate 102 can be coupled to and overlap with the first plate 152 as shown in FIG. 5 A. The third plate 156 can be coupled to a middle portion of the atomizer plate 102. In some implementations, the third plate 156 can include a plurality of air inlet slots 158 that overlap with the plurality of air inlets 108 of the first plate 152 and / or the second plate 154 to allow air to pass therethrough. The third plate 156 having the plurality of air inlet slots 158 can create a capillary break between interior surfaces of the plurality of air inlets 108 and interior surfaces of the plurality of air inlet slots 158 to at least partially prevent liquid leakage. In some implementations, the plurality of air inlet slots 158 can have larger dimensions than the plurality of air inlets 108 to increase the capillary break between interior surfaces of the plurality of air inlets 108 and interior surfaces of the plurality of air inlet slots 158 to further reduce liquid leakage. In some implementations, the third plate 156 can further include a recessed portion on a bottom surface of the third plate 156 to form an additional pocket for holding liquid by capillary force. Alternatively, one or more air inlets be disposed in any suitable location to allow air to flow through the atomizer housing 122. For example, in some implementations, the one or more air inlets can be formed on atomizer walls of an atomizer housing. Having the one or more air inlets on the atomizer walls can raise the air inlets above the bottom of the cartridge, thereby increasing the amount of liquid the atomizer can hold and further reducing the chance of liquid leakage from the atomizer housing.

[0135] In some implementations, the first plate 152 and the second plate 154 can be assembled along a split line 151. The contact tips 107 of the heating element 103 can extend through and between the first plate 152 and the second plate 154 along the split line 151. In some implementations, the split line 151 can extend through a longitudinal length of the atomizer plate 102. In some implementations, the split line 151 can include multiple turns 155 that are approximately 90°. For example, the turns 155 of the split line 151 can each be approximately 95° to leave room for receiving the contact tips 107 between the turns 155 of the split line 151. The split line 151 can be shaped such that the contact tips 107 can extend from different positions of the atomizer plate 102 to be laterally offset from one another, and be bent in opposite directions along a longitudinal axis of the atomizer plate 102. During manufacturing, the atomizer 110 can be assembled by providing one of the first plate 152 and the second plate 154 in a stationary state on a reel, sliding the heating element 103 towards the stationary one of the first plate 152 and the second plate 154, moving the other plate of the first plate 152 and the second plate 154 to couple to the stationary plate to form an assembly with the first plate 152, the second plate 154, and the heating element 103, and then coupling the third plate 156 to the first plate 152 and / or the second plate 154 to form the assembled atomizer 110.

[0136] Consistent with the various aspects disclosed herein, in other implementations, the atomizer and atomizer housing discussed above can be similarly implemented on a vaporizer 1400 without an overflow volume as shown in FIG. 6A. For example, the vaporizer cartridge 1400 can similarly include an atomizer housing 1140, a heating element 1100, and a wick 1362. The vaporizer 1400 can further include a cartridge housing 1423 defining a reservoir 1420 for storing the vaporizable material 1302. The atomizer housing 1140 can be coupled to a portion (e.g. an interior wall or an exterior wall) of the cartridge housing 1423, with the wick 1362 and the heating element 1100 at least partially inside the atomizer housing 1140. In some implementations, the atomizer housing 1140 can be coupled to the reservoir 1420 and form a sealed connection between the atomizer housing 1140 and the reservoir 1420 by compressing the wick 1362 between various components as described in more details above. As illustrated in FIG. 6B, the atomizer housing 122 can be coupled to or integrally formed with the reservoir 1420 at the first end 124 of the atomizer housing 122. The wick 132 can be positioned between and compressed by a bottom surface of the reservoir 1420 and a top surface of the platform 109 of the heating element 103 inaccordance with various aspects above to prevent leakage of vaporizable material 1302 from outside the reservoir 1420 and the atomizer housing 122.Terminology

[0137] When a feature or element is herein referred to as being “on” another feature or element, it may be directly on the other feature or element or intervening features and / or elements may also be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly on” another feature or element, there may be no intervening features or elements present. It will also be understood that, when a feature or element is referred to as being “connected”, “attached” or “coupled” to another feature or element, it may be directly connected, attached or coupled to the other feature or element or intervening features or elements may be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly connected”, “directly attached” or “directly coupled” to another feature or element, there may be no intervening features or elements present.

[0138] Although described or shown with respect to one embodiment, the features and elements so described or shown may apply to other embodiments. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature that is disposed “adjacent” another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.

[0139] Terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and implementations only and is not intended to be limiting. For example, as used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items and may be abbreviated as “ / ”.

[0140] In the descriptions above and in the claims, phrases such as “at least one of’ or “one or more of’ may occur followed by a conjunctive list of elements or features. The term “and / or” may also occur in a list of two or more elements or features. Unless otherwise implicitly or explicitly contradicted by the context in which it used, such a phrase is intended to mean any of the listed elements or features individually or any of the recited elements or features in combination withany of the other recited elements or features. For example, the phrases “at least one of A and B;” “one or more of A and B;” and “A and / or B” are each intended to mean “A alone, B alone, or A and B together.” A similar interpretation is also intended for lists including three or more items. For example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C;” “one or more of A, B, and C;” and “A, B, and / or C” are each intended to mean “A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A and B and C together.” Use of the term “based on,” above and in the claims is intended to mean, “based at least in part on,” such that an unrecited feature or element is also permissible.

[0141] Although the terms “first” and “second” may be used herein to describe various features / elements (including steps), these features / elements should not be limited by these terms, unless the context indicates otherwise. These terms may be used to distinguish one feature / element from another feature / element. Thus, a first feature / element discussed below could be termed a second feature / element, and similarly, a second feature / element discussed below could be termed a first feature / element without departing from the teachings provided herein.

[0142] As used herein in the specification and claims, including as used in the examples and unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers may be read as if prefaced by the word “about” or “approximately,” even if the term does not expressly appear. The phrase “about” or “approximately” may be used when describing magnitude and / or position to indicate that the value and / or position described is within a reasonable expected range of values and / or positions. For example, a numeric value may have a value that is + / - 0.1% of the stated value (or range of values), + / - 1% of the stated value (or range of values), + / - 2% of the stated value (or range of values), + / -5% of the stated value (or range of values), + / - 10% of the stated value (or range of values), etc. Any numerical values given herein should also be understood to include about or approximately that value, unless the context indicates otherwise.

[0143] For example, if the value “10” is disclosed, then “about 10” is also disclosed. Any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein. It is also understood that when a value is disclosed that “less than or equal to” the value, “greater than or equal to the value” and possible ranges between values are also disclosed, as appropriately understood by the skilled artisan. For example, if the value “X” is disclosed the “less than or equal to X” as well as “greater than or equal to X” (e.g., where X is a numerical value) is also disclosed.It is also understood that throughout the application, data is provided in a number of different formats, and that this data, represents endpoints and starting points, and ranges for any combination of the data points. For example, if a particular data point “10” and a particular data point “15” may be disclosed, it is understood that greater than, greater than or equal to, less than, less than or equal to, and equal to 10 and 15 may be considered disclosed as well as between 10 and 15. It is also understood that each unit between two particular units may be also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 may be disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 may be also disclosed.

[0144] Although various illustrative embodiments are described above, any of a number of changes may be made to various embodiments without departing from the teachings herein. For example, the order in which various described method steps are performed may often be changed in alternative embodiments, and in other alternative embodiments, one or more method steps may be skipped altogether. Optional features of various device and system embodiments may be included in some embodiments and not in others. Therefore, the foregoing description is provided primarily for exemplary purposes and should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the claims.

[0145] The examples and illustrations included herein show, by way of illustration and not of limitation, specific embodiments in which the disclosed subject matter may be practiced. As mentioned, other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Such embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may be referred to herein individually or collectively by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept, if more than one is, in fact, disclosed.

[0146] Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.

[0147] The disclosed subject matter has been provided here with reference to one or more features or embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize and appreciate that, despite of thedetailed nature of the exemplary embodiments provided here, changes and modifications may be applied to said embodiments without limiting or departing from the generally intended scope. These and various other adaptations and combinations of the embodiments provided here are within the scope of the disclosed subject matter as defined by the disclosed elements and features and their full set of equivalents.

[0148] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document may contain material, which is subject to copyright protection. The owner has no objection to facsimile reproduction by any one of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but reserves all copyrights whatsoever. Certain marks referenced herein may be common law or registered trademarks of the applicant, the assignee or third parties affiliated or unaffiliated with the applicant or the assignee. Use of these marks is for providing an enabling disclosure by way of example and shall not be construed to exclusively limit the scope of the disclosed subject matter to material associated with such marks.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A cartridge for a vaporizer device, the cartridge comprising:a reservoir configured to hold a vaporizable material;an atomizer housing;an atomizer comprising an atomizer plate and a heating element coupled to the atomizer plate, wherein the atomizer housing is configured to insertably receive the atomizer; andan overflow volume configured to retain at least a portion of the vaporizable material and feed the vaporizable material to the atomizer, wherein the atomizer housing is coupled to the overflow volume, andwherein the atomizer housing comprising a first end formed integrally with the overflow volume and a second end open to insertably receive at least a portion of the atomizer.

2. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the heating element comprises a heating portion configured to heat the vaporizable material.

3. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the atomizer housing is coupled to the atomizer plate.

4. The cartridge of claim 3, wherein the atomizer housing is coupled to the atomizer plate by welding.

5. The cartridge of claim 2, wherein the heating element further comprises one or more heater legs extending from the heating portion and coupled to the atomizer plate, forming a gap between the heating portion and the atomizer plate.

6. The cartridge of claim 2, wherein the atomizer further comprises a wick configured to draw the vaporizable material from the reservoir, the wick positioned at least partially within the atomizer housing.

7. The cartridge of claim 6, wherein the heating portion of the heating element comprising a plurality of tines shaped to receive the wick.

8. The cartridge of claim 6, wherein the wick is positioned between the overflow volume and the atomizer plate.

9. The cartridge of claim 6, wherein the wick is compressed between the overflow volume and the heating element.

10. The cartridge of claim 6, wherein the atomizer further comprises one or more compression tabs configured to apply horizontal compression to at least a portion of the wick.

11. The cartridge of claim 6, wherein the atomizer housing further comprising one or more compression ridges configured to apply horizontal compression to at least a portion of the wick.

12. The cartridge of claim 6, wherein the wick comprises a first area and a second area.

13. The cartridge of claim 12, wherein the first area of the wick is at least partially in contact with the heating portion of the heating element; and wherein the second area of the wick is at least partially in liquid communication with the reservoir.

14. The cartridge of claim 12, wherein the heating element further comprises one or more compression tabs and configured to apply horizontal compression to the wick between the first area and the second area of the wick.

15. The cartridge of claim 12, wherein the atomizer housing further comprises one or more compression ribs extending from an interior surface of the atomizer housing andconfigured to apply horizontal compression to the wick between the first area and the second area of the wick.

16. The cartridge of claim 5, wherein the one or more heater legs are inserted through one or more openings on the atomizer plate and are folded toward a bottom surface of the atomizer plate to form one or more heater contacts.

17. The cartridge of claim 16, wherein the one or more heater contacts are aligned along a longitudinal central axis of the bottom surface of the atomizer plate.

18. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the atomizer housing further comprising a reduced cross-sectional area portion.

19. The cartridge of claim 5, wherein the atomizer plate comprises a first plate and a second plate, and one or more air inlets formed through at least one of the first plate and the second plate.

20. The cartridge of claim 19, wherein the one or more heater legs are positioned between the first plate and the second plate.

21. The cartridge of claim 19, wherein the atomizer plate further comprises a third plate coupled to the first plate and the second plate, wherein the third plate comprises one or more air inlets.

22. The cartridge of claim 21 , wherein the third plate is coupled to the first plate and the second plate at a substantial center of the atomizer plate.

23. The cartridge of claim 21 , the one or more air inlets of the third plate align substantially with the one or more air inlets of the first plate and the second plate.

24. The cartridge of claim 21 , at least one of the first plate and the second plate comprises guide rails configured to receive the third plate.

25. A vaporizer device, comprising:a cartridge comprising:a reservoir configured to hold a vaporizable material;an atomizer housing;an atomizer comprising an atomizer plate and a heating element coupled to the atomizer plate, wherein the atomizer housing is configured to insertably receive the atomizer; andan overflow volume configured to retain at least a portion of the vaporizable material and feed the vaporizable material to the atomizer, wherein the atomizer housing is coupled to the overflow volume,wherein the atomizer housing comprising a first end formed integrally with the overflow volume and a second end open to insertably receive at least a portion of the atomizer; anda device body comprising a power source and a cartridge receptacle, the cartridge receptacle positioned on an end of the device body and configured to insertably receive the cartridge.

26. The vaporizer device of claim 25, wherein the heating element comprises a heating portion configured to heat the vaporizable material.

27. The vaporizer device of claim 25, wherein the atomizer housing is coupled to the atomizer plate.

28. The vaporizer device of claim 26, wherein the heating element further comprises one or more heater legs extending from the heating portion and coupled to the atomizer plate, forming a gap between the heating portion and the atomizer plate.

29. The vaporizer device of claim 26, wherein the atomizer further comprises a wick configured to draw the vaporizable material from the reservoir, the wick positioned at least partially within the atomizer housing.

30. The vaporizer device of claim 29, wherein the heating portion of the heating element comprising a plurality of tines shaped to receive the wick.

31. The vaporizer device of claim 29, wherein the wick is compressed between the overflow volume and the heating element.

32. The vaporizer device of claim 29, wherein the atomizer further comprises one or more compression tabs configured to apply horizontal compression to at least a portion of the wick.

33. The vaporizer device of claim 29, wherein the atomizer housing further comprising one or more compression ridges configured to apply horizontal compression to at least a portion of the wick.

34. The vaporizer device of claim 29, wherein the wick comprises a first area and a second area.

35. The vaporizer device of claim 34, wherein the first area of the wick is at least partially in contact with the heating portion of the heating element; and wherein the second area of the wick is at least partially in liquid communication with the reservoir.

36. The vaporizer device of claim 34, wherein the heating element further comprises one or more compression tabs and configured to apply horizontal compression to the wick between the first area and the second area of the wick.

37. The vaporizer device of claim 34, wherein the atomizer housing further comprises one or more compression ribs extending from an interior surface of the atomizer housing and configured to apply horizontal compression to the wick between the first area and the second area of the wick.

38. The vaporizer device of claim 28, wherein the one or more heater legs are inserted through one or more openings on the atomizer plate and are folded toward a bottom surface of the atomizer plate to form one or more heater contacts.

39. The vaporizer device of claim 38, wherein the one or more heater contacts are aligned along a longitudinal central axis of the bottom surface of the atomizer plate.

40. The vaporizer device of claim 26, wherein the atomizer housing further comprising a reduced cross-sectional area portion.

41. The vaporizer device of claim 28, wherein the atomizer plate comprises a first plate and a second plate, and one or more air inlets formed through at least one of the first plate and the second plate.

42. The vaporizer device of claim 41, wherein the one or more heater legs are positioned between the first plate and the second plate.

43. The cartridge of claim 41, wherein the atomizer plate further comprises a third plate coupled to the first plate and the second plate, wherein the third plate comprises one or more air inlets.

44. The vaporizer device of claim 43, wherein the third plate is coupled to the first plate and the second plate at a substantial center of the atomizer plate.

45. The vaporizer device of claim 26, wherein the cartridge receptacle comprise an electrical interface configured to electrically connect with the cartridge.

46. The vaporizer device of claim 45, wherein the power source of the device body is configured to provide power to the heating element through the electrical interface.

47. The vaporizer device of claim 26, wherein the cartridge receptacle is configured to allow a flow of air to enter the cartridge when the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge receptacle.

48. A cartridge for a vaporizer device, the cartridge comprising:a reservoir configured to hold a vaporizable material;an atomizer housing, wherein the atomizer housing is coupled to the reservoir; andan atomizer comprising an atomizer plate and a heating element coupled to the atomizer plate, wherein the atomizer housing is configured to insertably receive the atomizer,wherein the atomizer housing comprising a first end formed integrally with the reservoir and a second end open to insertably receive at least a portion of the atomizer.

49. The cartridge of claim 48, wherein the heating element comprises a heating portion configured to heat the vaporizable material.

50. The cartridge of claim 48, wherein the atomizer housing is coupled to the atomizer plate.

51. The cartridge of claim 50, wherein the atomizer housing is coupled to the atomizer plate by welding.

52. The cartridge of claim 49, wherein the heating element further comprises one or more heater legs extending from the heating portion and coupled to the atomizer plate, forming a gap between the heating portion and the atomizer plate.

53. The cartridge of claim 49, wherein the atomizer further comprises a wick configured to draw the vaporizable material from the reservoir, the wick positioned at least partially within the atomizer housing.

54. The cartridge of claim 53, wherein the heating portion of the heating element comprising a plurality of tines shaped to receive the wick.

55. The cartridge of claim 53, wherein the wick is positioned between the reservoir and the atomizer plate.

56. The cartridge of claim 53, wherein the wick is compressed between the reservoir and the heating element.

57. The cartridge of claim 53, wherein the atomizer further comprises one or more compression tabs configured to apply horizontal compression to at least a portion of the wick.

58. The cartridge of claim 53, wherein the atomizer housing further comprising one or more compression ridges configured to apply horizontal compression to at least a portion of the wick.

59. The cartridge of claim 53, wherein the wick comprises a first area and a second area.

60. The cartridge of claim 59, wherein the first area of the wick is at least partially in contact with the heating portion of the heating element; and wherein the second area of the wick is at least partially in liquid communication with the reservoir.

61. The cartridge of claim 59, wherein the heating element further comprises one or more compression tabs and configured to apply horizontal compression to the wick between the first area and the second area of the wick.

62. The cartridge of claim 59, wherein the atomizer housing further comprises one or more compression ribs extending from an interior surface of the atomizer housing and configured to apply horizontal compression to the wick between the first area and the second area of the wick.

63. The cartridge of claim 52, wherein the one or more heater legs are inserted through one or more openings on the atomizer plate and are folded toward a bottom surface of the atomizer plate to form one or more heater contacts.

64. The cartridge of claim 63, wherein the one or more heater contacts are aligned along a longitudinal central axis of the bottom surface of the atomizer plate.

65. The cartridge of claim 48, wherein the atomizer housing further comprising a reduced cross-sectional area portion.

66. The cartridge of claim 52, wherein the atomizer plate comprises a first plate and a second plate, and one or more air inlets formed through at least one of the first plate and the second plate.

67. The cartridge of claim 66, wherein the one or more heater legs are positioned between the first plate and the second plate.

68. The cartridge of claim 66, wherein the atomizer plate further comprises a third plate coupled to the first plate and the second plate, wherein the third plate comprises one or more air inlets.

69. The cartridge of claim 68, wherein the third plate is coupled to the first plate and the second plate at a substantial center of the atomizer plate.

70. The cartridge of claim 68, the one or more air inlets of the third plate align substantially with the one or more air inlets of the first plate and the second plate.

71. The cartridge of claim 68, at least one of the first plate and the second plate comprises guide rails configured to receive the third plate.

72. A vaporizer device, comprising:a cartridge comprising:a reservoir configured to hold a vaporizable material;an atomizer housing, wherein the atomizer housing is coupled to the reservoir; andan atomizer comprising an atomizer plate and a heating element coupled to the atomizer plate, wherein the atomizer housing is configured to insertably receive the atomizer,wherein the atomizer housing comprising a first end formed integrally with the reservoir and a second end open to insertably receive at least a portion of the atomizer; anda device body comprising a power source and a cartridge receptacle, the cartridge receptacle positioned on an end of the device body and configured to insertably receive the cartridge.

73. The vaporizer device of claim 72, wherein the heating element comprises a heating portion configured to heat the vaporizable material.

74. The vaporizer device of claim 72, wherein the atomizer housing is coupled to the atomizer plate.

75. The vaporizer device of claim 73, wherein the heating element further comprises one or more heater legs extending from the heating portion and coupled to the atomizer plate, forming a gap between the heating portion and the atomizer plate.

76. The vaporizer device of claim 73, wherein the atomizer further comprises a wick configured to draw the vaporizable material from the reservoir, the wick positioned at least partially within the atomizer housing.

77. The vaporizer device of claim 76, wherein the heating portion of the heating element comprising a plurality of tines shaped to receive the wick.

78. The vaporizer device of claim 76, wherein the wick is compressed between the overflow volume and the heating element.

79. The vaporizer device of claim 76, wherein the atomizer further comprises one or more compression tabs configured to apply horizontal compression to at least a portion of the wick.

80. The vaporizer device of claim 76, wherein the atomizer housing further comprising one or more compression ridges configured to apply horizontal compression to at least a portion of the wick.

81. The vaporizer device of claim 76, wherein the wick comprises a first area and a second area.

82. The vaporizer device of claim 81, wherein the first area of the wick is at least partially in contact with the heating portion of the heating element; and wherein the second area of the wick is at least partially in liquid communication with the reservoir.

83. The vaporizer device of claim 81, wherein the heating element further comprises one or more compression tabs and configured to apply horizontal compression to the wick between the first area and the second area of the wick.

84. The vaporizer device of claim 81, wherein the atomizer housing further comprises one or more compression ribs extending from an interior surface of the atomizer housing and configured to apply horizontal compression to the wick between the first area and the second area of the wick.

85. The vaporizer device of claim 75, wherein the one or more heater legs are inserted through one or more openings on the atomizer plate and are folded toward a bottom surface of the atomizer plate to form one or more heater contacts.

86. The vaporizer device of claim 85, wherein the one or more heater contacts are aligned along a longitudinal central axis of the bottom surface of the atomizer plate.

87. The vaporizer device of claim 73, wherein the atomizer housing further comprising a reduced cross-sectional area portion.

88. The vaporizer device of claim 75, wherein the atomizer plate comprises a first plate and a second plate, and one or more air inlets formed through at least one of the first plate and the second plate.

89. The vaporizer device of claim 88, wherein the one or more heater legs are positioned between the first plate and the second plate.

90. The cartridge of claim 88, wherein the atomizer plate further comprises a third plate coupled to the first plate and the second plate, wherein the third plate comprises one or more air inlets.

91. The vaporizer device of claim 90, wherein the third plate is coupled to the first plate and the second plate at a substantial center of the atomizer plate.

92. The vaporizer device of claim 73, wherein the cartridge receptacle comprise an electrical interface configured to electrically connect with the cartridge.

93. The vaporizer device of claim 92, wherein the power source of the device body is configured to provide power to the heating element through the electrical interface.

94. The vaporizer device of claim 73, wherein the cartridge receptacle is configured to allow a flow of air to enter the cartridge when the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge receptacle.

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