Cartridges for vaporizer devices

WO2026178075A2PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-08-27JUUL LABS INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/US2026/015606
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2025-02-19
Filing Date
2026-02-18
Publication Date
2026-08-27

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Abstract

Vaporizer cartridges for vaporizer devices are disclosed herein. In one exemplary implementation, the cartridge is biodegradable and can include a wick attached to a substrate such that at least a portion of the wick contacts a heater of a vaporizer upon insertion of the cartridge into the vaporizer. Vaporizer devices are also disclosed herein.
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Description

CARTRIDGES FOR VAPORIZER DEVICESCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The current application claims priority to U. S. Provisional Patent Application No.63 / 760,246 filed February 19, 2025, entitled “CARTRIDGES FOR VAPORIZER DEVICES,’’ the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The subject matter described herein relates to vaporizer cartridges and vaporizer devices using the same.BACKGROUND

[0003] Vaporizer devices, which can also be referred to as vaporizers, electronic vaporizer devices, or e-vaporizer devices, can be used for delivery of an aerosol (for example, a vapor-phase and / or condensed-phase material suspended in a stationary or moving mass of air or some other gas carrier) containing one or more active ingredients by inhalation of the aerosol by a user of the vaporizing device. For example, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) include a class of vaporizer devices that are battery powered and that can be used to simulate the experience of smoking, but without burning of tobacco or other substances Vaporizer devices are gaining increasing popularity both for prescriptive medical use, in delivering medicaments, and for consumption of tobacco, nicotine, and other plant-based materials. Vaporizer devices can be portable, self-contained, and / or convenient for use.

[0004] In use of a vaporizer device, the user inhales an aerosol, colloquially referred to as “vapor,” which can be generated by a heating element that vaporizes (e.g., causes a liquid or solid to at least partially transition to the gas phase) a vaporizable material, which can be liquid, a solution, a solid, a paste, a wax, and / or any other form compatible for use with a specific vaporizer device The vaporizable material used with a vaporizer device can be provided within a vaporizer cartridge (for example, a separable part of the vaporizer device that contains vaporizable material) that includes an outlet (for example, a mouthpiece) for inhalation of the aerosol by a user.

[0005] To receive the inhalable aerosol generated by a vaporizer device, a user can, in certain examples, activate the vaporizer device by taking a puff, by pressing a button, and / or by some other approach A puff as used herein can refer to inhalation by the user in a manner that causes a volume of air to be drawn into the vaporizer device such that the inhalable aerosol is generated by a combination of the vaporized vaporizable material with the volumeof air. Generally, and depending on the vaporizable material used, vaporization of a vaporizable material can leave a residue on or in the vicinity of the heating element in the vaporizer through continued use. The build-up of the residue can negatively impact the efficiency of vaporization and impact taste. As such, cartridge-based vaporizers often incorporate the heater into the replaceable cartridge to avoid the need to clean the heating element.

[0006] However, such cartridge-based vaporizers do not have a session demarcation and do not give users feedback on when a smoking session is completed since the vaporizer devices typically contain enough vaporizable material for multiple sessions (i.e., the equivalent of multiple cigarettes). By comparison, a cigarette offers a single session experience with “natural stopping point” feedback to the user.

[0007] Accordingly, vaporizer devices and / or vaporizer cartridges that address one or more of these issues are desired.SUMMARY

[0008] In certain aspects and implementations of the current subject matter, challenges associated with direct inhalation of vaporizable material in liquid form can be addressed by inclusion of one or more of the features described herein or comparable / equivalent approaches as would be understood by one of ordinary' skill in the art Aspects of the current subject matter relate to vaporizer cartridges for use in a vaporizer device and vaporizer devices.

[0009] In some implementations, one or more of the following features may optionally be included in any feasible combination.

[0010] In one exemplary implementation, a cartridge for a vaporizer device is provided. In some aspects, the vaporizer cartridge includes a substrate, a wick attached to a portion of a first surface of the substrate, and a liquid vaporizable material, wherein the liquid vaporizable material is stored in the wick In some aspects, the first surface of the substrate is coated with a membrane, a second surface of the substrate is coated with a membrane, or both the first surface of the substrate and the second surface of the substrate are coated with a membrane. In some aspects, the wick is offset toward a distal end of the substrate. In one aspect, the membrane is a polyester bioplastic such as poly lactic acid (PLA).

[0011] In some aspects, the vaporizer cartridge also includes a removeable film enclosing the wick and at least a portion of the first surface of the substrate to prevent evaporation of theliquid vaporizable material. The removeable film is removed to expose the wick prior to insertion of the vaporizer cartridge into a vaporizer devi ce.

[0012] In some aspects, the substrate is formed from paper. In some aspects, the membrane is a polyester bioplastic, such as pol lactic acid (PLA). In some aspects, the wick is formed from cotton. In various aspects, the vaporizer cartridge is biodegradable.

[0013] In some aspects, the vaporizer cartridge also includes a pad attached to the first surface of the substrate and configured to slidingly contact a heater upon removal of the vaporizer cartridge from a vaporizer device.

[0014] In another exemplary implementation, a vaporizer device is provided. In some aspects, the vaporizer device includes a vaporizer cartridge including a substrate, a wick attached to a portion of a first surface of the substrate, and a liquid vaporizable material, wherein the liquid vaporizable material is stored in the wick. The vaporizer device also includes a vaporizer body including a vaporizer cartridge receptacle configured to receive the substrate and at least a portion of the wick, and a heater positioned within the cartridge receptacle and configured to contact at least a portion of the wick. The heater can also be configured to vaporize the liquid vaporizable material. In certain aspects, the vaporizer device also includes one or more retention features configured to separably attach the substrate to the mouthpiece.

[0015] In some aspects, the vaporizer device also includes a removable mouthpiece. The removable mouthpiece can include a mouthpiece body, an outlet formed through a proximal end of the mouthpiece body, and a mouthpiece receptacle formed at a distal end of the mouthpiece body and configured to receive at least a portion of the substrate. In some aspects, at least a portion of the mouthpiece body is configured to be received in the vaporizer cartridge receptacle. In some aspects, the mouthpiece body also includes an extension protruding from the distal end and configured to contact at least a portion of a second surface of the substrate. In some aspects, the extension has a varied thickness. In some aspects, the extension has a thickness that decreases toward a distal end thereof. In some aspects, the mouthpieces body also includes one or more retention features configured to separably attach the substrate to the mouthpiece.

[0016] In some aspects, the cartridge receptacle includes an airflow path formed upon insertion of the vaporizer cartridge into the vaporizer cartridge receptacle, wherein at least a portion of the wick is positioned within the airflow' path. In some aspects, the airflow path extends from a distal end of the vaporizer cartridge receptacle to the outlet of the mouthpiece.

[0017] In some aspects, the vaporizer body also includes one or more air inlets proximate the vaporizer cartridge receptacle and configured to provide a path for air to enter the airflow path.

[0018] In some aspects, the vaporizer body also includes a power source and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to supply power from the power source to the heater to generate heat.

[0019] In all aspects of the vaporizer device, the cartridge is separable from the vaporizer body.

[0020] In some aspects, the vaporizer cartridge also includes a pad attached to the first surface of the substrate and configured to slidingly contact the heater upon removal of the vaporizer cartridge from the vaporizer body. In certain aspects, the pad is attached to the first surface of the substrate between the wick and a distal end of thereof.

[0021] In another exemplary implementation, a cartridge for a vaporizer device is provided. In some aspects, the vaporizer cartridge includes a substrate having a first surface, a second surface, and an opening formed therethrough. The vaporizer cartridge also includes a wick attached to the substrate and aligned with the opening, and a reservoir configured to hold a liquid vaporizable material, wherein the reservoir is aligned with the opening and in fluid communication with the wick. In some aspects, the reservoir includes a flange formed around a perimeter thereof. In some aspects, the reservoir is attached to the first surface of the substrate and the wick is attached to the second surface of the substrate In some aspects, the reservoir and the wick are attached to the same surface of the substrate, and wherein at least a portion of the reservoir protrudes through the opening of the substrate.

[0022] In some aspects, the first surface of the substrate is coated with a membrane, the second surface of the substrate is coated with a membrane, or both the first surface of the substrate and the second surface of the substrate are coated with a membrane. In one aspect, the membrane is a polyester bioplastic, such as polylactic acid (PLA).

[0023] In some aspects, the opening is offset toward a di stal end of the substrate. In some aspects, the opening has a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the wick.

[0024] In some aspects, the cartridge also includes a removable film enclosing the wick and at least a portion of a second surface of the substrate. In certain aspects, the removeable film is configured to prevent evaporation of the liquid vaporizable material through the wick. The removeable film can be removed prior to insertion of the cartridge into a vaporizer.

[0025] In some aspects, the substrate is formed from paper. In some aspects, the reservoir is formed from a polyester bioplastic such as polylactic acid (PLA). In some aspects, the wick is formed from cotton. In various aspects, the vaporizer cartridge is biodegradable.

[0026] In some aspects, the vaporizer cartridge also includes a pad attached to the second surface of the substrate and configured to slidingly contact a heater upon removal of the vaporizer cartridge from a vaporizer device

[0027] In another exemplary implementation, a vaporizer device is provided. In some aspects, the vaporizer device includes a vaporizer cartridge including a substrate having a first surface, a second surface, and an opening formed therethrough. The vaporizer cartridge also includes a wick attached to the substrate and aligned with the opening, and a reservoir configured to hold a liquid vaporizable material, wherein the reservoir is aligned with the opening and in fluid communication with the wick. The vaporizer device also includes a vaporizer body that includes a vaporizer cartridge receptacle configured to receive the vaporizer cartridge, and a heater positioned within the receptacle and configured to contact at least a portion of the wick. The heater can be further configured to vaporize the liquid vaporizable material.

[0028] In some aspects, the vaporizer device also includes one or more retention features configured to separably attach the substrate to the vaporizer cartridge receptacle,

[0029] In some aspects, the vaporizer device also includes a removable mouthpiece configured to enclose the vaporizer cartridge. In some aspects, the mouthpiece includes at least one protrusion configured to cover the reservoir of the vaporizer cartridge when the cartridge is inserted into the receptacle with the reservoir in a first position. In some aspects, the mouthpiece includes two protrusions configured to cover the reservoir of the cartridge when the cartridge is inserted into the receptacle in either a first position or a second position.

[0030] In some aspects, the mouthpiece also includes an airflow path formed upon coupling the mouthpiece to the vaporizer body, wherein at least a portion of the wick is positioned within the airflow path when the vaporizer cartridge is inserted into the receptacle, and an outlet in fluid communication with the airflow path.

[0031] In some aspects, the vaporizer body also includes one or more air inlets proximate the receptacle and configured to provide a path for air to enter the airflow path.

[0032] In some aspects, the vaporizer body also includes a power source and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to supply power from the power source to the heater to generate heat, thereby vaporizing the vaporizable material in the wick.

[0033] In some aspects, the vaporizer cartridge also includes a pad attached to a second surface of the substrate and configured to slidingly contact the heater upon removal of the vaporizer cartridge from the receptacle.

[0034] In all aspects of the vaporizer device, the cartridge is separable from the vaporizer body.

[0035] In another exemplary implementation, a cartridge for a vaporizer device is provided In some aspects, the vaporizer cartridge includes a substrate, a wick attached to a portion of a first surface of the substrate, wherein the wick is configured to hold a liquid vaporizable material, and a mouthpiece including a mouthpiece body, an outlet formed through a proximal end of the mouthpiece body, a mouthpiece receptacle formed at a distal end of the mouthpiece body and configured to receive at least a portion of the substrate. In some aspects, the mouthpiece also includes an extension protruding from the distal end of the mouthpiece body and configured to contact at least a portion of a second surface of the substrate. In certain aspects, the first surface of the substrate is coated with a membrane, a second surface of the substrate is coated with a membrane, or both the first surface of the substrate and the second surface of the substrate are coated with a membrane. In one aspect, the membrane is a polyester bioplastic such as polylactic acid (PLA).

[0036] In some aspects, the extension has a varied thickness. In certain aspects, the extension has a thickness that decreases toward a distal end thereof.

[0037] In some aspects, the mouthpiece further comprises one or more retention features configured to separably attach the substrate to the mouthpiece. In certain aspects, the substrate is removable from the mouthpiece.

[0038] In some aspects, at least a portion of the wick is offset toward a distal end of the substrate.

[0039] In some aspects, the vaporizer cartridge also includes a removeable film enclosing the wick and at least a portion of the first surface of the substrate to prevent evaporation of the liquid vaporizable material. The removeable film is removed to expose the wick prior to insertion of the vaporizer cartridge into a vaporizer device.

[0040] In some aspects, the substrate is formed from paper.

[0041] In another exemplary implementation, a vaporizer device is provided. In some aspects, the vaporizer device includes a vaporizer cartridge including a substrate, a wick attached to a portion of a first surface of the substrate, wherein the wick is configured to hold a liquid vaporizable material, and a mouthpiece including a mouthpiece body, an outlet formed through a proximal end of the mouthpiece body, a mouthpiece receptacle formed at a distal endof the mouthpiece body and configured to receive at least a portion of the substrate. The vaporizer device also includes a vaporizer body including a vaporizer cartridge receptacle configured to receive the substrate and at least a portion of the mouthpiece and a heater positioned within the cartridge receptacle and configured to vaporize the liquid vaporizable material. In some aspects, the mouthpiece includes an extension protruding from the distal end of the mouthpiece body and configured to contact at least a portion of a second surface of the substrate. In certain aspects, the mouthpiece also includes one or more retention features configured to separably attach the substrate to the mouthpiece. In certain aspects, the cartridge receptacle includes one or more retention features configured to separably attach the substrate to the vaporizer device.

[0042] In some aspects, the cartridge receptacle includes an airflow path formed upon insertion of the vaporizer cartridge into the cartridge receptacle, wherein at least a portion of the wick is positioned within the airflow path. In some aspects, the airflow path extends from a distal end of the cartridge receptacle to the outlet of the mouthpiece.

[0043] In some aspects, the vaporizer body also includes one or more air inlets proximate the cartridge receptacle and configured to provide a path for air to enter the airflow path.

[0044] In some aspects, the vaporizer body also includes a power source and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to supply power from the power source to the heater to generate heat.

[0045] In all aspects of the vaporizer device, the vaporizer cartridge is separable from the vaporizer body.

[0046] In some aspects, the vaporizer cartridge also includes a pad attached to the first surface of the substrate and configured to slidingiy contact the heater upon removal of the vaporizer cartridge from the vaporizer body. In certain aspects, the pad is attached to the first surface of the substrate between the wick and a distal end of thereof.

[0047] The details of one or more implementations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the subject matter described herein will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. The claims that follow this disclosure are intended to define the scope of the protected subject matter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification, show certain aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and, together withthe description, help explain some of the principles associated with the disclosed implementations In the drawings:

[0049] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary implementation of a vaporizer cartridge that includes a saturated wick containing the vaporizable material

[0050] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view vaporizer cartridge of FIG. 1 showing a removable film enclosing the saturated wick containing the vaporizable material.

[0051] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing another exemplary implementation of the vaporizer cartridge that includes a mouthpiece.

[0052] FIGs. 4A-4C illustrate perspective view's of another exemplary implementation of a vaporizer cartridge including a reserv oir protruding through a superstrata thereof.

[0053] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary implementation of vaporizer device including the vaporizer cartridge of FIG. I.

[0054] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the exemplary / vaporizer device of FIG. 4 showing an exemplary airflow path.

[0055] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the vaporizer device of FIG. 4, showing the vaporizer cartridge of FIG. 1 inserted into and coupled to the vaporizer body.

[0056] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another exemplary implementation of a vaporizer device including the vaporizer cartridge of FIGs. 4A-4C.

[0057] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the exemplary vaporizer device of FIG. 8 showing the cartridge in the second position and an exemplary airflow path.

[0058] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating the vaporizer device of FIG. 8, showing the vaporizer cartridge inserted in the first position and coupled to the vaporizer body.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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 thatis in a relative local equilibrium between the phases) can typically include a reservoir or storage container (also referred to herein as a reservoir, tank, storage compartment, or storage volume) containing a volume of the liquid vaporizable material, a heater (which may also be referred to as an atomizer or atomizer assembly), 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 can 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.

[0061] Examples of vaporizer devices consistent with implementations of the current subject matter include electronic vaporizers, electronic nicotine deliver}-- systems (ENDS), and / or the like. 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.

[0062] The vaporizable material used with a vaporizer device can be provided within a cartridge (for example, a part of the vaporizer that contains the vaporizable material in a reservoir or other container) which can be refillable when empty, or disposable such that a new cartridge containing additional vaporizable material of a same or different type can be used). For example, the liquid vaporizable material can include a carrier solution in which an active and / or inactive ingredient(s) are suspended or held in solution. Alternatively, the liquid vaporizable material can be a liquid form of the vaporizable material itself. The liquid vaporizable material can be capable of being completely vaporized. Alternatively, at least a portion of the liquid vaporizable material can remain after all of the material suitable for inhalation has been vaporized

[0063] However, the reservoir of current vaporizer cartridges is typically configured to contain sufficient liquid vaporizable material for multiple sessions (i.e., the equivalent of multiple cigarettes) and therefore, do not have a session demarcation. Additionally, such replaceable vaporizer cartridges are typically made from plastic and are therefore notbiodegradable. Various features and devices are described below that improve upon or overcome these issues

[0064] The vaporizer cartridges described herein provide a low-cost, biodegradable consumable containing a volume of vaporizable material consistent with a single session (i.e., approximately 20 puffs), thereby providing a ‘session’ based experience where the user is prompted to stop puffing and perform an action after a pre-determined amount of liquid vaporizable material has been consumed. For example, at the start of the session an absorbent medium of the cartridge is saturated with a volume of vaporizable material and the volume reduces in saturation as the user puffs. Without being bound by theory, re-saturation of the wick (i.e., returning to equilibrium following a puff) is reliant, in part, on the characteristic length scale of diffusion of the vaporizable material. The characteristic length scale for diffusion can be calculated from the wicking rate, which is given in s / 4 cm for water (the length scale can be adjusted for differences in viscosity and surface tension of vaporizable material). According to Washburn’s Equation, length scale is proportional to the square root of the ratio of surface tension to viscosity. It can therefore be assumed that if the characteristic length scale of liquid vaporizable material diffusion within the wick is greater than the characteristic length scale for heat diffusion over an exemplary' puff, then the wick is expected to re-saturate and return to equilibrium between puffs. When the session is completed, the cartridge or a portion thereof can be removed from the vaporizer device and di sposed of and / or composted. A user can then insert a new cartridge or portion thereof into the vaporizer device to begin a new session.

[0065] With reference to FIGs. 1 and 2, an exemplary' implementation of a vaporizer cartridge 100 is provided. As shown, the vaporizer cartridge 100 includes a substrate 110 having a proximal end 115 and a distal end 116, and a wick 120. In some implementations, the substrate 110 can be formed from any of various biodegradable / compostable fibrous cellulose-based materials such as, for example, paper or cardboard. In some implementations, the substrate 110 can be formed in a substantially rectangular shape. In certain implementations, the substrate 110 tapers toward the proximal end 115 of the substrate 110. In some implementations, a first surface 112 of the substrate 110 can be coated with a membrane 140, a second surface 114 of the substrate 110 can be coated with a membrane 140 (not shown), or both the first surface 112 of the substrate 110 and the second surface 114 of the substrate 110 can be coated with a membrane 140. In certain implementations, the membrane 140 can be formed from a polyester bioplastic, such as pol lactic acid (PLA). The membrane 140, when included, protects the substrate 110 bypreventing premature degradation due to direct contact with the liquid vaporizable material 150 contained in the wick 120, Thus, the vaporizer cartridge 100 is biodegradable / compostable upon completion of a session.

[0066] As used herein, the terms “wick” or “wicking element” include any material capable of causing fluid motion via capillary pressure. The wick 120 can be attached to the first surface 112 of the substrate 110 and can be configured to store a volume of a liquid vaporizable material 150. In some implementations, the wick 120 stores an entire volume of liquid vaporizable material 150 sufficient for a single vaporization session. For example, in exemplary implementations, the wick can be configured to store about 50 mg to about 200 mg of liquid vaporizable material (sufficient for, e.g., about 10 to about 20 puffs). The wick 120 can be made from one or more rigid or compressible materials, such as cotton, silica, ceramic, and / or the like. Relative to some other materials, a cotton wick can allow for an increased and / or more controllable flow rate of vaporizable material to return to even saturation between puffs. Additionally, a cotton wick is biodegradable, which reduces pollution due to irresponsible disposal and enables the substrate to be composted. In some implementations, the wick can be formed as a substantially flat pad to provide a greater transfer surface area (i.e., for contacting with a heater to vaporize the liquid vaporizable), which can allow for increased flow of the vaporizable material therein. In certain implementations, the wick 120 is offset toward the distal end 116 of the substrate.

[0067] With reference to FIG. 2, in some aspects, the cartridge 100 can also include a removeable film 170 enclosing the wick 120 and at least a portion of the first surface 112 of the substrate 110. When attached to first surface 112 of the substrate 110 and fully enclosing the wick 120, the removable film 170 can prevent evaporation of the liquid vaporizable material 150, for example, during storage and prior to use. In some implementations, the removable film 170 can be formed from a polyester bioplastic, such as polylactic acid (PLA). Prior to, or immediately after, attachment of the substrate 110 to a vaporizer device, the removable film 170 can be peeled away from the first surface 112 of the substrate 110 to expose the wick 120, which is saturated with liquid vaporizable material 150, and remains exposed for contacting with a heater of the vaporizer device.

[0068] Referring back to FIG 1, to address fouling of the heater of the vaporizer device resulting from the build-up of residue from vaporization of the liquid vaporizable material 150, any of the above-discussed exemplary implementations of the vaporizer cartridge 100 can also include one or more pads 180 attached to the first surface 112 of the substrate 110. The one or more pads 180 can be configured to slidingly contact (i.e., wipe) the heatingelement upon removal of the vaporizer cartridge 100 from a vaporizer device. Physical removal of the vaporizer cartridge 100 from the device can provide the necessary wiping action against the heater to at least partially remove any fouling and / or residue build-up on the heater. In some implementations, the one or more pads 180 can be made from rigid or compressible materials, such as cotton, silica, ceramic, and / or the like, and can optionally be impregnated with a solvent configured to dissolve the residue built-up on the heater. In certain implementations, the removable film 170 enclosing the wick 120 and at least a portion of the first surface 112 of the substrate 110 also encloses the pad (not shown) such that removal of the removable film 170 exposes both the wick 120 and the pad 180. In other implementations, the one or more pads 180 can include an abrasive material to at least partially remove the residue built-up on the heater as the vaporizer cartridge 100 is removed from the vaporizer device.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 3, in another exemplary implementation, the vaporizer cartridge 100 includes a substrate 110 having a proximal end 115 and a distal end 116, a wick 120, and a mouthpiece 320. This implementation of the vaporizer cartridge is similar to vaporizer cartridge 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and is therefore not described in detail herein. The mouthpiece 320 can include a mouthpiece body 322 having a proximal end 324 and a distal end 326. An outlet 325 through which the user inhales vaporized liquid vaporizable material 150 can be formed through the proximal end 324 of the mouthpiece body 322. In some implementations, the outlet 325 is centered in the proximal end 324 of the mouthpiece body 322. In some implementations, outlet 325 includes a plurality of openings (not shown) through which the user inhales the vaporized liquid vaporizable material 150. As shown, a mouthpiece receptacle 338 is formed at the distal end 326 of the mouthpiece body 322 and configured to receive at least a portion of the vaporizer cartridge 304.

[0070] In some implementations, the mouthpiece body 322 can also include an extension 328 protruding from the distal end 326 thereof. The extension 328 can be configured to contact at least a portion of a second surface 114 (as shown in FIG. 6) of the substrate 110. In some implementations, the extension 328 is configured for frictional retention of the substrate 110 within a vaporizer device (not shown). In some implementations, the extension 328 has a varied thickness. In certain implementations, the extension 328 has a thickness that decreases toward a distal end 329 thereof, thereby forming a substantially wedge shape. In other implementations, the extension 328 has a uniform thickness.

[0071] In some implementations where the vaporizer cartridge 100 includes a mouthpiece 320, the mouthpiece body 322 can include one or more retention features 331 (as shown inFIG. 6) configured to separably attach the substrate 110 of the vaporizer cartridge 100 to the mouthpiece 320. In some implementations, the one or more retention features 331 can be disposed within the mouthpiece receptacle 338 and configured to removably secure the substrate 110 to the mouthpiece. In certain implementations, the one or more retention features 331 can be disposed and / or extend along a length and / or width of the mouthpiece receptacle 338 and / or along a length of the extension 328 of the mouthpiece body 322. Thus, in some aspects, the substrate 110 is separable from the mouthpiece 320 such that the substrate 110 and wick 120 form a disposable / replaceable portion when the liquid vaporizable material has been depleted, and the mouthpiece 320 can be reused with a new substrate 110 and wick 120 to begin another session.

[0072] Exemplary retention features 331 include, but are not limited to, protrusions, clips, rails, and slots disposed and / or extending along a length and / or width of the mouthpiece receptacle 338 and / or along a length of the extension 328. Such retention features 331 can be configured to accept one or more edges of the substrate 110 for removable attachment thereof to the mouthpiece 320. In some aspects, extension 328 can include one or more rails or slots (not shown) extending along a length of the extension 328 and configured to accept one or more edges of the substrate 110 for removable attachment thereof. In other aspects, a top surface of extension 328 can include an adhesive (not shown) configured to removably attach a second surface of the substrate 110 thereto. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the number, size, and shape of the one or more retention features 331 depend at least upon the structural configuration of the substrate 110 and the mouthpiece receptacle 338. As such, the number, size, and shape of the one or more retention features 331 are not limited to what is illustrated in the figures.

[0073] With reference now to FIGs. 4A-4C, another exemplary implementation of a vaporizer cartridge 200 is shown. As shown, the vaporizer cartridge 200 includes a substrate 210, a reservoir 260 configured to hold a liquid vaporizable material, and a wick 220 configured to draw the liquid vaporizable material from the reservoir 260. In some implementations, vaporizer cartridge 200 includes a substrate 210 having a first surface, a second surface, and an opening 215 formed therethrough. In certain implementations, the opening 215 is offset toward a distal end 216 of the substrate 210. As shown in FIG. 4B, in certain implementations, the opening 215 can have a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the wick 220.

[0074] In some implementations, the substrate 210 can be formed from any of various biodegradable / compostable fibrous cellulose-based materials such as, for example, paper orcardboard. In some implementations, at least a portion of the first surface 212 of the substrate 210 can be coated with a membrane 240 such that the membrane 240 overlaps and completely surrounds the first opening 215. In some implementations, the first surface 212 of the substrate 210 is coated with a membrane 240, the second surface 214 of the substrate 210 is coated with a membrane 240 (see FIG. 4C), or both the first surface 212 of the substrate 210 and the second surface 214 of the substrate 210 are coated with a membrane 240. In certain implementations, the membrane 240 can be made from a polyester bioplastic, such as polylactic acid (PLA) to protect the substrate 210 by preventing premature degradation due to direct contact with liquid vaporizable material. Thus, the vaporizer cartridge 200 is biodegradable / compostable upon completion of a session.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 4B, the wick 220 can be attached to the second surface 214 of the substrate 210 and in alignment with the opening 215. In other implementations, the wick 220 can be attached to the first surface 212 of the substrate 210 (not shown) and in alignment with the opening 215. As with the vaporizer cartridge 100 shown in FIGs. 1-3, the wick 220 can be made from one or more rigid or compressible materials, such as cotton, silica, ceramic, and / or the like. In some implementations the wick 220 is made from cotton to allow for an increased and / or more controllable flow rate of vaporizable material from the reservoir 260 to ensure even saturation of the wick 220 between puffs. Additionally, a cotton wick is biodegradable, which reduces pollution due to irresponsible disposal and enables the substrate to be composted. In some implementations, the wick 220 can be formed as a substantially flat pad to provide a greater transfer surface area (i.e., for contacting with a heater to vaporize the liquid vaporizable), which can allow for increased flow of the vaporizable material therein. In certain implementations, the wick 220 can optionally be bonded or otherwise attached to the membrane 240 coating the first surface 212 of the first substrate 210 or the membrane 240 coating the second surface 214 of the substrate 210. In some implementations, the wick 220 can have a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the opening 215 of the substrate 210.

[0076] The reservoir 260 can have a variety of configurations and can be formed from a polyester bioplastic such as polylactic acid (PLA). For example, in some implementations, the reservoir 260 can be formed in the shape of a hemisphere or blister, as shown in FIGs. 4A and 4B In other implementations, the reservoir 260 can be formed in any geometric shape, such as a cube, rectangle, cylinder, cone, or pyramid (not shown) and configured to contain a liquid vaporizable material. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the size, shape, and overall cross-section of the reservoir 260 can depend at least upon the structuraldimensions of the other components of the vaporizer cartridge and the vaporizer device itself. Thus, fluid communication between the reservoir 260 and wick 220 is established with the wick 220 being configured to draw liquid vaporizable material from the reservoir as the liquid vaporizable material is be vaporized (i.e., converted to a gas-phase state) by a heater of a vaporizer device, for example, during a puff.

[0077] In some implementations, the reservoir 260 can also include a flange 262 formed around its circumference (or perimeter for non-circular shaped reservoirs), which can be configured for attachment to either the first surface 212 of the substrate 210 or to a second surface 214 of the substrate 210. In those implementations where the reservoir is attached to the second surface 214 of the substrate, at least a portion of the reservoir 240 can protrude through the opening 215 of the substrate. In some implementations, the reservoir 260 is configured to collapse as the liquid vaporizable material within the reservoir 260 is depleted to improve emptying efficiency and maintain a consistent saturation of the wick 220. Thus, in this configuration, the wick 220 does not desaturate during the session (i.e, the life of the consumable cartridge 200) until the reservoir 260 is nearly depleted.

[0078] In some implementations, the cartridge 200 can also include a removeable film 270 enclosing the wick 220 and at least a portion of a second surface 214 of the substrate 210. When attached to and sealing the second surface 214 of the substrate 210, the removable film 270 fully encloses the wick 220 and can prevent evaporation of the liquid vaporizable material, for example, during storage and prior to use. In some implementations, the removable film 270 is formed from a polyester bioplastic such as polylactic acid (PLA). Prior to insertion of the vaporizer cartridge 200 into a vaporizer device (not shown), the removable film 270 can be peeled away from the second surface 214 of the substrate 210 to expose the saturated wick 220 for direct contact with a heater for vaporization of the liquid vaporizable material.

[0079] With reference to FIG. 4C, to address fouling of the heater of the vaporizer device resulting from the build-up of residue from vaporization of the vaporizable material, any of the above-discussed exemplary implementations of cartridge 200 can also include one or more pads 280 attached to the second surface 214 of the substrate 210. The one or more pads 280 can be configured to slidingly contact (i.e., wipe) the heater upon removal of the vaporizer cartridge 200 from a vaporizer device. Physical removal of the vaporizer cartridge 200 from the vaporizer device can provide the necessary wiping action against the heater to at least partially remove any fouling and / or residue build-up on the heater. In some implementations, the one or more pads 280 can be made from rigid or compressiblematerials, such as cotton, silica, ceramic, and / or the like, and can optionally be impregnated with a solvent configured to dissolve the residue built-up on the heater. In certain implementations, the removable film 270 enclosing the wick 220 and at least a portion of the second surface 214 of the substrate 210 also encloses the pad (not shown in FIG. 4C) such that removal of the removable film 270 exposes both the wick 220 and the pad 280. In other implementations, the one or more pads 280 can include an abrasive material to at least partially remove the residue built-up on the heater as the vaporizer cartridge 200 is removed from the vaporizer device.

[0080] In all implementations of the vaporizer cartridge 100, 200 described herein, the configurations lend themselves to easier manufacturing processes. Since paper and thin films are used throughout, a roll-to-roll manufacturing process can be used, which reduces manufacturing and assembly time, as compared to current pods / cartridges on the market. Additionally, since the paper and thin films used throughout are biodegradable, the vaporizer cartridges 100, 200 can be composted and / or are biodegradable.

[0081] FIGS. 5-7 illustrate an exemplary vaporizer device 300 that includes a vaporizer body 302 and a vaporizer cartridge 304. In FIG. 5, the vaporizer body 302 and the vaporizer cartridge 300 are illustrated in a decoupled configuration. The vaporizer cartridge 304 is similar to vaporizer cartridge 100 in FIGS. 1 and 2 and is therefore not described in detail herein. For purposes of simplicity, certain components of the vaporizer device 300 are not illustrated in FIGs. 5-7.

[0082] Referring to FIGs. 5 and 6, the vaporizer device 300 can also include a removable mouthpiece 320 similar to that of the exemplary vaporizer cartridge 100 shown in FIG. 3. The removable mouthpiece 320 can include a mouthpiece body 322 having a proximal end 324 and a distal end 326. An outlet 325 (see FIG. 6) through which the user inhales vaporized liquid vaporizable material 150 can be formed through the proximal end 324 of the mouthpiece body 322. In some implementations, the outlet 325 is centered in the proximal end 324 of the mouthpiece body 322. In some implementations, outlet 325 includes a plurality of openings (not shown) through which the user inhales the vaporized liquid vaporizable material 150. As shown in FIG. 3, a mouthpiece receptacle 338 is formed at the distal end 326 of the mouthpiece body 322 and configured to receive at least a portion of the vaporizer cartridge 304.

[0083] In some implementations, the mouthpiece body 322 can also include an extension 328 protruding from the distal end 326 thereof. The extension 328 can be configured to contact at least a portion of a second surface 114 (as shown in FIG. 6) of the substrate 110 ofthe vaporizer cartridge 304. In some implementations, the extension 328 is configured for frictional retention of the vaporizer cartridge 304 within the vaporizer device 300. In some implementations, the extension 328 has a varied thickness. In certain implementations, the extension 328 has a thickness that decreases toward a distal end 329 thereof, thereby forming a substantially wedge shape. In other implementations, the extension 328 has a uniform thickness.

[0084] In some implementations, the vaporizer body 302 is configured to insertably receive the vaporizer cartridge 304. As discussed above, with reference to FIGs. 1 and 2, after removing the removable film 170 (if present) from the vaporizer cartridge 100, 304 to expose the saturated wick 120, the proximal end 115 of the substrate 110 can be inserted into the mouthpiece receptacle 338 of the mouthpiece body 322, as shown in FIG 5. Thereafter, the mouthpiece 320 with the vaporizer cartridge 100, 304 can be inserted into a cartridge receptacle 312 of the vaporizer device body 302 such that at least a portion of the wick 120 contacts a heater 330 of the vaporizer body 302 (FIG. 6). In some implementations, at least a portion of the extension 328 and at least a portion of the substrate 110 of the vaporizer cartridge 100, 304 are insertably received in the cartridge receptacle 12 and the extension 328 can be further configured to apply pressure to the second surface 114 of the substrate 110 such that at least a portion of the wick 120 contacts the heater 330. In certain implementations at least a portion of the distal end 326 of the mouthpiece body 322 is also received in the cartridge receptacle 312 of the vaporizer device body 302.

[0085] In some implementations, the vaporizer device 300 can include one or more retention features 331 (as shown in FIG. 6) configured to separably attach the substrate 110 of the vaporizer cartridge 100, 304 to the vaporizer device 300. In some implementations, the one or more retention features 331 can be disposed within the mouthpiece receptacle 338, as described above with reference to the vaporizer cartridge 100 shown in FIG. 3. In some implementations, the one or more retention features 331 can be disposed within the cartridge receptacle 312 of the vaporizer device body 302. Thus, in some aspects, the vaporizer cartridge 100, 304 is separable from the vaporizer device 300 such that the substrate 110 and wick 120 form a disposable / replaceable vaporizer cartridge 304 when the liquid vaporizable material has been depleted.

[0086] The vaporizer body 302 can have a variety of configurations. Referring back to FIG. 5, the vaporizer body 302 can include an outer housing 310 that extends from a proximal end 316 to a distal end 318. The outer housing 310 defines the cartridge receptacle 312 at a distal end thereof and the cartridge receptacle 12 is configured to receive at least aportion of the vaporizer cartridge 304. The distal end 318 of the outer housing 310 is coupled to a chassis 313 that is configured to house at least a portion of any additional components of the vaporizer device 300 (e.g., a power source, input device(s), sensor(s), output, a controller, communication hardware, memory, electrical contacts, and the like) As shown in FIG. 6, the cartridge receptacle 312 of the vaporizer body 302 can include an airflow path 350, which is formed upon insertion of the mouthpiece 320 and vaporizer cartridge 304, if present, into the cartridge receptacle 312. In some implementations, the airflow path 350 is formed between the vaporizer cartridge 304 and a distal surface 314 of the cartridge receptacle 312 with the airflow path 350 extending from a distal end of the cartridge receptacle 312 to the outlet 325 of the mouthpiece 320. In certain implementations, the wick 120 of the vaporizer cartridge 304 is positioned within the airflow path 350 wherein vaporized material mixes with air in the airflow path 350 and travels to the outlet 325 of the mouthpiece 320 for inhalation by the user. In certain implementations, the airflow path 350 exits through the outlet 325 of the mouthpiece 320.

[0087] As shown in FIGs 5-7, in some implementations, the vaporizer body 302 can include a heater 330 disposed within the cartridge receptacle 312 and configured to vaporize the vaporizable material 150 contained in the wick 120 of the vaporizer cartridge 304. As shown in FIG. 6, extension 328 of the mouthpiece body 322 can be configured to apply pressure to a second surface 114 of the substrate 110 of the vaporizer cartridge 304 such that at least a portion of the wick 120 contacts the heater 330.

[0088] As shown in FIGs. 6 and 7, in some implementations, the outer housing 310 of the vaporizer body 302 can include one or more air inlets 340 formed therethough and positioned proximate to the cartridge receptacle 312. In other implementations, the one or more air inlets 340 can include one or more gaps (not shown) formed between the mouthpiece body 322 and the cartridge receptacle 312. In those implementations where the air inlets 340 include one or more gaps, the mouthpiece body 322 can include one or more detents (e.g., dimples, protrusions, etc.) protruding outwardly from the mouthpiece body 322 at the distal end 326 thereof. Pressure between each of the one or more detents and the inner surface of the cartridge receptacle can deform at least a portion of the distal end 326 of the mouthpiece body 322 that is inserted into the cartridge receptacle 312, thereby forming the one or more gaps. In any configuration, the one or more air inlets 340 can be in fluid communication with the airflow path 350 formed upon insertion of the mouthpiece 320 into the vaporizer body 302. As such, air enters the one or more air inlets 340 and mixes with vaporized materialwithin the airflow path 350 and travels to the outlet 325 of the mouthpiece 320 for inhalation by the user.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 7, the vaporizer device 300 can include a power source 502 (e.g., a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, a fuel cell, and / or the like) and a controller 504 (e.g., a processor, circuitry, etc. capable of executing logic). The controller 504 can be configured to control the delivery of heat to the heater 330 of the vaporizer device 300 to cause a vaporizable material to be converted from a condensed form (e g., a liquid) to a gas phase. For example, the controller 504 can control the delivery of heat to the heater 330 by at least controlling a discharge of current from the power source 502 to the heater 330. The controller 504 can be part of one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) consistent with certain implementations of the current subject matter.

[0090] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate an alternative exemplary vaporizer device 400 that includes a vaporizer body 402, a vaporizer cartridge 404, and a mouthpiece 406. In FIG. 8, the vaporizer body 402, the vaporizer cartridge 404, and the mouthpiece 406 are illustrated in a decoupled configuration. The vaporizer cartridge 404 is similar to vaporizer cartridge 200 in FIGs. 4A-4C and is therefore not described in detail herein. For purposes of simplicity, certain components of the vaporizer device 400 are not illustrated in FIGs 8 and 9. In this configuration of the exemplary vaporizer device 400, since the wick 220 does not desaturate through the life of the cartridge 404 (e.g., during one session) until the reservoir 260 is nearly depleted, consistent vapor generation through life of the cartridge 404 is provided without having to account for re-saturation of the wick 220.

[0091] In some implementations, the vaporizer body 402 is configured to insertably receive the vaporizer cartridge 404 in a cartridge receptacle 410. In some implementations, the cartridge receptacle 410 can include one or more rails 412 or slots (not shown) extending along a length of the cartridge receptacle 410 and configured to accept one or more edges of the cartridge 404 for separable attachment thereof. As discussed above, with reference to FIGs. 4A and 4B, after removing the removable film 270 (if present) from the substrate 210 to expose the saturated wick 220, the proximal end 216 of the vaporizer cartridge 404 can be inserted into the one or more rails 412 and the vaporizer cartridge 404 can slide along the rails to ensure proper alignment upon insertion such that at least a portion of the exposed wick 220 contacts a heater 420 of the vaporizer body 402. The rails 412 can also be configured to serve as a retention feature to maintain the position of the vaporizer cartridge 404 relative to the vaporizer body 402. In some aspects, vaporizer cartridge 404 can be inserted into the receptacle 410 in a first position (i.e., with the reservoir 260 pointingupwards relative to the receptacle 410, as shown in FIG. 8). In some aspects, cartridge 404 can be inserted into the receptacle 410 in a second position (i.e., with the reservoir 160 pointing downwards relative to the receptacle 410, as shown in FIG. 9).

[0092] In some implementations, the vaporizer body 402 can include a heater 420 disposed within the cartridge receptacle 410 and configured to vaporize the vaporizable material drawn by the wick 220 from the reservoir 260 of the vaporizer cartridge 404. In some implementations, the heater 420 includes a metal foil that can be formed over or can be embedded in a ceramic housing (not shown). As such, at least a portion of the wick 220 can contact the heater 420 when the vaporizer cartridge 404 is inserted into the receptacle 410 in either the first position or the second position, as discussed above.

[0093] The mouthpiece 406 can have a variety of configurations. In some implementations, the mouthpiece 406 can be configured to separably couple to the vaporizer body 402 and envelop or enclose the vaporizer cartridge 404. The mouthpiece 406 defines a mouthpiece receptacle 408 at the distal end 407 thereof and the mouthpiece receptacle 408 can be configured to receive and envelop the vaporizer cartridge 304 and receptacle 410. The mouthpiece 406 can also include an outlet 460 formed through the proximal end 409 thereof. In some implementations, the mouthpiece 406 can also include an airflow path (as shown in FIG 9) formed within the mouthpiece receptacle 408 and in fluid communication with the outlet 460.

[0094] In some implementations, the mouthpiece 406 includes at least one protrusion 416 extending along at least a portion thereof and shaped to correspond to the shape of the reservoir 260 of the vaporizer cartridge 404. As such, the at least one protrusion 416 can be configured to at least cover and laterally retain the reservoir 260 when the vaporizer cartridge 404 is inserted into the cartridge receptacle 410 in the first position. In certain implementations, the at least one protrusion 416 extends from the distal end 407 of the mouthpiece 406 for a length that approximates the insertion length of the cartridge receptacle 410 into the mouthpiece receptacle 408. In some implementations, the mouthpiece 406 includes two protrusions 416 (as shown in FIG. 9) configured to at least cover and laterally retain the reservoir 260 of the vaporizer cartridge 404 when the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge receptacle 410 in either a first position (as shown in FIG. 8) or a second position (as shown in FIG. 9 with cartridge receptacle 410 not shown for simplicity).

[0095] The vaporizer body 402 can have a variety of configurations. As shown in FIGs. 8 and 9, the vaporizer body 402 can include one or more protrusions 418 configured to complement or correspond to the one or more protrusions 416 of the mouthpiece 406 whenthe mouthpiece 406 is coupled to vaporizer body 402. As with exemplary vaporizer device 300, vaporizer body 402 can include an outer housing 414 coupled to a chassis (not shown) that is configured to house at least a portion of any additional components of the vaporizer device 400 (e.g., a power source, input device(s), sensor(s), output, a controller, communication hardware, memory, electrical contacts, and the like). The outer housing 414 of vaporizer body 402 can also include one or more air inlets 440 formed therethough and positioned proximate to the cartridge receptacle 410. The one or more air inlets 440 can be in fluid communication with the airflow path 450 of the mouthpiece 406. In certain implementations, the wick 220 of the vaporizer cartridge 404 is positioned within the airflow path 450 when the vaporizer cartridge 404 is inserted in either first position or the second position. As such, air enters the one or more air inlets 440 and mixes with vaporized material within the airflow path 450 and travels to the outlet 460 of the mouthpiece 406 for inhalation by the user.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 10, the vaporizer device 400 can also include a power source 502 (e.g., a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary' battery', a fuel cell, and / or the like) and a controller 504 (e.g., a processor, circuitry, etc. capable of executing logic). The controller 504 can be configured to control the delivery’ of heat to the heater 420 of the vaporizer device 400 to cause a vaporizable material to be con verted from a condensed form (e.g., a liquid) to a gas phase. For example, the controller 504 can control the delivery of heat to the heater 420 by at least controlling a discharge of current from the power source 502 to the heater 420. The controller 504 can be part of one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) consistent with certain implementations of the current subject matter.

[0097] In all implementations of the vaporizer device (300, 400), after conversion of the vaporizable material to the gas phase, and depending on the type of vaporizer device (300, 400), the physical and chemical properties of the vaporizable material, and / or other factors, at least some of the gas-phase vaporizable material can condense to form particulate matter in at least a partial local equilibrium with the gas phase as part of an aerosol. The vaporizable material in the condensed phase (e.g, the particulate matter) in at least partial local equilibrium with the vaporizable material in the gas phase can form some or all of an inhalable dose provided by the vaporizer device (300, 400) for a given puff or draw on the vaporizer device (300, 400). It will be understood that the interplay between the vaporizable material in the gas phase and in the condensed phase in an aerosol generated by the vaporizer device (300, 400) can be complex and dynamic, as factors such as ambient temperature, relative humidity, chemistry, flow conditions in fluid paths, such as airflow paths, (bothinside the vaporizer device and in the airways of a human or other animal), mixing of the gasphase or aerosol-phase vaporizable material with other air streams, etc., can affect one or more physical parameters of an aerosol. In some vaporizer devices, and particularly for vaporizer devices for delivery' of more volatile vaporizable materials, the inhal able dose can exist predominantly in the gas phase (i.e., formation of condensed phase particles can be very limited).

[0098] In all implementations of the vaporizer device (300, 400), the heater (330, 420) can be or can include one or more of a conductive heater, a radiative heater, and a convective heater. One type of heater (330, 420) includes 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, the heater (330, 420) can include a heating element positioned within, integrated into a bulk shape, pressed into thermal contact with, or otherwise arranged to deliver heat to at least a portion of a wick (120, 220) of a vaporizer cartridge (200, 300) to cause a liquid vaporizable material drawn by and / or contained in the wick (120, 220) to be vaporized for subsequent inhalation by a user in a gas and / or a condensed (e.g, aerosol particles or droplets) phase. Other wicks, heaters, and / or heating element configurations are also possible, as discussed further below.

[0099] For example, the heating element of the heater (330, 420) can be stamped from a sheet of material and can be bent to conform to a shape of at least a portion of the wick (120, 220). Configurations of the heating element can allow' for more consistent and enhanced quality manufacturing of the heating element and can help to reduce tolerance issues that can arise during manufacturing processes when assembling a heating element having multiple components. The heating element can also improve the accuracy of measurements taken from the heating element (e.g., a resistance, a current, a temperature, etc.) due at least in part to the improved consistency in manufacturability can the heating element having reduced tolerance issues A stamped and shaped heating element can desirably help to minimize heat losses and helps to ensure that the heating element can behave predictably to be heated to the appropriate temperature.

[0100] In accordance with one or more exemplary' implementations, the heating element of the heater (330, 420 ) can be made (e.g., stamped) from a sheet of material and bent to provide a preformed element configured to receive and / or contact at least a portion of the wick (120,

[0101] The heating element of the heater (330, 420) can be activated (e.g., by the controller 504, which is optionally part of the vaporizer body (302, 402), can cause current to pass from the power source 502 through a circuit including the heating element of the heater (330, 420)), in association with a user puffing (e.g., drawing, inhaling, etc.) on the mouthpiece (320, 406) coupled to the vaporizer body (302, 402) to cause air to flow from the one or more air inlets (340, 440) along an air path (350, 450), that passes over / under the heater (330, 420) in contact with at least a portion of the wick (120, 220) of a vaporizer cartridge (100, 200), to an outlet (325, 460) of the mouthpiece (320, 406) coupled to vaporizer body (302, 402).

[0102] In some aspects, the heater (330, 420) can be activated in response to detecting a puff and / or determining that a puff is imminent. For example, puff detection can be performed based on one or m ore of signals generated by one or more sensors 506 included in the vaporizer device (300, 400) such as, for example, one or more pressure sensors (e.g., configured to measure pressure along the air path (350, 450) relative to ambient pressure, changes in absolute pressure, and / or the like), motion sensors, flow sensors, capacitive sensors (e.g, configured to detect contact between a lip of the user and the vaporizer device (300, 400). Alternatively and / or additionally, a puff (or an imminent puff) can be detected in response to detecting a user interacting with one or more input devices 508 included in the vaporizer device 300, 400 (e.g, buttons or other tactile control devices of the vaporizer device (300, 400), receipt of signals from a computing device in communication with the vaporizer device (300, 400), and / or the like. It should be appreciated that puff detection including the determination of an imminent occurrence of a puff can be performed using a variety of techniques.

[0103] The temperature of the heater (330, 420) of a vaporizer device (300, 400) can depend on a number of factors, including an amount of electrical power delivered to the heating element of the heater (330, 420) and / or a duty cycle at which the electrical power is delivered, conductive heat transfer to other parts of the electronic vaporizer and / or to the environment, latent heat losses due to vaporization of a vaporizable material from the of the wick (120, 220) of the cartridge (100, 200), and convective heat losses due to airflow (e.g., air moving across the heater (330, 420) when a user inhales on the electronic vaporizer). As noted above, to reliably activate the heater (330, 420) or heat the heating element to a desired temperature, the vaporizer device (300, 400) can, in some implementations of the current subject matter, make use of signals from a pressure sensor to determine when a user is inhaling. The pressure sensor can be positioned in the fluid path (e.g., airflow path 350, 450) and / or can be connected (e.g., by a passageway or other path) to a fluid path (e.g., an airflow path) connecting an inlet for air to enter the device and an outlet via which the user inhales the resulting vapor and / or aerosolsuch that the pressure sensor experiences pressure changes concurrently with air passing through the vaporizer device from the air inlet to the air outlet. In some implementations of the current subject matter, the heating element can be activated in association with a user’s puff, for example by automatic detection of the puff, for example by the pressure sensor detecting a pressure change in the fluid path (e.g., the airflow path).

[0104] Typically, the pressure sensor (as well as any other sensors 506) can be positioned on or coupled (e.g., electrically or electronically connected, either physically or via a wireless connection) to the controller 504 (e.g., a printed circuit board assembly or other type of circuit board). To take measurements accurately and maintain durability of the vaporizer device (300, 400), a resilient seal (not shown) can optionally separate a fluid path (e.g., an airflow path) from other parts of the vaporizer device (300, 400). The seal, which can be a gasket, can be configured to at least partially surround the pressure sensor such that connections of the pressure sensor to internal circuitry of the vaporizer device are separated from a part of the pressure sensor exposed to the fluid path (e.g., airflow path). Understandably, the gasket can be positioned in any manner that seals the paths from each other. In an example of a cartridge¬ based vaporizer device, such as vaporizer device (300, 400), the seal can also separate parts of one or more electrical connections between a vaporizer body and a cartridge from one or more other parts of the vaporizer body. Such arrangements of the seal in the vaporizer device (300, 400) can be helpful in mitigating against potentially disruptive impacts on vaporizer components resulting from interactions with environmental factors such as water in the vapor or liquid phases, other fluids such as the vaporizable material, etc. and / or to reduce escape of air from the designed fluid path (e.g., airflow path) in the vaporizer device (300, 400). Unwanted air, liquid or other fluid passing and / or contacting circuitry of the vaporizer can cause various unwanted effects, such as alter pressure readings, and / or can result in the buildup of unwanted material, such as moisture, the vaporizable material, etc. in parts of the vaporizer where they can result in poor pressure signal, degradation of the pressure sensor or other components, and / or a shorter life of the vaporizer device. Leaks in the seal can also result in a user inhaling air that has passed over parts of the vaporizer device containing or constructed of materials that may not be desirable to be inhaled.

[0105] In some implementations of the current subject matter, the vaporizer device (300, 400) can be configured to connect (e.g., wirelessly or via a wired connection) to a computing device (or optionally two or more devices) in communication with the vaporizer device (300, 400). To this end, the controller 504 can include communication hardware 512. The controller 504 can also include a memory 514. A computing device can be a component of a vaporizersystem that also includes the vaporizer device (300, 400), and can include its own communication hardware, which can establish a wireless communication channel with the communication hardware 512 of the vaporizer device (300, 400). For example, a computing device used as part of a vaporizer system can include a general purpose computing device (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet, a personal computer, some other portable device such as a smartwatch, or the like) that executes software to produce a user interface for enabling a user of the device to interact with a vaporizer. In other implementations of the current subject matter, such a device used as part of a vaporizer system can be a dedicated piece of hardware such as a remote control or other wireless or wired device having one or more physical or soft (e.g,, configurable on a screen or other display device and selectable via user interaction with a touch-sensitive screen or some other input device like a mouse, pointer, trackball, cursor buttons, or the like) interface controls.

[0106] The vaporizer device (300, 400) can also include one or more outputs 510 features or devices for providing information to the user. For example, the outputs can include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured to provide feedback to a user based on a status and / or mode of operation of the vaporizer device. In some implementations, the one or more outputs can include a plurality of LEDs (i.e., two, three, four, five, or six LEDs) The one or more outputs (i.e., each individual LED) can be configured to display light in one or more colors (for example, white, red, blue, green, yellow, etc.). The one or more outputs can be configured to display different light patterns (for example, by illuminating specific LEDs, varying a light intensity of one or more of the LEDs over time, illuminating one or more LEDs with a different color, and / or the like) to indicate different statuses, modes of operation, and / or the like of the vaporizer device. In some implementations, the one or more outputs can be proximal to and / or at least partially disposed within a bottom end region of the vaporizer device. The vaporizer device can, additionally or alternatively, include externally accessible charging contacts, which can be proximate to and / or at least partially disposed within the bottom end region of the vaporizer device.

[0107] A computing device that is part of a vaporizer system as defined above can be used for any of one or more functions, such as controlling dosing (e.g., dose monitoring, dose setting, dose limiting, user tracking, etc.), controlling sessioning (e.g., session monitoring, session setting, session limiting, user tracking, etc ), controlling nicotine delivery (e.g., switching between nicotine and non-nicotine vaporizable material, adjusting an amount of nicotine delivered, etc.), obtaining locational information (e.g., location of other users, retail er / commercial venue locations, vaping locations, relative or absolute location of thevaporizer itself, etc.), vaporizer personalization (e.g., naming the vaporizer, locking / password protecting the vaporizer, adjusting one or more parental controls, associating the vaporizer with a user group, registering the vaporizer with a manufacturer or warranty maintenance organization, etc.), engaging in social activities (e g, games, social media communications, interacting with one or more groups, etc.) with other users, or the like. The terms “sessioning,” “session,” “vaporizer session,” or “vapor session” are used generically to refer to a period devoted to the use of the vaporizer. The period can include a time period, a number of doses, an amount of vaporizable material, and / or the like.

[0108] In the example in which a computing device provides signals related to activation of the heating element, or in other examples of coupling of a computing device with the vaporizer device (300, 400) for implementation of various control or other functions, the computing device can execute one or more computer instructions sets to provide a user interface and underlying data handling. In one example, detection by the computing device of user interaction with one or more user interface elements can cause the computing device to signal the vaporizer device (300, 400) to activate the heating element to a full operating temperature for creation of an inhalable dose of vapor / aerosol. Other functions of the vaporizer device (300, 400) can be controlled by interaction of a user with a user interface on a computing device in communication with the vaporizer device (300, 400)Terminology

[0109] When a feature or element is herein referred to as being “on” another feature or element, it can be directly on the other feature or element or intervening features and / or elements can also be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly on” another feature or element, there are 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 can be directly connected, attached or coupled to the other feature or element or intervening features or elements can 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 are no intervening features or elements present.

[0110] Although described or shown with respect to one embodiment, the features and elements so described or shown can 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 can have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.

[0111] 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” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0112] 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 with any 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.

[0113] Spatially relative terms, such as “forward”, “rearward”, “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “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. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures is inverted, elements described as “under” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “under” can encompass both an orientation of over and under. The device can be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms “upwardly”, “downwardly”, “vertical”, “horizontal” and the like are used herein for the purpose of explanation only unless specifically indicated otherwise.

[0114] 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 discussedbelow could be termed a first feature / element without departing from the teachings provided herein,

[0115] As used herein in the specification and claims, including as used in the examples and unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers can 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 can 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. 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” (eg., 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” are 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 are considered disclosed as well as between 10 and 15. It is also understood that each unit between two particular units are also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed

[0116] Although various illustrative embodiments are described above, any of a number of changes can 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.

[0117] One or more aspects, implementations, or features of the subject matter described herein can be realized in digital electronic circuitry, integrated circuitry, specially designed application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various aspects or features can include implementation in one or more computer programs that are executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor, which can be special or general purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device. The programmable system or computing system can include clients and servers. A client and server are generally remote from each other and typically interact through a communication network. The relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship to each other.

[0118] These computer programs, which can also be referred to programs, software, software applications, applications, components, or code, include machine instructions for a programmable processor, and can be implemented in a high-level procedural language, an object-oriented programming language, a functional programming language, a logical programming language, and / or in assembly / machine language. As used herein, the term “machine-readable medium” refers to any computer program product, apparatus and / or device, such as for example magnetic discs, optical disks, memory, and Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, including a machine-readable medium that receives machine instructions as a machine- readable signal. The term “machine-readable signal” refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor. The machine-readable medium can store such machine instructions non-transitorily, such as for example as would a nontransient solid-state memory or a magnetic hard drive or any equivalent storage medium. The machine-readable medium can alternatively or additionally store such machine instructions in a transient manner, such as for example, as would a processor cache or other random access memory associated with one or more physical processor cores.

[0119] The examples and illustrations included herein show, by way of illustration and not of limitation, specific embodiments in which the subject matter may be practiced. As mentioned, other embodiments may be utilized and derived there from, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to hereinindividually 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. 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. Use of the term “based on,” herein and in the claims is intended to mean, “based at least in part on,” such that an unrecited feature or element is also permissible.

[0120] The subject matter described herein can be embodied in systems, apparatus, methods, and / or articles depending on the desired configuration. The implementations set forth in the foregoing description do not represent all implementations consistent with the subject matter described herein. Instead, they are merely some examples consistent with aspects related to the described subject matter. Although a few variations have been described in detail herein, other modifications or additions are possible. In particular, further features and / or variations can be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, the implementations described herein can be directed to various combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed features and / or combinations and subcombinations of several further features disclosed herein. In addition, the logic flows depicted in the accompanying figures and / or described herein do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. Other implementations may be within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A vaporizer cartridge comprising:a substrate;a wick attached to a portion of a first surface of the substrate; anda liquid vaporizable material, wherein the liquid vaporizable material is stored in the wick.

2. The vaporizer cartridge of claim 1, wherein the first surface of the substrate is coated with a membrane, a second surface of the substrate is coated with a membrane, or both the first surface of the substrate and the second surface of the substrate are coated with a membrane.

3. The vaporizer cartridge of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the wick is offset toward a distal end of the substrate.

4. The vaporizer cartridge of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a removeable film enclosing the wick and at least a portion of the first surface of the substrate, wherein the removeable film is configured to prevent evaporation of the liquid vaporizable material.

5. The vaporizer cartridge of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the substrate is formed from paper.

6. The vaporizer cartridge of any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the membrane is a polyester bioplastic.

7. The vaporizer cartridge of claim 6, wherein the polyester bioplastic is polylactic acid (PLA).

8. The vaporizer cartridge of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the wick is formed from cotton.

9. The vaporizer cartridge of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the vaporizer cartridge is biodegradable.

10. The vaporizer cartridge of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the vaporizer cartridge further comprises a pad attached to the first surface of the substrate and configured to slidingly contact a heater upon removal of the vaporizer cartridge from a vaporizer device.

11. A vaporizer device comprising:a vaporizer cartridge comprising:a substrate;a wick attached to a portion of a first surface of the substrate; anda liquid vaporizable material, wherein the liquid vaporizable material is stored in the wick; anda vaporizer body comprising:a vaporizer cartridge receptacle configured to receive the substrate and at least a portion of the wick; anda heater positioned within the cartridge receptacle and configured to contact at least a portion of the wick, wherein the heater is further configured to vaporize the liquid vaporizable material.

12. The vaporizer device of claim 11, further comprising one or more retention features configured to separably attach the substrate to the vaporizer cartridge receptacle.

13. The vaporizer device of claim 11 or claim 12, further comprising a removable mouthpiece, the removable mouthpiece comprising:a mouthpiece body;an outlet formed through a proximal end of the mouthpiece body; anda mouthpiece receptacle formed at a distal end of the mouthpiece body and configured to receive at least a portion of the substrate,wherein at least a portion of the mouthpiece body is configured to be received in the vaporizer cartridge receptacle.

14. The vaporizer device of claim 13, wherein the mouthpiece body further comprises an extension protruding from the distal end and configured to contact at least a portion of a second surface of the substrate.

15. The vaporizer device of claim 14, wherein the extension has a varied thickness.

16. The vaporizer device of claim 15, wherein the extension has a thickness that decreases toward a distal end thereof.

17. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the mouthpiece body further comprises one or more retention features configured to separably attach the substrate to the mouthpiece.

18. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the cartridge receptacle comprises an airflow path formed upon insertion of the vaporizer cartridge into the vaporizer cartridge receptacle, wherein at least a portion of the wick is positioned within the airflow path, and wherein the airflow path extends from a distal surface of the vaporizer cartridge receptacle to the outlet of the mouthpiece.

19. The vaporizer device of claim 18, wherein the vaporizer body further comprises one or more air inlets proximate the vaporizer cartridge receptacle and configured to provide a path for air to enter the airflow path.

20. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 11 to 19, wherein the vaporizer body further comprises a power source and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to supply power from the power source to the heater to generate heat.

21. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 11 to 20, wherein the vaporizer cartridge is separable from the vaporizer body.

22. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 11 to 21, wherein the vaporizer cartridge further comprises a pad attached to the first surface of the substrate and configured to slidingly contact the heater upon removal of the vaporizer cartridge from the vaporizer body.

23. The vaporizer device of claim 22, wherein the pad is attached to the first surface of the substrate between the wick and a distal end of thereof.

24. A vaporizer cartridge comprising:a substrate having a first surface, a second surface, and an opening formed therethrough;a wick attached to the substrate and aligned with the opening; anda reservoir configured to hold a liquid vaporizable material, wherein the reservoir is aligned with the opening and in fluid communication with the wick.

25. The vaporizer cartridge of claim 24, wherein the reservoir comprises a flange formed around a perimeter thereof.

26. The vaporizer cartridge of claim 24 or claim 25, wherein the reservoir is attached to the first surface of the substrate and the wick is attached to the second surface of the substrate.

27. The vaporizer cartridge of claim 24 or claim 25, wherein the reservoir and the wick are attached to the same surface of the substrate, and wherein at least a portion of the reservoir protrudes through the opening of the substrate.

28. The vaporizer cartridge of any one of claims 24 to 27, wherein the first surface of the substrate is coated with a membrane, the second surface of the substrate is coated with a membrane, or both the first surface of the substrate and the second surface of the substrate are coated with a membrane.

29. The vaporizer cartridge of claim 28, wherein the membrane is a polyester bioplastic.

30. The vaporizer cartridge of claim 29, wherein the polyester bioplastic is polylactic acid (PLA)31. The vaporizer cartridge of any one of claims 24 to 30, wherein the opening is offset toward a distal end of the substrate.

32. The vaporizer cartridge of any one of claims 24 to 31, wherein the opening has a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the wick.

33. The vaporizer cartridge of any one of claims 24 to 32, further comprising a removeable film enclosing the wick and at least a portion of the second surface of the substrate, wherein the removeable film is configured to prevent evaporation of the liquid vaporizable material through the wick.

34. The vaporizer cartridge of any one of claims 24 to 33, wherein the substrate is formed from paper.

35. The vaporizer cartridge of any one of claims 24 to 34, wherein the reservoir is formed from a polyester bioplastic.

36. The vaporizer cartridge of claim 35, wherein the polyester bioplastic is polylactic acid (PLA).

37. The vaporizer cartridge of any one of claims 24 to 36, wherein the wick is formed from cotton.

38. The vaporizer cartridge of any one of claims 24 to 37, wherein the vaporizer cartridge is biodegradable.

39. The vaporizer cartridge of any one of claims 24 to 38, wherein the vaporizer cartridge further comprises a pad attached to the second surface of the substrate and configured to slidingly contact a heater upon removal of the vaporizer cartridge from a vaporizer device.

40. A vaporizer device comprising:a vaporizer cartridge comprising:a substrate having a first surface, a second surface, and an opening formed therethrough;a wick attached to the substrate and aligned with the opening; and a reservoir configured to hold a liquid vaporizable material, wherein the reservoir is aligned with the opening and in fluid communication with the wick; and a vaporizer body comprising:a vaporizer cartridge receptacle configured to receive the vaporizer cartridge; anda heater positioned within the vaporizer cartridge receptacle and configured to contact at least a portion of the wick, wherein the heater is further configured to vaporize the liquid vaporizable material.

41. The vaporizer device of claim 40, further comprising one or more retention features configured to separably attach the substrate to the vaporizer cartridge receptacle.

42. The vaporizer device of claim 40 or claim 41, further comprising a removable mouthpiece configured to enclose the vaporizer cartridge.

43. The vaporizer device of claim 42, wherein the mouthpiece comprises at least one protrusion configured to cover the reservoir of the vaporizer cartridge when the vaporizer cartridge is inserted into the receptacle with the reservoir in a first position.

44. The vaporizer device of claim 42 or claim 43, wherein the mouthpiece comprises two protrusions configured to cover the reservoir of the vaporizer cartridge when the vaporizer cartridge is inserted into the receptacle in either a first position or a second position.

45. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 42 to 44, wherein the mouthpiece comprises:an airflow path formed upon coupling the mouthpiece to the vaporizer body, wherein at least a portion of the wick is positioned within the airflow path when the vaporizer cartridge is inserted into the receptacle; andan outlet in fluid communication with the airflow path.

46. The vaporizer device of claim 45, wherein the vaporizer body further comprises one or more air inlets proximate the receptacle and configured to provide a path for air to enter the airflow path.

47. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 40 to 46, wherein the vaporizer body further comprises a power source and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to supply power from the power source to the heater to generate heat.

48. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 40 to 47, wherein the vaporizer cartridge is separable from the vaporizer body.

49. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 40 to 48, wherein the vaporizer cartridge further comprises a pad attached to the second surface of the substrate and configured to slidingly contact the heater upon removal of the vaporizer cartridge from the receptacle.

50. A vaporizer cartridge comprising:a substrate;a wick attached to a portion of a first surface of the substrate, wherein the wick is configured to hold a liquid vaporizable material; anda mouthpiece comprising:a mouthpiece body;an outlet formed through a proximal end of the mouthpiece body; and a mouthpiece receptacle formed at a distal end of the mouthpiece body and configured to receive at least a portion of the substrate.

51. The vaporizer cartridge of claim 50, wherein the first surface of the substrate is coated with a membrane, a second surface of the substrate is coated with a membrane, or both the first surface of the substrate and the second surface of the substrate are coated with a membrane.

52. The vaporizer cartridge of claim 50 or claim 51, wherein the mouthpiece further comprises an extension protruding from the distal end of the mouthpiece body and configured to contact at least a portion of a second surface of the substrate.

53. The vaporizer cartridge of any one of claims 50 to 52, wherein the extension has a varied thickness.

54. The vaporizer cartridge of any one of claims 50 to 52, wherein the extension has a thickness that decreases toward a distal end thereof.

55. The vaporizer cartridge of any one of claims 50 to 54, wherein the mouthpiece further comprises one or more retention features configured to separably attach the substrate to the mouthpiece.

56. The vaporizer cartridge of any one of claims 50 to 55, wherein the substrate is removable from the mouthpiece.

57. The vaporizer cartridge of any one of claims 50 to 56, wherein the wick is offset toward a distal end of the substrate58. The vaporizer cartridge of any one of claims 50 to 57, further comprising a removeable film enclosing the wick and at least a portion of the first surface of the substrate, wherein the removeable film is configured to prevent evaporation of the liquid vaporizable material.

59. The vaporizer cartridge of any one of claims 50 to 58, wherein the substrate is formed from paper.

60. The vaporizer cartridge of any one of claims 50 to 59, wherein the membrane is a polyester bioplastic.

61. The vaporizer cartridge of claim 60, wherein the polyester bioplastic is polylactic acid (PLA).

62. The vaporizer cartridge of any one of claims 50 to 61, wherein the wick is formed from cotton.

63. The vaporizer cartridge of any one of claims 50 to 62, wherein the vaporizer cartridge is biodegradable.

64. The vaporizer cartridge of any one of claims 50 to 63, wherein the vaporizer cartridge further comprises a pad attached to the first surface of the substrate and configured to slidingly contact a heater upon removal of the vaporizer cartridge from a vaporizer device.

65. A vaporizer device comprising:a vaporizer cartridge comprising:a substrate;a wick attached to a portion of a first surface of the substrate, wherein the wick is configured to hold a liquid vaporizable material; anda mouthpiece comprising:a mouthpiece body; andan outlet formed through a proximal end of the mouthpiece body; and a mouthpiece receptacle formed at a distal end of the mouthpiece body and configured to receive at least a portion of the substrate; anda vaporizer body comprising:a vaporizer cartridge receptacle configured to receive the substrate and at least a portion of the mouthpiece; anda heater positioned within the cartridge receptacle and configured to vaporize the liquid vaporizable material.

66. The vaporizer device of claim 65, wherein the mouthpiece further comprises one or more retention features configured to separably attach the substrate to the mouthpiece.

67. The vaporizer device of claim 65, wherein the cartridge receptacle comprises one or more retention features configured to separably attach the substrate to the vaporizer device,68. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 65 to 67, wherein the cartridge receptacle comprises an airflow path formed upon insertion of the vaporizer cartridge into the cartridge receptacle, wherein at least a portion of the wick is positioned within the airflow path, andwherein the airflow path extends from a distal surface of the cartridge receptacle to the outlet of the mouthpiece.

69. The vaporizer device of claim 68, wherein the vaporizer body further comprises one or more air inlets proximate the cartridge receptacle and configured to provide a path for air to enter the airflow path.

70. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 65 to 69, wherein the vaporizer body further comprises a power source and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to supply power from the power source to the heater to generate heat.

71. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 65 to 70, wherein the vaporizer cartridge is separable from the vaporizer body.

72. The vaporizer device of any one of claims 65 to 71, wherein the vaporizer cartridge further comprises a pad attached to the first surface of the substrate and configured to slidingly contact the heater upon removal of the vaporizer cartridge from the vaporizer body.

73. The vaporizer device of claim 72, wherein the pad is attached to the first surface of the substrate between the wick and a distal end of thereof.