ATTACHABLE VAPORIZERS

Abstract

The present disclosure involves systems, methods, and an apparatus for inhaling vaporized substances. An attachable personal vaporizer is disclosed comprising a body having a power supply, a control circuit, and a cartridge. The cartridge includes a first channel that provides a flow path to transport vaporized substance to a first end of the body. A mouthpiece is coupled to the first end of the body that includes a second channel, which extends the flow path from the first end of the body through the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece and the body are shaped to abut to a second personal vaporizer.

Description

BACKGROUND

Personal vaporizers provide an alternative to smoking techniques, which involve combustion of organic matter and inhalation of the vapor. Instead vaporizers atomize a substance (e.g., a nicotine substance or cannabis substance) using a heating element to simulate the combustion found in traditional cigarettes. Personal vaporizers often use removable/replaceable cartridges containing a substance for atomization. The cartridges often have fixed concentrations of substances, and set flavors.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure involves systems, methods, and an apparatus for inhaling vaporized substances. An attachable personal vaporizer is disclosed comprising a body having a power supply, a control circuit, and a cartridge. The cartridge includes a first channel that provides a flow path to transport vaporized substance to a first end of the body. A mouthpiece is coupled to the first end of the body that includes a second channel, which extends the flow path from the first end of the body through the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece and the body are shaped to abut to a second personal vaporizer.

Implementations can optionally include one or more of the following features.

In some instances, the personal vaporizer and the second personal vaporizer are substantially the same.

In some instances, the body includes side couplers that are configured to couple the body to a body of the second personal vaporizer. In some instances, the side couplers include magnetic latches.

In some instances, the mouthpiece includes flat surface that is configured to abut to a second mouthpiece of the second personal vaporizer to form a combined mouthpiece. In some instances, the combined mouthpiece is shaped to fit insight a user's mouth. For example, it may have rounded edges.

In some instances, the body includes contacts configured to enable communication between the control circuit and a second control circuit of the second personal vaporizer when the personal vaporizer is abutted with the second personal vaporizer.

The details of these and other aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an example coupling vaporizer in a coupled and uncoupled configuration, from multiple perspectives.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a coupling vaporizer with a removable cartridge and some internals shown.

FIG. 3 illustrates various example cross sections and layouts for coupling vaporizers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure describes a personal vaporizer such as an electronic cigarette, a vape pen, vape kits, e-cig, or e-hookah, electronic nicotine delivery system that can be coupled to another personal vaporizer in order to allow the user increased flexibility in vapor delivery. Personal vaporizers can provide controlled substances (e.g., nicotine, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), Cannabidiol (CBD), etc.). In addition to the controlled substances, personal vaporizers allow for unique flavors as compared to traditional inhalation devices (e.g., cigarettes, cigars, or pipes). Since cartridges for personal vaporizers often provide a fixed dosage of substance and limited range of flavors, it can be desirable to allow the user to mix and combine multiple cartridges.

Turning to the illustrated example, FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a pair of attachable personal vaporizers 100 that are each configured to couple to at least one other personal vaporizer. At least one, and in certain instances, both personal vaporizers 100A and 100B are separable operable. The personal vaporizers 100 each include a body portion 106 and a mouthpiece portion 102. In some instances, each personal vaporizer can be identical; in some instances, they can be different. For example, one personal vaporizer 100 can be larger, and configured to attach to multiple other vaporizers, which can be smaller, and include fewer features (e.g., lights, smaller battery etc.). In some implementations, each personal vaporizer 100 can include a similar flow path, which results in a similar draw when a user applies suction. The body portion 106 includes an integrated cartridge (not shown) in the illustrated implementations. Mouthpiece portion 102 can be removable from the body portion 106 via a mechanical coupler 104. The mechanical coupler 104 can have two parts, one that is part of the cartridge portion or mouthpiece portion 102 and one that is part of the body portion 106, e.g., one part being female and configured to receive the other, male, part. The mechanical coupler can be, for example, threads, a lug/channel connector, a recessed magnetic connector, or other suitable manner for coupling the two portions of the personal vaporizer 100. In addition, an electrical connection can also be facilitated in the connection between the mechanical coupler 104 parts. The body portion 106 can include one or more circuits for controlling operations of the cartridge portion (as shown in FIG. 2). The circuits can be analog or digital and can include, for example, a microcontroller and various sensors to enable operation of the personal vaporizer 100. A bottom portion of the personal vaporizers 100 (shown in 116) include a charging/data port 114, which can be used to recharge an internal battery, or provide software or firmware updates to the personal vaporizers 100. While illustrated as a universal serial bus type C (USB-C) connection, any suitable connection is considered. For example, charging/data port 114 can be a Micro-USB port, 2.5 mm jack, SATA Power, wireless induction connection, etc.

Attachable personal vaporizers 100 include side couplers 110, which allow the vaporizers 100 to couple. The side couplers 110 provide for connecting and disconnecting the two personal vaporizers 100. In some implementations, the side couplers 110 include magnets that are aligned to attract and hold the personal vaporizers 100 together. The magnets can be recessed into the body, which can further include mating male and female profiles (e.g., guide slots and ribs), or another manner for establishing and maintaining proper alignment when the vaporizers 100 are attached. In some implementations, the side couplers 110 include latches, or a tongue and groove system, which allows for interlocking of the personal vaporizers 100. FIG. 1A illustrates the personal vaporizers in a separated condition. FIG. 1B depicts the personal vaporizers 100 in a coupled configuration. In some implementations, side couplers 110 can include a button and snap for connecting the personal vaporizers 100. While three side couplers 110 are illustrated on each vaporizer 100, fewer, or more side couplers 110 (e.g., 2, 4, 5 or another number) are possible. Additionally, status lights 108 can be provided to indicate a status of the device (e.g., coupled to another device, low battery, applying current to the heating element, etc.) to the user.

FIG. 1B illustrates that the attached personal vaporizers 100 provide abutted mouthpieces 102. The mouthpiece 102 can have flat sides, which are shaped to abut the mouthpiece of another personal vaporizer in a flush manner to provide a single unit to be placed in the mouth of a user. The mouthpiece 102 is described in greater detail below and with regard to FIG. 2. A side view (112) of the coupled vaporizers 100 is shown in FIG. 1B. As can be seen from the side view 112, the mouthpiece can taper to provide an ergonomic shape for a user. While two vaporizers 100 are illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, more vaporizers (e.g., 3, 4, or more) can be coupled. For example, sets of side couplers 110 can be positioned on a personal vaporizer 100 at 90-degree angles, to permit four vaporizers to be coupled. In some implementations, the shape, or cross section of the personal vaporizer 100 is configured to facilitate attachment, and form an ergonomic entire unit when multiple vaporizers 100 are coupled.

FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed schematic view of a personal vaporizer 100, with some internals shown. Personal vaporizer 100 includes a body 202, cartridge 204, and mouthpiece 206. In the illustrated implementation, the cartridge 204 is removable from the body 202 via a coupler 222, which can be similar to the coupler 104 as described with respect to FIG. 2. Similarly, in some instances, the mouthpiece 206 is removable from the cartridge 204 via a coupler 222.

Body 202, includes side couplers 208A-208C. The side couplers can be magnetic or have an interlocking mechanism, which allows the personal vaporizer 100 to be coupled with another personal vaporizer. The body 202 can further include features that assist with alignment and traction between vaporizers. For example, body 202 can include a number of ridges and grooves, which are configured to slot into similar ridges and grooves on the body of another personal vaporizer. While three side couplers 208A-C are illustrated, more, or fewer side couplers are contemplated within the scope of this disclosure. Additionally, body 202 can include side couplers on both sides, or one side and the front, in order to facilitate coupling with multiple additional vaporizers (e.g., three or four coupled vaporizers).

The body 202 further includes a power source 210, which can provide electrical power to control circuits 212, and a heating element in the atomization chamber 214. Power source 210 can include a battery, such as a lithium ion (Li-ion), nickel metal hydride (NiMH), Alkaline or other battery. In some implementations, the battery is user replaceable. In some implementations, the battery is integrated with the body 202. Power source 210 can also include charging circuitry required for recharging the battery.

Control circuitry 212 can include necessary circuitry to operate the personal vaporizer 100. Control circuitry 212 can include one or more microcontrollers, or analog circuits, as well as sensors for operation. A puff sensor can be provided in the control circuitry 212, which detects whether or not a user is drawing on the mouthpiece. The puff sensor can be a microphone, or a diaphragm based pressure sensor, or other pressure sensor. In some implementations, the control circuitry 212 can detect whether or not a cartridge is installed, or whether or not the personal vaporizer 100 is coupled to another vaporizer. In some instances, the control circuitry 212 can communicate with the control circuitry of another vaporizer coupled to the personal vaporizer 100, for example, to average the outputs of both puff sensors and provide equal atomization across both vaporizers.

Cartridge 204 includes and an atomization chamber 214, through which air flows past a heating element and a wick that is exposed to a substance to be atomized. The atomized vapor can leave the vaporization chamber with the flowing air up through a passage or chimney 216. Cartridge 204 further includes a reservoir that contains the substance to be atomized. In some implementations, a puff sensor is located in the cartridge 204, and communicates with control circuitry 212 when the cartridge 204 is coupled with the body 202. One or more air inlet vents 224 are provided on the cartridge 204 for allowing airflow into the cartridge 204 when the user draws air through the personal vaporizer 100. In some implementations, the liquid reservoir includes a clear or translucent window 220 to the exterior of the cartridge 204 for visually determining the liquid level within the liquid reservoir.

Mouthpiece 206 includes a channel 218, which extends the chimney 216 and provides a flow path through the atomization chamber 214 into the user's mouth when the mouthpiece is coupled to the cartridge 204. As illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, in certain instances the cartridge is integral with the body 202 and the mouthpiece 206 couples directly to the body 202. The mouthpiece 206 can have a rubberized or textured outer surface to increase comfort and aid in the user achieving a seal between the mouthpiece 206 and their lips. Additionally, at least one surface of the mouthpiece (e.g., the side) can be shaped to abut or nest with another mouthpiece of a different personal vaporizer. Together the combined mouthpieces can form a single, larger mouthpiece, with two channels to provide a mix of substances from two vaporizers. Alternatively, in certain instances, multiple mouthpieces 206 can be replaced with a single, unitary mouthpiece with a corresponding number of channels 218 to the number of chimneys 216.

Although this disclosure has been described in terms of certain embodiments and generally associated methods, alterations and permutations of these embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above description of example embodiments does not define or constrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates various example cross sections and layouts for coupling vaporizers. Layouts 302, 304, 306, and 308 illustrate multiple coupled vaporizers from a top down view. Layout 302 illustrates two vaporizers coupled via side couplers 312. Channels 310 in the mouthpieces are illustrated with dotted lines. In layout 304, four vaporizers are coupled in two-dimensional layout, forming a square or rectangle. Layouts 302 and 304 both feature personal vaporizers with a rectangular cross-section. It should be noted that a square cross section or other shape is also possible in these layouts. Layout 306 illustrates a two-vaporizer layout with vaporizers of a largely triangular cross section. The vaporizers in layout 306 can be triangular with a rounded edge 314 to enhance the ergonomics of the vaporizers or aid in providing a sealing surface between the user's mouth and the mouthpieces. In other instances, fewer or additional vaporizers of triangular cross section can be arranged in other configurations, including two or more vaporizers in a rhombus shape, four in a larger triangle shape, six in an hexagon configuration and/or other arrangements. Layout 308 illustrates three personal vaporizers with a sector shaped cross section, that when coupled, form a circular shape. In other instances, the sectors can be selected to accommodate fewer (e.g., two) or additional (e.g., four, five or more) vaporizers in a circular shape. In some implementations, the illustrated cross sections may carry the entire way through the personal vaporizer, or may only be a portion. For example, only an upper portion may take on the illustrated cross sections, to facilitate mating of the attachable vaporizers, while a lower portion is cylindrical and/or another shape. The configurations may each have a separate mouthpiece, or the mouthpieces can be replaced by a single, unitary mouthpiece with channels 310 for each coupled vaporizer. It should be noted that the various layouts and cross sections are merely examples, and this disclosure contemplates any layout or cross-section that one of ordinary skill in the art could arrive at. For example, the vaporizers can be configured with a ying and yang cross-section, and couple to define a circular cross-section.

In general, a user can use an attachable personal vaporizer individually, or attached with multiple vaporizers. When a user places a personal vaporizer in their mouth, and draws air through it, the puff sensor detects airflow, and begins atomizing the substance in the cartridge. The user inhales that atomized substance. Each cartridge may contain different substances, which may accomplish different tasks. For example, a cartridge may contain a substance that provides flavor, while another cartridge may contain a controlled substance (e.g., nicotine, THC, etc.).

By attaching additional vaporizers, the user can draw from more than one cartridge, which can provide for a unique user experience. For example, a user could have a three-vaporizer configuration, with two flavor cartridges (e.g., apple and cinnamon) and a nicotine cartridge. In this example, the user experience could be similar to an apple cinnamon cigarette. In another example, a user could combine two or more of the same cartridge. For example, a user could combine two cherry flavored cartridges and a single vanilla flavor, to achieve their desired overall flavor.

In some implementations, a user may wish to combine multiple cartridges to increase or decrease their dose of the substance. For example, while using a single vaporizer a user may get a fixed dose of nicotine (e.g., 24 mg per cartridge). If the user wants to reduce their nicotine intake, they may combine a nicotine cartridge with a nicotine free flavored cartridge by attaching another vaporizer. In this example, each puff the user takes will only have half the nicotine as compared to use of the single vaporizer. Other combinations are possible, for example, a user may combine multiple substances (e.g., THC and nicotine) or substances and flavors in order to achieve their desired effect.

Although this disclosure has been described in terms of certain embodiments and generally associated methods, alterations and permutations of these embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above description of example embodiments does not define or constrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A personal vaporizer comprising:

a body comprising: a power supply; a control circuit; and a cartridge comprising a first channel providing a flow path to transport a vaporized substance to a first end of the body;

a mouthpiece coupled to the first end of the body, comprising a second channel that extends the flow path from the first end of the body through the mouthpiece, the mouthpiece and the body shaped to abut to a second personal vaporizer.

2. The personal vaporizer of claim 1, wherein the second personal vaporizer is substantially the same as the personal vaporizer.

3. The personal vaporizer of claim 1, the body comprising side couplers, configured to couple the body to a body of the second personal vaporizer.

4. The personal vaporizer of claim 3, wherein the side couplers comprise magnetic latches.

5. The personal vaporizer of claim 1, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a flat surface, and wherein the flat surface is configured to abut to a second mouthpiece of the second personal vaporizer to form a combined mouthpiece.

6. The personal vaporizer of claim 5, wherein the combined mouthpiece is shaped to fit inside a user's mouth.

7. The personal vaporizer of claim 1, wherein the body comprises contacts configured to enable communication between the control circuit and a second control circuit of the second personal vaporizer when the personal vaporizer is abutted with the second personal vaporizer.

8. A method for inhaling a vaporized substances comprising:

coupling two or more personal vaporizers together, each personal vaporizer comprising: a body; a power supply; a control circuit; and a cartridge comprising a first channel providing a flow path to transport a vaporized substance to a first end of the body; a mouthpiece coupled to the first end of the body, comprising a second channel that extends the flow path from the first end of the body through the mouthpiece, the mouthpiece and the body shaped to abut to a coupled personal vaporizer;

placing two or more mouthpieces of the two or more personal vaporizers in the mouth of a user; and

inhaling, by the user, vaporized substances from the two or more personal vaporizers.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein each personal vaporizer is substantially the same.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the body of each personal vaporizer comprises side couplers, configured to couple the body to a body of the coupled personal vaporizer.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the side couplers comprise magnetic latches.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a flat surface, and wherein the flat surface is configured to abut to a second mouthpiece of the coupled personal vaporizer to form a combined mouthpiece.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the combined mouthpiece is shaped to fit inside a user's mouth.

14. The method of claim 8, wherein the body of each personal vaporizer comprises contacts configured to enable communication between the control circuit and a second control circuit of the second personal vaporizer when the personal vaporizer is abutted with the second personal vaporizer.

15. A system for inhaling a vaporized substances comprising:

two or more personal vaporizers coupled together, each personal vaporizer comprising: a body; a power supply; a control circuit; and a cartridge comprising a first channel providing a flow path to transport a vaporized substance to a first end of the body; a mouthpiece coupled to the first end of the body, comprising a second channel that extends the flow path from the first end of the body through the mouthpiece, the mouthpiece and the body shaped to abut to a coupled personal vaporizer.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein each personal vaporizer is substantially the same.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein the body of each personal vaporizer comprises side couplers, configured to couple the body to a body of the coupled personal vaporizer.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the side couplers comprise magnetic latches.

19. The system of claim 15, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a flat surface, and wherein the flat surface is configured to abut to a second mouthpiece of the coupled personal vaporizer to form a combined mouthpiece.

20. The system of claim 12, wherein the combined mouthpiece is shaped to fit inside a user's mouth.