Herbal Vaporizing Device

Abstract

A device for vaporizing herbal smoking materials such as tobacco has a base with a trench and an electrically-insulating block disposed in the trench. The trench has two sides. A first side contains a U-shaped electrical heating element. A second side is for receiving a battery. Electrical contacts extend between the first side and second side. The electrical contacts are connected to terminal ends of the heating element. In operation, the battery is connected to the electrical contacts, allowing electrical power to flow through the heating element. A window can cover the first side, so that the bowl area is enclosed. A sliding switch can be disposed in the second side to provide pushbutton manual control of electrical power to the heating element.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of priority from provisional patent applications 61/690,145 filed on 06/20/2012 and 61/796,649 filed on Nov. 16, 2012.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to smoking devices and vaporization devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to a battery powered vaporizer device with a novel, low-cost and readily manufacturable design.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tobacco, kinnick kinnick, or other herbs are typically smoked by burning and inhaling the combustion fumes and smoke. In recent years, interest has grown in the technique of vaporization in which the smoking material is carefully heated so that the desired flavor and psychoactive components are liberated, and combustion is minimized. Vaporization provides many benefits over smoking. When performed properly, vaporization does not produce nearly as much toxic and carcinogenic combustion products as smoking Also, vaporization is smoother and more flavorful, and lacks a burned taste that many find disagreeable. Further, vaporization allows more efficient use of smoking materials, since desired flavor and psychoactive compounds are not destroyed by combustion. There are a number of battery powered, portable vaporizing devices available today. Many of these devices are expensive ($250 and up), or have short battery life. High cost is driven by complex control electronics, high parts count and temperature sensor feedback control. Also, many of these vaporizing devices are difficult to clean or are not user-repairable.

There is a need for a simple, reliable, and inexpensive battery powered vaporizing device with a long battery life and that is user-repairable.

Also, many portable electronic vaporizing devices contain large amounts of plastic. These plastic parts can become heated when herbs are vaporized, creating offensive plastic odors or flavors. Many consumers distrust portable vaporizers that are made of plastic.

Accordingly, there is a need for a portable vaporizing device that does not contain plastics, or contains only very small amount of plastic not located near where high temperatures are generated. In particular, it would be desirable to provide a portable, battery powered vaporizer that is comprised almost exclusively of wood, metals, and glass.

SUMMARY

The present invention includes a vaporizing device having a base with a trench, a U-shaped heating element, an insulator block, and two electrical contacts and a cover. The block is disposed in the trench, and divides the trench into a first side and a second side. The first side is for receiving smoking material; the second side is for receiving a battery (or electrical connector shaped like a battery). The heating element is disposed in the first side, and is oriented with the open side of the U-shape facing toward the block. The two electrical contacts extend between the first side and second side, and are electrically connected to terminal ends of the heating element. The cover is for covering the first side, and can be removably attachable to the base, for example with magnets.

The electrical contacts can extend through the body of the block, or can be located between the block and trench sidewalls. The block can be a separate part from the base, attached to the base (e.g., with screws or glue for example), or can be monlithic with the base.

The heating element can comprise a strip of metal foil or wire cloth. The heating element can be perforated or corrugated.

A sliding switch can be disposed in the second side, movable toward the block such that it provides electrical connection between the battery and one of the electrical contacts.

A battery holder can be present over the second side, for holding a battery (or electrical connector) in the second side.

A battery charge indicator can be electrically connected between the electrical contacts. The battery charge indicator can indicate a state of charge of the battery. The battery charge indicator can be disposed in the block, or on the block.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the present vaporizing device, with the cover window removed for clarity.

FIG. 2 shows the base part in isolation.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of the vaporizing device, with the battery holder removed for clarity.

FIG. 4 shows the U-shaped heating element and insulator block in isolation (the “heating assembly”)

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional side view illustrating operation of the magnetically-retained window.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view illustrating how the battery holder retains the battery.

FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate the operation of the sliding electrical switch.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment in which the window opens by pivoting or rotating.

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment in which the sliding switch is not present, and power to the heating element is controlled by pressing the battery.

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment in which the battery is oriented at 90 degrees.

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment in which the trench has a cylindrical shape, and the heating element partially conforms to this shape.

FIG. 12 shows a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 shows an embodiment in which the heating element comprises a metal foil (or other flat conductor) that is corrugated and oriented horizontally.

FIG. 14 shows an embodiment in which electrical contacts extend through the block 24.

FIG. 15 shows an embodiment in which the heating element has an extra bend.

FIG. 16 shows an embodiment in which the heating element is in the shape of a nearly-closed loop.

FIG. 17 shows an embodiment in which the base has a back wall that surrounds the battery.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides a portable electronic vaporizing device with numerous features and advantages. The present vaporizing device has a simple, low-cost construction that can be made almost exclusively of wood, metals and glass. The present vaporizing device is compatible with high-energy density, high-voltage (e.g. 2-4 volt) storage batteries such as lithium-ion, lithium iron phosphate, or sodium ion batteries.

The present vaporizing device has a base with a trench, and a U-shaped heating element in the trench. The U-shaped heating element is attached to electrical contacts for connecting to a battery disposed in the trench. Herbal material to be vaporized is disposed in the trench, in contact with a heating element. An insulator block is also disposed in the trench, between the battery and the U-shaped heating element. A switch can provide simple manual power control. Also, a window can be disposed over the trench and heating element. The present vaporizer is simple, low-cost and can be made of non-toxic materials trusted by vapor enthusiasts: wood, metals and glass. Also, the relatively long U-shaped heating element is a good electrical resistance match for high-energy storage batteries which tend to have high single cell voltages (i.e. in the 2-4 volt range).

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a vaporizing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The device has a base 20, a battery 22, an insulator block 24 and a U-shaped heating element 26. A battery holder 28 holds the battery 22 in the base 20 by friction. The battery holder 28 has a cantilevered tab 29 defined by a cut-out area 31. The cantilevered tab 29 presses down against the battery 22. The battery is removable by sliding in direction of arrow 25.

A transparent cover window 30 has an embedded window magnet 32 for attachment to the base 20. The base 20 has a slot 34 that contains a base magnet (not visible) for attachment to the window magnet 32. The slot 34 is sized to receive the window magnet 32 with minimal friction.

The heating element 26 is wrapped around a bowl area 38, where smoking material is placed. A sliding switch 39 is used for controlling power flow to the heating element 26. The sliding switch 39 is made of resilient, springy material with good electrical contact properties, such as phosphor bronze, brass, or copper-plated steel.

FIG. 2 shows the base 20 in isolation. The base 20 has a trench 40. In the specific embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the trench 40 has an open end 42 and a closed end 44. In other embodiments described below, the trench 40 can be open on both ends, or closed on both ends. The closed end 44 has a mouthpiece hole 46 that is not visible in FIG. 1. The hole 46 is fluidically connected to the mouthpiece 36. The trench 40 also has right and left side sidewalls 40RSW 40LSW. The base 20 is preferably made of an electrically insulating and thermally insulating material, such as wood, high temperature plastics, or ceramic. If wood is used, it should be resistant to charring. A suitable wood with such properties is hard maple.

The block 24 can be made of the same material as the base 20.

The block 24 can be monolithic with the base, or can be attached to the base with screws, adhesive or the like. For example, screws can extend through the bottom of the trench 40 into the block 24.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of the vaporizing device. For clarity, the battery holder 28 is not shown. The U-shaped heating element 26 has terminal ends 26T electrically connected to electrical contacts 50 52. Sliding switch 39 can move in the direction of arrow 54. Compression spring 56 pushes the sliding spring to the right, so that the switch 39 has a momentary-ON pushbutton switching action, as explained in more detail below.

The trench 40 has a first side 60 and a second side 62, separated by the insulator block 24. The U-shaped heating element 26 is disposed in the first side 60, with an open side of the U-shape oriented towards the block 24. The battery 22 is insertable in the second side 62.

The electrical contacts 50 52 provide electrical connections between the first side 60 and second side 62. The electrical contacts 50 52 extend around the block 24, i.e. between the block 24 and sidewalls 40LSW 40RSW of the trench 40. In alternative embodiments, described below, the electrical connections 50 52 extend through the body of the block 24 instead of around the block 24. Electrical contacts 50 52 can be made of a resilient, springy metal with good electrical contact properties, such as phosphor bronze, brass, or copper-plated steel.

The terminal ends 26T may extend into the space between the block 24 and the sidewalls 40LSW 40RSW.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, an inner portion 391 of the switch 39 is angled away from the right sidewall 40RSW. In other words, angle A is greater than 90 degrees (e.g. about 94-97 degrees). This will cause the inner portion 391 to press against the battery when the battery is disposed in the second side 62, as described below.

FIG. 4 shows the U-shaped heating element 26 and block 24 in isolation. It can be clearly observed that the electrical contacts are wrapped around the block 24. The heating element 26 has a vertical height 47 that is preferably slightly less than a depth of the first side 60 trench. This will result in a slight gap (e.g. 0.005-0.030″) between the heating element and window 30 when the window 30 is attached to the base 20. It is preferable (but not absolutely essential) for the heating element 26 and window 30 to not be in contact. The heating element 26 and contacts 50 52 are mechanically and electrically connected. For example, the heating element 26 and contacts 50 52 can be connected by soldering, electrical-pulse spot welding, or crimping, for example. The electrical contacts 50 52 can be held in place by compression between the block 24 and trench sidewalls 40LSW 40RSW. Also, the contacts 50 52 can have bumps 57, ridges or other non-planar features for improved mechanical connection with the block 24 and sidewalls 40LSW 40RSW. Bumps 57 will also function to accommodate unavoidable manufacturing variations in trench width and block dimensions.

The heating element 26 can be made of a thin metal ribbon, foil or wire cloth having a relatively high electrical resistivity. Foil can be solid, or perforated with many small holes. Suitable materials include nickel-chromium alloys, iron-chromium-aluminum (FeCrAl) alloys, stainless steels and the like. The heating element can comprise nickel-chromium or FeCrAl metal foil about 0.001-0.003″ thick, for example. The electrical resistance of the heating element 26 must be matched to the voltage and current discharge capability of the battery 22. For example, the heating element and battery can be matched such that the heating element dissipates about 5-40 watts when the device is ON.

A portion of the terminal ends 26T of heating element 26 can extend between the block 24 and sidewalls 40LSW 40RSW. For example, if the heating element and contacts 50 52 are spot welded, they will necessarily overlap, and the overlapping portions may be disposed between the block and sidewalls.

The heating element 26 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 is corrugated. Corrugation of the heating element is optional in the invention. Corrugation provides a thermally-insulating air gap 45 between the heating element and base 20, thereby minimizing heating of the base 20.

Also, corrugations increase the electrical path length of the heating element, which may be necessary to provide an appropriate resistance to match a selected battery voltage.

An electronic circuit 55 is disposed in or on the block 24, and connected to the contacts 50 52 by wires 59. The circuit 55 contains a light emitting diode (LED) or other device or display that indicates to the user when current is flowing through the heating element 26 (i.e. when voltage is present on the electrical contacts 50 52). The circuit 55 can also provide information to the user about the state of charge (i.e. voltage) of the battery 22. For example, the LED can produce different colors indicating the different charge states of the battery (e.g. fully charged, partially discharged, and discharged). The circuit 55 can be embedded in the block 24 and for example covered with clear or translucent potting material, such as silicone rubber.

FIG. 5 shows a cross sectional side view of the window 30, base 20 and slot 34 illustrating how the window 30 and base 20 are attached. Window magnet 32 is bonded to the window 30, for example with an adhesive such as epoxy. Slot 34 contains a base magnet 35. The base magnet is firmly mounted in the slot, for example by press-fit or with adhesive. The window magnet 32 and base magnet 34 are oriented to be magnetically attracted when the window 30 is disposed on a top surface 20S of the base 20. Preferably, a slight gap (e.g. 0.005-0.010″) is maintained between the magnets when the window 30 is resting on the top surface 20S. This slight gap assures that an attractive force between the magnets pulls the window 30 against the top surface 20S of the base 20. The window can be made of glass, borosilicate glass, or heat-resistant plastics. Preferably, the window 30 is transparent. The magnets can be rare-earth magnets (e.g. nickel-plated neodymium-iron-boron magnets).

In an alternative embodiment, the slot 34 and window magnet 32 are shaped (e.g. rectangular, as illustrated in FIG. 1) so that the window 30 cannot pivot or rotate around magnets 32 35. Rotation is undesirable in some embodiments because rotation can allow the window to open when the vaporizer device is being carried in a clothing pocket, resulting in spilled smoking material. However, a vaporizing device with a rotating or pivoting window 30 is within the scope of the claimed invention, and is described below.

It is noted that either one of the magnets 32 35 can be replaced with a ferromagnetic material, such as steel. In this case, the ferromagnetic material is within the scope of the word “magnet” in the appended claims.

FIG. 6 shows a cross sectional view illustrating operation of the battery holder 28. Optional screws 69 attach battery holder 28 to the base 20. The cantilevered tab 29 presses the battery 22 downward and to the left in FIG. 6. The battery 22 is thereby pressed against a bottom surface 40BS of the trench and the left sidewall 40LSW. This pressing force provides friction, which prevents the battery 22 from falling out of the trench. Also, this pressing force maintains a gap 71; the sliding switch 39 (not shown) is disposed in the gap 71. The battery holder 28 can be made of resilient, strong springy material, such as spring steel, stainless steel, phospor bronze or the like.

In operation, smoking material such as tobacco is disposed in the bowl area 38. The smoking material should be ground or shredded, and should fill only about ¼-½ of the volume of the bowl area 38. Then, the window cover 30 is placed on the top surface 20S of the base 20. The magnets 32 35 hold the window in position over the bowl area 38. The bowl area 38 will be almost air tight, but will have enough air leakage to allow a user to inhale from mouthpiece 36.

Next, as illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7B, the battery 22 is inserted into the second side 62 of trench 40. For clarity, the battery holder 28 is omitted from FIGS. 7A-7C. It is noted that the battery is stripped of any plastic or paper coating, so an exterior 64 is bare metal. The exterior 64 is generally the negative terminal. A button endface 66 generally is the positive terminal. Since the heating element 26 is a simple resistive device, polarity is immaterial.

As the battery 22 is inserted, the inner portion 391 rubs and presses against exterior 64, thereby making electrical contact. The inner portion 391 applies a constant pressure against the exterior 64. The button endface positive terminal 66 touches electrical contact 50. The contact 50 is cantilevered, and is resilient/springy, so it maintains electrical contact with positive terminal 66 even if the battery 22 moves around slightly.

At this point, with the battery 22 inserted, no electricity flows to the heating element because there is an air gap 68 between the contact 52 and the inner portion 391. Compression spring 56 maintains the air gap 68 and thereby maintains the device in an OFF condition.

In FIG. 7C, the switch 39 is pressed, thereby moving inner portion 391 into contact with electrical contact 52. This completes an electrical circuit, thereby allowing electrical current from the battery to flow through the heating element 26. Compression spring 56 maintains a bias so that electrical current to the heating element is stopped when switch 39 is released.

As the heating element 26 becomes hot, it heats the smoking material disposed in the bowl area 38. Shaking the device during heating will improve heat uniformity. A user can observe the heating process through the window 30. Visible vapor fog will collect in the bowl area when the smoking material has been heated to sufficient vaporization temperature. When visible vapor fog is present the user may take a draw from the mouthpiece 36.

An advantage of the present design is that the electrical path between the battery 22 and heating element 26 is very short. This minimizes resistive power (I²R) losses. Power efficiency is critical in portable vaporizing devices, and the high current required from a single battery (.e.g. 8-12 amperes) implies that even low electrical resistance will result in unacceptable power loss. Also, since the electrical contacts 50 52 are shaped such that they can be made of a highly conductive material such as phosphor bronze, this contributes to the small power losses of the present vaporizer device.

FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment in which the window is attached to the base 20 with a rotating/pivoting attachment 72. The rotating attachment 72 can comprise for example a screw or bolt extending through a hole in the window 30. The screw or bolt can be embedded in or extend through the base 20. Rubber or polymeric washers can provide consistent friction between the window 30 and base 20. Alternatively, rotating attachment 72 can comprise two cylindrical magnets. One magnet is embedded in and attached to the window 30, and one magnet is disposed in the base 20. If magnets are used, the window can also be completely removed. Embodiments with a rotating/pivoting attachment are within the scope of the appended claims.

FIG. 9 shows a top view of another embodiment in which the sliding switch 39 is not present. For clarity, the battery holder 28 and window 30 are not shown. In FIG. 9, the window 30 and battery holder 28 are omitted for clarity. In the embodiment of FIG. 9, electrical contacts 50 52 are resilient and can flex to maintain contact with the battery 22. The embodiment of FIG. 9 is controlled by pressing the battery 22. Pressing the battery as indicated causes the exterior negative terminal 64 to touch contact 52, and the button positive terminal 66 to touch contact 50. Accordingly, power to the heating element 26 is readily controlled by pressing battery 22. It is noted that the resilient/springy action of the contacts 50 52 should be designed such that a momentary ON switch action is provided. This is easily achieved by making one of the contacts 50 or 52 touch the battery before the other, such that it pushes the battery away (separating the battery from the other contact) when the battery is released.

FIG. 10 shows an alternative embodiment in which the battery 22 is rotated 90 degrees. In this embodiment, the inner portion 391 is in contact with the button positive terminal 66. Exterior 64 is touching contact 52. Also in this embodiment, the battery holder (not shown for clarity) can also be rotated 90 degrees.

FIG. 11 shows an alternative embodiment in which the trench 40 has a cylindrical shape (e.g. is cut with a ball end mill). Closed end 44 of first side 60 can have a concave spherical shape. Arrow 75 indicates a direction of electrical current flow. Battery holder 28, window 30 and switch 39 are not shown for clarity. The heating element 26 can be formed, stamped or electroformed, and can be corrugated. FIG. 12 shows a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 11.

FIG. 12 shows a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 shows an embodiment in which the heating element 26 is oriented horizontally and is corrugated. The heating element has a gap 80 in the middle. The heating element 26 of FIG. 13 has a U-shape.

FIG. 14 shows an embodiment in which the electrical contacts 50 52 extend through the insulator block 24. This is different from other embodiments (e.g. FIGS. 1 and 3) in which the contacts 50 52 are disposed between the block 24 and sidewalls 40RSW 40LSW. The insulator block 24 can have through-holes or notches for receiving the electrical contacts 50 52.

FIG. 15 shows an embodiment in which the heating element 26 has an extra bend 26B. The extra bend means the heating element 26 can be described as a “w” shape. However, the heating element of FIG. 15 is still considered to have a “U-shape” according to the appended claims, and is within the scope of the claimed invention. Also, the heating element 26 of FIG. 16 is not corrugated; corrugation of the heating element is optional in the present invention.

FIG. 16 shows an embodiment in which terminal ends 26T of the heating element 26 are closely spaced so that the heating element almost forms a closed loop. This heating element design is also considered to be “U-shaped” and within the scope of the present invention and appended claims. Also, in FIG. 16 the sidewall 40LSW has a wavy “corrugated” shape. This will tend to reducing heat transfer into the base 20.

In FIGS. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16, the window 30 and battery holder 28 are not shown for clarity.

FIG. 17 shows an embodiment in which the base 20 has a back wall 84. The sliding switch 39 extends through a hole in the back wall.

It is noted that the trench can have many shapes. For example, the first side 60 can have any shape, such as circular, oval, hexagonal or the like. The first side is not limited to a rectangular shape.

Also, it is noted that the insulator block 24 can be monolithic with the base 20. For example, the base and block can be molded as a single part, or cut from a single, continuous block of material.

The block can be attached to the base by screws (not illustrated) extending through a bottom of the trench. Alternatively, the block can be glued to the trench.

Also, it is noted that the battery can be replaced with an electrical connector in the shape of a battery.

It will be clear to one skilled in the art that the above embodiments may be altered in many ways without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined by the following claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. A vaporizing device, comprising:

a) a base;

b) a trench disposed in the base, comprising a first side and a second side, wherein the first side is for receiving herbal smoking material, and the second side is for receiving a battery;

c) an insulator block disposed in the trench, between the first side and the second side;

d) a U-shaped heating element disposed in the first side, with an open end of the U-shape facing the block;

e) two electrical contacts electrically connected to terminal ends of the heating element, and extending into the second side; and

f) a cover for covering the first side of the trench.

2. The vaporizing device of claim 1 wherein the electrical contacts extend through the block

3. The vaporizing device of claim 1 wherein the electrical contacts extend between the block and trench sidewalls.

4. The vaporizing device of claim 1 wherein the trench is closed on the first side, and the base comprises a mouthpiece hole extending through the base to the trench first side.

5. The vaporizing device of claim 1 wherein the heating element comprises a vertically-oriented strip of metal foil.

6. The vaporizing device of claim 5 wherein the metal foil is corrugated.

7. The vaporizing device of claim 5 wherein the metal foil is perforated.

8. The vaporizing device of claim 1 wherein the heating element comprises a vertically-oriented strip of wire cloth.

9. The vaporizing device of claim 1 further comprising a sliding switch movable toward the block such that it can provide a momentary electrical connection between a battery disposed in the second side and one of the electrical contacts.

10. The vaporizing device of claim 1 further comprising a battery holder attached to the base and at least partially extending over the second side, and retaining a battery in the second side by friction.

11. The vaporizing device of claim 1 further comprising a base magnet disposed in the base, and a cover magnet attached to the cover, wherein the cover is removably attachable to the base by magnetic attraction between the base magnet and the cover magnet.

12. The vaporizing device of claim 11 wherein the magnets are shaped such that the cover cannot rotate when attached to the base.

13. The vaporizing device of claim 1 further comprising a battery charge indicator disposed in or on the insulator block.

14. A vaporizing device, comprising:

a) a base comprising a trench;

b) an insulator block disposed in the trench, dividing the trench into a first side and a second side, wherein the second side is dimensioned to receive a battery;

c) a U-shaped heating element disposed in the first side, with the open side of the U-shape facing the block;

d) two electrical contacts extending between the first side and second side, wherein the electrical contacts are electrically connected to terminal ends of the heating element; and

e) a battery holder extending over the second side; and

f) a cover for covering the first side of the trench.

15. The vaporizing device of claim 14 further comprising a sliding switch movable toward the block such that it can provide a momentary electrical connection between a battery disposed in the second side and one of the electrical contacts.

16. The vaporizing device of claim 14 further comprising a base magnet disposed in the base, and a cover magnet attached to the cover, wherein the cover is removably attachable to the base by magnetic attraction between the base magnet and the cover magnet.

17. The vaporizing device of claim 16 wherein the magnets are shaped such that the cover cannot rotate when attached to the base.

18. A vaporizing device, comprising:

a) a base comprising a trench;

b) an insulator block disposed in the trench, dividing the trench into a first side and a second side, wherein the second side is dimensioned to receive a battery;

c) a U-shaped heating element disposed in the first side, with the open side of the U-shape facing the block;

d) two electrical contacts extending between the first side and second side, wherein the electrical contacts are electrically connected to terminal ends of the heating element; and

e) a battery holder extending over the second side;

f) a sliding switch movable toward the block such that it can provide a momentary electrical connection between a battery disposed in the second side and one of the electrical contacts; and

g) a cover for covering the first side of the trench.

19. The vaporizing device of claim 18 further comprising a base magnet disposed in the base, and a cover magnet attached to the cover, wherein the cover is removably attachable to the base by magnetic attraction between the base magnet and the cover magnet.

20. The vaporizing device of claim 18 further comprising a battery charge indicator electrically connected between the electrical contacts.