CARTRIDGE FOR VAPORIZER

This invention discloses a cartridge for storage of dry vaporizing materials for use in an electronic vaporizer. The cartridge has a substantially tubular elongated body with two lids that are removable. Filling of the cartridge is enabled by fitting the first lid into the body at one end before filling the vaporizing material then fitting the second lid into the body at the other end to completely seal the cartridge. Airflow holes are present on both lids to facilitate air movement during vaporization of the materials inside the cartridge.

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Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/809,266, filed Feb. 22, 2019. Each of the above-referenced patent applications is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The invention concerns a cartridge for use in electronic vaporizers. This cartridge is suitable for use with solid vaporizing materials and in a vaporizer capable of adjusting temperature and other operating parameters.

Description of the Related Technology

Smoking is the practice of burning certain materials and inhaling the vapor produced therefrom. Throughout history, smoking is a popular habit. Smoking can be the direct burning of plant material or burning material in a device and leading the vapor through a pathway before inhaling.

Tobacco is thus far the most popular form of smoking. Tobacco contains nicotine, which is addictive and is seen as mentally stimulating for smokers. Over the years, other materials have also been smoked, from illicit drugs to beneficial herbs.

Smoking has largely been seen as a bad habit with adverse health consequences and tobacco smoking is the leading cause of this perception. As of 2008 to 2010, tobacco is used by about 49% of men and 11% of women aged 15 or older in fourteen low-income and middle-income countries (Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Mexico, Philippines, Poland, Russia, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, Uruguay and Vietnam), with about 80% of this usage in the form of smoking. Effort to promote quitting has been popular, with nicotine replacement therapy, treatment for withdrawal symptoms, and electronic cigarettes.

Recently smoking has become a means to deliver medicine. Materials with desirable components and/or active ingredients are burnt and the smoke inhaled, thereby the active ingredients are also inhaled. Absorption of these active ingredients through the alveoli in the lungs or the oral mucosa brings the wanted effect of the active ingredients.

Electronic cigarettes are mechanical devices with electronic control aiming at delivering the smoking experience with less harm. In an electronic cigarette, the active ingredient, such as nicotine, is combined with other materials to create a liquid that is vaporized, usually at a lower temperature than comparable plant materials. Heating of the vaporizing liquid (“vape juice”) is through an electronic heating means. A vapor pathway allows the vapor to cool down before reaching the smoker. The burning of other ingredients in the vape juice often produces less harmful combustion products. All of these combine to give a less harmful way of consuming the same active ingredient.

Electronic cigarettes are not limited to vaporizing liquid materials. Plant materials may also be used in an electronic cigarette. Removing the combustion end products from the electronic cigarette after a vaporizing episode remains an issue. Since the introduction of smoking materials other than tobacco or nicotine-containing vaporizing materials, electronic cigarettes are more popularly known as electronic vaporizer.

There remains a demand to effectively introduce solid plant materials into an electronic vaporizer for vaporizing, such that air may flow through the vaporizing material and produce vapor while providing consistent vaporizing volume. At the same time, solid vaporizing materials need to be filled into a cartridge with ease. The cartridge disclosed herein aims to solve these issues.

SUMMARY

This invention describes a cartridge to store vaporizing materials to be used in an electronic vaporizer. The cartridge is configured with two removable lids, enabling easy filling of vaporizing materials into the cartridge. The lids are configured to seal the cartridge upon assembly using raised edges and ribs. Airflow holes on both lids enable drawing air into the cartridge for vaporizing and drawing vapor out of the cartridge for inhalation.

In particular, there is provided a cartridge for storing vaporizing materials in an electronic vaporizer, the cartridge comprises:

a substantially tubular elongated body having two ends and a wall defining a chamber therein;

a first lid configured to slidably fit into the first end of the body and form a seal between the first lid and the wall of the body;

a second lid configured to slidably fit into the second end of the body and form a seal between the second lid and the wall of the body;

wherein the chamber continually extends from the first end to the second end of the body;

wherein the first lid comprises a substantially flat disk having a raised edge around the flat disk and airflow holes on the flat disk,

wherein the second lid comprises a substantially flat disk having a plurality of ribs around the flat disk and airflow holes on the flat disk and the plurality of the ribs are pliable, and

wherein the first lid and the second lid are operatively and physically connected to the body after sliding into the body.

There is provided a cartridge as above, wherein the body and the first lid and the second lid are made of the same material.

There is provided a cartridge as above, wherein the material is stainless steel.

There is provided a cartridge as above, wherein the wall's thickness is 0.1 to 5 millimeters.

There is provided a cartridge as above, wherein the first lid's flat disk and the second lid's flat disk are of substantially the same thickness.

There is provided a cartridge as above, wherein the flat disks' thickness is 0.2 to 5 millimeters.

There is provided a cartridge as above, wherein the chamber's width does not vary along the longitudinal axis.

There is provided a cartridge as above, wherein the airflow holes are of substantially circular shape.

There is provided a cartridge as above, wherein the first lid's airflow holes are arranged concentrically around the center of the lid.

There is provided a cartridge as above, wherein the second lid's airflow holes are arranged concentrically around the center of the lid.

There is provided a cartridge as above, wherein the first lid's airflow holes are smaller than the second lid's airflow holes.

There is provided a cartridge as above, wherein the second lid's airflow holes are substantially uniform.

There is provided a cartridge as above, further comprising a plurality of prongs situated near the first end, the plurality of prongs extend from the inner wall into the chamber.

There is provided a cartridge as above, wherein the plurality of prongs are distributed symmetrically around the inner diameter of the chamber.

There is provided a cartridge as above, wherein the plurality of prongs are created by pushing a portion of the wall inside towards the chamber, thereby creating indents on the outside wall.

There is provided a cartridge as above, wherein both lids are second lids.

There is provided a method to fill dry vaporizing material into a cartridge, comprising:

providing a cartridge, the cartridge comprises:

    • a substantially tubular elongated body having two ends and a wall defining a chamber therein;
    • a first lid configured to slidably fit into the first end of the body and form a seal between the first lid and the wall of the body; and
    • a second lid configured to slidably fit into the second end of the body and form a seal between the second lid and the wall of the body;
    • wherein the chamber continually extends from the first end to the second end of the body;
    • wherein the first lid comprises a substantially flat disk having a raised edge around the flat disk and airflow holes on the flat disk,
    • wherein the second lid comprises a substantially flat disk having a plurality of ribs around the flat disk and airflow holes on the flat disk and the plurality of the ribs are pliable, and
    • wherein the first lid and the second lid are operatively and physically connected to the body after sliding into the body;

sliding the first lid into the body at the first end while orienting the raised edge towards the first end and the flat disk towards the second end;

placing vaporizing material into the chamber from the second end; and

sliding the second lid into the body at the second end while orienting the ribs towards the second end and the flat disk towards the first end until the flat disk rests on the vaporizing material.

There is provided a method as above, wherein the first lid in the cartridge is replaced by the second lid, such that both lids are second lids.

There is provided a method to fill dry vaporizing material into a cartridge, comprising:

providing a cartridge, the cartridge comprises:

    • a substantially tubular elongated body having two ends and a wall defining a chamber therein;
    • a first lid configured to slidably fit into the first end of the body and form a seal between the first lid and the wall of the body;
    • a second lid configured to slidably fit into the second end of the body and form a seal between the second lid and the wall of the body; and
    • a plurality of prongs situated near the first end, the plurality of prongs extend from the inner wall into the chamber;
    • wherein the chamber continually extends from the first end to the second end of the body;
    • wherein the first lid comprises a substantially flat disk having a raised edge around the flat disk and airflow holes on the flat disk,
    • wherein the second lid comprises a substantially flat disk having a plurality of ribs around the flat disk and airflow holes on the flat disk and the plurality of the ribs are pliable, and
    • wherein the first lid and the second lid are operatively and physically connected to the body after sliding into the body;

sliding the first lid into the body at the first end while orienting the raised edge towards the second end and the flat disk towards the first end until the flat disk rests on the plurality of prongs;

placing vaporizing material into the chamber from the second end; and

sliding the second lid into the body at the second end while orienting the ribs towards the second end and the flat disk towards the first end until the flat disk rests on the vaporizing material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is the perspective view of the cartridge's cross section along the longitudinal line and with the lids assembled into the cartridge.

FIG. 2 is the perspective view of the first lid, which may be assembled into one end of the cartridge.

FIG. 3 is the perspective view of the second lid, which may be assembled into the other end of the cartridge.

FIG. 4 is the perspective view of the cartridge with the second lid assembled into the second end.

FIG. 5 is the perspective view of the cartridge with the first lid assembled into the first end.

FIG. 6 is the exploded view of the cartridge body and the lids on the same plane where the lids can be assembled into the body.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the cartridge wherein the chamber has a plurality of prongs on the inner wall.

FIG. 8 is the front view of the cartridge with prongs and a first lid assembled taken at the first end.

FIG. 9 is the exploded view of the cartridge body and the lids on the same plane where the lids can be assembled into the body, but both lids are the same kind of lid with ribs.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN INVENTIVE EMBODIMENTS

This present invention is capable of being embodied in various forms. The description below of several embodiments is made with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the claimed subject matter and is not intended to limit the attached claims to the specific embodiments illustrated. The headings used throughout this disclosure are provided for convenience only and are not to be construed to limit the claims in any way. Embodiments illustrated under any heading may be combined with embodiments illustrated under any other heading.

As used herein, the verb “to comprise” in this description, claims, and other conjugations are used in its non-limiting sense to mean those items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded.

Reference to an element by the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the elements are present, unless the context clearly requires that there is one and only one of the elements. The indefinite article “a” or “an” thus usually means “at least one.” Additionally, the words “a” and “an” when used in the present document in concert with the words “comprising” or “containing” denote “one or more.”

As used herein in the specification and claims, including as used in the examples and unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers may be read as if by 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 reasonably expected range of values and/or positions.

It should be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, regions, layers, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, region, layer, or section from another element, region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the embodiments. For example, the term “first lid” below can be termed “second lid”, and vice versa, without departing from the teachings of the embodiments described herein.

All dimensions given herein are for illustrative purposes only and in no way will limit the inventions by these dimensions. It is to be understood that the invention may be constructed to have different dimensions than those provided herein and is still within the scope of the embodiments described herein.

As used herein, like numerals indicate like components even though the components may be used in different manners or at different places. Where there are multiple components of the same nature, a numeral refers to one, some, or all of the components of the same nature, depending on the context. For example, a numeral may be used to refer to an airflow hole, more than one airflow holes, or all of the airflow holes present in a figure.

The words “electronic cigarette”, “electronic vaporizer”, and “e-vaporizer” are used interchangeably, in that they refer to a device capable of receiving vaporizing material, which may be solid or liquid, and applying heat and air to the vaporizing material, thereby giving off vapor that may be inhaled by a mammal or a human being.

The word “lid” refers to a generally flat disk with mechanisms to attach itself to a body with a hollow chamber and thereby sealing that chamber at at least one location. The lid itself may or may not have holes or vents on it.

The word “rib” refers to an extended structure from a generally flat disk that resembles wings or flower petals, however, where there are many ribs, the ribs may or may not be arranged in symmetrical fashion around the flat disk.

The word “prong” refers to a material block, the plurality of which may be arranged around and on the same surface within a body of material, thereby acting as a mechanism to retain another body of material and restrict this body of material's movement.

The word “distal” refers to a part on a body that is further away from a point of reference as compared to another part within that same body. For example, a cartridge end is distal to the mouthpiece of an e-vaporizer means that it is located further away from the mouthpiece as compared to another part of the cartridge.

The word “proximal” refers to a part of a body that is closer to a point of reference as compared to another part within that same body. For example, a cartridge end is proximal to the mouthpiece of an e-vaporizer means that it is located closer to the mouthpiece as compared to another part of the cartridge.

The word “longitudinal” refers to the axis of an object that is the longest among all three dimensions of the object.

The word “transverse” refers to the axis of an object that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Embodiments of this application relate to a cartridge for holding of dry material to be vaporized in an electronic vaporizer. The cartridge contains the vaporizing material while receiving and conducting heat to the material, which in turn is vaporized, causing vapor to build up inside the cartridge. A user draws air through the cartridge by sucking on the vaporizer and inhaling, thereby inhaling vapor produced inside the cartridge. The cartridge is provided with lids that are separable from the body of the cartridge and may be assembled after vaporizing material has been filled into the cartridge.

This cartridge, upon assembly and filled with vaporizing material, may be placed in an electronic vaporizer, wherein a heating mechanism may heat the cartridge and vaporize the materials inside the cartridge. A user may suck on a mouthpiece on the vaporizer, drawing air into one end of the cartridge and then drawing vapor outside of the other end of the cartridge, the vapor being produced by heating the vaporizing material. Vapor exiting the cartridge may enter the mouthpiece prior to reaching the user, who may inhale the vapor.

FIG. 1 is the perspective view of the cross section of the cartridge along the longitudinal axis. The cartridge 1 may comprise a substantially tubular elongated body 2 which may be hollow, with a wall defining a chamber 4 within the body 2 wherein the vaporizing materials may be stored. The wall 3 may define the body 2 of the cartridge 1 and provide structural integrity for the cartridge 1 while may also act as a heat conducting element. The cross section of the cartridge 1 along the transverse plane may generally be circular or oval, even though other shapes are contemplated. FIG. 1 as illustrated shows a cartridge with a generally circular cross section along the transverse plan.

The length of the body 2 may be determined by the amount of vaporizing material to be stored in the cartridge 1. The length of the body 2 may also be determined by heat conduction properties, such that sufficient heat may be conducted to the vaporizing material inside the cartridge 1 for vaporization. As cartridges are used in electronic vaporizers, the length of the cartridge 1 may also be determined by the size of the electronic vaporizer. The length of the body 2 may also be determined by the suction power that a user can exert, since a cartridge that is too long may cause difficulties in drawing enough air into the cartridge. For example, the cartridge 1 according to embodiments may have a length of 10 to 100 millimeters, even though other lengths may be more suitable for specific conditions of the vaporizing materials, the vaporizer, the cartridge's thickness, and the heating mechanism, among other factors.

The width of the body 2 may be determined also by the amount of materials to be stored in the cartridge 1. Heat conduction from the heating mechanism to the vaporizing materials may require calculation of the width such that adequate heat is provided for vaporization and the materials are not burnt. For example, the cartridge 1 according to embodiments with a circular transverse cross section may have a width of 3 to 40 millimeters, even though other dimensions may be more suitable.

During the heating process, the cartridge 1 may be in thermal and physical contact with the heating mechanism and conduct heat from the heating mechanism to the vaporizing material via the cartridge 1 wall material. The wall 3 therefore must also be able to withstand the heat and maintain structuring integrity of the cartridge 1 while conducting the appropriate amount of heat to the vaporizing materials inside.

In embodiments, the wall 3 of the body 2 may be made by stainless steel, ceramic, or other suitable materials. The wall's thickness may be determined by its material's nature and heat conductive properties. Typically, the wall's thickness is about 0.1 to 5 millimeters when the wall is made of stainless steel. Other materials, such as ceramic, may require a wall of a different thickness. There is a range of temperature ideal for vaporizing material inside the chamber and thus the wall's thickness must be determined such that this range of temperature is achieved and maintained.

The wall 3 may be of generally uniform thickness throughout the body 2. However, different thicknesses of the wall 3 may be designed into the body to accommodate different heating schemes, such that different areas of the cartridge 1 receive and/or conduct different amounts of heat, thereby producing different heating effect towards the vaporizing material contained inside.

The chamber 4 may be defined by a wall 3, such that the chamber 4 is formed by the hollow space in the elongated body 2 surrounded by the wall 3. The chamber 4 may have a cross section that is uniform throughout, reflecting the shape of the elongated body 2, and the chamber's 4 width may not vary along the longitudinal axis. Varying width along the chamber 4 is contemplated.

In embodiments, the cartridge 1 may be closed and secured by lids 6, 8. The lids 6, 8, together with the wall 3, may define the storage volume inside the cartridge 1. Each end of the body 2 may be coupled with a lid having airflow holes 11, such that the lid seals the cartridge 1 while air moves through the cartridge 1. The lids 6, 8 may be fit into the ends 5, 7 by sliding into each end of the body 2. The lids 6, 8 may be removed from the body 2 when not in use. They may be produced separately and assembled into the cartridge 1 before and after filling of the vaporizing materials. The lids 6, 8 may secure the vaporizing materials inside while also secure and define the volume inside the chamber such that the lids 6, 8 do not move during the electronic vaporizer's operation. The lids 6, 8 may be of substantially the same thickness, even though they may also have different thicknesses.

FIG. 2 illustrates the first lid 6, which may be assembled to the body 2 at the first end 5, which is located distally to the mouth piece of a vaporizer. At the first end 5 of the body 2 may be a first lid 6, which may be removed from the body 2. The first lid 6 may comprise a generally flat disk 13 with airflow holes 11 located throughout the lid's surface. The first lid 6 may be configured to fit inside the chamber 4 at the first end 5 and seal the chamber 4. The first lid 6 may have a raised edge 10, which rises above the surface of the lid's flat disk 13. Generally, the flat disk's circumference must approximately match the inside circumference of the body 2 at the first end 5 such that the first lid 6 may slide inside the first end 5 but not fall into it and the raised edge may form a seal by contact with the inside surface of the wall 3 at the first end 5. Upon assembly into the body 2, the tip of the raised edge 10 may stop at the first end 5 or may be pushed further inside the cartridge 1. For illustrative purposes, the flat disks' thickness may be at about 0.2 to 5 millimeters, even though other dimensions are contemplated.

Airflow holes 11 on the first lid 6 may be configured such that sufficient airflow may be drawn through the airflow holes 11 when a user starts sucking air into the cartridge 1. The number of airflow holes 11 and the size of them may be chosen to achieve this purpose. Airflow holes 11 may be of substantially circular shape, even though other shapes are contemplated. The size and shape of the airflow holes 11 may also be chosen such that dry vaporizing materials do not fall out of the cartridge 1. For example, dry vaporizing material may be crushed plant material, and the size of each particles may be taken into account to design the airflow holes 11. Airflow holes 11 may be substantially uniform, such that airflow holes 11 on the same lid may be of substantially the same size and shape. The locations of the airflow holes 11 may be arranged such that the structural integrity of the first lid 6 is not compromised. Airflow holes 11 may be arranged in certain patterns, including symmetrical patterns to allow equal distribution of air inside the chamber. Airflow holes 11 may also be uniformly distributed around the center of the flat disk of the first lid 6 in a concentric fashion, thereby creating a uniform stream of air flow into the chamber 4. Other arrangements of the airflow holes 11 are contemplated.

FIG. 5 shows the first end 5 of the cartridge 1 with the first lid 6 assembled into the first end 5. The edge of the first lid 6 has been pushed inside, such that there is a space between the first lid's 6 flat disk and the first end 5. The raised edge of the first lid 6 may now operatively and physically connect with the inside surface of the wall 3 of the body 2, thereby creating a seal. Where the cartridge 1 and the first lid 6 are made by a metallic material such as stainless steel, the seal may be created by metal-to-metal contact.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the second lid 8. The second lid 8, which may be removed from the body 2, may be fit into the body 2 at the second end 7. The second lid 8 may be generally flat with a flat disk 12 as the body, and may have ribs 9 arranged along the edge of the flat disk of the second lid 12. The number of ribs 9 may be two or more, but generally the number of ribs 9 should be small, such that the ribs 9 have significant length as compared to the circumference of the second lid's flat disk 12 and the ribs 9 may be easily folded upon assembly of the second lid 9 into the cartridge 1. FIG. 3 shows the number of ribs 9 at four, however, the number of lids may be more or less than four. Alternatively, the number of ribs may be much higher than four, such that each of the ribs lining along the flat disk has significantly smaller length than the flat disk's circumference. For example, the number of ribs may be up to, but not limited at, twelve.

In FIG. 3, ribs 9 are shown as having substantially similar dimensions, including similar length, width, and thickness. It is contemplated that the ribs 9 may have different dimensions but generally are configured such that they can easily fold when the second lid 8 is pushed into the cartridge body 2.

In embodiments, on the second lid 8 may be airflow holes 11, which may be configured to allow vapor to escape the cartridge 1, this vapor now has vaporized ingredients from the materials inside the chamber 4. These airflow holes 11 on the second lid 8 may be of substantially uniform, such that they have similar size and shape, even though they may also have different sizes and shapes from each other. The airflow holes 11 on the second lid 8 may be larger in diameter than the airflow holes 11 on the first lid 6 to allow better movement of vapor from the cartridge 1 into the user's mouth. Moreover, airflow holes 11 on the first disk 6 may have smaller dimensions to prevent vaporizing materials from falling out of the cartridge 1, but the airflow holes 11 on the second disk 8 may be larger to allow vapor to exit the cartridge 1. In some other embodiments, the airflow holes 11 on the second lid 8 may have the same dimension with or smaller than the airflow holes 11 on the first lid 6. The total surface area of the airflow holes 11 on the first lid 6 and the second lid 8 may be approximately the same, even though they may also be different.

Airflow holes 11 on the second lid 8 may be distributed uniformly around the center to create a uniform vapor flow into the mouth piece, such that vapor from various areas inside the chamber 4 may be drawn from and then enter the mouth piece. Airflow holes 11 may be distributed symmetrically on the flat disk of the second lid 12 or concentrically around the center of the flat disk of the second lid 12. Other arrangements of the airflow holes 11 are contemplated.

FIG. 4 illustrates the cartridge 1 showing the second end 7 with the second lid 8 assembled into the cartridge 1. The second lid 8 in its unused state may be flat with all ribs 9 on the same plane with the flat disk 12. To assemble the second lid 8 into the cartridge 1, the second lid 8 may be first lined up with the second end 7, such that the perimeter of the flat disk 12 matches the inside perimeter of the body 2 at the second end 7. The second lid 8 may be thereafter pushed into the chamber 4 from the second end 7, and the ribs 9 may start folding up such that the flat disk 12 can move inside the chamber 4. The ribs 9 may eventually come into contact with the inside of the wall 3 such that a seal is formed.

FIG. 6 illustrates the body 2 of the cartridge 1 and the two lids 6, 8 on the same plane and how they fit with each other for assembly. It should be noted that each of the lids 6, 8 may fit with either of the ends 5,7 of the cartridge 1. While the flat disk 12, 13 of each of the lids 6, 8 may have similar dimensions to fit with the two ends 5, 7 of similar dimensions, they may also have different dimensions to fit with each of the ends 5, 7 if the ends 5, 7 have different dimensions.

FIG. 9 illustrates the body 2 of the cartridge 1 and two lids 8,8 on the same plane and how they may fit into the body 2 for assembly, but both lids in this case are the lids with ribs 8,8. Both lids 8,8 may be of the same dimensions and both may fit into the body 2 such that the ribs 9 on each of the lids are bent and oriented towards the respective end that it is assembled to. The ribs 9 on each lid may be oriented away from the end of the body 2. The contact between the ribs 9 and the inside wall of the body 2 may provide the seal needed to keep the vaporizing material in place.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the cartridge 1. Near the first end 5 may be a plurality of prongs 14 on the inner wall of the chamber 4 extending into the chamber 4, the plurality of prongs 14 may be of substantially the same dimensions and may be sized to effectively retain the first lid 6. The plurality of prongs 14 may comprise a block of rod-like material attached to the inner wall. Other blocks of material in different shapes are contemplated. Alternatively, each of the prongs 14 may be made by pushing a small portion of the wall 3 inside the chamber, such that there is an indent on the outside wall and some wall material extends towards the chamber 4. The wall material, having been pushed inside, may create the prongs needed to retain the first lid 6 upon assembly. In these embodiments, the first lid 6 may be assembled such that the raised edge 10 is oriented away from the prongs 14 and the flat disk of the first lid 13 comes into contact with the prongs 14 upon assembly.

In embodiments, the plurality of prongs 14 may distribute symmetrically around the inner wall of the chamber 4 on the same cross section surface of the body 2, such that the prongs are distributed symmetrically on the circumference of a circle, the circle being the cross section of the cartridge body along the traverse plane. Alternatively, they may be distributed in a random manner around the circumference of a cross section surface of the body 2. However, where the distribution is asymmetrical, the prongs 14 still have to be distributed such that the prongs 14 may hold up the first lid 6 on substantially the same cross section of the cartridge 1. This may prevent the first lid 6 from being moved around during use, or unable to hold the vaporizing material inside the cartridge body 2.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of the cartridge with prongs 14 viewed from the front view facing the cartridge 1 at the first end 5 and the number of prongs is four. The four prongs 14 as shown in FIG. 8 are distributed symmetrically around the circle that is the inside cross section of the chamber 4.

The cartridge 1 may be made of stainless steel, other metal or metal composites, ceramic, or other suitable materials. Heat conduction of each material may play a role in determination of wall thickness and shape of the cartridge 1. The lids 6, 8 may be made of pliable material for bending of the raised edge 10 and ribs 9. Preferably, the lids 6, 8 are made of the same material as the body 2, even though different materials may also work. In the case of different metals, the voltage difference may be taken into account to prevent galvanic corrosion.

The lids 6, 8 and the cartridge body 2 may be made by relatively precise machining to approximately match the diameter and/or circumference of the flat disk of the lids 12, 13 to the diameter and/or circumference taken at the inside wall of the body's 2 cross section at each end, thereby creating a tight seal between the lids 6, 8 and the body 2 at the inner side of the wall.

In embodiments, the cartridge 1 and its parts may be made from metals that may withstand higher temperature without compromising structural integrity, in particular stainless steel, such as 304 Stainless Steel. Ceramic may be another option for constructing the cartridge body 2, even though the lids 6, 8 may be made from metal or other material that are at least pliable, such that the ribs 9 may be pushed against the inner wall of the body and the raised edge 10 may come into contact with the inner side of the wall 3 without breaking. The first lid 6 may be made of materials that may not be pliable and the first lid 6 in these embodiments may be held in place by the prongs 14. Parts may be assembled by hand and/or by automated means. Parts may be made by molding or by automated fashioning of metal.

This cartridge 1 may be disposable, or used one time only. The seal formed by the lids 6, 8 and the body of the cartridge 2 may not be re-opened and re-sealed after use. This may protect the cartridge 1 from any functioning compromise while providing convenience for users.

In use of the cartridge 1, the cartridge 1 may be manufactured in different parts, such that the tubular body 2, the first lid 6, and the second lid 8 are provided separately. The first lid 6 may be assembled into the first end 5 by pushing the first lid 6 into the first end 5 towards the hollow chamber 4. The raised edge 10 may be oriented towards the outside, such that upon assembly, the flat disk of the first lid 13 is pushed into the chamber 4. The metal to metal contact between the raised edge 10 and the inside of the wall 2 may provide a tight the seal between the first lid 6 and the wall 3.

In embodiments where the chamber 4 comprises prongs 14, the first lid 6 may be assembled by sliding the first lid 6 into the chamber 4 at the second end 7, where the flat disk 13 may be oriented towards the first end 5 and pushed along the chamber's length until the flat disk 13 rests on the prongs 14, and the prongs 14 now act to retain the first lid 6.

Alternatively, the body 2 may be provided with the first lid 6 already assembled into place. The first lid 6 may be attached to the body 2 by means of a metal-to-metal seal or by resting on the prongs 14, depending on the embodiment.

Thereafter, solid vaporizing materials such as dry herbs may be loaded into the cartridge 1 by placing into the chamber 4. Compacting the vaporizing materials may be necessary to allow more material inside the chamber 4. Once the chamber 4 has been filled with vaporizing materials, the second lid 8 may be assembled into the cartridge 1. It is important to note that vaporizing materials should not be overfilled and that adequate space at the proximal end of the chamber 4 should be left to accommodate the second lid 8.

The second lid 8, in its unused state, may have all ribs 9 still spread out and not bent. The second lid 8 may be lined up with the second end 7 of the body 2 such that the inner disk 12 lines up along the wall 3 inside perimeter, then it may be pushed down using an inward force, thereby bending the ribs 9 and pushing them up and along the inner side of the wall 3. After assembly, the ribs 9 and the inner side of the wall 3 may come into contact to form a seal, which prevents vaporizing materials from escaping out of the cartridge 1 while maintaining a volume of space inside the cartridge chamber 4 at a constant. Where the wall 3 and the second lid 8 are both made of the same metal such as stainless steel, the contact between the ribs 9 and the wall 3 may create a metal to metal seal. This seal may also play a role in ensuring that vapor may only exit through the airflow holes 11 on the second lid 8 while not pushing up the second lid 8.

Filling of vaporizing materials into the cartridge 1 may be accomplished by hands or by an automatic filling line. Hand filling may give the user an opportunity to personalize the vaporizing material as they wish. Pre-filled cartridges may be more convenient for users. The cartridge 1 according to embodiments disclosed herein are disposable and may be discarded after one use.

Once the cartridge 1 is filled and assembled, the lids 6, 8 may secure vaporizing materials and the cartridge 1 may be loaded into an electronic vaporizer. The cartridge 1 may be loaded into a heating chamber to come into contact with a heating element and receive heat. Controlled heating at appropriate temperatures may cause the dry vaporizing materials to be vaporized and not burnt, thereby delivering active ingredients without or with less harmful substances commonly found in smoke from burning. It is noted that the cartridge 1 may be placed into the vaporizer in either orientation as compared to the mouthpiece. In other words, either end of the cartridge may be proximal to the mouthpiece.

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that a number of modifications and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and the scope of the present invention. It is to be understood that any ranges, ratios, and range of ratios that can be derived from any of the data disclosed herein represent further embodiments of the present disclosure and are included as part of the disclosure as though they were explicitly set forth. This includes ranges that can be formed that do or do not include a finite upper and/or lower boundary. Accordingly, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that such values are unambiguously derivative from the data presented herein.

Claims

1. A cartridge for storing vaporizing materials in an electronic vaporizer, comprising:

a substantially tubular elongated body having two ends and a wall defining a chamber therein;
a first lid configured to slidably fit into the first end of the body and form a seal between the first lid and the wall of the body;
a second lid configured to slidably fit into the second end of the body and form a seal between the second lid and the wall of the body;
wherein the chamber continually extends from the first end to the second end of the body;
wherein the first lid comprises a substantially flat disk having a raised edge around the flat disk and airflow holes on the flat disk,
wherein the second lid comprises a substantially flat disk having a plurality of ribs around the flat disk and airflow holes on the flat disk and the plurality of the ribs are pliable, and
wherein the first lid and the second lid are operatively and physically connected to the body after sliding into the body.

2. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the body and the first lid and the second lid are made of the same material.

3. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the material is stainless steel.

4. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the wall's thickness is 0.1 to 5 millimeters.

5. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the first lid's flat disk and the second lid's flat disk are of substantially the same thickness.

6. The cartridge of claim 5, wherein the flat disks' thickness is 0.2 to 5 millimeters.

7. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the chamber's width does not vary along the longitudinal axis.

8. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the airflow holes are of substantially circular shape.

9. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the first lid's airflow holes are arranged concentrically around the center of the lid.

10. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the second lid's airflow holes are arranged concentrically around the center of the lid.

11. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the first lid's airflow holes are smaller than the second lid's airflow holes.

12. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the first lid's airflow holes are configured to prevent dry vaporizing materials from falling out of the cartridge through the airflow holes.

13. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the second lid's airflow holes are substantially uniform.

14. The cartridge of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of prongs situated near the first end, the plurality of prongs extend from the inner wall into the chamber.

15. The cartridge of claim 14, wherein the plurality of prongs are distributed symmetrically around the inner circumference of the chamber.

16. The cartridge of claim 14, wherein the plurality of prongs are created by pushing a portion of the wall inside towards the chamber, thereby creating indents on the outside wall.

17. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein both lids are second lids.

18. A method of filling dry vaporizing material into a cartridge, comprising:

providing a cartridge, the cartridge comprises: a substantially tubular elongated body having two ends and a wall defining a chamber therein; a first lid configured to slidably fit into the first end of the body and form a seal between the first lid and the wall of the body; and a second lid configured to slidably fit into the second end of the body and form a seal between the second lid and the wall of the body; wherein the chamber continually extends from the first end to the second end of the body; wherein the first lid comprises a substantially flat disk having a raised edge around the flat disk and airflow holes on the flat disk, wherein the second lid comprises a substantially flat disk having a plurality of ribs around the flat disk and airflow holes on the flat disk and the plurality of the ribs are pliable, and wherein the first lid and the second lid are operatively and physically connected to the body after sliding into the body;
sliding the first lid into the body at the first end while orienting the raised edge towards the first end and the flat disk towards the second end;
placing vaporizing material into the chamber from the second end; and
sliding the second lid into the body at the second end while orienting the ribs towards the second end and the flat disk towards the first end until the flat disk rests on the vaporizing material.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the first lid in the cartridge is replaced by the second lid, such that both lids are second lids.

20. A method of filling dry vaporizing material into a cartridge, comprising:

providing a cartridge, the cartridge comprises: a substantially tubular elongated body having two ends and a wall defining a chamber therein; a first lid configured to slidably fit into the first end of the body and form a seal between the first lid and the wall of the body; a second lid configured to slidably fit into the second end of the body and form a seal between the second lid and the wall of the body; and a plurality of prongs situated near the first end, the plurality of prongs extend from the inner wall into the chamber; wherein the chamber continually extends from the first end to the second end of the body; wherein the first lid comprises a substantially flat disk having a raised edge around the flat disk and airflow holes on the flat disk, wherein the second lid comprises a substantially flat disk having a plurality of ribs around the flat disk and airflow holes on the flat disk and the plurality of the ribs are pliable, and wherein the first lid and the second lid are operatively and physically connected to the body after sliding into the body;
sliding the first lid into the body at the first end while orienting the raised edge towards the second end and the flat disk towards the first end until the flat disk rests on the plurality of prongs;
placing vaporizing material into the chamber from the second end; and
sliding the second lid into the body at the second end while orienting the ribs towards the second end and the flat disk towards the first end until the flat disk rests on the vaporizing material.
Patent History
Publication number: 20200268056
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 21, 2020
Publication Date: Aug 27, 2020
Inventors: David Goldstein (New York, NY), Boris Goldstein (New York, NY)
Application Number: 16/797,369
Classifications
International Classification: A24F 42/20 (20060101); A24F 42/60 (20060101);