APPARATUS FOR CONDITIONING GAS CARRYING A CHEMICAL RELEASED FROM A SMOKER'S MOUTH

Abstract

An apparatus for conditioning gas carrying a chemical which is released from a mouth of a smoker after being inhaled from a smoking device comprises a housing with a fluidic passageway from an inlet arranged to receive the gas from the smoker's mouth to an outlet arranged to release the gas to an ambient environment. Along the fluidic passageway the apparatus features a chemical recapture stage, which is arranged to permit the gas to flow therethrough, and which is arranged to removably receive a substrate adapted to substantially retain the chemical carried by the gas, so that the gas exiting the chemical recapture stage is substantially devoid of the chemical, which can be reused upon removal of the substrate from the housing.

Description

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62/888,644, filed Aug. 19, 2019, which is incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus for conditioning gas carrying a chemical released from a smoker's mouth which according to one aspect is designed with an outer appearance of a travel mug so as to enable the smoker to inconspicuously smoke and use the apparatus using, and which according to another aspect is configured to recapture the chemical on a substrate for subsequent reuse.

BACKGROUND

The enjoyment of smoking tobacco and or marijuana has become ever more frowned upon by the general public. Even though the use of tobacco is legal worldwide and marijuana is partially or completely legal in 25 Countries and 31 U.S. states, it is a contentious topic when people's rights become infringed upon in public or in private homes and rental properties. It is also known that second hand smoke is harmful to others in near proximity of a smoker and it is socially unacceptable to smoke around children for fear of a child's curiosity. Not to mention that smoking of any type will leave residue oils such as tar and nicotine on clothes, paint, carpets and generally anything it encounters, which is difficult and costly to remove or mitigate.

For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,497,791 and 6,158,530 discloses apparatuses for removing side stream smoke from a lit cigarette and some exhaust filters remove most of the harmful chemical bi-products. However none have dealt with the remaining stigma associated with smoking or the pungent smells associated with second hand smoke in its entirety.

Several of these inventions are battery operated and do little or nothing to completely eliminate second hand smoke odors, oils, chemical bi-products, recycling of useful oils and associated chemical bi-products or reduce the stigma for public or private use of smoking.

One commercially available product sold under the trade name “Smoke Buddy” removes smoke from cigarettes and/or dried herbs smoke and odor has one part of its concept that is similar by way of exhale methods whereas the smoke plume can be exhaled into a chamber to capture smoke and scent to minimize the amount of unacceptable chemical bi-products and oils back into the atmosphere but does not to eliminate the scent or have any purpose to recycle reusable components of chemical bi-products and oils derived from the exhaled smoke.

In summary, smoking is generally prohibited or discouraged in indoor spaces or any environment in the vicinity of other non-smoking parties particularly due to chemicals and also an odour of the smoke released from a smoker's mouth.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an aspect of the invention to provide a multistage publicly acceptable device that encompasses all the needs of a smoker.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for conditioning gas carrying a chemical which is released from a mouth of a smoker after being inhaled from a smoking device, comprising:

a housing having:

• • an inlet arranged for receiving the gas released from the smoker's mouth;
  • a fluidic passageway in fluidic communication with the inlet and defining a path for the gas to flow through the housing; and
  • an outlet in fluidic communication with the fluidic passageway and located downstream of the inlet in relation to the path of gas flow, wherein the outlet is arranged for releasing the gas to an external environment of the housing;

a chemical recapture stage within the housing along the fluidic passageway so as to receive the gas flowing along the path of gas flow from the inlet to the outlet;

wherein the chemical recapture stage is arranged so that the gas can flow therethrough from a stage inlet arranged to receive the gas to a downstream stage outlet arranged for releasing the gas for flow towards the outlet;

wherein the chemical recapture stage is arranged to removably receive between the stage inlet and the stage outlet a substrate adapted to substantially retain the chemical carried by the gas on the path of gas flow through the chemical recapture stage, so that the gas exiting the chemical recapture stage at the stage outlet is substantially devoid of the chemical which can be reused upon removal of the substrate from the housing.

This provides an arrangement for discretely capturing and conditioning smoke released from the smoker's mouth so that what is eventually exhausted to the ambient environment is a substantially colourless and odourless gas. In the process of the foregoing the chemicals in the smoke, which contribute to a colour and odour thereof prior to conditioning, are substantially recaptured.

Typically, the apparatus includes a mouthpiece disposed at the inlet of the housing and defining an opening in a free end of the mouthpiece configured for receiving the mouth of the smoker, the opening being in fluidic communication with the inlet of the housing so as to guide the gas from the smoker's mouth to the inlet.

In one arrangement, the substrate is edible so that the chemical is reusable by a human user by consuming the substrate.

In one arrangement, the substrate is adapted for preparation of a consumable product.

In one arrangement, the substrate is adapted to release the retained chemical to a surrounding consumable liquid medium in which the substrate is suspended.

In one arrangement, the substrate is adapted to release the retained chemical by heating of the substrate to convert the retained chemical to a gas.

Preferably, the chemical recapture stage comprises a receptacle configured to removably receive the substrate and to be removably mounted in the housing along the fluidic passageway at said location downstream of the inlet and upstream of the outlet so as to receive the gas flowing along the path of gas flow from the inlet to the outlet, and the receptacle comprises first and second end walls defining the stage inlet and the stage outlet, respectively, which are fluidically permeable but adapted to retain the substrate therebetween.

Preferably, the receptacle has a peripheral flange arranged to be matably received in a groove formed in the housing so as to removably mount the receptacle in fixed location within the housing.

Preferably, a first portion of the fluidic passageway between the inlet of the housing and the stage inlet of the chemical recapture stage is enlarged relative to a size of the stage inlet of the chemical recapture stage in a crosswise direction to the path of gas flow, so as to reduce back pressure exerted on the mouth of the smoker when releasing the gas to the inlet.

Preferably, the housing has an access opening intercommunicating the fluidic passageway with the external environment and wherein there is provided an openable panel which is movable relative to the access opening between a closed position in which the access opening is fluidically closed by the panel so that the gas flows along the path of gas flow through the fluidic passageway and an open position in which the access opening is uncovered for accessing the substrate for removal from the housing.

Preferably, the apparatus further includes a deodorizing stage within the housing disposed along the fluidic passageway at a location downstream of the chemical recapture stage so as to receive the gas which has exited the chemical recapture stage, and is thus substantially devoid of the chemical, before the gas exits the housing through the outlet, wherein the deodorizing stage is arranged so that the gas can flow therethrough from a stage inlet arranged to receive the gas flowing from the stage outlet of the chemical recapture stage to a downstream stage outlet of the deodorizing stage arranged for releasing the gas, wherein the deodorizing stage is arranged to receive a replaceable smell-absorbent material which is adapted to remove a smell of the gas devoid of the chemical flowing through the deodorizing stage.

In one arrangement, the deodorizing stage is arranged to receive an aromatic substance which emits a scent to be carried out of the deodorizing stage with the gas flowing therethrough so as to conceal the smell of the gas when released to the external environment through the outlet of the housing.

Preferably, the deodorizing stage comprises a removable cartridge adapted to removably receive at least one of the smell-absorbent material and the aromatic substance for replacement once consumed.

In one arrangement, the smell-absorbent material comprises a plurality of alternating layers of activated carbon and textile arranged in alternation fashion from the stage inlet of the deodorizing stage to the stage outlet thereof.

In one arrangement, a first one and a last one of the alternating layers are activated carbon.

Preferably, a second portion of the fluidic passageway between the stage outlet of the chemical recapture stage and the stage inlet of the deodorizing stage is enlarged relative to a size of the stage inlet of the deodorizing stage in a crosswise direction to the path of gas flow so as to reduce pressure of the gas as it flows from the chemical recapture stage to the deodorizing stage.

Typically, the apparatus is arranged to fit in a hand of the smoker, and preferably the housing has a receptacle which is open at an exterior of the housing and arranged to insertably receive an electronic cigarette, defining the smoking device, in a stowed condition within the receptacle in which a mouthpiece of the electronic cigarette for inhaling the gas emitted thereby is located externally of the housing.

Preferably, the apparatus further includes at least one depressible button supported at a location on the housing which is arranged to register with a switch of the electronic cigarette when in the stowed position and presented at the exterior of the housing so that the electronic cigarette is operable for emitting the gas for subsequent inhalation by the smoker while in the stowed condition.

In one arrangement, the deodorizing stage is in fluidic communication with the receptacle to enable gas emitted by the electronic cigarette to pass through the deodorizing stage to the outlet.

Preferably, the at least one button is translucent so as to illuminate when the electronic cigarette is in an operating “on” state.

Preferably, the apparatus further includes an outer shell defining a substantially uninterrupted exterior surface and arranged to be removably received over the housing for disguising the housing.

Preferably, the apparatus further includes a detachable receptacle carried by the outer shell and adapted for storage of a smoking medium to be consumed using the smoking device.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for conditioning gas carrying a chemical which is released from a mouth of a smoker after being inhaled from a smoking device comprises a housing with a fluidic passageway from an inlet arranged to receive the gas from the smoker's mouth to an outlet arranged to release the gas to an ambient environment. Along the fluidic passageway the apparatus features a chemical recapture stage, which is arranged to permit the gas to flow therethrough, and which is arranged to removably receive a substrate adapted to substantially retain the chemical carried by the gas, so that the gas exiting the chemical recapture stage is substantially devoid of the chemical, which can be reused upon removal of the substrate from the housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an arrangement according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the arrangement of FIG. 1, where an access panel of the housing is shown in stippled line;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along line X-X in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the arrangement of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the arrangement of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of an opposite side of the arrangement of FIG. 1 to that shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a rear elevational view of the arrangement of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the arrangement of FIG. 1.

In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The accompanying figures show an apparatus 10 disguised as a conventional traveller's drink or beverage mug for conditioning gas carrying a chemical, which is released from a smoker's mouth after being inhaled from a smoking device 1 (schematically shown in FIG. 2) such as an electronic cigarette or vaporizer. The apparatus 10 is configured, such as by sizing and shaping, to be received in a hand of the smoker, so as to be handheld.

As more clearly shown in FIG. 2, the apparatus 10 comprises an inner housing 12 for carrying components to condition the gas and an outer shell 13 in the form of a sleeve which is received over the housing 12 to act as a covering to provide an exterior surface of the apparatus that substantially resembles that of a conventional traveller's mug for disguising the housing 12. The outer shell 13 is removably received on the housing 12 so that the housing can be accessed by a user to replace components, and in comparison to an outer appearance thereof of the housing the shell 13 has a substantially uninterrupted exterior surface 13A.

As more clearly shown in FIG. 3, and turning initially to the housing 12, this has (i) an inlet 14 for receiving the gas released from the smoker's mouth, (ii) a fluidic passageway 16 in fluidic communication with the inlet 14 and defining a path 17 for the gas to flow through the housing 12, and (iii) an outlet 18 in fluidic communication with the fluidic passageway 16 and located downstream of the inlet 14 in relation to the path of gas flow, which is arranged for releasing the gas to an external environment of the housing 12.

In order for the apparatus 10 as a whole to resemble the appearance of a traveller's mug, the housing 12 is generally in the shape of a cup and thus extends along an upstanding axis 19 from a bottom 20 arranged for resting on a support surface such as a tabletop to a top 21 of the housing in which the smoke inlet 14 is defined at a centrally offset location therein. The housing 12 also includes a rounded peripheral wall 23 encompassing the axis 19, which is tapered from the top 21 to the bottom 20 so that a diameter of the housing is greater at the top 21 than at the bottom 20. The housing 12 is substantially a solid body with a plurality of compartments or chambers defined therein to provide at least the fluidic passageway 16. At the top 21 the housing has a disc-like upper portion 21A resembling a rim of a traveller's mug. The smoke inlet 14 is located in an upper surface of the disc-like upper portion 21A.

In the illustrated arrangement, there is provided a mouthpiece 22 disposed at the inlet 14 of the housing and defining an opening 22A in a free end 22B of the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece 22 is configured for receiving the mouth of the smoker so as to capture most if not all of the smoke releasable from the smoker's mouth. The mouthpiece opening 22A is in fluidic communication with the inlet 14 of the housing via a passageway formed from the free end 22B to a base 22C of the mouthpiece, so as to guide the gas from the smoker's mouth to the inlet. In the illustrated arrangement, the mouthpiece 22 substantially resembles a conventional drinking mouthpiece on a traveller's mug. The mouthpiece 22 is generally crescent shaped and tapers in cross-section from the base 22C to the free end 22B.

The inlet 14 is located at the top 21 of the housing and the fluidic passageway 16 extends generally vertically downwardly therefrom to the outlet 18 located generally at the bottom 20 of the housing but defined in the peripheral wall 23 instead of in the bottom 20 where it would be opposite to the inlet 14. The outlet 18 is in the form of an array of slits so as to provide openings of sufficient size to exhaust the gas to the ambient environment while remaining visually inconspicuous. Thus the path of gas flow through the housing 12 is generally vertically downward although it is exhausted through the outlet 18 to the side of the housing which is generally unobstructed as it stands upwardly from an underlying support surface. Furthermore, the inlet 14 and fluidic passageway 16 are at centrally offset locations from the central axis 19, so as to be disposed to one side or half of the housing. This leaves a diametrically opposite side or half within which to form a receptacle 26 which is open at an exterior of the housing and arranged to insertably receive an electronic cigarette, defining the smoking device, in a stowed condition within the receptacle in which a mouthpiece of the electronic cigarette for inhaling the gas emitted thereby is located externally of the housing.

The electronic cigarette, vaporizer, or more generally speaking the smoking device receptacle 26 is in the form of an elongated cavity in the housing 12 which is open at the top 21 and extends substantially vertically downwardly to a receptacle bottom 26B which is spaced from the housing bottom 20. In the illustrated arrangement, an axis 26C of the receptacle is non-perpendicular to the bottom 20. The receptacle 26 and fluidic passageway 16 lie along a diameter of the housing 12. It will be appreciated that the cavity may be sized or shaped differently in alternative arrangement in order to accept different types or styles of commercially available electronic cigarette or vaporizers.

The receptacle 26 is generally cylindrical from top to bottom so as to have uniform cross-sectional size and shape. If the smoking device is of the type that consumes a combustible fuel in order to combust a smoking medium such as dry herbs, then in the stowed condition an air inlet end of the smoking device is disposed at the bottom 26C of the receptacle. The receptacle 26 is lined with a ceramic material to resist heat generated by the smoking device, so as to prevent damage to a remainder of the housing 12 which typically is made from plastics material.

For conditioning the gas released from the smoker's mouth, the apparatus 10 comprises a chemical recapture stage 28 within the housing 12 which is disposed along the fluidic passageway 16 at a location downstream of the inlet 14 and upstream of the outlet 18, so as to receive the gas flowing along the path of gas flow from the inlet 14 to the outlet 18. The chemical recapture stage 28 is arranged so that the gas can flow therethrough from a stage inlet 30 arranged to receive the gas flowing from the inlet 14, by being fluidically permeable and being in fluidic communication with the inlet 14, to a downstream stage outlet 31 which is arranged for releasing the gas, by being fluidically permeable and in fluidic communication with the outlet, for subsequent flow towards the outlet 18.

The chemical recapture stage 28 is arranged to removably receive between the stage inlet 30 and the stage outlet 31 a substrate 34 (schematically shown) which is adapted to substantially retain the chemical carried by the gas, that is exhaust resin, on the path of gas flow through the chemical recapture stage 28, so that the gas exiting the chemical recapture stage at the stage outlet 31 is substantially devoid of the chemical which can be reused upon removal of the substrate 34 from the housing 12. In one arrangement the substrate 34 is edible so that the chemical is reused by a human user by consuming the substrate. In another arrangement, the substrate is of a type suitable for preparation of a consumable product such as a beverage, for example the substrate is dried tea or coffee that is suited for infusing a liquid such as water. In such an arrangement, the substrate is adapted to release the retained chemical to a surrounding consumable fluidic medium, generally a liquid, for example water, in which the substrate is at least temporarily suspended. Preferably this substrate is subsequently filtered from the medium such that the substrate itself is not consumed. In another arrangement, the substrate is a dry herb on which the chemical or exhaust resin is collected as the gas flows past or through the substrate. In this case the substrate is adapted to release the retained chemical by heating the substrate to convert the retained chemical to a gas, that is to gaseous form. This heating may cause the substrate to be vaporized or to be combusted. In this case the retained chemical is released as a gas to a smoker. The substrate may be absorbent or adsorbent.

In the illustrated arrangement the chemical recapture stage 28 is in the form of a receptacle configured to removably receive the substrate 34 and to be removably mounted in the housing 12 along the fluidic passageway 16. The receptacle 28 comprises first and second end walls 37, 38 defining the stage inlet and the stage outlet, respectively, which are fluidically permeable but adapted to retain the substrate 34 therebetween. Each of the end walls 37, 38 comprises a frame supporting a mesh sized to retain the substrate.

More specifically, the receptacle 28 comprises a receptacle body 40A which is arranged for receiving the substrate and an openable lid defined by the first end wall 37 which is pivotally mounted on the receptacle body 40A for movement relative to a top open end thereof. The openable lid 40B defines, more broadly, the stage inlet 30, and a closed bottom of the receptacle body 40A defines the second end wall 38 and, more broadly, the stage outlet 31.

For mounting within the housing 12, the receptacle 28 forms an outwardly extending peripheral flange 43 arranged to be matably received in a groove 44 formed in the housing 12, so as to removably mount the receptacle in fixed location within the housing 12.

For removing the receptacle 28 from the housing, the housing 12 defines an access opening 46 intercommunicating the fluidic passageway 16 with the external environment and at the access opening 46 is provided an openable panel 47 which is movable relative to the access opening 46 between a closed position in which the access opening is fluidically closed by the panel so that the gas flows along the path of gas flow through the fluidic passageway 16 and an open position in which the access opening is uncovered for accessing the substrate 34 and the receptacle 28 for removal from the housing 12. In the illustrated arrangement, the panel 47 defines a portion of the fluidic passageway 16 in the closed position including portions between the inlet 14 and the chemical recapture stage as well as a portion downstream thereof. The panel 47 also defines the groove 44 for supporting the receptacle 28 along the fluidic passageway. Thus the panel 47 cooperates with a main body 12A of the housing to form these features.

The chemical recapture stage 28 is provided along the fluidic passageway 16 at a spaced location downstream from the inlet 14 and therebetween there is provided a first portion 16A of the fluidic passageway 16, through which the gas flows without being conditioned, that is enlarged relative to a size of the stage inlet 30 of the chemical recapture stage 28 in a crosswise direction to the path of gas flow, so as to reduce back pressure exerted on the mouth and lungs of the smoker when releasing the gas to the inlet 14. Generally speaking, the first portion 16A of the passageway 16 is also sized larger than the housing inlet 14 in the crosswise direction to gas flow.

A one-way check valve 48 in the form of a hinged flap located at an upstream end of the chamber defining the first portion 16A of the fluidic passageway is provided so as to permit the gas to flow in the direction of path 17 only, and not in a reverse direction out of the inlet 14.

Downstream from the chemical recapture stage 28, the apparatus 10 includes a deodorizing stage 49 within the housing 12 disposed along the fluidic passageway 16 at a location downstream of the chemical recapture stage 28 so as to receive the gas which has exited the chemical recapture stage 28, and is thus substantially devoid of the chemical, before the gas exits the housing through the outlet 18. The deodorizing stage 49 is arranged so that the gas can flow therethrough from a stage inlet 51 arranged to receive the gas flowing from the stage outlet 31 of the chemical recapture stage to a downstream stage outlet 52 of the deodorizing stage arranged for releasing the gas to the housing outlet 18. In the illustrated arrangement, the deodorizing stage 49 comprises a removable cartridge 54 arranged to be removably mounted in the housing 12 along the fluidic passageway 16 and also is arranged to removably receive at least one of a replaceable smell-absorbent material 55 (schematically shown) and an aromatic substance, either of which is replaceable once used or consumed (by the conditioning process). The smell-absorbent material is adapted to remove a smell of the gas flowing through the deodorizing stage, and the aromatic substance is adapted to emit a scent to be carried out of the deodorizing stage with the gas flowing therethrough so as to conceal its smell when released to the external environment through the outlet 18 of the housing. The aromatic substance may be in the form of an aerosol deposited onto the smell-absorbent material, such that these aerosol particles can be picked up by the gas as it flows through the smell-absorbent material 55.

The cartridge 54 which is basically a small substantially enclosed container has a peripheral wall 56 encompassing an upstanding axis of the cartridge, a top wall 58 with an opening 59 therein defining the stage inlet 51, and a removable bottom wall 61 which is removably mounted to the peripheral wall 56 to facilitate access to an interior of the cartridge. At least one opening 62 is located in the peripheral wall 56 and defines the stage outlet 52 for registration with the housing outlet 18 in a mounted or inserted condition of the cartridge relative to the housing 12. More specifically, the at least one opening comprises a series of slit-like openings arranged in an array matching the outlet 18. The cartridge 54 is insertable into the housing 12 through an opening in the bottom 20 thereof and into a chamber 64 defined by the housing 12 which is sized and shaped to intimately or snugly receive the cartridge and is located at the outlet 18. A removable access panel 65 is supported by the housing 12 below the cartridge chamber 64 to secure the cartridge in the housing. As the housing 12 has a rounded peripheral wall 23, the peripheral wall 56 of the cartridge is partially rounded at 56A to correspond to the wall 23 and is partially planar at 56B. The rounded portion 56A locates the stage outlet openings 62.

The deodorizing stage 49 includes the smell-absorbent material 55 received in the cartridge 54, and in the illustrated arrangement this comprises a plurality of alternating layers of activated carbon 67 and textile 68 arranged in alternation fashion from the stage inlet 51 of the deodorizing stage to the stage outlet 52 thereof. The activated carbon 67 acts to decompose the smoke into constituent chemical components and the textile 68, which is a conventional high efficient particulate air-type filter material formed of randomly arranged fibres, acts to capture the separated chemical components. A first one and a last one of the alternating layers, the former being located at or adjacent the stage inlet 51 and the latter being located at or adjacent the stage outlet 52, are activated carbon. In the illustrated arrangement, there are three activated carbon layers formed along the path of gas flow through the deodorizing stage 49 and two textile layers along same.

In this case the deodorizing stage 49 acts as a secondary chemical recapture stage to a primary chemical recapture stage provided at 28.

It will be appreciated that, the deodorizing stage 49 is in fluidic communication with the receptacle 26 to enable exhaust gas emitted by the smoking device received in the stowed position to pass through the deodorizing stage 49 to the outlet 18. This is provided by an opening 71 in the planar portion 56B of the cartridge peripheral wall and an internal passageway 72 intercommunicating the receptacle 26 at the bottom 26B thereof and the opening 71 when the cartridge is received in the inserted position. To provide suitable deodorization the alternating layers of the smell-absorbent material are arranged in the alternating fashion along an arcuate path of gas flow from the stage inlet 51 to the stage outlet 52 so that the smoke emanating from the receptacle 26 passes through at least one activated carbon layer 67, first, and a textile layer 68, secondly. The fluidic intercommunication between the receptacle 26 and the housing outlet 18 through the deodorizing stage 49 also permits flow of oxygen from outside the housing 12 and into the receptacle 26 for combustion of a hydrocarbon type fuel by the smoking device to combust the smoking medium contained therein.

The deodorizing stage 49 is spaced from the chemical recapture stage 28 and a portion of the fluidic passageway therebetween, indicated at 16B, where no conditioning of the gas takes place, is enlarged relative to a size of the stage inlet 51 of the deodorizing stage in a crosswise direction to the path of gas flow 17 so as to reduce pressure of the gas as it flows from the chemical recapture stage to the deodorizing stage. This is similar to the upstream portion of the fluidic passageway indicated at 16A.

It will be appreciated also that the bottom 31 of chemical recapture stage receptacle 28 depends into the second portion 16B of the fluidic passageway as it is convex shaped. This may enlarge a size of the stage outlet 31 to increase flow rate of the gas through the fluidic passageway 16.

In order to operate an electronic smoking/vaporizing device stowed in the housing 12 at 26, the apparatus 10 further includes at least one depressible button 80 supported by the outer shell 13 at a location on the housing 12 which is arranged to register with a switch of the electronic cigarette/vaporizer when in the stowed position. The button 80 is presented at the exterior of the housing 12 so that the electronic cigarette/vaporizer is operable for emitting the gas for subsequent inhalation by the smoker while in the stowed condition. The button 80 is seated in the outer shell 13 and movable relative thereto in a generally radially inward direction of the shell for engaging the switch of the electronic cigarette/vaporizer. The button 80 is translucent so as to illuminate when the electronic cigarette/vaporizer is in an operating “on” state.

As previously described, the outer shell 13 which is in the form of a sleeve defining an interior cavity 82 open at one end 83 only that is sized and shaped to substantially correspond to the housing 12 with the access panel 47 in the closed position. Thus the housing 12 can be intimately received and seated in the outer shell 13 through an open top 83 thereof, with only the top 21 of the housing 12 defined by the upper disc-like portion 21A of the housing exposed or uncovered. The housing 12 is secured in seating configuration in the shell 13 by a pair of tabs 84A projecting from the housing, which are matably received in cooperating grooves 84B formed in the shell 13 by rotation of the shell 13 relative to the housing 12.

As substantially all of the housing 12 is received in the shell 13, such that only the inlet 14 with the communicated mouthpiece 22 is exposed at the top, the shell 13 includes corresponding openings 85 which are registered with the housing outlet 18, so that the outlet 18 can remain in fluidic communication with an ambient environment of the apparatus 10. In the illustrated arrangement, the openings 85 are an array of slits which are coincident with the outlet 18 when the housing 12 is securely seated in the shell 13.

The exterior surface 13A of the shell is smooth and uninterrupted except for the button 80 and a fixed translucent (preferably transparent) window 87 in the vicinity thereof for enabling visibility of visual indicators of the stowed electronic cigarette/vaporizer. As such the apparatus 10 resembles a traveller's mug as more clearly shown in FIGS. 4 through 8.

Referring back to FIGS. 1-3, at a bottom of the shell 13 there is provided a detachable receptacle 89 carried by the outer shell 13 and adapted for storage of a smoking medium to be consumed using the smoking device. The receptacle 89 is threadably mated at the bottom of the outer shell 13 so as to form a base arranged for resting on a support surface.

This provides an arrangement for discretely capturing and conditioning smoke released from the smoker's mouth so that what is eventually exhausted to the ambient environment is a substantially colourless and odourless gas. In the process of the foregoing the chemicals in the smoke, which contribute to a colour and odour thereof prior to conditioning, are substantially recaptured.

In use, with the substrate 34 received in the recapture receptacle 28 and the smell-absorbent material 55 received in the deodorizing cartridge 54, and where the apparatus includes the receptacle for the smoking device 1, the user stows his/her smoking device 1 in the receptacle 26 in an upright orientation such that the mouthpiece of the device defines an upper end thereof, so as to be presented at an upper end of the apparatus defined by the exposed top 21 of the housing 12.

While in the stowed condition, button 80, which is registered with the “on” button of the smoking device in the stowed condition, is depressed to activate the smoking device to release smoke, or gas in more general terms, which the user (smoker) receives in their mouth.

With the smoke contained in the user's mouth, the smoke is applied to the mouthpiece 22 so as to be released from the user's mouth and into the opening 22B thereof, and subsequently to the fluidic passageway 16.

The smoke is guided by the passageway 16 so as to flow along the path of arrows 17 shown in FIG. 3, passing initially through the chemical recapture stage 28 where the chemical carried by the smoke or gas is removed from the gas such that the gas is substantially devoid or free of the chemical initially carried thereby, as released from the smoking device.

The gas is then guided to the deodorizing stage 49 arranged in series with the chemical capture stage 28, where the smell-absorbent material 55 acts to remove a smell of the gas. If an aromatic substance is present at this stage 49, its scent is carried away from the stage by the flowing gas.

The gas flows through the deodorizing stage 49 and to the outlet 18 where it is exhausted to the ambient environment through the openings 85 in the shell 13.

Upon release to the ambient environment the gas is substantially odourless and colourless such that the user can smoke a smoking medium in the vicinity of other individuals without alerting them to same.

Ambient air comprising oxygen may be drawn through the outlet 18 and the deodorizing stage 49 to the smoking device receptacle 26 upon activation thereof to combust a smoking medium in the device 1 to generate smoke for the smoker. Combustion exhaust produced from combustion of the smoking medium in the device 1 is exhausted through the deodorizing stage 49 where it passes through alternating layers of activated carbon and textile material so as to be conditioned before being released to the external environment of the apparatus.

As described hereinbefore the present invention relates to a hand-held tobacco and dried herb (marijuana) vaporizer smokers' accessory for filtering a major portion of smoke emitted into the atmosphere, which is the bi-product of using a vaporizer. The multistage smoke and scent remover is designed to look like a simple everyday acceptable mass-produced coffee traveling mug. It removes THC oils and Chemical Bi-Products, and also recycles the re-usable chemical bi-products of marijuana (THC). The invention may be referred to hereinafter as “Good Neighbour Mug” for convenient reference.

The Good Neighbor Mug was designed with many uses in mind. One such use is the ability to smoke in confined areas and not affect others senses in close proximity. Another, is to assist in the removal of antisocial stigma surrounding the stereotypes of smoking. The unique design will allow users to smoke indoors and not leave stains, tar, oils or smells; on paint, clothing, carpets or suspended in the air. This product is designed with a re-usable chamber and refillable activated carbon filter and HEPA (as is known in industry meaning “high efficiency particulate air”) filter, which creates the scent and smoke removal process and protection.

The invention of The Good Neighbor Mug is a unique and dynamic tool designed to largely remove smoke, greatly remove smell, greatly remove chemical bi-products and anti-social stigmas by discreetly concealing a smokers' habit from men, woman and children that do not smoke and don't want the damage it can cause to them or their personal property. The Good Neighbor Mug equals private Vaping inside a socially acceptable container thus permitting Vape Smokers a great form of privacy.

This mug is designed for the utility and purpose to burn or combust tobacco or dried herbs (marijuana) with the added advantage of recycling useful exhausted smoke with all its oils and chemical bi-products permeating an edible food product or dried coffee grounds, Tea's or Marijuana for re-use, all while practically eliminating all second hand smoke and its associated clouds that would normally be exhausted into the surrounding atmosphere.

The Good Neighbor Mug has a unique processing system comprising a (1) Vape holster with the capacity to be reshaped into a holster that will fit hundreds of different manufactures vaporizer designs and the other side (the exhaust chambers) a (2) unique recycling chamber for edible products, (3) air expansion chamber (4) secondary chemical and scent removal filter with a consumer choice scent additive chamber with a refillable smoke and scent diffuser filtration container (chemical bi-product removal chamber with activated Carbon fiber and HEPA filter) thereby, allowing everyone the right to their own legal, peaceful enjoyment and privacy. This Mug also includes a discrete storage compartment on the bottom of the outer Mug to hold accessories such as a vape charger, scented oils, cotton balls and dried herbs or tobacco.

This Good Neighbor Mug can be configured to hold multiple manufactured Vaporizers inside the “The Good Neighbor Mug” vaporizer holster while having The Good Neighbor Mug's uniquely designed “multipurpose” smoke recycling and exhaust system; This device was invented out of a necessity for workers like myself that cannot be exposed to second hand smoke due to health concerns or work place policies such as 0 tolerance drug testing and a benefit to the health of the general public, family and friends that do not consume or wish to enjoy the legal use of tobacco and Dried herbs.

1) a discrete multi-purpose tool developed into the shape of a coffee mug “a socially acceptable container” (The Mug). A Vaporizer is used by 100's of millions of people worldwide, the Good Neighbor Mug has a convenient sleeve where a vaporizer can be inserted into the Mug's holster discreetly disguising a single vaporizer, only showing a mouth piece like that of any coffee mug while having an operational side window for the heat temp indicator and the vaporizers on/off switch

2) a second mouth piece (The process vent mouth piece) located adjacent to or near to the “vaporizer's” mouth piece and similar in shape is the entrance to “The Good Neighbor Mug” exhaust chambers which inevitably completes the tasks described in more detail below

a)—RECYCLE: Capturing Heavy and light oils derived from the exhaust of smoke normally vented into the atmosphere through a uniquely designed filter (the diffuser) that users can insert many different types of Herbal Teas, coffee grounds, marijuana or food products (i.e. rice chrispies's) to later be used as an edible substance or in a hot cup of Tea or Coffee. This filter is inserted into the inner mug where capture is made possible. When exhaled, the smoke derived from the cannabis plant is first exhausted into the initial chamber, absorbing the entire smoke plum, where the largest portion of chemical bi-products (such as THC or BHP's) is captured. The remaining smoke and chemical bi-products enter the second chamber. This space is provided to allow the lungs to contract, to avoid chest spasm (coughing). Lastly, anything remaining vents into the final chamber where a large cotton material is inserted and drops of aromatic air fresheners are added to “cure” or “scent” the exhaust prior to releasing it into the air.

b)—REMOVE: Capturing heavy or light oils and harmful chemical bi-products from the atmosphere derived from the tobacco plant. When the smoke derived from the tobacco plant is exhausted into the first chamber the unique refillable diffuser is filled with cotton, infused (lightly dampened) with “Air fresheners”. It will then enter the second chamber that is a small space to allow the lungs to contract to avoid chest spasms (coughing) and finally, onto the last chamber where a large cotton material is inserted and drops of aromatic air fresheners are added to “cure” or “scent” the exhaust prior to releasing it into the surrounding atmosphere through the exit exhaust port so as not to offend or encourage others to indulge in the behavior of smoking.

There have been a few designs previously patented to remove side stream smoke specifically for rolled cigarettes. They have controlled burn processes, battery operated fans, and some also include optional exhaust filters (patent references included herein), but none are able to conceal or use a manufactures vaporizer.

One other product removes smoke in an activated carbon filter container when the user exhausts the smoke into it. It however, does not contain the smoke from the lit cigarette or the lit marijuana. It simply allows the user to blow the smoke into the filter to remove the offending smell and chemical bi-products.

None have the design inclusion of a concealment devise while holding a multitude of manufacturers patented Vaporizers, which most importantly removes the stigma of smoking in public with a multi chamber recycling exhaust system to remove smoke clouds, chemicals, oils and the smells associated with tobacco or dried herbs from the atmosphere.

The design is unique in that it appears to be nothing more than an average travel coffee mug (an everyday visibly used item) with the exception of it having two mouth pieces a heat temperature window an activation button and a twist open bottom giving it the available option to store items such as scent oils, a Vape charging cable and Tobacco or Dried herbs (marijuana) partially visible at close examination while the interior of the cup holds all of the mechanisms required to perform all of the duties described herein:

To facilitate discussion about the invention, the following definitions and descriptions of various components or features of the illustrated arrangement are provided below:

• • Good Neighbour Mug—describes herein the peaceful enjoyment of all with the use of an undisclosed habit that will not disturb the public or disclose its use within the general surroundings;
  • The Main Body—the outer shell of the invention;
  • ON/OFF button—describes the soft translucent switch used to push the Vaporizer buttons that operates and control heat temperatures;
  • Storage container—describes the twist off bottom portion of the body used for storing accessories and other material
  • Vaporizer—the manufacturer's Vaporizer product′;
  • Window visor—a clear plastic or glass pain attached to the body of the outer shell “the Body”;
  • Exhale smoke—smoke exhaled by the user for use in the vaporizer;
  • Exhaust Valve—a rubber one-way check-valve to permit smoke to flow in one direction only;
  • Exhaust Mouth piece—a permanent piece of the molded lid to expel smoke in one direction;
  • Scent oils—assorted oils and liquids manufactured to disguise odors with hundreds of assorted varieties;
  • HEPA filter—a portion of the scented smoke and scent removal filter;
  • Diffuser—a refillable container with food grade screens at the top and bottom to allow air flow to be squeezed through a gradually decreasing space to obtain and capture the oils and bi product chemicals from smoke;
  • Activated Carbon cloth filter—a portion of the filtration and smoke removal component holding commonly used activated carbon film or cloth
  • Fitted mouth piece—a soft removable rubber that fits onto the Exhaust mouth piece for the users' comfort;
  • Chamber—describes a hollow area in the design with a specific use i.e. carbon filter;
  • Cookie is a flat plastic wafer specifically designed to fit into tight fitting tracks in the body of the design close a chamber to stop the loss of materials or smoke
  • Inner Body—the inside largest portion of the invention containing chambers, diffuser, cotton balls and or the carbon filter (plus screens and gaskets);
  • Inner Body Lid—the top portion of the Inner main body which encloses all the chambers to prevent the loss or escape of smoke and chemical bi products
  • Diffuser Lock—a hinge pinned swinging compression design clamp used to secure the edibles/recyclable foods inside the diffuser
  • Compression Hinge—used to attach the top and bottom portions of the diffuser securely, so parts do not go missing
  • Food grade screens—screens used to contain materials when air is forced from one chamber to the next;
  • Food grade alloy—is used in the design of the diffuser to illuminate contamination and makes it easier to clean;
  • Gaskets—used to seal one chamber from the next, including the storage chamber
  • Lid—the solid visible portion that sits above the outer shell containing the Vaporizer mouth piece and the Exhaust mouth piece;
  • Locking Body—the twisting lock design/mechanism to secure the inner mug to the outer mug;
  • Exhaust Vent—perforated holes on the inner and outer body of the mug where air can escape;
  • Coin Release slots—indentations used to insert a small object or coin to aid in separating parts;
  • Finger Grip—a designed indentation where fingers can easily grab to separate two parts;
  • Recessed fittings—the compression holes where the inner mug is connected to the inner mug lid;
  • Expansion chamber—the largest chamber where air can be easily filled before exhaust builds back pressure on the user;
  • Insert Port (The Holster—where the vaporizer is inserted into a fitted hole into the inner mug (the customized vaporizer holder);
  • Chemical Bi Products—the secondhand chemicals produced by burning tobacco or Dried Herbs;
  • Stigma describes the perceived view of the public and governing agencies as a negative habit or as unacceptable or generally unhealthy in nature where when seen in public the view is generally negative;
  • Concealing—the act of disguising or hiding (in this case a legal product) from view or not disclosing;
  • Recycling—the act of capturing oils and chemical bi products to be reused later;
  • Edibles—the products which are used to capture for consumption, the recycled oils and chemical bi products (i.e. tea);
  • Recycle diffuser refillable cartridge—the recycle cartridge TOP is a round arched food grade screen with the edges compressed into an aluminum semi-circle including a hinge port hole to attached to the bottom portion of the cartridge with an aluminum compressed ring to hold the two parts together. BOTTOM of the recycle Cartridge BODY is a food grade aluminum cylinder with an open top and rim including a hinge port hole and a locking “Clasp” pin port and pin to attach the locking clamp to the bottom piece of the cartridge to easily open and hold the contents of the recycle cartridge securely and the bottom portion of the recycle cartridge includes a food grade screen pressed into the main body of the cartridge with a rounded bottom shape to hold a greater volume of edible or recycling products such as Tea,
  • Activated Carbon cloth and HEPA filter—The refillable activated Carbon cloth and HEPA filter packages are inserted into a plastic unusual shaped container with a raised upper fitted on top to allow maximum air flow with a removable lid pressed lightly to the bottom of the filter chamber. This filtration system removes a large majority of visible smoke exhausted and excess offending bio-chemicals to be removed before finally being exhausted. Scented oils are added to the filtration system to remove offending odors and finally the bottom of the cartridge has ridges to hold a fitted “Cookie” to easily slide in and out with an additional fingernail ridge for assistance to load or remove activated carbon sponges

The Mug's Removable mouth piece is made from a soft fitted rubber designed for the comfort of the user and removable to clean or replace.

The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the specification as a whole.

Claims

1. An apparatus for conditioning gas carrying a chemical which is released from a mouth of a smoker after being inhaled from a smoking device, comprising:

a housing having: an inlet arranged for receiving the gas released from the smoker's mouth; a fluidic passageway in fluidic communication with the inlet and defining a path for the gas to flow through the housing; and an outlet in fluidic communication with the fluidic passageway and located downstream of the inlet in relation to the path of gas flow, wherein the outlet is arranged for releasing the gas to an external environment of the housing;

a chemical recapture stage within the housing along the fluidic passageway so as to receive the gas flowing along the path of gas flow from the inlet to the outlet;

wherein the chemical recapture stage is arranged so that the gas can flow therethrough from a stage inlet arranged to receive the gas to a downstream stage outlet arranged for releasing the gas for flow towards the outlet;

wherein the chemical recapture stage is arranged to removably receive between the stage inlet and the stage outlet a substrate adapted to substantially retain the chemical carried by the gas on the path of gas flow through the chemical recapture stage, so that the gas exiting the chemical recapture stage at the stage outlet is substantially devoid of the chemical which can be reused upon removal of the substrate from the housing.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, in combination with the substrate, wherein the substrate is edible so that the chemical is reusable by a human user by consuming the substrate.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the chemical recapture stage comprises a receptacle configured to removably receive the substrate and to be removably mounted in the housing along the fluidic passageway at said location downstream of the inlet and upstream of the outlet so as to receive the gas flowing along the path of gas flow from the inlet to the outlet, wherein the receptacle comprises first and second end walls defining the stage inlet and the stage outlet, respectively, which are fluidically permeable but adapted to retain the substrate therebetween.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the receptacle has a peripheral flange arranged to be matably received in a groove formed in the housing so as to removably mount the receptacle in fixed location within the housing.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a first portion of the fluidic passageway between the inlet of the housing and the stage inlet of the chemical recapture stage is enlarged relative to a size of the stage inlet of the chemical recapture stage in a crosswise direction to the path of gas flow, so as to reduce back pressure exerted on the mouth of the smoker when releasing the gas to the inlet.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the housing has an access opening intercommunicating the fluidic passageway with the external environment and wherein there is provided an openable panel which is movable relative to the access opening between a closed position in which the access opening is fluidically closed by the panel so that the gas flows along the path of gas flow through the fluidic passageway and an open position in which the access opening is uncovered for accessing the substrate for removal from the housing.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a deodorizing stage within the housing disposed along the fluidic passageway at a location downstream of the chemical recapture stage so as to receive the gas which has exited the chemical recapture stage, and is thus substantially devoid of the chemical, before the gas exits the housing through the outlet, wherein the deodorizing stage is arranged so that the gas can flow therethrough from a stage inlet arranged to receive the gas flowing from the stage outlet of the chemical recapture stage to a downstream stage outlet of the deodorizing stage arranged for releasing the gas, wherein the deodorizing stage is arranged to receive a replaceable smell-absorbent material which is adapted to remove a smell of the gas devoid of the chemical flowing through the deodorizing stage.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the deodorizing stage is arranged to receive an aromatic substance which emits a scent to be carried out of the deodorizing stage with the gas flowing therethrough so as to conceal the smell of the gas when released to the external environment through the outlet of the housing.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the deodorizing stage comprises a removable cartridge adapted to removably receive at least one of the smell-absorbent material and the aromatic substance for replacement once consumed.

10. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the smell-absorbent material comprises a plurality of alternating layers of activated carbon and textile arranged in alternation fashion from the stage inlet of the deodorizing stage to the stage outlet thereof.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein a first one and a last one of the alternating layers are activated carbon.

12. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein a second portion of the fluidic passageway between the stage outlet of the chemical recapture stage and the stage inlet of the deodorizing stage is enlarged relative to a size of the stage inlet of the deodorizing stage in a crosswise direction to the path of gas flow so as to reduce pressure of the gas as it flows from the chemical recapture stage to the deodorizing stage.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is arranged to fit in a hand of the smoker and the housing has a receptacle which is open at an exterior of the housing and arranged to insertably receive an electronic cigarette, defining the smoking device, in a stowed condition within the receptacle in which a mouthpiece of the electronic cigarette for inhaling the gas emitted thereby is located externally of the housing, and wherein the apparatus further includes at least one depressible button supported at a location on the housing which is arranged to register with a switch of the electronic cigarette when in the stowed position and presented at the exterior of the housing so that the electronic cigarette is operable for emitting the gas for subsequent inhalation by the smoker while in the stowed condition.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein, when the apparatus further includes a deodorizing stage within the housing disposed along the fluidic passageway at a location downstream of the chemical recapture stage and configured to remove a smell of the gas devoid of the chemical flowing through the deodorizing stage, the deodorizing stage is in fluidic communication with the receptacle to enable gas emitted by the electronic cigarette to pass through the deodorizing stage to the outlet.

15. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the at least one button is translucent so as to illuminate when the electronic cigarette is in an operating “on” state.

16. The apparatus of claim 1 further including an outer shell defining a substantially uninterrupted exterior surface and arranged to be removably received over the housing for disguising the housing.

17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the outer shell carries a detachable receptacle adapted for storage of a smoking medium to be consumed using the smoking device.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, in combination with the substrate, wherein the substrate is adapted for preparation of a consumable product.

19. The apparatus of claim 1, in combination with the substrate, wherein the substrate is adapted to release the retained chemical to a consumable liquid medium in which the substrate is suspended.

20. The apparatus of claim 1, in combination with the substrate, wherein the substrate is adapted to release the retained chemical by heating of the substrate to convert the retained chemical to a gas.