Electronic Cigarette Filter Assembly
As an accessory to electronic cigarette devices, and/or integrated into same, a personal air filter having uniquely treated and shaped graphite is disclosed herein. The exhale filter of the present invention more particularly couples to a pen-type e-cigarette having a commercially known 510-standard distillate cartridge for filtering harmful particulates or gaseous pollutants associated with electronic cigarette usage.
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This patent application claims benefit of the priority date of U.S. Prov. Pat. App. Ser. No. 62/931,312 filed on Nov. 6, 2019 entitled “Smoke or Vapor Personal Air Filter and Methods Regarding Same.” Accordingly, the entire contents this U.S. provisional patent submission is hereby expressly incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the InventionThe present invention pertains generally to accessories for electronic smoking devices and perhaps smoking in general. More specifically, the present invention relates to an electronic cigarette filter specifically configurable to a pen-type electronic cigarette and related novel filter technology.
Description of the Prior ArtEver increasing in popularity, “electronic cigarettes/e-cigarettes” and vaporizers typically use an electrical heating element to heat a liquid usually containing a mixture of nicotine and flavorings/extract (or cannabis including THC or CBD) that produces a mist similar to smoke, but without the excessive heat that causes combustion.
One issue facing the so-called ENDS (Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems) and the ECDS (Electronic Cannabis Delivery Systems) is the presence of potentially harmful particulate and/or gaseous compounds. Hence, it is an object of the present invention to provide devices and methods for removal such compounds to a closed environment. More particularly, it is an object of the present invention to introduce an exhale filtration system that can be integrated into ENDS/ECDS devices.
Importantly, existing graphite exhale filter technology includes granular filter media which can greatly imped air flow. An example currently on the market has been branded the Smoke Buddy®. This device is specifically an external filter for receiving exhaled mist; however, it's a bit bulky, awkward and irregular in shape. It is an additional object of the present invention to provide improved air flow in a smaller device that can be used for vapor or smoke exhale.
Also known in the art are the so-called 510-standard e-cigarette cartridges containing distillate/oil that can be replace after said distillate is consumed. The 510-standard cartridges connect to an e-cigarette main body via a specially-sized threads. Given the popularity of this particular delivery system, it is an object of the present invention to provide a filter solution specifically configurable to the 510-standard.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention specifically addresses and alleviates the above-mentioned deficiencies, more specifically, the present invention, in a first aspect is an electronic cigarette filter assembly comprising: an electronic cigarette main body having a power source an igniter button; a replaceable filter cartridge coupled to the main body containing distillate to be heated to produce vapor to be introduced to a user; an original mouthpiece coupled to the replaceable filter cartridge, in turn, coupled to the electronic cigarette main body and a self-contained mouthpiece and filter combination including a second mouthpiece, a filter medium, and an inner cavity open on a bottom end, the inner cavity configured to fit over a top of the replaceable cartridge for filtering the user exhale.
The invention in a first aspect is additionally characterized in that the self-contained mouthpiece and filter combination further comprises a dual check valve insert between the second mouthpiece and the filter medium. The dual check valve insert includes: an inlet check valve separating the second mouthpiece from the inner cavity; and an outlet check valve separating the second mouthpiece from the filter medium, wherein the dual check valve insert is configured directly adjacent to the second mouthpiece.
Still further, the invention in this aspect is characterized wherein the self-contained mouthpiece and filter combination further comprises an aluminum enclosure defining the inner cavity and also defining a rear cavity, the rear cavity for containing and holding the filter medium, wherein the aluminum enclosure further comprises a window carved out for viewing a distillate level.
Additionally further, the invention in this aspect is characterized in that the filter medium comprises an extruded carbon element baked to a specific shape, the specific shape including a concave surface configured around the inner cavity, wherein further the extruded carbon element comprises a plurality of channels therethrough for passing exhale. Also importantly, the self-contained mouthpiece and filter combination further has a mouthpiece nozzle at an inside surface of the second mouthpiece for increasing a velocity of the user's exhale. Stated differently, the inside wall of the second mouthpiece is shaped like a nozzle for increasing fluid velocity. An additional nozzle or set of nozzles is also provide at an introduction to the filter medium. This filter nozzle is at an outlet of the outlet check valve for increasing the velocity of the user's exhale.
In still a second aspect, the invention may be characterized as an electronic cigarette filter assembly comprising: a mouthpiece at a proximal end thereof; a graphite filter element, the graphite filter element including a plurality of channels therethrough, the plurality of channels providing filtering of gaseous and particulate pollutants while contemporaneously allowing relatively unrestricted airflow therethrough; and a plurality of exit vent holes opposite the mouthpiece. This invention is this aspect also includes the electronic cigarette main body; the disposable distillate cartridge including threads at an end thereof for coupling to the electronic cigarette main body; and a mouthpiece coupled to the disposable distillate cartridge wherein the mouthpiece at the proximal end is a second mouthpiece and wherein the mouthpiece coupled to the disposable distillate cartridge is an original mouthpiece.
The invention in this second aspect is additionally characterized wherein the graphite filter element comprises extruded carbon, the extruded carbon for molding said graphite to a unique shape, the unique shape having a concave side surface for fitting around an electronic cigarette main body coupled to a disposable distillate cartridge.
The invention in this second aspect is further characterized in that is comprises an aluminum enclosure defining an inner cavity and a rear cavity; a silicone rubber sleeve lining an inside surface of the inner cavity; a dual check valve insert configured within the second mouthpiece; a multi-port manifold including a filter nozzle coupled to the second mouthpiece with the dual check valve therebetween; and a bottom cover coupled to the silicone rubber sleeve via a corresponding male protrusion and a female notch, wherein the bottom cover comprises the exit vent holes, and wherein the graphite filter element is configured within the rear cavity.
Yet still further in a third aspect the invention is an electronic cigarette filter assembly comprising a self-contained mouthpiece and filter including a mouthpiece at a proximal end of the self-contained mouthpiece and filter, an exit vent opposite the mouthpiece, and a filter medium therebetween, further wherein the self-contained mouthpiece filter further comprises an inner cavity open at a distal end of the self-contained mouthpiece and filter combination, the inner cavity configured to receive an electronic cigarette original mouthpiece.
The invention in this third aspect is further characterized in that it includes the electronic cigarette main body; a disposable distillate cartridge including threads at an end thereof for coupling to the electronic cigarette main body; and a mouthpiece coupled to the disposable distillate cartridge wherein the mouthpiece at the proximal end is a second mouthpiece and wherein the mouthpiece coupled to the disposable distillate cartridge is an original mouthpiece.
Still further in this third aspect the invention may be characterized in that it comprises an aluminum enclosure defining an inner cavity and a rear cavity; a silicone rubber sleeve lining an inside surface of the inner cavity; a dual check valve insert configured within the second mouthpiece; a multi-port manifold including a plurality of filter nozzles coupled to the second mouthpiece with the dual check valve therebetween; and a bottom cover coupled to the silicone rubber sleeve via corresponding a corresponding male protrusion and a female notch, wherein the bottom cover comprises the exit vent holes and wherein the graphite filter element is configured within the rear cavity.
While the apparatus and method has or will be described for the sake of grammatical fluidity with functional explanations, it is to be expressly understood that the claims, unless expressly formulated under 35 USC § 112, or similar applicable law, are not to be construed as necessarily limited in any way by the construction of “means” or “steps” limitations, but are to be accorded the full scope of the meaning and equivalents of the definition provided by the claims under the judicial doctrine of equivalents, and in the case where the claims are expressly formulated under 35 USC § 112 are to be accorded full statutory equivalents under 35 USC § 112, or similar applicable law. The invention can be better visualized by turning now to the following drawings wherein like elements are referenced by like numerals.
The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:
Referring initially to
With regard to
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Still further regarding
As stated herein, gaseous and/or particulate pollutants are filtered especially through the novel extruded carbon layer 70. Heretofore, comparable filters used granulated carbon that greatly impeded air passage therethrough. The extruded carbon 70 is able to be molded and shaped to the fine details as required that may include tiny channels 72, 73 to better allow air passage. Subsequent to a molding method step, the carbon 70 is baked to set and cure the material.
Also regarding
Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of example and that it should not be taken as limiting the invention as defined by the following claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the invention includes other combinations of fewer, more or different elements, which are disclosed above even when not initially claimed in such combinations.
While the particular Electronic Filter Assembly herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims.
Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.
Claims
1. An electronic cigarette filter assembly comprising:
- an electronic cigarette main body having a power source an igniter button;
- a replaceable filter cartridge coupled to the main body containing distillate to be heated to produce vapor to be introduced to a user;
- an original mouthpiece coupled to the replaceable filter cartridge, in turn, coupled to the electronic cigarette main body and
- a self-contained mouthpiece and filter combination including a second mouthpiece, a filter medium, and an inner cavity open on a bottom end, the inner cavity configured to fit over a top of the replaceable cartridge for filtering the user exhale.
2. The electronic cigarette filter assembly of claim 1, the self-contained mouthpiece and filter combination further comprising a dual check valve insert between the second mouthpiece and the filter medium, the dual check valve insert including:
- an inlet check valve separating the second mouthpiece from the inner cavity; and
- an outlet check valve separating the second mouthpiece from the filter medium, wherein the dual check valve insert is configured directly adjacent to the second mouthpiece.
3. The electronic cigarette filter assembly of claim 1, the self-contained mouthpiece and filter combination further comprising an aluminum enclosure defining the inner cavity and also defining a rear cavity, the rear cavity for containing and holding the filter medium, wherein the aluminum enclosure further comprises a window carved out for viewing a distillate level.
4. The electronic cigarette filter assembly of claim 1, the filter medium comprising an extruded carbon element baked to a specific shape, the specific shape including a concave surface to configure around the inner cavity, wherein further the extruded carbon element comprises a plurality of channels therethrough for passing exhale.
5. The electronic cigarette filter assembly of claim 1, the self-contained mouthpiece and filter combination further comprising:
- a mouthpiece nozzle at an inside surface of the second mouthpiece for increasing a velocity of the user's exhale; and
- a filter nozzle at an outlet of the outlet check valve for increasing the velocity of the user's exhale.
6. An electronic cigarette filter assembly comprising:
- a mouthpiece at a proximal end thereof;
- a graphite filter element, the graphite filter element including a plurality of channels therethrough, the plurality of channels providing filtering of gaseous and particulate pollutants while contemporaneously allowing relatively unrestricted airflow therethrough; and
- a plurality of exit vent holes opposite the mouthpiece.
7. The electronic cigarette filter assembly of claim 6 further comprising:
- an electronic cigarette main body;
- a disposable distillate cartridge including threads at an end thereof for coupling to the electronic cigarette main body; and
- a mouthpiece coupled to the disposable distillate cartridge wherein the mouthpiece at the proximal end is a second mouthpiece and wherein the mouthpiece coupled to the disposable distillate cartridge is an original mouthpiece.
8. The electronic cigarette filter assembly of claim 6 wherein said graphite filter element comprises extruded carbon, the extruded carbon for molding said graphite to a unique shape, the unique shape having a concave side surface for fitting around an electronic cigarette main body coupled to a disposable distillate cartridge.
9. The electronic cigarette filter assembly of claim 7, further comprising:
- an aluminum enclosure defining an inner cavity and a rear cavity;
- a silicone rubber sleeve lining an inside surface of the inner cavity;
- a dual check valve insert configured within the second mouthpiece;
- a multi-port manifold including a filter nozzle coupled to the second mouthpiece with the dual check valve therebetween; and
- a bottom cover coupled to the silicone rubber sleeve via a corresponding male protrusion and a female notch, wherein the bottom cover comprises the exit vent holes, and wherein the graphite filter element is configured within the rear cavity.
10. An electronic cigarette filter assembly comprising a self-contained mouthpiece and filter including a mouthpiece at a proximal end of the self-contained mouthpiece and filter, an exit vent opposite the mouthpiece, and a filter medium therebetween, further wherein the self-contained mouthpiece filter further comprises an inner cavity open at a distal end of the self-contained mouthpiece and filter combination, the inner cavity configured to receive an electronic cigarette original mouthpiece.
11. The electronic cigarette filter assembly of claim 10, further comprising:
- an electronic cigarette main body;
- a disposable distillate cartridge including threads at an end thereof for coupling to the electronic cigarette main body; and
- a mouthpiece coupled to the disposable distillate cartridge wherein the mouthpiece at the proximal end is a second mouthpiece and wherein the mouthpiece coupled to the disposable distillate cartridge is an original mouthpiece.
12. The electronic cigarette filter assembly of claim 10, further comprising an aluminum enclosure defining an inner cavity and a rear cavity;
- a silicone rubber sleeve lining an inside surface of the inner cavity;
- a dual check valve insert configured within the second mouthpiece;
- a multi-port manifold including a plurality of filter nozzles coupled to the second mouthpiece with the dual check valve therebetween; and
- a bottom cover coupled to the silicone rubber sleeve via corresponding a corresponding male protrusion and a female notch, wherein the bottom cover comprises the exit vent holes and wherein the graphite filter element is configured within the rear cavity.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 3, 2020
Publication Date: May 6, 2021
Applicant: Philter Labs Incorporated (San Diego, CA)
Inventor: John Grimm (Santee, CA)
Application Number: 17/087,792