VAPING TANK DEVICES AND ATOMIZER FOR VAPING TANK DEVICES
Vaping tanks and atomizers for vaping tanks are provided herein. Atomizers may include replaceable wick components and optionally be made entirely or partially of ceramic. Vaping tanks may include various components made entirely or partially of ceramic to reduce the risk of burning the user or the e-vaping liquid it burns.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/049,023, filed Jul. 7, 2020, entitled “VAPING TANK DEVICES AND ATOMIZER FOR VAPING TANK DEVICES,” the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe field of the invention is vaping tank devices and atomizers for vaping tank devices.
BACKGROUNDElectronic vaping devices are used to vaporize liquids for inhalation. E-vaping devices (or “vaping devices”) may be used for personal consumption, for example as an electronic cigarette, as well as for research and investigatory purposes, for example those described in International Application Publication WO 2019/204126 to Maury D. Cole. This and all other references are incorporated herein in their entireties.
With the widespread use of vaping devices, safety is an important issue. One safety concern with vaping devices is that vape tanks can get extremely hot, which can lead to a burnt taste or even burning of the user's lips or hands. Cost is also an important consideration as vape tanks and atomizers (or atomizer heads) periodically need to be replaced with leakage, contamination or compromised taste.
The present disclosure is directed toward overcoming one or more of the above problems and other improved features that identified below.
SUMMARYThe present invention is directed to an atomizer for a vaping tank comprising a shell component, a wick component, and a base component. The wick component is removable and replaceable from within the shell and base components. In some embodiments, the shell component and the base component are entirely made of a heat resistant ceramic that cools down quickly. Additionally or alternatively, the body of the wick component (the wick component without the wick(s) and coil(s)) may be entirely made of ceramic. Ceramic wick(s) may also be provided, as well as mesh or wire wicks, among others. One or more of the shell component, the wick component and the base component may lack threads and couple to one another via a push and turn lock (or press fit) with a compressed and tight fit, optionally with an o-ring or other gasket. However, atomizers with threaded parts are also contemplated herein. The atomizers contemplated herein can advantageously be used with wick components of different electrical resistances. For example, a user may switch out a 0.35 ohm wick component with a 0.2 ohm wick component, a 0.35 ohm wick component with a 0.15 ohm wick component, a 0.2 ohm wick component with a 0.35 ohm wick component, a 0.2 ohm wick component with a 0.15 ohm wick component, a 0.15 ohm wick component with a 0.2 ohm wick component, a 0.15 ohm wick component with a 0.35 ohm wick component, and so forth, while using the same shell and base components. The shell component, the base component, and a set of wick components having different or the same electrical resistances can be provided as a kit. The wick or coil can be replaceable while using the same body of a wick component.
The inventive subject matter also comprises a vaping tank that is made entirely or almost entirely of ceramic (e.g., at least 50% ceramic, at least 60% ceramic, at least 70% ceramic, at least 80% ceramic, at least 90% ceramic, at least 98% ceramic). The vaping tank may comprise a base, an atomizer, a chimney, an air flow controller (optionally with a micrometer setting), and a top cap (and any other suitable component(s)). It is contemplated that each of the base, the atomizer, the chimney, the air flow controller (optionally with a micrometer setting), and the top cap can be made in part or entirely of ceramic. In some embodiments, the entire vaping tank is made entirely of a heat resistant ceramic other than the wick(s) (e.g., a cotton), coil(s) (e.g., a wire) and optionally the base connector of the atomizer. Such vaping tanks advantageously eliminate or at least substantially reduce the risk of burning, or improve taste for a user.
Other advantages and benefits of the disclosed system and methods will be apparent to one of ordinary skill with a review of the following description.
The details of embodiments of the present disclosure, both as to their structure and operation, can be gleaned in part by study of the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts, and in which:
The detailed description set forth below, in connection with the accompanying drawings, is intended as a description of various embodiments and is not intended to represent the only embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be apparent that those skilled in the art will be able to understand the disclosure without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in simplified form for brevity of description. Some of the surfaces have been left out or exaggerated for clarity and ease of explanation.
The present disclosure is directed to improved atomizers and vaping tanks that provide benefits such as reduced replacement needs, improved vaping experience, and reduced or eliminated instances of burning of a user, the vaping liquid, or taste.
Vaping tanks are used to hold a liquid and produce a vapor from the liquid. Known vaping tanks can include a drip tip, a top cap, an upper glass holder with an o-ring, a glass pipe, a chimney (e.g., top fill chimney, bottom fill chimney), a lower glass holder, an atomizer (with wick and coil), an air flow adjustment ring, and a base with a 510 connector. Such components and any other suitable components for vaping tanks are contemplated herein.
The glass pipe or outer tube is often a glass to allow visibility to liquid contained between the top cap and base. O-rings may be provided around one or more components such as the top cap and base, which (a) provide a seal between components when coupled to one another to prevent leakages, or (b) slides to expose or cover air flow holes, allowing selection of how loose or right a user's inhale will be. In some vaping tanks, the top cap may have a door that is removable or opens via a hinge to allow users to refill the vaping tank with a vaping liquid. The base generally includes a 510 thread screw adapter, which makes the electronic connection with a vape pen or other device having a battery. The atomizer includes a coil (generally a wire or mesh) and a wicking material (e.g., cotton) that draws liquid from the tank to the coils where it is heated into vapor. The atomizer can include a housing that is screwed into the tank's base.
There are numerous types of vaping tanks, including for example, sub Ohm tanks, mouth to lung tanks, rebuildable dripping atomizers (RDAs), rebuildable tank atomizers (RTAs), rebuildable dripping tank atomizers (RDTAs), dry herb tanks, and wax atomizers. Vaping tanks can be designed to be filled in different ways, including top-fill vaping tanks and bottom-fill vaping tanks.
It is contemplated that the atomizers and other vapor tank components disclosed herein can be used with any suitable vaping tanks and vaping devices now known or later discovered.
A drip tip 102 is a little hollow mouthpiece used as an alternative to cartridges and cartomizers. When using a drip tip 102, a user can pour or drip the e-liquid directly into the atomizer 112 without removing other components. The drip tip 102 couples with the top cap 104, and the top cap 104 couples with at least one of an air flow controller 108 and chimney 106. The air flow controller 108 can be opened and closed to control air flow coming out of the top of the vaping tank 100. In some contemplated embodiments, a micrometer or other measuring device may be included, for example, on a top portion of the vaping tank 100 (e.g., coupled to the air flow controller 108 to form an air flow micrometer setting controller), which can include numbers or other reference points so that a user can determine how much the air flow controller 108 is open or closed. The micrometer or other measuring device may be provided, for example, as markings on the air flow controller 108 showing the degree that the airflow controller 108 is open or closed. Such a measuring device can allow a user to accurately measure at least one (or all) of the following: how much vapor is exiting/flowing out of the vaping tank, how much vapor is going into a chamber coupled to the vaping tank 100 via a hose or other connector 116, the air quality, and the air flow going into the chamber coupled to the vaping tank 100.
The chimney 106 may be positioned at least partially within the tube 110. The atomizer 112 may be positioned at least partially within the tube 110, and coupled with the base 114, which includes a connector 116 (e.g., a threading, or non-threaded connector that press-fits) for coupling the vaping tank with an electronic cigarette of other vaping device (not shown) having a power source such as a battery. An O-ring 118 maybe provide at the end of the atomizer 112 adjacent to the base 114 to provide a sealed fit (e.g., press-fit) upon coupling. In some embodiments, a threaded coupling may be used in the alternative or in combination with the O-ring 118. The base 114 with connector 116 can be sized and dimensioned to couple with various vaping pens and other devices, including for example, any device that fits with a vaping tank with a 510 thread.
Each of the components shown in
The vaping tank 100 can be sized to hold any suitable amount of liquid, including for example 5 ml or even 10 ml without the need for an adapter. In some embodiments, the vaping tank 100 may be configured to hold combustible plant material that is heated via the atomizer. For example, combustible plant material may be placed in the base 114 and/or in the atomizer 112.
The wick components can comprise one or more wick channels 420 (also referred to as wick chambers, chambers, or channels) for housing coil(s) and wicking material. For example, as shown in
It is contemplated that different wick components (e.g., wick component 420 being an illustrative example of a wick component) with different resistance of the wick/coil housed therein being used interchangeably with the same shell and base components 410, 430. The shell component 410 is an outer casing, and the base component 430 provides electrical contact to the coil and is provides the heating element of the atomizer. The wick component is insertable into the base component 430, and the shell component 410 surrounds the base component 430 or a portion thereof. When power is provided to the coil housed in the wick component 420, energy is converted to heat, which vaporizes the liquid from the saturated wicking material (e.g., liquid received via the drip tip 102 as describe above). The wicking material may be a cotton, silica rope or other material. The wicking material may surround or be inserted into the coil.
It is contemplated that the components of the atomizers 400 can be press fit to one another, or can push in and twist to lock together. In some contemplated embodiments, two or more components can couple to one another via threading.
Advantageously, atomizers in accordance with the present disclosure can comprise a universal fit and be used with Zeus™ and Smok™ top or bottom-fill/top or bottom air flow vaping tanks, among others. Further, atomizers disclosed herein do not need to be replaced in whole, and a user can simply replace a portion thereof, for example, the wick component 420 (or the wick material or coil material thereof).
The shell component 410, base component 430, and the wick component 420 can be made of any suitable material or materials. For example, the shell component 410, base component 420, and the wick component 430 can each be made entirely or partially of ceramic. In some embodiments, the entire atomizer may be made of ceramic other than the wicking material and coil inserted into the wick channels 425, and any electronic components within the base component 420.
As described above, the wick component is insertable into the base component 430, and the shell component 410 surrounds the base component 430 or a portion thereof. For example, with reference to
The shell component 410 comprises an opening 415 into which the base component 430 and the wick component 420 maybe inserted. For example, the coupled bases of the wick component 420 and base component 430 maybe inserted into the opening 415 facing the base of the shell component 410, with the upper body portions 422, 432 facing the open end of the opening 435. An opening 412 may be provided at the base of the shell component 410 through which the power source coupled to the vapor tank 100 via connector 116 may be connected to the heating element of the base component 420. Thus, in the illustrative example, the base 424 of the wick component 420 may be positioned between the base 434 of base component 430 and the shell component 410. Accordingly, the embodiments herein provide for removal and replacement of coil(s)/wick(s) housed in the wick component 420 without removing all of the other components of the vapor tank 100. Additionally, a user could remove and replace a wick component without replacing the shell component 410 or the base component 430.
The hose barb mouthpiece 700 can couple with the top cap 104 of the vaping tank 100 of
In some embodiments, one or more spikes may be added to the bottom of the vaping tank disclosed herein. The spikes may thermally coupled to a power source (e.g., via connector 116 of
In another example, a vaping tank may be provided that is similar to vaping tank 100 and includes both base 814 and atomizer 912 to provide multiple sets of spikes. Thereby decreasing the time necessary to burn plant material and/or vaporize e-liquid.
Thus, various embodiments of vape tanks have been described. Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more.
As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term “coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements).
The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, and including the endpoints. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.
All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. The words “assembly,” “mechanism,” “element,” “device,” and the like may not be a substitute for the word “means.” As such, no claim element is to be construed as a means plus function unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.”
The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope of the disclosure. The features and attributes of the specific example embodiments of the vape tanks disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the disclosure.
Although the present disclosure provides certain example embodiments and applications, other embodiments that are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, including embodiments which do not provide all of the features and advantages set forth herein, are also within the scope of this disclosure.
It is to be understood that the above description is not intended to limit the scope of these embodiments. While embodiments and variations of the many aspects of the invention have been disclosed and described herein, such disclosure is provided for purposes of explanation and illustration only. Thus, various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. For example, not all of the components described in the embodiments are necessary, and the invention may include any suitable combinations of the described components, and the general shapes and relative sizes of the components of the invention may be modified. Accordingly, embodiments are intended to exemplify alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may fall within the scope of the claims. The invention, therefore, should not be limited, except to the following claims, and their equivalents.
Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. Further, any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,” or “the” is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular.
The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects.
Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.”
Combinations such as “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” and “A, B, C, or any combination thereof” include any combination of A, B, and/or C, and may include multiples of A, multiples of B, or multiples of C. Specifically, combinations such as “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” and “A, B, C, or any combination thereof” may be A only, B only, C only, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C, where any such combinations may contain one or more member or members of A, B, or C.
Claims
1. An atomizer fora vaping tank, comprising:
- a shell component, a wick component, and a base component removably coupled to one another; and
- wherein the wick component is removable and replaceable.
2. The atomizer of claim 1, wherein the shell component and the base component are entirely made of ceramic.
3. The atomizer of claim 2, wherein a body of the wick component is made entirely of ceramic.
4. The atomizer kit, comprising:
- the atomizer of claim 1; and
- a second wick component of different electrical resistance than the wick component.
5. A vaping tank, comprising:
- a base, an atomizer, a chimney, an air flow controller, and a top cap;
- wherein each of the base, the atomizer, the chimney, the air flow controller, and the top cap is made at least in part from a ceramic.
6. The vaping tank of claim 5, wherein the air flow controller comprises a micrometer setting.
7. An atomizer fora vaping tank, comprising:
- a shell component, a wick component, and a base component removably coupled to one another; and
- one or more spikes,
- wherein the wick component is removable and replaceable.
8. The atomizer of claim 8, wherein the shell component comprises the one or more spikes.
9. A vaping tank, comprising:
- a base, an atomizer, a chimney, an air flow controller, and a top cap; and
- one or more spikes disposed within the vaping tank,
- wherein each of the base, the atomizer, the chimney, the air flow controller, and the top cap is made at least in part from a ceramic.
10. The vaping tank of claim 9, wherein the base comprises the one or more spikes.
11. The vaping tank of claim 9, wherein the atomizer comprises the one or more spikes.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 7, 2021
Publication Date: Jan 13, 2022
Inventor: Maury D. COLE (San Diego, CA)
Application Number: 17/369,865